به هنگام in 30 Seconds
- An adverb and adjective meaning 'timely' or 'at the right moment'. It is formal and suggests the timing was perfect for the situation.
- Commonly used in professional, medical, and news contexts to describe actions that prevent problems or ensure success through good timing.
- Distinct from 'be hengām-e' (during). 'Be hengām' evaluates the timing, while 'be hengām-e' just marks a period of time.
- The direct antonym is 'nābehengām' (untimely). It is a more sophisticated alternative to the common word 'be-moqe'.
The Persian adverb به هنگام (be hengām) is a sophisticated and nuanced term used to describe an action or event that occurs at the most appropriate, opportune, or fitting moment. While English speakers might simply say 'on time' or 'timely,' the Persian term carries an inherent sense of wisdom and situational awareness. It is derived from the preposition be (to/at) and the noun hengām (time/era/occasion). When used as an adverb, it suggests that the timing was not just accidental but perfectly aligned with the needs of the situation. In formal Persian literature and high-register speech, using this word instead of the more common بهموقع (be-moqe') elevates the tone of the conversation, signaling that the speaker values precision and decorum. It is often used in contexts involving professional feedback, medical interventions, or social etiquette. For instance, a 'timely' warning or a 'well-timed' arrival in a crisis would be described using this term. It is important to distinguish this from the prepositional phrase be hengām-e... which means 'at the time of...' and requires an addition (ezafe). As a standalone adverb, به هنگام emphasizes the quality of the timing itself.
- Semantic Nuance
- Unlike 'punctual' which refers to a specific clock time, this term refers to the 'rightness' of the moment.
- Register
- Predominantly used in written Persian, formal speeches, and polite academic discourse.
کمکهای بشردوستانه به هنگام به منطقه رسیدند و جان بسیاری را نجات دادند.
In the context of modern Iranian society, while the colloquial 'be-moqe' is the king of daily interactions, به هنگام is the choice for journalists and authors. It implies a sense of 'just-in-time' efficiency. If a student submits their thesis exactly when the professor expects it, or if a politician makes a statement just as a crisis begins to unfold, these are 'be hengām' actions. The term also appears in technical contexts, such as 'timely updates' in software or 'timely interventions' in psychology. Understanding this word helps a learner transition from basic communication to a more refined, 'B1 and above' level of Persian proficiency where word choice reflects the speaker's education and respect for the listener.
پاسخ به هنگام شما باعث شد پروژه متوقف نشود.
- Historical Context
- The word 'hengām' is an ancient Persian word found in Middle Persian as 'hangām', signifying a gathering or a time for gathering.
Using به هنگام correctly requires an understanding of its position as an adverb or sometimes a modifying adjective. In most sentences, it follows the noun it modifies or appears after the verb to describe the manner of the action. Because it is a compound of 'be' and 'hengām', learners must be careful not to confuse it with the prepositional usage. For example, 'be hengām-e sobh' (at the time of morning) is different from 'u be hengām rasid' (he arrived opportunely). When used as an adverb of manner, it often answers the question 'When?' or 'How was the timing?'. In formal writing, it is common to see it paired with verbs like rasidan (to arrive), amal kardan (to act), or pasokh dādan (to respond). It emphasizes the effectiveness of the timing.
- Sentence Structure 1
- [Subject] + [Adverb: به هنگام] + [Verb]. Example: او به هنگام آمد. (He arrived at the right time.)
- Sentence Structure 2
- [Noun] + [Adjective: به هنگام]. Example: اقدام به هنگام. (A timely action.)
پزشک با مداخلهای به هنگام، جان بیمار را نجات داد.
Another common usage is in the negative form نابهنگام (nābehengām), which means 'untimely' or 'premature'. Knowing both forms helps the learner express a range of temporal evaluations. In modern Persian media, you will often hear phrases like 'etela-resāni-ye be hengām' (timely information dissemination). This highlight’s the word's role in professional and administrative jargon. It is rarely used in very casual street slang, where people prefer 'sari' (fast) or 'be-moqe'. Therefore, using 'be hengām' in a casual setting might make you sound slightly overly formal or poetic, which can be used for ironic effect or to show high education.
باران به هنگام بارید و کشاورزان را خوشحال کرد.
