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Vocabulary
پوزش خواستن

B2 verb 9 min read

پوزش خواستن

Q: Is 'پوزش خواستن' used in daily conversation?

Rarely. In daily life, Iranians use 'ببخشید' or 'معذرت میخوام'. 'پوزش خواستن' is reserved for formal situations or letters.

Q: How do I say 'I apologize for the delay'?

You can say: 'بابت تأخیر پوزش میخواهم'.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips پوزش خواستن in 30 Seconds

Explanation پوزش خواستن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'پوزش خواستن' (Puzesh Khāstan) frequently because it is quite formal and complex. Instead, you usually learn 'ببخشید' (Bebakhshid) which means 'Excuse me' or 'Sorry'. However, it is good to recognize the root 'پوزش' (apology). At this stage, just remember that if you see this word, someone is being very polite. You might see it on signs or in very formal greetings. Think of it as the 'fancy' version of sorry. You won't be expected to conjugate it in the past or future yet, but knowing that 'خواستن' means 'to want' helps you understand that the speaker 'wants' an apology to be accepted. Focus on the simple sound 'Poo-zesh'. It is a pure Persian word, unlike 'Ozr' which comes from Arabic. Even at A1, using a pure Persian word can make you sound very cultured to native speakers. Just remember: Bebakhshid for the street, Puzesh for the classroom or office.

At the A2 level, you are starting to use compound verbs. 'پوزش خواستن' is a great example of a noun combined with a verb. You should learn the basic present tense: 'من پوزش می‌خواهم' (I apologize). At this level, you should also learn that you must use the word 'از' (az) before the person you are talking to. For example, 'از شما پوزش می‌خواهم'. This is a big step from A1 because you are now building full sentences. You might use this when talking to a teacher or an older relative to show extra respect. You will also start to see this word in simple news headlines or formal emails. It's important to start distinguishing between 'Puzesh' and 'Ozr'. A2 learners should practice the pronunciation of the silent 'v' in 'khāstan'. Don't say 'khavāstan'! Just say 'khāstan'. This small detail makes a huge difference in how native speakers perceive your level. You are moving from basic survival Persian to 'polite learner' Persian.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'پوزش خواستن' in semi-formal situations. You should be able to conjugate it in the past tense ('پوزش خواستم') and use it with reasons. For example, 'بابت دیر آمدن پوزش می‌خواهم' (I apologize for coming late). You should also understand the difference between this and 'عذرخواهی کردن'. B1 learners should start to notice this word in Persian literature or more complex media like podcasts. You are now expected to know that 'پوزش' is a more 'Persian' word, which makes it sound more elegant. You might use it in a job interview or when writing a formal message to a landlord. You should also be able to use the subjunctive form: 'باید پوزش بخواهم' (I must apologize). This level is about refining your choice of words based on who you are talking to. Using 'پوزش' instead of 'ببخشید' shows that you understand the social hierarchy in Iran and are trying to be as respectful as possible.

At the B2 level, which is the level of this word, you should have a full grasp of 'پوزش خواستن'. You should use it naturally in all formal contexts. You understand the nuance that this word is more literary and 'pure' than its Arabic-rooted synonyms. You can use complex structures like 'پیشاپیش پوزش می‌خواهم' (I apologize in advance) in professional emails. At B2, you should also be aware of the noun forms like 'پوزش‌نامه' (a letter of apology). You should be able to debate the importance of an apology in a social or political context using this vocabulary. Your pronunciation should be flawless, and you should never confuse the prepositions. You are expected to use this verb to maintain 'Ta'rof' correctly. For example, when you are hosted by someone, you might apologize for the 'trouble' you caused using this formal verb. This is the level where you stop just 'translating' and start 'feeling' the weight of the words in a Persian cultural context.

