This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

C1 noun 9 min read

عذر

ozr

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips عذر in 30 Seconds

Explanation عذر in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'ozr' frequently, as 'bebakhshid' (sorry/excuse me) is much easier. However, you might hear it in very basic phrases like 'ozr mikhoham' (I want an excuse/I apologize). Think of it as a slightly more formal way to say 'sorry.' At this stage, just recognize that when you see 'عذر,' someone is likely trying to explain why they did something wrong or why they can't do something. It is a 'reason' for a mistake. You might see it in a simple sentence like 'Ozr-e man rā bepazir' (Accept my excuse). It is one of the first formal words you learn to navigate polite Iranian society.

By A2, you should start distinguishing between 'bebakhshid' and 'ozr-khāhi'. 'Ozr' is a noun. You can 'bring' (āvardan) an 'ozr'. For example, if you are late to class, you might say 'Man ozr dāram' (I have an excuse). You will also see it in the compound verb 'ozr-khāhi kardan.' This level is about moving from single words to short phrases. You should know that 'ozr' is more formal than 'bebakhshid.' You might also learn 'ma'zerat,' which is very similar. At A2, focus on the phrase 'Bā arz-e ozr' (With an offering of excuse), which you might see at the bottom of a polite sign or note.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social function of 'ozr.' It's not just a word; it's a part of 'Ta'arof' (Persian etiquette). You use 'ozr' to justify your actions in a way that keeps the peace. You should be able to use 'ozr-e movajjeh' (a valid excuse) in a sentence. For example, 'I couldn't come because I had a valid excuse.' You also begin to see 'ozr' in more complex sentence structures, like 'be-ozr-e bimāri' (due to the excuse of illness). This level requires you to use the word in context, such as explaining a delay or declining an invitation politely using more than just 'no.'

At B2, you are expected to know the difference between 'ozr' (a valid excuse) and 'bahāne' (a flimsy pretext). You should be able to use the verb 'ozr-tarāshi kardan' to describe someone who is making up fake reasons. Your vocabulary should also include 'ma'zur' (the adjective form). Instead of saying 'I can't come,' a B2 speaker might say 'Man az āmadan ma'zuram' (I am excused/unable to come), which sounds much more native and sophisticated. You should also be comfortable using 'ozr' in professional emails and understanding it in news broadcasts or moderately difficult literature.

As a C1 learner, you should master the nuances of 'ozr' in various registers. You should understand its use in legal contexts (like 'ozr-e shar'i') and its philosophical implications in classical Persian poetry. You should be familiar with idioms like 'ozr-e badtar az gonāh' and be able to use them correctly in conversation. Your writing should reflect the ability to use 'ozr' to navigate complex social hierarchies. You should also know the Arabic broken plural 'a'zār' and recognize it in formal documents. At this level, 'ozr' is a tool for precision, allowing you to distinguish between a justification, a pretext, and a formal apology.

At the C2 level, 'ozr' becomes a window into the history and soul of the Persian language. You understand the etymological roots and how they compare to other Arabic-derived words in Persian. You can analyze the use of 'ozr' in the works of Rumi or Hafez, where it often represents the human struggle with ego and divine will. You are capable of using 'ozr' in high-level diplomatic or academic discourse, choosing it over 'puzesh' or 'ma'zerat' for specific rhetorical effects. You understand the deepest layers of social 'Ta'arof' where an 'ozr' is offered not because it's true, but because it's the most respectful way to handle a delicate situation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

عذر in 30 Seconds

Ozr is the Persian word for excuse or apology, essential for formal social interactions.
It is used in 'ozr-khāhi kardan' (to apologize) and 'ozr āvardan' (to make an excuse).
It differs from 'bahāne' (pretext) by usually implying a more valid or formal reason.
Mastering this word is key to understanding Iranian polite etiquette and legal/formal language.

The Persian word عذر (pronounced 'ozr') is a multifaceted noun primarily translated as 'excuse,' 'apology,' or 'justification.' Rooted in Arabic, it has been deeply integrated into the Persian lexicon for centuries, appearing in everything from classical poetry to modern legal documents. At its core, it represents the reason one provides to mitigate blame or to explain why a certain expectation or duty was not met. Unlike a simple 'sorry,' which focuses on the emotion of regret, عذر often focuses on the reasoning behind an action. When someone says they have an 'ozr,' they are often implying that their failure to perform a task was due to circumstances beyond their control, thereby seeking to be 'ma'zur' (excused).