If you are watching the evening news on IRIB or reading an editorial in an Iranian newspaper like 'Etelaat' or 'Shargh', you will encounter به هنگام frequently. It is a staple of journalistic prose. Journalists use it to evaluate government actions, economic shifts, or international aid. For example, 'The central bank's timely intervention stabilized the currency.' In this context, 'be hengām' adds a layer of professional judgment. You will also hear it in academic lectures, particularly in the humanities or social sciences, when discussing historical events or social movements. A professor might argue that a specific revolution was 'be hengām' because the social conditions were ripe.
- News Media
- Often used to describe policy changes or emergency responses.
- Legal/Official
- Found in contracts and official letters regarding deadlines and timely fulfillment of duties.
در گزارش آمده است که هشدارها به هنگام صادر نشده بودند.
In classical Persian poetry, the word 'hengām' is ubiquitous, though 'be hengām' as a specific adverbial compound for 'opportune' is more common in 'Prose of the Middle Period' and modern standard Persian. However, the concept of 'the right time' (vaqt) is a central theme in Sufi literature. While a Sufi might use the word 'vaqt', a modern intellectual would use 'be hengām' to express a similar appreciation for the 'Kairos' (the perfect moment). If you attend a formal wedding or a high-level business meeting in Tehran, you might hear a host thank the guests for their 'hozur-e be hengām' (timely presence), especially if their arrival coincided with a key moment of the ceremony.
حضور به هنگام پلیس مانع از درگیری شد.
The most frequent mistake learners make with به هنگام is confusing it with the prepositional phrase به هنگامِ (be hengām-e). The addition of the 'ezafe' (the short 'e' sound at the end) completely changes the grammar. 'به هنگامِ سفر' means 'at the time of the trip' or 'during the trip'. This is a temporal preposition. On the other hand, 'به هنگام' without the ezafe functions as an adverb meaning 'timely'. For example, saying 'u be hengām-e rasid' is incorrect; it should be 'u be hengām rasid'. Another common error is using it in very informal contexts where it sounds stiff. If you are telling a friend to come over at 5 PM, saying 'be hengām biā' (come opportunely) sounds strange. You should say 'be moqe biā' or 'sari biā'.
- Mistake: Missing Ezafe
- Confusing 'timely' (adverb) with 'during' (preposition). Always check if there is a following noun.
- Mistake: Over-formalism
- Using it with friends for mundane things like meeting for coffee.
Incorrect: من به هنگامِ آمدم.
Correct: من به هنگام آمدم.
Another subtle mistake involves the spelling. In modern Persian, some people write it as one word بهنگام and others as two به هنگام. While both are generally accepted in modern typography, the two-word version is more traditional and clearer for learners. Also, do not confuse it with بهروز (be-ruz), which means 'up-to-date' or 'updated'. While 'timely' and 'updated' are related, بهروز refers to modernness, while به هنگام refers to the suitability of the timing. Finally, ensure you don't confuse it with ناگهان (nāgahān), which means 'suddenly'. While both relate to time, 'nāgahān' is about speed and surprise, whereas 'be hengām' is about appropriateness.
To truly master Persian, you must understand the spectrum of words related to 'time' and 'suitability'. The most direct synonym for به هنگام is بهموقع (be-moqe'). While they are often interchangeable, 'be-moqe' is the workhorse of the Persian language, used 90% of the time in speech. Another alternative is بهجا (be-jā), which literally means 'in place' but is used to mean 'appropriate' or 'timely', especially regarding comments or actions. If you want to sound more literary, you might use در وقتِ مناسب (dar vaqt-e monāseb), which is the literal translation of 'at the appropriate time'.
- بهموقع (Be-moqe')
- Common, neutral, used for everything from trains to appointments.
- بهجا (Be-jā)
- Focuses on the 'appropriateness' of an action rather than just the clock time.
- نابهنگام (Nābehengām)
- The direct antonym, meaning untimely or ill-timed.
سخنان او بسیار بهجا و به هنگام بود.
In technical or digital contexts, you might see بهروز (be-ruz) or even آپدیت (update). For example, 'timely updates' could be translated as 'be-ruz-resāni-hā-ye be hengām'. If you are looking for an adverb that means 'early', use zud, and for 'late', use dir. Be hengām sits in the perfect middle—not too early, not too late, but exactly when needed. In poetic or archaic Persian, you might also find به وقت (be vaqt). Understanding these differences allows you to choose the word that best fits the social context and the specific nuance you wish to convey.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The word 'hengām' is related to the word 'hang' (meaning to pull or gather together), suggesting that 'time' was seen as a gathering of events.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'hengām' as 'hen-gam' (short 'a'). It must be a long 'ā'.
