Meaning
Expressing that one lacks the necessary amount of time for something.
Cultural Background
In Iran, saying 'I don't have time' is often more polite than saying 'I don't want to.' It attributes the refusal to external circumstances. Tehran is famous for its heavy traffic. 'Vaqt-e kāfi nadāram' is frequently used alongside 'Tuerāfik' (traffic) as a universal excuse for being late or missing events. In Persian business culture, being 'busy' is a sign of status. Managers often use this phrase to indicate their importance, but will follow it with 'but for you, I will make time' to show respect. Students use this phrase constantly during 'Emtehānāt' (exam season). It is a way to bond over shared stress.
The 'Ezafe' is Key
Don't forget the small 'e' sound between 'Vaqt' and 'Kāfi'. It's the glue that holds the phrase together.
Don't be too blunt
If you say this to a host who just offered you food, it might sound rude. Always add 'Bebakhshid' (Sorry) or 'Mamnoon' (Thanks) first.
Meaning
Expressing that one lacks the necessary amount of time for something.
The 'Ezafe' is Key
Don't forget the small 'e' sound between 'Vaqt' and 'Kāfi'. It's the glue that holds the phrase together.
Don't be too blunt
If you say this to a host who just offered you food, it might sound rude. Always add 'Bebakhshid' (Sorry) or 'Mamnoon' (Thanks) first.
Use 'Saram Sholooghe' for friends
With close friends, 'Saram sholooghe' sounds more natural and less like a formal excuse.
Ta'arof Refusal
Use this phrase as your 'get out of jail free' card when you've reached your limit of social obligations.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
من وقت _______ ندارم.
'Kāfi' means 'enough' and is the standard word used in this expression.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'We don't have enough time'?
Select the correct Persian translation:
Persian uses the verb 'dāshtan' (to have) and the negative form is 'nadārim' for 'we'.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
دوست: میتونی امروز به من کمک کنی؟ شما: ببخشید، واقعاً _______، باید برم سر کار.
The context of 'having to go to work' implies a lack of time.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are at a restaurant and the waiter asks if you want dessert, but you are late for a meeting.
Using the phrase to decline dessert and ask for the bill is a common real-world use.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Vaqt vs. Sā'at
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن وقت _______ ندارم.
'Kāfi' means 'enough' and is the standard word used in this expression.
Select the correct Persian translation:
Persian uses the verb 'dāshtan' (to have) and the negative form is 'nadārim' for 'we'.
دوست: میتونی امروز به من کمک کنی؟ شما: ببخشید، واقعاً _______، باید برم سر کار.
The context of 'having to go to work' implies a lack of time.
Situation: You are at a restaurant and the waiter asks if you want dessert, but you are late for a meeting.
Using the phrase to decline dessert and ask for the bill is a common real-world use.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is generally neutral and polite, especially if you add 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) at the beginning.
Absolutely. It is very common in professional emails to explain why a task might be delayed.
'Vaqt' is general time. 'Forsat' is an opportunity or a specific slot of time. You can use both, but 'Vaqt' is more common.
Use the past tense: 'Vaqt-e kāfi nadāshtam'.
Yes, but it's better to explain *why* you don't have time (e.g., because of another project).
Yes, 'Vaqtam kame' (My time is little) is a very common informal alternative.
In this specific expression, yes, linked by the Ezafe.
Say 'Vaqt-e ziād dāram' or 'Vaqtam āzāde'.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in Dari as well.
'Saram sholooghe' is more idiomatic and feels more 'Persian' in casual conversation.
No, in Persian, the verb almost always goes at the end.
A very casual way is 'Vaqt nadāram aslan!' (I don't have time at all!).
Related Phrases
سرم شلوغه
similarI'm busy (literally: my head is crowded)
فرصت ندارم
synonymI don't have the opportunity/time
عجله دارم
builds onI'm in a hurry
وقت آزاد
contrastFree time
وقتکشی
relatedKilling time / wasting time
