Meaning
Arriving or doing something exactly when it was planned.
Cultural Background
In Iranian social gatherings (parties, dinners), being 'sar-e vaght' can sometimes be seen as too early. Most guests arrive 30-60 minutes after the stated time. In modern business culture in Tehran, punctuality is a sign of high status and professionalism. Being late is increasingly frowned upon in corporate sectors. Similar to Iran, 'sar-e vaght' is used in Dari. Punctuality in formal settings is respected, but social time is flexible. In Tajik (Cyrillic script: сари вақт), the phrase is also used, though Russian influence sometimes introduces 'vovremya' in colloquial speech.
The Ezafe is Key
Always remember the small 'e' sound between 'sar' and 'vaght'. Without it, it sounds like two separate words.
Traffic Excuses
In Iran, if you are not 'sar-e vaght', people will expect you to blame 'terafik'. Even if it's true, try not to over-rely on it!
Meaning
Arriving or doing something exactly when it was planned.
The Ezafe is Key
Always remember the small 'e' sound between 'sar' and 'vaght'. Without it, it sounds like two separate words.
Traffic Excuses
In Iran, if you are not 'sar-e vaght', people will expect you to blame 'terafik'. Even if it's true, try not to over-rely on it!
Use with 'Daghighan'
Add 'Daghighan' (exactly) before 'sar-e vaght' to sound like a native speaker who really values precision.
Ta'arof and Time
If someone tells you 'sar-e vaght bia', they are usually being serious and suspending the usual social flexibility.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase for 'on time'.
من همیشه سعی میکنم ________ به جلسات برسم.
'سروقت' is the standard phrase for arriving exactly when planned.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend to be punctual?
Choose the best option:
The preposition 'sar' is essential for this idiom.
Complete the dialogue between a boss and an employee.
Boss: چرا دیر آمدی؟ Employee: ببخشید، ترافیک بود. قول میدهم فردا ________ بیایم.
The employee is promising to be punctual tomorrow.
Match the situation to the correct use of 'سروقت'.
Situation: You are taking antibiotics every 6 hours.
For medicine, 'سروقت' means following the prescribed schedule.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Time Concepts in Persian
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن همیشه سعی میکنم ________ به جلسات برسم.
'سروقت' is the standard phrase for arriving exactly when planned.
Choose the best option:
The preposition 'sar' is essential for this idiom.
Boss: چرا دیر آمدی؟ Employee: ببخشید، ترافیک بود. قول میدهم فردا ________ بیایم.
The employee is promising to be punctual tomorrow.
Situation: You are taking antibiotics every 6 hours.
For medicine, 'سروقت' means following the prescribed schedule.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very common for deadlines. 'Prozhe ra sar-e vaght tahvil dadam' (I submitted the project on time).
No, 'sar-e vaght' is more natural and widely understood. 'On-time' is just trendy slang in certain circles.
'Sar-e vaght' is about the clock (9:00 AM sharp). 'Be-moghe' is about the right moment (the rain stopped at the right time).
You can say 'Man adam-e sar-e vaghti hastam' or more idiomatically 'Man khosh-ghol hastam'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your younger brother.
Yes, it is the standard way to ask if transport is running on schedule.
No, you don't use possessive pronouns with it. Just say 'sar-e vaght'.
Then you are 'zud'. 'Sar-e vaght' is only for the exact time.
In business and medicine, yes. In social parties, it is more flexible.
It's a gargling sound in the back of the throat, similar to the French 'r'.
Related Phrases
بهموقع
synonymAt the right time / timely
وقتشناس
specialized formPunctual (person)
خوشقول
similarReliable / keeps promises
دیر
contrastLate
زود
contrastEarly
