Meaning
To arrange a scheduled meeting.
Cultural Background
In Iran, 'Vaqt gereftan' is often the only way to see high-end specialists. People sometimes wait months for a 'vaqt' from a famous surgeon. In Dari, 'Vaqt gereftan' is also used, but 'Nobat' (turn) is even more prevalent in public hospitals and government offices. Modern Iranians use apps like 'Snapp Doctor' or 'Paziresh24' to 'take time' digitally, bypassing the traditional phone call to a secretary. If someone tells you 'وقت بگیرید' (Take an appointment) when you try to talk to them, it can be a polite way of saying 'I am too busy for you right now.'
Use 'Az'
Always remember to say 'Az [Person] vaqt begirid'. It sounds more natural than using other prepositions.
Don't say 'Make'
Never use 'Sakhtan' (to make). It's a dead giveaway that you are translating from English.
Meaning
To arrange a scheduled meeting.
Use 'Az'
Always remember to say 'Az [Person] vaqt begirid'. It sounds more natural than using other prepositions.
Don't say 'Make'
Never use 'Sakhtan' (to make). It's a dead giveaway that you are translating from English.
The Monshi Factor
When taking an appointment over the phone, be extra polite to the 'Monshi' (secretary). Use 'Ghorban-e shoma' to get a better time slot!
Ta'arof and Time
Even if you have a 'vaqt', you might still wait. 'Vaqt' in Iran is often an estimate, not a Swiss-watch guarantee.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'gereftan'.
من دیروز از دکتر ______.
The sentence uses 'دیروز' (yesterday), so the past simple 'گرفتم' is required.
Which sentence is correct for making an appointment?
How do you say 'I want to make an appointment'?
'Vaqt gereftan' is the standard idiom for making an appointment.
Complete the dialogue.
Secretary: سلام، بفرمایید. Patient: سلام، میخواهم برای فردا ______.
The patient is requesting an appointment.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a busy barbershop and want to come back later.
You need to ask to 'take a time' to ensure you are seen later.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Vaqt vs. Gharar
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن دیروز از دکتر ______.
The sentence uses 'دیروز' (yesterday), so the past simple 'گرفتم' is required.
How do you say 'I want to make an appointment'?
'Vaqt gereftan' is the standard idiom for making an appointment.
Secretary: سلام، بفرمایید. Patient: سلام، میخواهم برای فردا ______.
The patient is requesting an appointment.
You are at a busy barbershop and want to come back later.
You need to ask to 'take a time' to ensure you are seen later.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, that would sound like you're interviewing them for a job. Use 'قرار گذاشتن' (Gharar gozashtan).
Almost. 'Nobat' is more like 'your turn in a sequence', while 'Vaqt' is 'your specific time on the clock'.
Say 'وقت دارم' (Vaqt daram).
Say 'میخواهم وقتم را کنسل کنم' or 'وقتم را لغو کنم'.
It is neutral. You can use it with anyone from a barber to a brain surgeon.
Technically yes, but it sounds very strange. Stick to 'Vaqt'.
Ask: 'اولین وقت خالی کی هست؟' (When is the first empty time?)
You can say 'وقت بگیرم' or 'یه وقت بگیرم'. Both are fine, but 'یه' makes it slightly more informal.
Yes, but they might also use 'Vaqt giriftan' with a slightly different accent.
It means a 'prior appointment'. You'll see this on signs in clinics.
Yes, if it's a formal meeting with a superior. For colleagues, 'Jalaseh' (meeting) is better.
وقت بگیریم (Vaqt begirim).
They will say 'وقت نداریم' (We don't have time/appointments).
In English transliteration, both are used, but 'Vaqt' (with a 'q') better represents the Persian letter 'ق'.
Related Phrases
نوبت گرفتن
synonymTo take a turn
قرار گذاشتن
similarTo make a plan/date
رزرو کردن
similarTo reserve
وقت داشتن
contrastTo have time
تعیین وقت
specialized formAppointment setting
