Meaning
Time when one is not working or occupied.
Cultural Background
In Iran, 'free time' is often synonymous with hospitality. If you tell an Iranian friend you have 'vaqt-e āzād,' they will likely invite you over for tea or dinner immediately. Younger Iranians in cities like Tehran use 'vaqt-e āzād' to discuss self-improvement, such as going to the gym or learning English, reflecting a shift toward individualistic leisure. Classical poetry rarely uses 'vaqt-e āzād'; instead, it uses 'farāghat' to describe a spiritual state of being free from worldly worries.
The Ezafe is Key
Always remember to pronounce the small 'e' between the two words. Without it, it sounds like two random words.
Avoid 'Majani'
Never use 'majani' for time. It's the #1 mistake English speakers make.
Meaning
Time when one is not working or occupied.
The Ezafe is Key
Always remember to pronounce the small 'e' between the two words. Without it, it sounds like two random words.
Avoid 'Majani'
Never use 'majani' for time. It's the #1 mistake English speakers make.
Be Ready for Invitations
In Iran, saying you have free time is often seen as an opening for a social invitation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
من در _______ کتاب میخوانم.
We use 'وقت آزاد' plus the possessive ending 'am' (my).
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask about availability?
How do you say 'Do you have free time tomorrow?'
The verb 'داشتن' (to have) is used with 'وقت آزاد'.
Match the Persian phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the three main ways to discuss non-work time.
Complete the dialogue.
A: فردا بریم سینما؟ B: ببخشید، فردا اصلاً _______ ندارم.
The context of going to the cinema implies needing time.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن در _______ کتاب میخوانم.
We use 'وقت آزاد' plus the possessive ending 'am' (my).
How do you say 'Do you have free time tomorrow?'
The verb 'داشتن' (to have) is used with 'وقت آزاد'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the three main ways to discuss non-work time.
A: فردا بریم سینما؟ B: ببخشید، فردا اصلاً _______ ندارم.
The context of going to the cinema implies needing time.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is understood in all Persian-speaking regions, though Tajiks might use 'vaqti kholi' more often.
No, for a seat you would use 'khāli' (empty) or 'āzād' (free), but not 'vaqt'.
The most common opposite is 'mashghul' (busy) or 'vagh-e por' (full schedule).
Related Phrases
اوقات فراغت
synonymLeisure hours
بیکاری
similarUnemployment or having nothing to do
سرگرمی
builds onHobby / Entertainment