Formal Context: In formal Persian, especially in administrative or academic settings, 'ozr' is used to provide a legitimate justification for absence or delay. It is often paired with the verb 'āvardan' (to bring/to offer).
Social Etiquette (Ta'arof): In the complex world of Iranian social manners, offering an 'ozr' is a way to maintain face. If you cannot attend a party, you don't just say 'no'; you provide an 'ozr' to show respect to the host.

او برای تاخیر خود عذر موجهی آورد که همه پذیرفتند.

Translation: He offered a valid excuse for his delay that everyone accepted.

The word is also the root for the common compound verb 'ozr-khāhi kardan,' which is the standard way to say 'to apologize.' While 'ozr' is the noun (the excuse), 'ozr-khāhi' is the act of asking for that excuse to be accepted. This distinction is crucial for C1 learners: 'ozr' is the substance of the plea, while the act of pleading is the 'khāhi' (requesting) of that 'ozr'. Understanding this word requires a grasp of the Iranian mindset regarding responsibility and the social necessity of providing 'mojeh' (justified) reasons for one's shortcomings. It is not just about being sorry; it is about providing a narrative that preserves one's dignity and social standing.

بدون هیچ عذری، جلسه را ترک کرد.

Translation: He left the meeting without any excuse.

Furthermore, 'ozr' can sometimes carry a negative connotation, similar to the English word 'pretext.' If someone is 'ozr-tarāshi' (carving/making up excuses), it implies they are being dishonest or avoiding their duties with flimsy reasons. This nuanced difference between a 'mojeh' (valid) excuse and 'tarāshideh' (fabricated) excuse is a key area for advanced learners to explore. In literature, poets like Hafez or Rumi might use 'ozr' to discuss the soul's excuses for not reaching the beloved, adding a spiritual and philosophical dimension to this seemingly mundane word.

Using عذر correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and its interaction with specific light verbs. The most common pairing is with the verb 'āvardan' (to bring). When you 'bring an excuse,' you are presenting a reason for a fault. Another vital pairing is with 'paziroftan' (to accept), as in 'ozr-e kasi rā paziroftan' (to accept someone's excuse).

Verb Pairing: Āvardan: Used when someone is providing a justification. Example: 'He brought an excuse for his absence' (او برای غیبتش عذر آورد).
Verb Pairing: Khāstan: Used in the compound 'ozr-khāstan' which means to seek an excuse or to apologize. This is the formal engine of apology.

خواهش می‌کنم عذر تقصیر مرا بپذیرید.

Translation: Please accept my apology for my fault (very formal).

In advanced Persian, you will often see 'ozr' combined with adjectives like 'movajjeh' (valid/justifiable), 'badtar az gonāh' (worse than the sin itself—referring to a poor excuse), or 'nāpazirafkani' (unacceptable). The phrase 'ozr-e badtar az gonāh' is a famous Persian idiom used when someone's excuse for a mistake is actually more offensive or problematic than the mistake itself. For instance, if you are late to a wedding and say you were busy watching a movie, that is an 'ozr-e badtar az gonāh'.

او همیشه برای انجام ندادن تکالیفش عذر و بهانه می‌تراشد.

Translation: He always makes up excuses and pretexts for not doing his homework.

Another sophisticated use is the phrase 'be-ozr-e...' meaning 'on the pretext of...' or 'with the excuse of...'. This is often used in narrative writing to describe someone's underlying motive. For example, 'He left the room on the pretext of answering the phone' (او به عذرِ پاسخ دادن به تلفن، اتاق را ترک کرد). Here, 'ozr' functions as a tool for social navigation or even deception. Mastery of these patterns allows a speaker to move beyond basic communication into the realm of nuanced social interaction and literary appreciation.

You will encounter عذر in a wide variety of settings in Iran. In the legal system, a lawyer might present a 'dāf-e-ozr' (defense or rebuttal of an excuse) or discuss 'ozr-e movajjeh' for a defendant's absence in court. In the news, you might hear about a politician offering an 'ozr-khāhi' to the public after a scandal. However, the most frequent place you will hear it is in daily polite conversation.