At the C1 level, you use 'پوزش خواستن' with a sense of stylistic flair. You might use it to create a specific atmosphere in your writing or speaking. You are familiar with its use in classical poetry (like Saadi or Hafez) and can appreciate the subtle differences between 'پوزش', 'عذر', and 'عفو'. You can use the word in the passive voice or in complex conditional sentences: 'اگر پوزش نخواسته بود، شرایط بدتر می‌شد' (If he hadn't apologized, conditions would have become worse). C1 learners should also know related adjectives like 'پوزش‌خواه' (apologetic) and how to use them in formal speeches. You understand the historical evolution of the word from Middle Persian and can discuss why a writer might choose this word over others for rhythmic or nationalistic reasons. At this level, your use of 'پوزش خواستن' is not just about being polite; it's about demonstrating a deep mastery of the Persian linguistic heritage.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native or academic understanding of 'پوزش خواستن'. You can analyze the word's role in the 'Persianization' movements of the 20th century, where pure Persian words were promoted over Arabic ones. You can use the word in highly specialized legal, diplomatic, or philosophical contexts. You might discuss the 'ethics of puzesh' in a seminar or write a critique of a public figure's 'puzesh-nāmeh'. You understand the most subtle connotations—how the word can be used to show extreme humility or, conversely, how it can be used with a touch of coldness to maintain professional distance. You are comfortable with archaic forms found in texts like the 'Tarikh-e Beyhaqi'. For a C2 speaker, 'پوزش خواستن' is just one note in a massive symphony of social and linguistic tools, and you know exactly when to play it for maximum impact. You use it to navigate the highest levels of Iranian society with absolute cultural and linguistic fluency.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

پوزش خواستن in 30 Seconds

A formal Persian verb meaning 'to apologize', used in professional and literary contexts to show high respect.
Composed of 'puzesh' (apology) and 'khāstan' (to ask), it requires the preposition 'az' for the person.
More elegant and 'pure Persian' than the common 'ozr-khāhi kardan', making it ideal for written communication.
Crucial for mastering Iranian etiquette (Ta'rof) and professional interaction at the B2 level and above.

The Persian verb پوزش خواستن (Puzesh Khāstan) is a sophisticated and formal way to express regret or seek forgiveness. While the more common 'عذرخواهی کردن' (ozr-khāhi kardan) is used in everyday situations, 'پوزش خواستن' carries a weight of sincerity and literary elegance that makes it ideal for formal correspondence, official statements, or deeply heartfelt apologies. It consists of the noun 'پوزش' (puzesh), which means apology or excuse, and the light verb 'خواستن' (khāstan), which means to want or to request. Together, they literally mean 'to request an apology' or 'to seek forgiveness'.

Etymological Root: The word 'پوزش' finds its roots in Middle Persian (Pahlavi) as 'pōzišn', which historically referred to a justification or a defense. Unlike many Persian words for apology that are borrowed from Arabic, this is a pure Persian (Persianate) term, which adds to its prestige in formal writing.

بابت تأخیر در پاسخگویی از شما پوزش می‌خواهم.
(I apologize to you for the delay in responding.)

In the context of Iranian culture and the complex social system of Ta'rof, using this verb signals a high level of respect toward the listener. It is often heard in the opening or closing of formal letters, during news broadcasts when a mistake has occurred, or in high-stakes negotiations. If you use this word in a casual setting with close friends, it might sound overly dramatic or even slightly sarcastic, as it is several levels of formality above the standard 'ببخشید' (bebakhshid). Understanding the register of this word is crucial for B2 learners who are moving into professional Persian environments.

Register and Tone: Formal, Academic, and Literary. It is the preferred choice for written business communication and diplomatic discourse.

مدیر عامل شخصاً از کارکنان پوزش خواست.
(The CEO personally apologized to the employees.)

Furthermore, the word is frequently found in classical and modern Persian literature. Poets use it to describe a lover seeking forgiveness from the beloved, or a subject seeking mercy from a king. This historical baggage gives the word a poetic undertone that 'عذرخواهی' lacks. When you use 'پوزش خواستن', you are not just saying sorry; you are performing an act of humility that is deeply ingrained in the linguistic heritage of Iran. It implies a recognition of a breach in etiquette or duty and a formal request to restore the social balance.

