Meaning
An expression of regret or apology.
Cultural Background
In Iran, an apology is often followed by the other person saying 'Doshmanet sharmandeh' (May your enemy be ashamed), which is a way of saying 'Don't worry about it, you have nothing to be ashamed of'. In professional settings, 'Motassefam' is often used as a 'soft' way to say no to a request without sounding rude or aggressive. Among Iranians living abroad, 'Motassefam' is sometimes replaced by the English 'Sorry' in casual speech, but 'Motassefam' remains the standard for emotional sincerity. While 'Motassefam' is secular, in religious contexts, one might use 'Estaghforullah' (I seek forgiveness from God) for moral failings, but 'Motassefam' is still used for social errors.
Hand on Heart
When saying 'Motassefam' for a sincere apology, placing your right hand over your heart adds a layer of traditional Persian sincerity.
Don't Over-apologize
While being polite is good, repeating 'Motassefam' too many times for a small mistake can make the situation awkward. Once is usually enough.
Meaning
An expression of regret or apology.
Hand on Heart
When saying 'Motassefam' for a sincere apology, placing your right hand over your heart adds a layer of traditional Persian sincerity.
Don't Over-apologize
While being polite is good, repeating 'Motassefam' too many times for a small mistake can make the situation awkward. Once is usually enough.
The 'Ke' Connector
Use 'ke' to explain why you are sorry: 'Motassefam ke...' (I'm sorry that...). This makes your Persian sound much more fluent.
Accepting an Apology
If someone says 'Motassefam' to you, the most polite response is 'Khahesh mikonam' (I request/You're welcome) or 'Eshkali nadare' (No problem).
Test Yourself
Which phrase is best for hearing that your friend's car was stolen?
دوستم: ماشینم را دزدیدند. (Dustam: Mashinam ra dozdidand.)
'Motassefam' is used to express sympathy for someone else's bad luck.
Complete the sentence to say 'I am very sorry'.
من ______ متأسفم.
'Kheyli' means 'very' and is the most common intensifier for apologies.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are late for a doctor's appointment.
This translates to 'I'm sorry I came late', which is appropriate for the situation.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: کتابت را گم کردم. (Ketabat ra gom kardam.) B: اشکالی ندارد، اما واقعاً ______.
The person who lost the book should be the one saying 'Motassefam'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Motassefam vs. Bebakhshid
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدوستم: ماشینم را دزدیدند. (Dustam: Mashinam ra dozdidand.)
'Motassefam' is used to express sympathy for someone else's bad luck.
من ______ متأسفم.
'Kheyli' means 'very' and is the most common intensifier for apologies.
You are late for a doctor's appointment.
This translates to 'I'm sorry I came late', which is appropriate for the situation.
A: کتابت را گم کردم. (Ketabat ra gom kardam.) B: اشکالی ندارد، اما واقعاً ______.
The person who lost the book should be the one saying 'Motassefam'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's perfectly fine for friends if you've actually done something wrong. For very tiny things, 'Bebakhshid' is more common.
You can say 'Kheyli motassefam' or 'Vaghe'an motassefam'.
Yes, it is the standard way to start a condolence: 'Kheyli motassefam baraye fot-e...'
'Motassefam' is 'I am sorry' (regret), while 'Sharmandeh' is 'I am ashamed'. 'Sharmandeh' is more informal and often used when you can't do a favor for someone.
It's a short 'a' like in 'cat'. Mo-tas-sef-am.
In very casual texting, some might just write 'sorry' in English letters, but there is no shorter Persian version of this specific word.
It's better to say 'Bebakhshid mozahem shodam' (Excuse me for bothering you).
No, Persian verbs and adjectives do not have gender. It's the same for everyone.
Change the ending to '-im': 'Motassefim'.
Yes, it is very common in professional emails to acknowledge a delay or mistake.
Related Phrases
ببخشید
similarExcuse me / Pardon
شرمنده
informalAshamed / I feel bad
معذرت میخواهم
formalI apologize
پشیمانم
specialized formI regret (my choice)
تسلیت میگویم
builds onI offer condolences