The Workplace: If an employee is late, the manager might ask, 'What is your excuse?' (عذر شما چیست؟). A professional email often begins with 'Bā arz-e ozr-khāhi' (With an offering of apology).
Classical Literature: Reading the 'Shahnameh' or the 'Divan-e Shams', you will find 'ozr' used to describe the human condition of fallibility and the need for divine forgiveness.

مدیر عذر او را برای غیبت نپذیرفت.

Translation: The manager did not accept his excuse for the absence.

In Iranian cinema and TV dramas, 'ozr' is a pivotal word in scenes involving conflict resolution or betrayal. A character might say, 'Digar hich ozri ghabul nist' (No more excuses are acceptable), marking a turning point in a relationship. In the marketplace, if a shopkeeper cannot provide a service, they will use 'ozr' to soften the blow: 'Ozr-e mā rā bepazirid, jens nadārim' (Accept our excuse/apology, we don't have the item).

به عذر بیماری، در کلاس حاضر نشد.

Translation: Due to the excuse of illness, he did not attend the class.

Finally, in religious contexts during months like Ramadan or Muharram, people might discuss 'ozr-e shar'i' (a religiously sanctioned excuse) for not fasting or attending certain ceremonies. This usage shows how 'ozr' bridges the gap between the mundane and the sacred, providing a framework for human limitation within religious law. Whether in a courtroom, a mosque, or a living room, 'ozr' is the word that negotiates the space between what should have been done and what actually happened.

While عذر is common, learners often stumble over its nuances compared to related words. The most frequent error is using 'ozr' when 'ma'zerat' or 'puzesh' would be more appropriate. While they all relate to apologies, their registers and connotations differ significantly.

Ozr vs. Ma'zerat: 'Ma'zerat' is almost exclusively used for 'apology' in a formal sense. 'Ozr' can mean 'excuse' (the reason) or 'apology'. You 'bring' an ozr, but you 'seek' ma'zerat.
Ozr vs. Bahāne: 'Bahāne' is usually a 'pretext' or a 'flimsy excuse.' If you use 'bahāne' when you mean a valid 'ozr,' you might accidentally sound like you are admitting to lying.

اشتباه: او برای نیامدن بهانه موجهی داشت.

Correction: Use 'ozr' instead of 'bahāne' if the reason was actually valid and professional.

Another mistake involves the verb 'ozr khāstan.' Some learners say 'ozr kardan,' which is incorrect. You must either say 'ozr-khāhi kardan' (to do the asking of an excuse) or 'ozr khāstan' (to want/ask for an excuse). Using 'kardan' directly with 'ozr' doesn't exist in standard Persian. Additionally, pay attention to the plural form 'a'zār' (اعذار). While 'ozrhā' is technically possible, 'a'zār' is the formal Arabic broken plural used in legal and high-literary contexts.

نباید برای هر اشتباهی عذر تراشی کرد.

Translation: One shouldn't make up excuses for every mistake.

Finally, be careful with the preposition. It is 'ozr-khāhi az kasi' (apologizing FROM someone). Many English speakers mistakenly use 'be' (to) because in English we apologize 'to' someone. In Persian, you are 'seeking the excuse' *from* the person you offended. Misusing this preposition is a hallmark of an intermediate speaker; getting it right marks you as an advanced (C1) learner.

To truly master عذر, one must understand its synonyms and how they shift the tone of a conversation. Persian is a language of registers, and choosing the right word for 'excuse' or 'apology' depends entirely on who you are talking to and the severity of the situation.

Ma'zerat (معذرت): Very similar to 'ozr' but more focused on the act of apologizing. 'Ma'zerat-khāhi' is more common in everyday polite speech than 'ozr-khāhi'.
Puzesh (پوزش): A pure Persian (non-Arabic) word. It is highly formal and often used in official announcements or by news anchors. It sounds very elegant and respectful.
Bahāne (بهانه): As mentioned, this usually implies a 'pretext' or an 'untrue excuse.' Use this when you want to call someone out for being dishonest about their reasons.

او به پوزش رسمی شرکت بسنده نکرد.

Translation: He was not satisfied with the company's official apology (puzesh).