Common Collocations: Commonly paired with 'صمیمانه' (samicmāne - sincerely) or 'رسماً' (rasman - officially) to emphasize the gravity of the apology.

Using پوزش خواستن correctly requires attention to Persian syntax, specifically the use of compound verbs and prepositions. As a compound verb, the 'خواستن' part is what changes to reflect tense, person, and number, while 'پوزش' remains static. The most important grammatical rule to remember is that you apologize *from* someone in Persian. The structure is: [Subject] + [Preposition 'از'] + [Person] + [Reason with 'بابت' or 'برای'] + [Puzesh Khāstan].

Present Continuous Usage: When you are in the act of apologizing right now, you use the present indicative: 'پوزش می‌خواهم' (I apologize). This is the standard way to start a formal apology speech.

من از صمیم قلب از شما پوزش می‌خواهم.
(I sincerely apologize to you.)

In the past tense, it is used to report an apology that has already happened. For example, 'او پوزش خواست' (He/She apologized). If you want to say 'I had to apologize', you would use the modal verb 'مجبور بودن' followed by the subjunctive form: 'مجبور شدم پوزش بخواهم'. Notice how 'خواستن' changes to 'بخواهم' in the subjunctive mood. This is a common pattern for B2 level learners to master.

Negative Forms: To say someone refused to apologize, you use the negative past: 'او پوزش نخواست' (He did not apologize). This carries a strong connotation of stubbornness in Persian.

آیا او بابت اشتباهش پوزش خواست؟
(Did he apologize for his mistake?)

Another complex usage involves the causative or passive-like structures. While 'پوزش خواستن' is active, one might say 'پوزش او پذیرفته شد' (His apology was accepted). Here, the noun 'پوزش' acts independently. In professional emails, you will often see the phrase 'پیشاپیش پوزش می‌خواهم' (I apologize in advance), which is a staple of polite business communication when a disruption is expected.

Subjunctive Usage: Often used after verbs like 'باید' (must) or 'می‌خواهم' (I want to). 'باید از او پوزش بخواهی' (You must apologize to him).

You are most likely to encounter پوزش خواستن in environments where the Persian language is used with precision and formality. One of the primary places is in the Iranian media. News anchors and government spokespeople use this verb when issuing corrections or addressing public grievances. It is the language of the state and the institution. For instance, if a flight is delayed, the announcement over the PA system will likely use 'پوزش می‌طلبیم' or 'پوزش می‌خواهیم' rather than the colloquial 'ببخشید'.

In Literature and Cinema: In historical dramas or films depicting the upper classes of Iranian society, characters will use 'پوزش خواستن' to maintain their social standing while admitting fault. It highlights a certain level of education and 'adab' (etiquette).

در اخبار اعلام شد که شرکت هواپیمایی از مسافران پوزش خواسته است.
(It was announced in the news that the airline has apologized to the passengers.)

The academic world is another stronghold for this word. In the prefaces of books, authors often 'پوزش می‌خواهند' for any potential errors in their research. It is a sign of intellectual humility. Similarly, in a courtroom or during legal proceedings, a lawyer might advise their client to 'پوزش بخواهد' to mitigate a sentence. This formal context demands a word that is legally and socially recognized as a formal admission of regret.

Corporate Communication: Customer service emails from large Iranian companies (like Digikala or Snapp) will almost exclusively use 'پوزش' when a service failure occurs.

استاد در ابتدای جلسه بابت غیبت هفته گذشته پوزش خواست.
(The professor apologized at the beginning of the session for last week's absence.)

Lastly, you will see it in the 'Shahnameh' and other classical texts. While the grammar might be slightly different in Old Persian, the root 'puzesh' has survived for over a millennium. Hearing it today is like hearing a linguistic echo of Iran's imperial past. It is a word that commands attention and respect, making it a powerful tool in the arsenal of any advanced Persian speaker who wishes to navigate the complexities of Iranian social and professional life.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using پوزش خواستن is the incorrect use of prepositions. In English, we say 'apologize TO someone'. Naturally, a learner might want to use 'به' (be) in Persian. However, the correct preposition is 'از' (az), which means 'from'. Saying 'به او پوزش خواستم' is a clear marker of a non-native speaker and can sound quite jarring to an Iranian ear.

