Meaning
A polite request for someone to pause briefly.
Cultural Background
Persians value 'Taarof', a system of extreme politeness. Using 'yek lahze' is a way to show respect for the other person's time. Similar to Iran, Afghan culture uses this phrase to maintain social harmony in public spaces. Tajik speakers use a similar structure, though the pronunciation might vary slightly.
Use a smile
Always smile when asking someone to wait to ensure it sounds polite.
Don't be too direct
Avoid just saying 'sabr kon' to strangers; it sounds like a command.
Meaning
A polite request for someone to pause briefly.
Use a smile
Always smile when asking someone to wait to ensure it sounds polite.
Don't be too direct
Avoid just saying 'sabr kon' to strangers; it sounds like a command.
Add 'bebakhshid'
Say 'Bebakhshid, yek lahze sabr konid' for maximum politeness.
Test Yourself
Which is the most polite way to ask someone to wait?
Choose the best option:
This is the standard formal imperative.
Complete the phrase.
یک لحظه ______ کنید.
The verb 'sabr kardan' means to wait.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Can you hold on? B: _____
This is the appropriate response to a request to wait.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are talking to a stranger and need them to stop for a second.
Formal register is required for strangers.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesChoose the best option:
This is the standard formal imperative.
یک لحظه ______ کنید.
The verb 'sabr kardan' means to wait.
A: Can you hold on? B: _____
This is the appropriate response to a request to wait.
You are talking to a stranger and need them to stop for a second.
Formal register is required for strangers.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it is very polite and appropriate.
No, it is the standard way to be polite.
Then say 'پنج دقیقه صبر کنید' (Wait five minutes).
It emphasizes the 'short' duration.
It's better for spoken communication.
It is the formal plural imperative.
Yes, it is common in both.
Sabr is more common for short pauses.
Related Phrases
یک ثانیه صبر کنید
synonymWait one second.
ببخشید
builds onExcuse me.
لطفاً منتظر بمانید
specialized formPlease wait.