In a legal or academic context, you might use 'tojih' (justification). While an 'ozr' is a reason to be excused, a 'tojih' is an attempt to make an action seem right or reasonable. If you are defending a thesis, you 'tojih' your methodology; you don't 'ozr' it. Another alternative is 'shafā'at' (intercession), which is when someone else brings an 'ozr' on your behalf, often in a spiritual or high-stakes social context.

این فقط یک بهانه برای فرار از مسئولیت است.

Translation: This is just a pretext to escape responsibility.

Understanding these synonyms allows you to 'read the room' in Iran. Using 'puzesh' in a casual setting might make you sound overly stiff, while using 'bahāne' when someone is genuinely ill would be quite rude. The word 'ozr' sits comfortably in the middle, versatile enough for most situations but carrying a weight of tradition and formality that 'bebakhshid' lacks.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"بدینوسیله عذرخواهی رسمی خود را ابراز می‌دارم."

Neutral

"ببخشید، عذر می‌خواهم که دیر شد."

Informal

"باز هم عذر و بهانه آوردی؟"

Child friendly

"برو از دوستت عذرخواهی کن."

Slang

"بی‌خیال عذر و مذر، بریم!"

Fun Fact

The word 'ma'zur' (excused) comes from the same root and is used in the phrase 'Ma'zur dārid' which is a very polite way to say 'Please excuse me.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /oʊzr/

US /oʊzr/

The stress is on the single syllable of the word.

Rhymes With

نذر (Nazr) بذر (Bazr) فجر (Fajr) صبر (Sabr) ابر (Abr) قهر (Ghar) زهر (Zahr) دهر (Dahr)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'uzr' (like 'oo' in food). It should be a clear 'o' sound.
Dropping the 'r' at the end. The final 'r' must be audible.
Adding a vowel between 'z' and 'r' (e.g., 'ozar').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize, but Arabic plurals can be tricky in formal texts.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of compound verbs and proper prepositions (az/bābat).

Speaking 3/5

Common in polite speech; pronunciation is straightforward.

Listening 3/5

Easily heard in formal announcements and polite conversations.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ببخشید خواهش می‌کنم اشتباه تقصیر دلیل

Learn Next

پوزش معذرت توجیه موجه بهانه

Advanced

اعتذار استمساک تضییع مردود فصاحت

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs with 'Kardan'

عذرخواهی کردن (To apologize)

Preposition 'Az' for People

از او عذر خواستم.

Preposition 'Bābat' for Reasons

بابت اشتباهم عذر می‌خواهم.

Ezafe Construction for Possession

عذرِ من (My excuse)

Arabic Broken Plurals

اعذار (Plural of Ozr)

Examples by Level

عذر می‌خواهم، ساعت چند است؟

Excuse me, what time is it?

'Ozr mikhoham' is a formal way to say 'Excuse me'.

او عذر خواست.

He apologized.

Simple past tense of 'ozr khāstan'.

من عذر دارم.

I have an excuse.

'Dāram' is the present tense of 'to have'.

عذر من را بپذیر.

Accept my excuse.

Imperative form of 'paziroftan'.

آیا عذری دارید؟

Do you have an excuse?

Interrogative sentence.

با عرض عذر.

With an offering of apology.

A common formal phrase.

عذرخواهی کن.

Apologize.

Imperative of the compound verb.

این عذر نیست.

This is not an excuse.

Negative form of 'to be'.

برای تاخیر خود عذر آورد.

He offered an excuse for his delay.

'Ozr āvardan' means to provide an excuse.

او از من عذرخواهی کرد.

He apologized to me.

Preposition 'az' is used with the person being apologized to.

عذر او موجه بود.

His excuse was valid.

'Movajjeh' is a common adjective for 'ozr'.

بدون عذر به مهمانی نیامد.

He didn't come to the party without an excuse.

'Bedun-e' means 'without'.

لطفاً عذر مرا بپذیرید.

Please accept my apology (plural/formal).

Formal plural imperative.

او همیشه عذر می‌تراشد.

He is always making up excuses.

'Tarāshidan' literally means 'to carve'.

عذرخواهی شما را قبول می‌کنم.

I accept your apology.

Present tense of 'ghabul kardan'.

آیا برای غیبت عذری داری؟

Do you have an excuse for the absence?

