Meaning
A formal way to admit an error and offer an apology.
Cultural Background
In Iranian culture, admitting a mistake formally is a sign of 'Kherad' (wisdom). It is often followed by a 'Ta'arof' response where the other person minimizes your mistake to make you feel better. In Dari, 'Ma'zerat mikhaham' is more common than 'Puzesh mi-talabam', but the latter is still understood as extremely high-register literature or diplomatic speech. Tajik Persian (written in Cyrillic) uses 'Uzr mekhuham' more frequently. 'Puzesh' is seen as a more 'Iranian' or 'Classical' Persian word. Among the diaspora in the US or Europe, formal registers are often lost. Younger generations might find 'Puzesh mi-talabam' too old-fashioned or 'like a movie'.
The Bow
When saying this in person, a slight nod of the head or a hand over the heart adds immense cultural weight to the apology.
Don't Overuse
If you say this for every tiny mistake, you will sound like a character from a 19th-century period drama. Save it for when it matters.
Meaning
A formal way to admit an error and offer an apology.
The Bow
When saying this in person, a slight nod of the head or a hand over the heart adds immense cultural weight to the apology.
Don't Overuse
If you say this for every tiny mistake, you will sound like a character from a 19th-century period drama. Save it for when it matters.
Wait for the Response
After saying this, silence is okay. Let the other person perform their 'Ta'arof' and forgive you.
Test Yourself
Complete the formal apology with the correct verb form.
پوزش ______، در محاسبات خطا کردم.
In high-formal Persian, 'Puzesh' is traditionally paired with 'mi-talabam' (I seek).
Which situation is most appropriate for this phrase?
In which scenario should you say 'پوزش میطلبم، خطا کردم'?
This phrase is reserved for high-stakes, professional, or very formal settings.
Complete the dialogue between a professor and a student.
استاد: چرا تمرینات را اشتباه انجام دادی؟ دانشجو: ___________
The student should use a formal register when addressing a professor in Iran.
Match the Persian phrase to its register.
Match the following:
Each phrase has a specific social 'temperature' in Persian.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Apology Levels in Persian
Practice Bank
4 exercisesپوزش ______، در محاسبات خطا کردم.
In high-formal Persian, 'Puzesh' is traditionally paired with 'mi-talabam' (I seek).
In which scenario should you say 'پوزش میطلبم، خطا کردم'?
This phrase is reserved for high-stakes, professional, or very formal settings.
استاد: چرا تمرینات را اشتباه انجام دادی؟ دانشجو: ___________
The student should use a formal register when addressing a professor in Iran.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each phrase has a specific social 'temperature' in Persian.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'Puzesh' is considered more literary and formal. 'Ma'zerat' is polite but common in everyday speech.
Only if it's a very formal text to a boss or client. For friends, use 'Bebakhshid'.
It means 'to seek' or 'to demand'. In this phrase, you are 'seeking' the other person's apology.
They are synonyms, but 'khata' sounds more like a technical or serious error, while 'eshtebah' is a general mistake.
Change 'kardam' to 'kardim': 'Puzesh mi-talabim, khata kardim'.
No, the 'm' at the end of 'talabam' and 'kardam' already tells us you are talking about yourself.
Yes, but it might sound a bit clinical. 'Ozr-khahi mikonam' is usually better for emotional hurts.
Absolutely. It is the gold standard for professional accountability in modern Tehran.
Using it in a casual setting where it sounds sarcastic.
Not inherently, but the word 'khata' is used in religious texts to mean 'sin'.
Related Phrases
عذرخواهی میکنم
synonymI apologize
قصور کردم
specialized formI was negligent
اشتباه از بنده بود
similarThe mistake was from this humble servant
جبران خواهم کرد
builds onI will compensate/make it up