- Merging the two words into 'ben-gām'. Keep the 'e' in 'be' distinct.
- Misplacing stress on the 'be'.
- Confusing the 'h' sound with a 'kh' sound.
- Over-emphasizing the 'n' so it sounds like 'hen-ge-mām'.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize if you know 'hengām', but can be confused with the prepositional form.
Requires knowledge of formal registers to use appropriately.
Sounds a bit stiff in casual speech; best for presentations or polite talk.
Common in news and formal media; easy to hear.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adverbial Position
Adverbs like 'be hengām' usually precede the verb: او به هنگام آمد.
The Ezafe with 'Be Hengām'
Do not use ezafe if it's an adverb. Use it if it's a preposition: به هنگامِ شب (During the night).
Compound Adjectives
When modifying a noun, use the 'ye' suffix: اقدامی به هنگام.
Negation with 'Nā'
The prefix 'nā' creates the antonym: نابهنگام.
Formal vs. Informal Choice
Use 'be moqe' for friends and 'be hengām' for bosses.
Examples by Level
او به هنگام آمد.
He came at the right time.
Simple adverbial use.
کمک به هنگام رسید.
The help arrived at the right time.
Subject + Adverb + Verb.
این غذا به هنگام است.
This food is timely (served at the right time).
Used as a predicate.
باران به هنگام بارید.
The rain fell at the right time.
Describing a natural event.
پاسخ او به هنگام بود.
His answer was timely.
Adjective use with 'bud'.
ما به هنگام رسیدیم.
We arrived at the right time.
First person plural.
گل به هنگام باز شد.
The flower opened at the right time.
Describing growth.
پول به هنگام رسید.
The money arrived at the right time.
Common financial context.
پزشک به هنگام به بیمارستان رسید.
The doctor reached the hospital at the right time.
Adverbial phrase with prepositional target.
او همیشه به هنگام کارش را تمام میکند.
He always finishes his work at the right time.
Frequency adverb + 'be hengām'.
این یک تصمیم به هنگام بود.
This was a timely decision.
Noun + Adjective.
نامهی شما به هنگام به دستم رسید.
Your letter reached me at the right time.
Compound verb 'be dast rasidan'.
به هنگام حرف بزن.
Speak at the right time.
Imperative mood.
آنها به هنگام از خانه خارج شدند.
They left the house at the right time.
Past tense plural.
خبر به هنگام منتشر شد.
The news was published at the right time.
Passive-like structure.
ساعت به هنگام زنگ زد.
The clock rang at the right time.
Simple subject-verb.
مداخلهی به هنگام پلیس از حادثه جلوگیری کرد.
The timely intervention of the police prevented the accident.
Ezafe construction with a noun.
لطفاً نظرات خود را به هنگام ارسال کنید.
Please send your comments in a timely manner.
Formal request.
او با یک حرکت به هنگام مسابقه را برد.
He won the race with a timely move.
Prepositional phrase 'bā...'.
این داروها باید به هنگام مصرف شوند.
These medicines must be consumed at the right time.
Modal verb 'bāyad' + passive.
پاسخ به هنگام شما برای ما بسیار مهم است.
Your timely response is very important to us.
Formal business Persian.
کشاورز بذرها را به هنگام کاشت.
The farmer sowed the seeds at the right time.
Past tense transitive.
تغییرات به هنگام در شرکت اعمال شد.
Timely changes were applied in the company.
Plural noun + adjective.
او به هنگام متوجه اشتباهش شد.
He noticed his mistake at the right time.
Mental state verb.
ارائه گزارشهای به هنگام، کلید موفقیت این پروژه است.
Providing timely reports is the key to this project's success.
Gerund-like noun phrase.
دولت باید برای مهار تورم، اقدامات به هنگامی انجام دهد.
The government must take timely actions to curb inflation.
Complex formal sentence.
سخنرانی او به هنگام و بسیار تاثیرگذار بود.
His speech was timely and very influential.
Compound adjectives.
اگر به هنگام اقدام میکردیم، ضرر کمتری میدیدیم.