Focus on the noun 'ghaybat'.

به عذر بیماری، در جلسه شرکت نکرد.

Due to the excuse of illness, he did not participate in the meeting.

'Be ozr-e' functions like 'because of'.

او عذرخواهی رسمی خود را فرستاد.

He sent his official apology.

Adjective 'rasmi' means official.

مدیر عذر او را نپذیرفت.

The manager did not accept his excuse.

Negative past tense.

باید بابت رفتارت عذرخواهی کنی.

You must apologize for your behavior.

'Bābat-e' means 'for/regarding'.

هیچ عذری برای این کار وجود ندارد.

There is no excuse for this action.

'Vojud dāshtan' means to exist.

او با عذر و بهانه از کار فرار کرد.

He escaped from work with excuses and pretexts.

Using 'ozr' and 'bahāne' together for emphasis.

آیا عذرخواهی او صادقانه بود؟

Was his apology sincere?

'Sādeghāne' means sincere.

او از همه بابت تاخیر عذر خواست.

He asked everyone for an excuse regarding the delay.

Compound verb 'ozr khāstan'.

من از حضور در این مراسم معذورم.

I am unable to attend this ceremony (literally: I am excused).

Using the adjective 'ma'zur' is very formal.

این عذر بدتر از گناه است.

This excuse is worse than the sin.

A common Persian idiom.

او برای هر کوتاهی، عذر موجهی می‌آورد.

He brings a valid excuse for every shortcoming.

'Kutāhi' means negligence or shortcoming.

عذرخواهی کردن همیشه آسان نیست.

Apologizing is not always easy.

Gerund form of the verb.

او به عذرِ مشغله زیاد، دعوت ما را رد کرد.

With the excuse of having too much work, he rejected our invitation.

'Mashghale' means busy-ness or occupation.

پذیرش عذر دیگران نشانه بزرگواری است.

Accepting others' excuses is a sign of magnanimity.

'Bozorgvāri' means greatness of soul.

او عذرهای واهی برای شکست خود می‌آورد.

He brings hollow excuses for his failure.

'Vāhi' means baseless or hollow.

باید عذرخواهی او را به فال نیک گرفت.

One should take his apology as a good omen.

'Be fāl-e nik gereftan' is an idiom for being optimistic.

در متون حقوقی، عذر موجه تعاریف خاصی دارد.

In legal texts, a 'valid excuse' has specific definitions.

Use of 'motun' (plural of matn).

او با اعتذار از اشتباهات گذشته، راهی جدید برگزید.

With an apology for past mistakes, he chose a new path.

'E'tezār' is a high-literary synonym for 'ozr-khāhi'.

اعذار واهی او دیگر برای کسی باورکردنی نیست.

His baseless excuses are no longer believable to anyone.

'A'zār' is the formal Arabic plural.

باید میان عذر واقعی و بهانه تفاوت قائل شد.

One must distinguish between a real excuse and a pretext.

'Tafāvot ghā'el shodan' means to make a distinction.

او با عذرخواهی صمیمانه، کدورت‌ها را برطرف کرد.

With a sincere apology, he removed the resentments.

'Kodurat' means resentment or gloom.

این عذرخواهی صرفاً یک حرکت نمایشی بود.

This apology was merely a theatrical move.

'Namāyeshi' means performative or for show.

او به عذرِ عدم آگاهی، از مجازات گریخت.

Under the excuse of lack of awareness, he escaped punishment.

'Adam-e āgāhi' means lack of knowledge.

عذرخواهی در فرهنگ‌های مختلف معانی متفاوتی دارد.

Apologizing has different meanings in different cultures.

Sociolinguistic observation.

عذرِ تقصیر به پیشگاه باری‌تعالی آوردن، از آموزه‌های عرفانی است.

Bringing an apology for faults to the presence of the Almighty is among mystical teachings.

High-level religious and mystical vocabulary.

وی با استمساک به عذرهای واهی، از پاسخگویی طفره رفت.

By clinging to baseless excuses, he evaded accountability.

'Estemsāk' means to cling to/rely on.

در فلسفه اخلاق، ماهیت عذر و بخشش مورد بحث است.

In moral philosophy, the nature of excuse and forgiveness is discussed.

Abstract academic Persian.

