Meaning
A request for someone to pause briefly.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Sabr' is deeply rooted in Iranian stoicism. It is not just waiting; it is waiting with dignity. In the fast-paced life of Tehran, 'Yek daqiqe' is often used as a polite way to interrupt someone who is talking too much. In the Bazaar, 'Yek daqiqe' is a negotiation tool. It gives the merchant time to think of a better price. Hosts use 'one minute' to keep guests from leaving, showing they don't want the night to end.
The 'Ye' Shortcut
Native speakers almost never say 'Yek' in this phrase. Say 'Ye' to sound 10x more natural.
Don't Overuse
If you say this more than 3 times in one conversation, it starts to sound like you are disorganized.
Meaning
A request for someone to pause briefly.
The 'Ye' Shortcut
Native speakers almost never say 'Yek' in this phrase. Say 'Ye' to sound 10x more natural.
Don't Overuse
If you say this more than 3 times in one conversation, it starts to sound like you are disorganized.
The Smile Factor
In Iran, a small nod or a smile while saying this makes the wait much more acceptable to the other person.
Add 'Lotfan'
Always add 'Lotfan' (Please) at the end if you are talking to someone older than you.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb to make the phrase formal.
یک دقیقه صبر _______.
The ending '-id' is required for formal or plural address.
Which phrase is most appropriate when talking to a shopkeeper?
You need to find your credit card in your bag.
'Vaysa' is too casual/rude, and the others don't make sense in context.
Complete the phone dialogue.
A: سلام، با سارا کار دارم. B: سلام، _________، الان صداش میکنم.
This is the standard way to ask someone to hold on the phone.
Match the phrase to the register.
1. یه دقه وایسا 2. یک دقیقه صبر کنید
Shortened words like 'deqe' and the 'kon' ending are informal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Wait Times in Persian
Duration
- • Ye lahze (Moment)
- • Ye daqiqe (Minute)
- • Kami (A little)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesیک دقیقه صبر _______.
The ending '-id' is required for formal or plural address.
You need to find your credit card in your bag.
'Vaysa' is too casual/rude, and the others don't make sense in context.
A: سلام، با سارا کار دارم. B: سلام، _________، الان صداش میکنم.
This is the standard way to ask someone to hold on the phone.
1. یه دقه وایسا 2. یک دقیقه صبر کنید
Shortened words like 'deqe' and the 'kon' ending are informal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's a figurative expression meaning 'a short time'. It could be 10 seconds or 5 minutes.
Yes, but add 'Lotfan' and use the formal 'konid' ending to remain respectful.
'Sabr' is the act of having patience, while 'montazir' is the state of being in waiting.
Not at all, as long as you use the formal form. It's actually expected if you need to step away.
You can say 'Ye lahze sabr konid' (Wait a moment).
It's just a lazy, colloquial shortening of 'Yek daqiqe' common in Tehran.
Yes, the word order is flexible, but 'Yek daqiqe sabr konid' is more common.
Say 'Montazir-e man bashid' or 'Sabr konid ta man biyam'.
Constantly. It is a major theme in the works of Rumi and Saadi.
Shout 'Ist!' or 'Naya!' (Don't come!).
Related Phrases
یه لحظه
synonymOne moment
منتظر بمانید
formal variantPlease remain waiting
عجله نکنید
contrastDon't hurry
گوشی دستتان باشد
builds onKeep the phone in your hand
صبر ایوب
specialized formThe patience of Job