If we had acted in a timely manner, we would have suffered less loss.
Conditional sentence (Type 2).
سیستم هشدار به هنگام، جان هزاران نفر را نجات داد.
The timely warning system saved thousands of lives.
Technical compound noun.
تشخیص به هنگام بیماری، روند درمان را آسانتر میکند.
Timely diagnosis of the disease makes the treatment process easier.
Medical context.
بازپرداخت به هنگام وامها الزامی است.
Timely repayment of loans is mandatory.
Legal/Financial context.
او با هوشیاری، فرصت را به هنگام غنیمت شمرد.
With alertness, he seized the opportunity at the right time.
Idiomatic expression 'ghanimat shomordan'.
تحلیلهای به هنگام او از بازار، سرمایهگذاران را شگفتزده کرد.
His timely analyses of the market amazed the investors.
Plural noun with ezafe.
عدم واکنش به هنگام میتواند پیامدهای جبرانناپذیری داشته باشد.
Lack of timely reaction can have irreparable consequences.
Negative noun phrase 'adam-e vākonesh'.
نویسنده در این کتاب، به نقد به هنگامِ ساختارهای اجتماعی پرداخته است.
In this book, the author has engaged in a timely critique of social structures.
Literary register.
توزیع به هنگام منابع در مناطق محروم، اولویت اصلی ماست.
Timely distribution of resources in deprived areas is our main priority.
Administrative register.
او همواره بر اهمیتِ تذکرِ به هنگام تاکید میکرد.
He always emphasized the importance of timely reminders/admonition.
Verbal noun 'tazakor'.
نیروی دریایی با حضوری به هنگام، مانع از دزدی دریایی شد.
The navy, with a timely presence, prevented piracy.
Military context.
این اصلاحات، هرچند به هنگام بودند، اما کافی نبودند.
These reforms, although timely, were not sufficient.
Concessive clause 'har-chand'.
شناسایی به هنگامِ نخبگان، راه را برای پیشرفت علمی باز میکند.
Timely identification of elites opens the way for scientific progress.
Scientific/Academic context.
تقارنِ به هنگامِ این دو رویداد، شائبهی تبانی را تقویت کرد.
The timely coincidence of these two events strengthened the suspicion of collusion.
High-level vocabulary 'sha'ebe' and 'tabāni'.
فلسفهی رواقی بر کنشِ به هنگام و هماهنگ با طبیعت استوار است.
Stoic philosophy is based on timely action in harmony with nature.
Philosophical discourse.
درایتِ وی در اتخاذِ مواضعِ به هنگام، او را به رهبری کاریزماتیک بدل کرد.
His wisdom in taking timely stances turned him into a charismatic leader.
Complex noun-heavy sentence.
این اثرِ هنری، پاسخی به هنگام به بحرانهای معاصر بشری است.
This artwork is a timely response to contemporary human crises.
Art criticism register.
تجلیِ به هنگامِ حقیقت، گاه میتواند ویرانگر باشد.
The timely manifestation of truth can sometimes be devastating.
Poetic/Metaphysical register.
بازنگری به هنگام در قوانین، ضامنِ پویاییِ نظامِ حقوقی است.
Timely revision of laws guarantees the dynamism of the legal system.
Legal philosophy.
او با سکوتی به هنگام، بیش از هر سخنی مقصود خود را رساند.
With a timely silence, he conveyed his intention more than any speech.
Rhetorical nuance.
توفیقِ این طرح، مرهونِ نظارتهای به هنگام و مستمر است.
The success of this plan is due to timely and continuous supervisions.
Formal administrative style.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— At the right time and in the right amount. Refers to balanced behavior.
او همیشه به هنگام و به اندازه سخن میگوید.
— To encounter or deal with something at the right time.
ما با مشکل به هنگام برخورد کردیم.
— To realize something at the right moment.
او به هنگام فهمید که راه را اشتباه رفته است.
Often Confused With
This is a preposition meaning 'during' or 'at the time of'. It MUST have a noun following it.
Means 'up-to-date'. While 'timely' can mean 'up-to-date' in English, in Persian, 'be-ruz' is for information/tech, and 'be hengām' is for timing/actions.
Means 'suddenly'. 'Be hengām' is about the *right* time, 'nāgahān' is about the *surprising* time.
Idioms & Expressions
— Medicine after Sohrab's death. This is the ultimate 'nābehengām' (untimely) action.