Misuse of Register: Using 'پوزش خواستن' in a very casual setting, like when you accidentally bump into a friend or spill a bit of water, is a mistake of register. It makes you sound like a character from a 19th-century novel. For these situations, 'ببخشید' or 'شرمنده' is much more appropriate.

Incorrect: من به رئیس پوزش خواستم.
Correct: من از رئیس پوزش خواستم.

Another common error is confusing 'پوزش خواستن' with 'پوزش دادن'. While 'خواستن' means to ask for, 'پوزش دادن' is not a standard Persian phrase. If you want to say 'to accept an apology', you must use 'پوزش کسی را پذیرفتن' (to accept someone's apology). Learners often try to invent compound verbs that don't exist by following English logic. Always stick to the established 'noun + light verb' combinations in Persian.

Spelling and Pronunciation: The 'v' in 'خواستن' (khāstan) is silent. Many beginners try to pronounce it as 'khavāstan'. This is a fundamental Persian phonology rule that applies to several 'khv' words. Pronouncing the 'v' makes the apology sound clumsy.

Confusion: پوزش (Puzesh) vs. سوزش (Sūzesh - burning). Be careful with the first letter; apologizing for a 'burning' instead of an 'apology' can lead to very confusing situations!

Finally, avoid over-using the word. In Persian culture, sometimes a sincere 'عذرخواهی' followed by a detailed explanation is more effective than a single formal 'پوزش'. Over-reliance on formal vocabulary without the accompanying 'Ta'rof' or warmth can sometimes come across as cold or distant, rather than respectful. Balance your formal vocabulary with authentic social cues.

Persian has a rich variety of ways to say 'I'm sorry,' each suited to a specific level of formality and social context. Understanding the nuances between پوزش خواستن and its alternatives is a key component of the B2 level. The most direct competitor is 'عذرخواهی کردن' (ozr-khāhi kardan). While nearly identical in meaning, 'عذرخواهی' is of Arabic origin and is the standard, neutral-to-formal choice for most situations.

Puzesh vs. Ozr-khāhi: 'پوزش خواستن' is more literary and pure Persian. 'عذرخواهی کردن' is the workhorse of the language, used in offices, schools, and semi-formal social gatherings. If you aren't sure, 'عذرخواهی کردن' is usually the safer, more natural-sounding bet.

Alternative: معذرت خواستن (Ma'zerat khāstan). This is slightly less formal than 'پوزش' but still more formal than 'ببخشید'. It is very common in spoken Persian.

For casual, everyday situations, 'ببخشید' (bebakhshid) is the go-to word. It's the equivalent of 'excuse me' or 'sorry'. Then there is 'شرمنده' (sharmandeh), which literally means 'ashamed'. This is a very common part of Ta'rof culture. When someone does you a favor, you might say 'شرمنده کردید' (you made me feel ashamed/indebted), or if you can't fulfill a request, you say 'شرمنده‌ام'. It's more about social debt than a formal apology for a mistake.

Literary Alternatives: 'طلب عفو کردن' (talab-e afv kardan) - To seek a formal pardon. This is extremely formal and often has religious or legal overtones, implying a request for mercy rather than just an apology.

Casual: ببخشید (Bebakhshid) - 'Excuse me / Sorry'.
Very Casual: ببخش (Bebakhsh) - 'Forgive [me]'.

