Meaning
A formal way to express an apology.
Cultural Background
In Iran, using 'Puzesh mikhāham' is a sign of 'Bā-shakhsiat' (having a good personality). It is deeply tied to Ta'arof, where maintaining the other person's dignity is as important as the apology itself. In Dari (Afghan Persian), 'Ma'zerat mikhāham' is slightly more common in formal speech, but 'Puzesh' is understood and respected as a high-literary form. In Tajik Persian, which uses Cyrillic, the word is written as 'Пӯзиш мехоҳام'. It is used in official government contexts and formal literature. Second-generation Persians in the West often default to 'Bebakhshid' or 'Sorry'. Using 'Puzesh mikhāham' is a way for them to show an advanced command of their heritage language to elders.
The 'Az' Rule
Always remember to use 'az' (from) when apologizing to a person. 'Az shomā puzesh mikhāham' is the correct structure.
Don't be a Robot
If you use this with your friends, they might think you are being sarcastic or angry. Stick to 'Bebakhshid' for friends.
Meaning
A formal way to express an apology.
The 'Az' Rule
Always remember to use 'az' (from) when apologizing to a person. 'Az shomā puzesh mikhāham' is the correct structure.
Don't be a Robot
If you use this with your friends, they might think you are being sarcastic or angry. Stick to 'Bebakhshid' for friends.
Ta'arof Power
Pairing this with a slight nod of the head increases the perceived sincerity in Iranian culture.
Email Standard
If you don't know how to start a formal apology email, 'Bābat-e ... pوزش میخواهم' is always a safe and perfect bet.
Test Yourself
Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal email to a professor?
استاد عزیز، ________ که دیروز در کلاس نبودم.
While 'Bebakhshid' is okay, 'Puzesh mikhāham' is the most respectful and professional choice for an academic setting.
Fill in the missing preposition.
من ____ شما پوزش میخواهم.
In Persian, you apologize 'from' (az) someone.
Match the apology to the situation.
Situation: You are a CEO apologizing to shareholders for a loss.
A CEO must use the highest formal register in an official report.
Complete the dialogue with the most polite option.
Person A: شما در گزارش اشتباه کردید. Person B: ________، حتماً اصلاح میکنم.
When a mistake is pointed out by a superior, 'Puzesh mikhāham' shows professional accountability.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Persian Apology Hierarchy
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاستاد عزیز، ________ که دیروز در کلاس نبودم.
While 'Bebakhshid' is okay, 'Puzesh mikhāham' is the most respectful and professional choice for an academic setting.
من ____ شما پوزش میخواهم.
In Persian, you apologize 'from' (az) someone.
Situation: You are a CEO apologizing to shareholders for a loss.
A CEO must use the highest formal register in an official report.
Person A: شما در گزارش اشتباه کردید. Person B: ________، حتماً اصلاح میکنم.
When a mistake is pointed out by a superior, 'Puzesh mikhāham' shows professional accountability.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'Puzesh' is considered the highest formal register, while 'Ma'zerat' is standard polite Persian.
Only if the text is to a boss, a client, or someone you don't know well. For friends, it's too much.
Change 'mikhāham' to 'mikhāhim' (پوزش میخواهیم).
'Puzesh' is a Persian root word, while 'Odr' is from Arabic. They are used similarly in formal contexts.
No, the 'am' at the end of 'mikhāham' already tells us it's 'I'. Adding 'Man' makes it more emphatic.
In speech, yes, but in formal writing, always use the full 'mikhāham'.
The most common response is 'Khāhesh mikonam' (I request [you not to worry] / You're welcome).
It's better to use 'Bebakhshid'. 'Puzesh mikhāham' is too heavy for just walking past someone.
Not at all. It sounds educated and professional. It's used every day in Iranian news and business.
Add 'vaghe'an' (really) or 'shomāre-ye ziād' (a lot): 'Vaghe'an puzesh mikhāham'.
Related Phrases
عذر میخواهم
synonymI apologize (Formal)
معذرت میخواهم
similarI apologize (Neutral-Formal)
ببخشید
similarExcuse me / Sorry
شرمنده
contrastI am ashamed
پوزشپذیر
builds onForgiving / Accepting of apologies