کمک شما الان مثل نوشدارو پس از مرگ سهراب است.
Literary/Common— Punctuality/Timing is an art.
او همیشه به هنگام میآید، چون معتقد است وقتشناسی هنر است.
Proverbial— Every word has its place and every point its location. Implies 'be hengām' speech.
به یاد داشته باش که هر سخن جایی و هر نکته مکانی دارد.
Literary— To seize the opportunity (at the right time).
او فرصت را به هنگام غنیمت شمرد.
Literary— In hopelessness, there is much hope (often arriving 'be hengām').
کمک به هنگام رسید، چون در ناامیدی بسی امید است.
Poetic— Whenever you catch a fish from water, it is fresh. (A counter-idiom suggesting it's never too late).
هرچند به هنگام نبود، اما ماهی را هر وقت از آب بگیری تازه است.
Common— Haste is the devil's work. (Encourages 'be hengām' rather than 'zud').
به جای عجله، سعی کن به هنگام عمل کنی.
Proverbial— Patience is bitter but has sweet fruit (waiting for the 'be hengām' moment).
صبر کرد تا به هنگام اقدام کند.
Poetic— Strike while the iron is hot. (The definition of 'be hengām' action).
باید الان اقدام کنیم؛ آهن را تا گرم است باید کوبید.
Common— Better late than never. (Used when something is NOT 'be hengām').
هرچند به هنگام نیامد، اما دیر رسیدن بهتر از هرگز نرسیدن است.
CommonEasily Confused
Both mean 'on time'.
'Be-moqe' is for everyday punctuality (catching a bus). 'Be hengām' is for opportune timing (saving a life).
اتوبوس بهموقع آمد. جراح به هنگام رسید.
Both contain 'hengām'.
'Zud-hengām' means 'early' or 'premature'. 'Be hengām' means 'at the right time'.
برف زودهنگام محصولات را خراب کرد.
Both contain 'hengām'.
'Dir-hengām' means 'late'.
او دیرهنگام به خانه برگشت.
It is the opposite.
'Nābehengām' means 'at the wrong time' or 'untimely'.
مرگ نابهنگام او همه را شوکه کرد.
Contains 'hengām'.
Means 'at an inappropriate or odd hour' (like 3 AM).
مهمان بیهنگام مرا بیدار کرد.
Sentence Patterns
[Subject] + به هنگام + [Verb]
او به هنگام آمد.
[Noun] + به هنگام + بود
کمک او به هنگام بود.
[Noun] + [Ezafe] + به هنگام
پاسخِ به هنگام.
با + [Noun] + [Ezafe] + به هنگام
با مداخلهی به هنگام.
عدمِ + [Noun] + [Ezafe] + به هنگام
عدمِ واکنشِ به هنگام.
[Abstract Noun] + [Ezafe] + به هنگام
تجلیِ به هنگامِ حقیقت.
اگر + [Subject] + به هنگام + [Verb-Past]
اگر او به هنگام میرسید...
به هنگام و [Adjective]
به هنگام و موثر.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in written Persian; moderate in spoken Persian.
-
Using 'be hengām' instead of 'be hengām-e' for 'during'.
→
به هنگامِ سفر (During the trip)
Without the ezafe, it means 'timely'. With it, it means 'during'.
-
Using it in very casual slang.
→
بهموقع بیا (Come on time)
'Be hengām' is too formal for friends.
-
Misspelling as 'به انگام'.
→
به هنگام
It must start with 'he' (ه), not 'alef' (ا).
-
Confusing with 'nāgahān' (suddenly).
→
او به هنگام رسید (He arrived opportunely)
It's about appropriateness, not surprise.
-
Adding a plural 'hā' to it.
→
اقدامات به هنگام
The adjective stays singular even if the noun is plural.
Tips
Use in Emails
When replying to a business email after a short delay, say 'از صبر و شکیبایی شما تا پاسخ به هنگام ما سپاسگزارم' to sound very professional.
Avoid the Ezafe
If you are using it as an adverb (timely), do not add the 'e' sound. This is the most common mistake for learners.
Pairing
Pair it with 'بهجا' (be-jā) to emphasize that an action was both perfectly timed and perfectly appropriate.
Learn the Family
Learning 'nābehengām', 'zudhengām', and 'dirhengām' together will help you master the whole concept of temporal quality in Persian.