In summary, choose 'پوزش خواستن' when you want to sound professional, literary, or exceptionally respectful. Use 'عذرخواهی کردن' for standard politeness, 'معذرت خواستن' for everyday apologies, and 'ببخشید' for quick, casual interactions. Mastering these distinctions will allow you to navigate the hierarchical and etiquette-driven world of Persian social interaction with confidence and grace.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Because it is a 'pure' Persian word (not Arabic), it was heavily promoted during the Pahlavi era's linguistic reforms to replace the Arabic 'ozr-khāhi'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /puːzeʃ xɒːstæn/

US /puːzeʃ xɑːstæn/

The stress falls on the last syllable of each word: pu-ZESH khās-TAN.

Rhymes With

سوزش (sūzesh) آموزش (āmūzesh) پژوهش (pazhūhesh) کاهش (kāhesh) دانش (dānesh) تابش (tābesh) رنجش (ranjesh) گردش (gardesh)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the silent 'v' in 'خواستن' (khāstan).
Pronouncing 'puzesh' with a short 'u' like 'put'.
Putting the stress on the first syllable of 'puzesh'.
Failing to produce the 'kh' sound correctly (making it sound like a simple 'k' or 'h').
Merging the two words into one without a clear break.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Easy to recognize in text, but requires understanding of formal context.

Writing 6/5

Requires correct preposition usage and compound verb conjugation.

Speaking 7/5

Difficult to use naturally without sounding overly formal.

Listening 5/5

Common in formal broadcasts and movies, easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

خواستن از ببخشید اشتباه مودبانه

Learn Next

عذرخواهی کردن معذرت خواستن بخشیدن گذشت کردن جبران کردن

Advanced

عفو بین‌الملل اعتذار استغفار پوزش‌نامه ندامت

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

In 'پوزش خواستن', only 'خواستن' changes: پوزش می‌خواهم، پوزش خواستم.

Preposition 'Az'

Always use 'از' with the person: از مدیر پوزش خواستم.

Silent 'v' in Khāstan

The 'v' in 'خواستن' is not pronounced: /khāstan/.

Subjunctive Mood

After 'bāyad' (must), use the subjunctive: باید پوزش بخواهم.

Preposition 'Bābat'

Use 'بابت' for the reason: پوزش بابت تأخیر.

Examples by Level

من پوزش می‌خواهم.

I apologize.

Simple present indicative of the compound verb.

او پوزش خواست.

He/She apologized.

Simple past tense.

آیا پوزش می‌خواهی؟

Do you apologize?

Question form in the present tense.

ما پوزش می‌خواهیم.

We apologize.

First person plural.

آن‌ها پوزش خواستند.

They apologized.

Third person plural past tense.

لطفاً پوزش بخواه.

Please apologize.

Imperative (subjunctive) form.

پوزش نخواه.

Don't apologize.

Negative imperative.

من باید پوزش بخواهم.

I must apologize.

Modal verb 'must' + subjunctive.

من از شما پوزش می‌خواهم.

I apologize to you (formal).

Use of 'az' for the person being apologized to.

او از برادرش پوزش خواست.

He apologized to his brother.

Past tense with the preposition 'az'.

بابت این مشکل پوزش می‌خواهم.

I apologize for this problem.

Use of 'bābat' to show the reason.

او بابت اشتباهش پوزش نخواست.

He did not apologize for his mistake.

Negative past tense.

ما از همه پوزش می‌خواهیم.

We apologize to everyone.

Plural subject and object.

آیا از او پوزش خواستی؟

Did you apologize to him/her?

Second person singular past question.

باید از معلم پوزش بخواهیم.

We must apologize to the teacher.

Subjunctive mood after 'bāyad'.

او می‌خواهد پوزش بخواهد.

He wants to apologize.

Compound construction with 'khāstan' (to want).

من بابت تأخیر در جلسه پوزش می‌خواهم.

I apologize for the delay in the meeting.

Formal workplace context.

او صمیمانه از من پوزش خواست.

He sincerely apologized to me.

Use of the adverb 'samimāne'.

اگر پوزش بخواهی، او تو را می‌بخشد.

If you apologize, he will forgive you.

First conditional sentence.

من هرگز از او پوزش نخواهم خواست.

I will never apologize to him.

Future tense (formal construction).

شرکت رسماً از مشتریان پوزش خواست.