او عذرخواهی را نه ضعف، بلکه نشانه قدرت می‌دانست.

He considered apologizing not a weakness, but a sign of strength.

Nuanced philosophical perspective.

اعذار او در بوته نقد، سست و بی‌بنیاد جلوه کرد.

His excuses appeared weak and baseless under the crucible of criticism.

'Bute-ye naghd' is a literary metaphor.

او با زبانی فصیح، به اعتذار از خطاهای خویش پرداخت.

With an eloquent tongue, he proceeded to apologize for his errors.

'Fasih' means eloquent.

پذیرش عذر، رکن رکین همزیستی مسالمت‌آمیز است.

Accepting excuses is a fundamental pillar of peaceful coexistence.

'Rokn-e rakin' means a solid/fundamental pillar.

او هرگونه عذری را در قبال تضییع حقوق دیگران مردود شمرد.

He rejected any excuse regarding the violation of others' rights.

'Tazyi' means waste or violation.

Common Collocations

عذر موجه

عذر آوردن

عذر خواستن

عذر پذیرفتن

عذر تراشی

به عذرِ...

عذر شرعی

عذر تقصیر

بدون عذر

عذر واهی

Common Phrases

عذر می‌خواهم

— The standard way to say 'Excuse me' or 'I apologize' in a polite way.

عذر می‌خواهم، می‌توانم سوالی بپرسم؟

با پوزش و عذرخواهی

— A very formal opening for a letter or speech seeking forgiveness.

با پوزش و عذرخواهی فراوان، این نامه را می‌نویسم.

عذرم را موجه کنید

— A formal way to ask someone to overlook a fault or absence.

لطفاً عذر مرا برای این تاخیر موجه کنید.

جای هیچ عذری نیست

— Used when a mistake is so bad that no explanation can fix it.

برای این اشتباه بزرگ، جای هیچ عذری نیست.

عذرخواهی رسمی

— An official apology issued by an organization or public figure.

دولت یک عذرخواهی رسمی صادر کرد.

عذرِ لنگ

— A 'lame excuse'; a very weak or unbelievable reason.

این فقط یک عذر لنگ برای تنبلی است.

طلب عذر کردن

— To seek or request an excuse/pardon.

او از پیشگاه استاد طلب عذر کرد.

عذرِ موجه قانونی

— A legally valid excuse in a court of law.

وکیل او عذر موجه قانونی ارائه داد.

بابت... عذر می‌خواهم

— The structure for apologizing for a specific thing.

بابت رفتارهایم عذر می‌خواهم.

عذرت پذیرفته است

— Your excuse is accepted (informal).

نگران نباش، عذرت پذیرفته است.

Often Confused With

عذر vs بهانه

Bahāne is usually a negative 'pretext,' whereas Ozr is a neutral/positive 'excuse'.

عذر vs توجیه

Tojih is a 'justification' (making it right), while Ozr is an 'excuse' (asking to be forgiven).

عذر vs پوزش

Puzesh is more formal and used in official settings, whereas Ozr is more versatile.

Idioms & Expressions

"عذر بدتر از گناه"

— When an excuse for a mistake is actually more offensive or problematic than the mistake itself.

اینکه گفتی خواب ماندی، عذر بدتر از گناه است!

General

"عذر تراشیدن"

— To constantly make up excuses to avoid work or responsibility.

او همیشه برای نیامدن عذر می‌تراشد.

Informal

"عذرِ کسی را خواستن"

— To dismiss someone from a job or a position politely (euphemism for firing).

مدیر عذر منشی را خواست.

Formal

"به عذرِ گندم، جو فروختن"

— To deceive; to show one thing (the excuse) but do another (the reality).

او به عذرِ کمک، از من پول گرفت.

Literary/Idiomatic

"عذرِ شرعی آوردن"

— To use religious reasons as a justification for not doing something.

برای روزه نگرفتن عذر شرعی آورد.

Religious

"عذرخواهیِ خشک و خالی"

— An empty apology; a sorry that doesn't mean anything or isn't backed by action.

عذرخواهی خشک و خالی تو به درد من نمی‌خورد.

Informal

"عذرِ موجه تراشیدن"

— To try very hard to make a bad excuse sound legitimate.

او سعی داشت یک عذر موجه بتراشد.