News Watch
Watch the first 10 minutes of 'Khabar-e 21' on Iranian TV; you are almost guaranteed to hear this word.
Context Clues
If you see 'be hengām' at the end of a sentence, it's almost always an adverb. If it's in the middle, check for a following noun.
Formal Ta'rof
Use it when thanking a host: 'ممنون از پذیرایی به هنگام شما' (Thanks for your timely hospitality).
Academic Tone
In essays, use 'به هنگام' to describe historical shifts or social changes to sound more authoritative.
The Long A
Make sure the 'ā' in 'gām' is long and deep. A short 'a' will make the word sound like a different, non-existent word.
The 'Hangar' Trick
Associate 'Hengām' with a 'Hangar' where time is kept. It works every time!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Hengām' as a 'Hangar' where all the 'times' are stored. 'Be' means 'to'. So 'Be Hengām' means you are going 'To the Hangar' exactly when you need to pick up your plane.
Visual Association
Imagine a clock with a green 'check' mark appearing exactly when a hand reaches out to save someone. That green check is 'be hengām'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'be hengām' in a sentence about a doctor, a police officer, and a rain cloud today.
Word Origin
Derived from Middle Persian 'hangām'. The prefix 'be-' is a versatile Persian preposition used to form adverbs from nouns.
Original meaning: In Middle Persian, 'hangām' referred to a time of gathering or a specific period.
Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> West Iranian -> Persian.Cultural Context
No specific sensitivities; it is a very safe and positive word.
English speakers often use 'just in time' or 'timely'. 'Be hengām' captures both but sounds more elevated, like 'opportune'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Medical
- تشخیص به هنگام
- درمان به هنگام
- مداخله به هنگام
- کمکهای اولیه به هنگام
Business
- پاسخ به هنگام
- پرداخت به هنگام
- گزارش به هنگام
- سرمایهگذاری به هنگام
Politics
- اقدام به هنگام
- بیانیه به هنگام
- واکنش به هنگام
- اصلاحات به هنگام
Natural Disasters
- هشدار به هنگام
- تخلیه به هنگام
- امدادرسانی به هنگام
- آمادگی به هنگام
Education
- بازخورد به هنگام
- ثبتنام به هنگام
- ارائه به هنگام
- راهنمایی به هنگام
Conversation Starters
"آیا فکر میکنید کمکهای دولت به زلزلهزدگان به هنگام بود؟"
"به نظر شما بهترین زمان برای یک ازدواج به هنگام چه سنی است؟"
"چگونه میتوانیم در محیط کار پاسخهای به هنگامتری به مشتریان بدهیم؟"
"آیا تا به حال شده که یک اتفاق نابهنگام زندگی شما را تغییر دهد؟"
"اهمیت تشخیص به هنگام بیماریها در چیست؟"
Journal Prompts
درباره زمانی بنویسید که یک دوست به هنگام به کمک شما آمد و این موضوع چه حسی داشت.
آیا شما فردی هستید که کارهایش را به هنگام انجام میدهد یا همیشه دقیقه نودی هستید؟ توضیح دهید.
نقش شانس را در موفقیتهای به هنگام در زندگی خود بررسی کنید.
یک داستان کوتاه درباره قهرمانی بنویسید که در لحظهای به هنگام دنیا را نجات میدهد.
تفاوت بین 'بهموقع بودن' و 'به هنگام بودن' را از دیدگاه شخصی خود توصیف کنید.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Be-moqe' is common and used for punctuality (like being on time for a meeting). 'Be hengām' is formal and means 'opportune' (happening at the perfect moment to be effective). Use 'be-moqe' with friends and 'be hengām' in writing.
Only if you add the ezafe: 'be hengām-e'. Without the ezafe, it means 'timely'. For example, 'be hengām-e safar' (during the trip) vs 'be hengām rasid' (arrived at the right time).
In modern Persian, it can be written both ways (بهنگام or به هنگام). However, keeping them separate is more common in traditional texts and helps learners identify the parts.
Rarely in casual conversation. You'll hear it in news, speeches, or very polite 'ta'rof' situations. Using it with your siblings might sound a bit funny or overly dramatic.
The most common word is 'نابهنگام' (nābehengām). It is the direct opposite of 'be hengām'.
