Meaning
Asking someone if they have a lot of work or commitments.
Cultural Background
Asking 'Sarat sholughe?' is a vital part of Ta'arof. Even if you know someone is free, asking this shows you respect their time. In the fast-paced environment of Tehran, being 'sholugh' is often a badge of honor, implying one is successful and in demand. While 'Sarat sholugh ast' is understood, Dari speakers might more commonly use 'Masruf hasti?' (Are you busy/occupied?). In Tajikistan, Russian influence often leads to different structures, but 'Sar-at band ast?' (Is your head tied?) is a common variant.
The 'Out' Clause
If you want to end a phone call politely, say 'Saram dare sholugh mishe' (My head is starting to get crowded/People are coming around me).
Don't say 'Man sholugham'
This sounds like you are a chaotic person. Always use 'Saram'.
Meaning
Asking someone if they have a lot of work or commitments.
The 'Out' Clause
If you want to end a phone call politely, say 'Saram dare sholugh mishe' (My head is starting to get crowded/People are coming around me).
Don't say 'Man sholugham'
This sounds like you are a chaotic person. Always use 'Saram'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct possessive enclitic for 'I'.
ببخشید، امروز سر... خیلی شلوغ است.
To say 'I am busy,' you add '-am' to 'sar' to get 'saram'.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask a teacher if they are busy?
کدام جمله مودبانهتر است؟
Using the plural/formal '-etun' is necessary for respect.
Complete the dialogue.
علی: میتونی کمکم کنی؟ مریم: متاسفانه نه، الان ........
Maryam is declining help because she is busy.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When you want to say you don't even have time to breathe:
This is an idiomatic exaggeration for being extremely busy.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesببخشید، امروز سر... خیلی شلوغ است.
To say 'I am busy,' you add '-am' to 'sar' to get 'saram'.
کدام جمله مودبانهتر است؟
Using the plural/formal '-etun' is necessary for respect.
علی: میتونی کمکم کنی؟ مریم: متاسفانه نه، الان ........
Maryam is declining help because she is busy.
When you want to say you don't even have time to breathe:
This is an idiomatic exaggeration for being extremely busy.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but use 'Saretun sholughe?' to be respectful.
The opposite is 'Saram khalvate' (My head is empty/I'm free).
No, it can be for social commitments or just having a lot on your mind.
Saram sholugh bud.
No, for a street it means 'crowded', and for a child it means 'naughty'.
No, that's not a standard idiom for being busy.
Not at all! It's actually very polite and shows consideration.
'Mashghulam' is more formal and direct. 'Saram sholughe' is more idiomatic.
Are, kheyli saram sholughe.
Yes, but use the formal version: 'Omidvaram saretun kheyli sholugh nabashad'.
Related Phrases
دستم بنده
similarMy hand is tied/busy.
وقت سر خاراندن نداشتن
specialized formNot having time to scratch one's head.
سرم خلوت است
contrastMy head is empty/quiet.
گرفتارم
synonymI am caught/busy.