Neutral

"پیشِ کسی عذر آوردن"

— To present an excuse to someone of higher status.

او پیش پادشاه عذر آورد.

Literary

"عذرِ تقصیر به درگاهِ خدا"

— To repent; to ask God for forgiveness for one's sins.

او عذر تقصیر به درگاه خدا برد.

Religious

"عذرِ موجه داشتن"

— To be genuinely unable to do something due to valid reasons.

واقعاً عذر موجه داشتم که نیامدم.

Neutral

Easily Confused

عذر vs معذور

It is the adjective form of Ozr.

Ozr is the noun (excuse); Ma'zur is the person who has the excuse (excused).

من از آمدن معذورم (I am excused from coming).

عذر vs معذرت

Very similar meaning and same root.

Ma'zerat is more common in spoken 'sorry' phrases; Ozr is more common as 'excuse' (reason).

معذرت می‌خواهم.

عذر vs اعتذار

Formal Arabic version of the same root.

Used only in very high-level writing or historical contexts.

نامه اعتذار.

عذر vs تعذر

Same root, different meaning.

Means 'difficulty' or 'being unable due to obstacles'.

به علت تعذر، کار متوقف شد.

عذر vs عذرا

Sounds similar.

A proper name or meaning 'virgin/maiden' in Arabic/literary Persian.

وامق و عذرا (A famous love story).

Sentence Patterns

[Person] عذر می‌خواهد.

علی عذر می‌خواهد.

[Person] برای [Reason] عذر آورد.

او برای تاخیر عذر آورد.

به عذرِ [Noun]، [Action].

به عذرِ بیماری، نیامد.

عذرِ [Person] را پذیرفتن.

مدیر عذر او را پذیرفت.

هیچ عذری بابت [Action] مسموع نیست.

هیچ عذری بابت قانون‌شکنی مسموع نیست.

با استمساک به عذرهای واهی...

با استمساک به عذرهای واهی از مسئولیت گریخت.

عذرخواهی از [Person] بابت [Reason].

عذرخواهی از معلم بابت غیبت.

عذرِ بدتر از گناه آوردن.

او عذرِ بدتر از گناه آورد.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in both spoken and written Persian.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ozr kardan' for apologizing. → عذرخواهی کردن
'Ozr' is a noun and cannot be turned into a verb with 'kardan' directly. You must use 'ozr-khāhi kardan'.
Apologizing 'to' someone using 'be'. → از کسی عذر خواستن
In Persian, you ask for an excuse 'from' (az) someone, not 'to' them.
Using 'bahāne' for a professional excuse. → عذر موجه
'Bahāne' implies you are making it up. Use 'ozr' for real professional reasons.
Saying 'Man ozr hastam'. → من معذورم
You cannot 'be' an excuse. You are 'excused' (ma'zur).
Pronouncing it as 'ozar'. → عذر (Ozr)
There is no vowel between the 'z' and the 'r'. It is a single syllable ending in a consonant cluster.

Tips

Formal Writing

In formal letters, prefer 'ozr-khāhi' or 'puzesh' over 'ma'zerat'. It shows a higher command of the language.

Accepting an Excuse

When someone offers an 'ozr', it is polite to say 'Khāhesh mikonam, in che harfiye?' (I request, what kind of talk is this? - meaning 'Don't worry about it').

Adjective Form

Learn 'ma'zur'. Saying 'Man ma'zuram' is the most elegant way to decline an invitation without being rude.

Worse than the Sin

Use 'ozr-e badtar az gonāh' sparingly and only when the excuse is truly ridiculous, as it can be quite critical.

Prepositions

Remember: Apologize 'az' (from) someone, 'bābat-e' (for) something.

Arabic Roots

Knowing the root A-DH-R helps you understand related words like 'ma'zerat' and 'ma'zur' instantly.

Valid vs. Fake

Always pair 'ozr' with 'movajjeh' (valid) if you want to emphasize that your reason is legitimate.

Pronunciation

Ensure the 'z' and 'r' are distinct. Don't let them blend into a single blurry sound.

Business Etiquette

If you are late for a business meeting in Iran, a brief 'ozr-khāhi' is expected before starting the agenda.