Yes! You can say 'اقدام به هنگام' (timely action). In this case, it follows the noun it describes.
It is considered B1 (Intermediate) because while it's easy to understand, knowing when to use it over 'be-moqe' requires a sense of register and nuance.
No, adverbs and most adjectives in this category do not have plural forms in Persian.
Sometimes journalists use 'بههنگامسازی' for 'updating/synchronizing', but 'بهروزرسانی' is much more common for software updates.
Think: 'Be' (Best) + 'Hengām' (Hour). It's the 'Best Hour' to do something!
Test Yourself 182 questions
Write: 'He came at the right time.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'The help was timely.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Thanks for your timely response.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Timely action is necessary.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Timely diagnosis saves lives.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'The rain fell at the right time.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'We arrived at the right time.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'The doctor arrived timely.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'The government took timely measures.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Lack of timely reaction is dangerous.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'be hengām' in a simple sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a timely intervention.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal thank you note part.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about medical timing.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write about a timely political reform.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'The food was timely.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'He finished the work timely.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'The news was timely.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Seize the opportunity timely.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'A timely critique of society.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say: 'He arrived at the right time.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Thank you for coming on time.' (Formal)
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Your help was very timely.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'We need a timely decision.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'The government's reaction was timely.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronounce: به هنگام
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronounce: نابهنگام
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Timely rain.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Timely response.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Timely diagnosis.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Yes, it was timely.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'He always comes timely.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'The doctor came timely.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'It was a timely move.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'A timely warning.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Time.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Right time.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Formal time.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Untimely death.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Timely intervention.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen to: 'او به هنگام آمد.' When did he arrive?
Listen to: 'کمک به هنگام بود.' Was the help late?
Listen to: 'پاسخ به هنگام.' Is this formal or informal?
Listen to: 'اقدام به هنگام دولت.' Who acted?
Listen to: 'عدم واکنش به هنگام.' Was there a reaction?
Listen: 'Hengām'. What does it mean?
Listen: 'Be hengām'. What does it mean?
Listen: 'Nābehengām'. Is it positive?
Listen: 'Vaqt-shenāsi'. Is it related?
Listen: 'Mādakhale-ye be hengām'. Is it a medical term?
Listen for 'ā' sound.
Listen for 'be' sound.
Listen for 'nā' sound.
Listen for 'ye' sound.
Listen for 'e' sound.
من به هنگامِ رسیدم.
Remove the ezafe when using it as an adverb.
/ 182 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'به هنگام' is your go-to term for 'timely' in formal Persian. Use it when you want to praise someone's timing or describe a professional intervention. For example: 'پاسخ به هنگام شما' (Your timely response).
- An adverb and adjective meaning 'timely' or 'at the right moment'. It is formal and suggests the timing was perfect for the situation.
- Commonly used in professional, medical, and news contexts to describe actions that prevent problems or ensure success through good timing.
- Distinct from 'be hengām-e' (during). 'Be hengām' evaluates the timing, while 'be hengām-e' just marks a period of time.
- The direct antonym is 'nābehengām' (untimely). It is a more sophisticated alternative to the common word 'be-moqe'.
Use in Emails
When replying to a business email after a short delay, say 'از صبر و شکیبایی شما تا پاسخ به هنگام ما سپاسگزارم' to sound very professional.
Avoid the Ezafe
If you are using it as an adverb (timely), do not add the 'e' sound. This is the most common mistake for learners.
Pairing
Pair it with 'بهجا' (be-jā) to emphasize that an action was both perfectly timed and perfectly appropriate.
Learn the Family
Learning 'nābehengām', 'zudhengām', and 'dirhengām' together will help you master the whole concept of temporal quality in Persian.
Related Content
More business words
عادتأ
B2As is the custom or habit; customarily.
عامیانه
B2Characteristic of ordinary conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal.
اعطا کردن
B2To grant or bestow (a right, power, or honor).
اعتبار
A2Credit; the ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment.
اعتبار دادن
B1To grant credit or give credibility to someone or something.
اعتبار مالی
B1Financial standing or reputation; available funds.
اعتباراً
B2On credit; by means of credibility.
اعتباردهنده
B2An entity that lends money or provides credit to another party.
اعتبارنامه
B1A qualification, achievement, or personal quality; credential.
اعتباری
B1Relating to credit, especially financial credit; based on trust or reputation.