The company officially apologized to the customers.

Use of 'rasman' (officially).

او بابت رفتارش پوزش خواست و رفت.

He apologized for his behavior and left.

Sequential actions in the past.

آیا لازم است که پوزش بخواهم؟

Is it necessary for me to apologize?

Impersonal construction + subjunctive.

او با لحنی مودبانه پوزش خواست.

He apologized in a polite tone.

Descriptive phrase with 'lahn' (tone).

بابت نقص فنی پیش آمده، صمیمانه از شما پوزش می‌خواهیم.

We sincerely apologize to you for the technical flaw that occurred.

Professional technical support language.

او بابت سوءتفاهم‌های اخیر از همکارانش پوزش خواست.

He apologized to his colleagues for the recent misunderstandings.

Use of 'su'etafāhom' (misunderstanding).

دولت بابت اشتباهات گذشته از مردم پوزش خواست.

The government apologized to the people for past mistakes.

Political/National context.

من بابت هرگونه مزاحمت پوزش می‌خواهم.

I apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Standard formal phrase for 'inconvenience'.

او ترجیح داد به جای توجیه، پوزش بخواهد.

He preferred to apologize instead of justifying.

Contrastive structure with 'be jāye'.

پیشاپیش بابت هرگونه تأخیر احتمالی پوزش می‌طلبیم.

We apologize in advance for any possible delay.

Use of 'puzesh talabidan' as a variant.

او در نامه‌ای رسمی از مدیر پوزش خواست.

He apologized to the manager in an official letter.

Written formal context.

پوزش خواستن در چنین شرایطی نشانه بزرگواری است.

Apologizing in such circumstances is a sign of magnanimity.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive as a subject.

نویسنده در مقدمه کتاب بابت کاستی‌های احتمالی پوزش خواسته است.

The author has apologized in the book's preface for any potential shortcomings.

Academic literary context.

او با تواضع تمام از رقیب خود پوزش خواست.

He apologized to his rival with total humility.

Use of 'tavāzo' (humility).

پوزش خواستن او بیش از آنکه صادقانه باشد، مصلحتی به نظر می‌رسید.

His apology seemed more expedient than sincere.

Complex comparative structure.

او بابت نقض عهد خود از دوستانش پوزش خواست.

He apologized to his friends for breaking his promise.

Use of 'naghz-e ahd' (breach of promise).

مدیر بابت بی‌نظمی‌های اخیر از مراجعین پوزش خواست.

The manager apologized to the visitors for the recent irregularities.

Formal administrative language.

او بابت قصور در انجام وظایفش پوزش خواست.

He apologized for the negligence in performing his duties.

Legalistic term 'ghosur' (negligence).

پوزش خواستن همیشه به معنای اشتباه کردن نیست.

Apologizing does not always mean being wrong.

Abstract philosophical statement.

او در بیانیه‌ای از تمامی آسیب‌دیدگان پوزش خواست.

In a statement, he apologized to all those who were harmed.

Public relations context.

پوزش خواستن در فرهنگ سیاسی ما اغلب به مثابه ضعف تلقی می‌شود.

Apologizing in our political culture is often perceived as a sign of weakness.

Sociopolitical analysis.

او با زبانی فاخر و ادبی از پیشگاه ملت پوزش خواست.

He apologized to the nation using elegant and literary language.

High literary register.

این پوزش خواستن، آغازی بر روند آشتی ملی بود.

This apology was the beginning of the national reconciliation process.

Historical/Diplomatic context.

او بابت جریحه‌دار کردن عواطف عمومی پوزش خواست.

He apologized for hurting public sentiments.

Idiomatic formal expression.

پوزش خواستن او، هرچند دیرهنگام، اما ضروری بود.

His apology, though late, was necessary.

Concessive clause structure.

او بابت هرگونه شائبه‌ای که ایجاد شده بود پوزش خواست.

He apologized for any suspicion that had been created.

Use of 'shā'ebeh' (suspicion/doubt).