Face-Saving

Providing an 'ozr' is a key part of Iranian face-saving culture. Even if the excuse is small, it matters that you gave one.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'O' in 'Ozr' as a zero. You are trying to bring your blame down to 'Zero' by giving an excuse.

Visual Association

Imagine someone holding a doctor's note (the 'Ozr') to explain why they missed a big race.

Word Web

Excuse Apology Justification Pretext Pardon Forgiveness Reason Mitigation

Challenge

Try to write three different excuses for being late to a wedding, ranging from a 'valid excuse' to a 'baseless pretext'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Arabic root 'A-DH-R' (ع-ذ-ر), which relates to excusing, pardoning, or being prevented from doing something.

Original meaning: The core meaning in Arabic involves the removal of blame or the existence of a barrier that prevents action.

Semitic root adopted into the Indo-European Persian language.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to dismiss someone's 'ozr' too quickly in Iran, as it can be taken as a personal insult to their character.

In English, we often value 'directness' and might see long excuses as suspicious. In Persian, a detailed 'ozr' is seen as polite and respectful.

The idiom 'Ozr-e badtar az gonāh' is attributed to various historical figures and is a staple of Persian moral tales. Classical poets often use 'ozr' to describe the soul's relationship with God. Modern Iranian films frequently use the tension of a 'refused excuse' to drive drama.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

عذر برای تاخیر
عذرخواهی رسمی
عذر کسی را خواستن
عذر موجه کاری

Social Events

عذرخواهی بابت نیامدن
عذر مرا بپذیرید
به عذرِ مشغله
عذرخواهی صمیمانه

Legal/Administrative

عذر موجه قانونی
اعذار و احکام
دفع عذر
عذر شرعی

Literature/Poetry

زبانِ عذر
عذرِ تقصیر
نامه اعتذار
عذرِ بیهوده

Family/Friends

عذرخواهی کن
بهانه و عذر
عذرت قبول است
عذر بدتر از گناه

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال مجبور شده‌اید عذرخواهی رسمی بکنید؟"

"به نظر شما بهترین عذر برای تاخیر در جلسه چیست؟"

"آیا شما به راحتی عذر دیگران را می‌پذیرید؟"

"در فرهنگ شما، عذرخواهی کردن نشانه قدرت است یا ضعف؟"

"چه زمانی یک عذر، بدتر از گناه محسوب می‌شود؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که عذرخواهی کردید و احساس بهتری پیدا کردید.

تفاوت بین یک عذر واقعی و یک بهانه را از نظر خودتان شرح دهید.

چرا در محیط‌های کاری، عذرخواهی کردن اهمیت زیادی دارد؟

یک نامه رسمی بنویسید و در آن برای غیبت در یک جلسه مهم عذرخواهی کنید.

آیا فکر می‌کنید تکنولوژی روش عذرخواهی کردن ما را تغییر داده است؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While both come from the same Arabic root, 'ma'zerat' is more frequently used in the spoken phrase 'ma'zerat mikhoham' (I apologize). 'Ozr' is more versatile and is often used as a noun meaning 'excuse' or 'reason.' In formal writing, 'ozr' is preferred.

Yes, the plural is 'ozrhā' (simple) or 'a'zār' (formal Arabic plural). You would use 'a'zār' in legal or academic contexts to describe multiple justifications.

Yes, it is very polite. Using 'ozr mikhoham' instead of 'bebakhshid' makes you sound more educated and formal.

You say 'Man ozr dāram.' If you want to say it's a good excuse, say 'Man ozr-e movajjehi dāram.'

It translates to 'an excuse worse than the sin.' It's used when someone's reason for a mistake is so stupid or offensive that it makes the original mistake look better.

Start with 'Bā arz-e ozr-khāhi bābat-e...' (With an offering of apology regarding...). This is standard professional etiquette.

Yes, especially in the phrase 'be ozr-e...' (with the excuse of...). It can imply that the stated reason is just a cover for the real motive.

It is a religiously sanctioned excuse. For example, if someone is too sick to fast during Ramadan, they have an 'ozr-e shar'i'.

Constantly. Poets often use it to talk about the 'excuses' humans make to avoid spiritual growth or to apologize to the Beloved.

The most common are 'āvardan' (to bring/make an excuse), 'khāstan' (to ask/apologize), and 'paziroftan' (to accept).