Meaning
Stating that one is not available due to lack of spare time.
Cultural Background
In the fast-paced life of Tehran, saying 'vagh-te azad nadaram' is often a badge of honor, implying that one is successful or hardworking. In smaller towns, this phrase is used less often. People will often make time for guests even if they are busy, as hospitality is a core value. Iranian students are known for 'Konkur' (the university entrance exam). During this time, 'vagh-te azad nadaram' is the only thing they say for a whole year. In Iranian business, being 'busy' is sometimes used to negotiate better terms or to show that a service is in high demand.
Soften the blow
Always start with 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) or 'Moteasefane' (Unfortunately) to sound more polite.
Don't say 'nistam'
Never say 'Vaqt azad nistam'. It's a common beginner mistake. Use 'nadaram'.
Meaning
Stating that one is not available due to lack of spare time.
Soften the blow
Always start with 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) or 'Moteasefane' (Unfortunately) to sound more polite.
Don't say 'nistam'
Never say 'Vaqt azad nistam'. It's a common beginner mistake. Use 'nadaram'.
Use 'Saram sholughe' for friends
If you want to sound like a native speaker with your friends, use 'Saram sholughe' instead.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'to have' (negative).
من امروز وقت آزاد _______.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must be 'nadaram'.
Which of these is the most natural way to say 'I am busy' informally?
دوستم زنگ زد و من گفتم:
'Saram sholughe' is the most common informal idiom for being busy.
Match the Persian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
All pairs are correctly matched to their literal/figurative meanings.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
Ali: 'Can you help me with my homework?' Sara: 'Bebakhshid, emrooz...'
Sara is declining, so she needs the negative 'nadaram'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن امروز وقت آزاد _______.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must be 'nadaram'.
دوستم زنگ زد و من گفتم:
'Saram sholughe' is the most common informal idiom for being busy.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All pairs are correctly matched to their literal/figurative meanings.
Ali: 'Can you help me with my homework?' Sara: 'Bebakhshid, emrooz...'
Sara is declining, so she needs the negative 'nadaram'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot inherently, but it is direct. Adding 'Bebakhshid' makes it perfectly polite.
Yes, it is very common in professional emails to explain why a task might be delayed.
'Vaqt' is more common for daily time and appointments. 'Zaman' is more abstract or historical.
You can say 'Yek kam vaqt-e azad daram'.
Related Phrases
سرم شلوغه
similarMy head is busy.
دستم بنده
specialized formMy hand is tied.
فرصت ندارم
synonymI don't have the opportunity/time.
وقت دارم
contrastI have time.