وی با ابراز ندامت، از درگاه حق پوزش خواست.

Expressing remorse, he sought forgiveness from the Divine presence.

Spiritual/Religious context.

پوزش خواستن بی‌قید و شرط او، همگان را شگفت‌زده کرد.

His unconditional apology surprised everyone.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

Synonyms

عذرخواهی کردن معذرت خواستن ببخشید طلب عفو کردن پوزش طلبیدن شرمنده بودن حلالیت طلبیدن اعتذار جستن

Antonyms

توجیه کردن ادعا کردن سرزنش کردن تکبر ورزیدن

Common Collocations

صمیمانه پوزش خواستن

رسماً پوزش خواستن

بابت اشتباه پوزش خواستن

پوزش‌نامه نوشتن

پوزش پذیرفتن

پیشاپیش پوزش خواستن

پوزش‌خواه بودن

اصرار بر پوزش خواستن

پوزش خواستن کتبی

به جای پوزش خواستن

Common Phrases

پوزش می‌خواهم

— The standard formal way to say 'I apologize' or 'I'm sorry'.

پوزش می‌خواهم، متوجه نشدم.

پوزش می‌طلبم

— A slightly more literary and formal variant of 'I apologize'.

از محضر شما پوزش می‌طلبم.

با عرض پوزش

— A very common phrase meaning 'with apologies' or 'excuse me'.

با عرض پوزش، باید بروم.

پوزش بنده را بپذیرید

— A highly formal way to say 'Please accept my apology'.

خواهش می‌کنم پوزش بنده را بپذیرید.

مورد پوزش واقع شدن

— To be forgiven (passive and very formal).

خطای او مورد پوزش واقع شد.

زبان به پوزش گشودن

— To start apologizing (literally: to open one's tongue to apology).

او بالاخره زبان به پوزش گشود.

پوزش خواستن از پیشگاه...

— To apologize to someone very important (literally: from the presence of...).

او از پیشگاه ملت پوزش خواست.

جای پوزش ندارد

— There is no need to apologize (it's okay).

خواهش می‌کنم، اصلاً جای پوزش ندارد.

پوزش‌خواهانه نگریستن

— To look apologetically at someone.

او پوزش‌خواهانه به من نگریست.

بدون هیچ پوزشی

— Without any apology (often implies rudeness).

او بدون هیچ پوزشی مجلس را ترک کرد.

Often Confused With

پوزش خواستن vs سوزش (Sūzesh)

Means 'burning'. Confusing the first letters 'P' and 'S' changes the meaning entirely.

پوزش خواستن vs عذرخواهی کردن

Means the same but is less literary and has Arabic roots.

پوزش خواستن vs خواهش کردن

Means 'to request' or 'you're welcome'. Both use the 'khāstan' root but for different purposes.

Idioms & Expressions

"پوزش بر سر پوزش"

— Repeated apologies, sometimes suggesting insincerity or excessive guilt.

آنقدر پوزش بر سر پوزش آورد که کلافه شدم.

Literary/Spoken

"دریای پوزش"

— A vast amount of apologies (metaphorical).

او دریایی از پوزش برای من فرستاد.

Poetic

"پوزش‌خواه بودن بهتر از پشیمان بودن است"

— Similar to 'better safe than sorry' but focusing on the act of apologizing.

او همیشه می‌گوید پوزش‌خواه بودن بهتر از پشیمان بودن است.

Proverbial

"پوزش به جای عذر"

— Using a formal apology instead of a mere excuse.

او پوزش به جای عذر آورد تا احترامش را حفظ کند.

Formal

"پوزش‌اش را به رخ کشیدن"

— To show off one's apology or act as if the apology makes them superior.

او پوزشش را به رخ ما می‌کشد.

Critical

"در پوزش گشاده بودن"

— To be very open and willing to apologize.

او در پوزش گشاده است و غرور ندارد.

Literary

"پوزش سرد"

— A cold, insincere apology.

یک پوزش سرد تحویلم داد و رفت.

Descriptive

"سپر پوزش"

— Using an apology as a shield to avoid consequences.

او از پوزش به عنوان سپری برای فرار از تنبیه استفاده کرد.

Metaphorical

"پوزش تلخ"

— An apology that is hard to give or hard to hear.

آن پوزش تلخ، دوستی ما را تمام کرد.

Poetic

"مهر پوزش"

— The 'seal' of an apology, meaning the final word that settles a dispute.

پوزش او مهری بر پایان دعوا بود.

Literary

Easily Confused

پوزش خواستن vs پوزش

Sounds like 'Pūsh' (wearing).

Puzesh is an apology; Pūsh is a root for wearing clothes. One is about regret, the other about clothing.

او پوزش خواست vs او لباس پوشید.

پوزش خواستن vs خواستن

Confused with 'خاستن' (to rise).

خواستن (with 'v') means to want/ask. خاستن (without 'v') means to rise or get up. They sound identical but have different meanings and spellings.

من پوزش می‌خواهم vs او از جا خاست.

پوزش خواستن vs عفو

Both mean forgiveness.

Puzesh is the act of apologizing; Afv is the act of pardoning someone. Afv is usually granted by a superior.

او پوزش خواست و پادشاه او را عفو کرد.

پوزش خواستن vs معذرت

Synonyms.

Ma'zerat is standard and common; Puzesh is high-brow and Persian-centric.

معذرت می‌خوام (Spoken) vs پوزش می‌خواهم (Formal).

پوزش خواستن vs توجیه

Both involve explaining a mistake.

Puzesh is an admission of fault; Toujie is an attempt to explain why the fault wasn't really your fault.

به جای توجیه، پوزش بخواه.

Sentence Patterns

من پوزش می‌خواهم.

من از [شخص] پوزش می‌خواهم.

من از شما پوزش می‌خواهم.

بابت [دلیل] پوزش می‌خواهم.

بابت تأخیر پوزش می‌خواهم.

صمیمانه از [شخص] بابت [دلیل] پوزش می‌خواهم.

صمیمانه از شما بابت این سوءتفاهم پوزش می‌خواهم.

نویسنده بابت [دلیل] از خوانندگان پوزش خواسته است.

نویسنده بابت خطاهای چاپی از خوانندگان پوزش خواسته است.

پوزش خواستن از [شخص] در این مقام، امری ضروری است.

پوزش خواستن از پیشگاه ملت در این مقام، امری ضروری است.

پیشاپیش پوزش می‌طلبیم.

پیشاپیش بابت هرگونه مشکل پوزش می‌طلبیم.

باید از او پوزش بخواهی.

Word Family

Nouns

پوزش (puzesh) - apology

پوزش‌خواه (puzesh-khāh) - apologizer

پوزش‌نامه (puzesh-nāmeh) - letter of apology

Verbs

پوزش طلبیدن (puzesh talabidan) - to seek apology (literary)

پوزش پذیرفتن (puzesh paziraptan) - to accept an apology

Adjectives

پوزش‌خواهانه (puzesh-khāhāneh) - apologetic

پوزش‌پذیر (puzesh-pazir) - forgiving/accepting of apologies

عذرخواهی (ozr-khāhi)

ببخشش (bakhshesh)

ندامت (nedāmat)

توبه (towbeh)

شرمندگی (sharmandegi)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal writing and media; rare in casual daily speech.

Common Mistakes

من به شما پوزش می‌خواهم. → من از شما پوزش می‌خواهم.
Using 'be' (to) instead of 'az' (from).
Pronouncing the 'v' in khāstan. → Silent 'v'.
Native speakers never pronounce the 'v' in this word.
Using it with a close friend for a small thing. → Use 'ببخشید'.
It sounds overly formal and weird in casual settings.
پوزش کردن → پوزش خواستن
The light verb must be 'خواستن', not 'کردن'.
Confusing 'پوزش' with 'سوزش'. → Puzesh (Apology).
One starts with 'P', the other with 'S'.

Tips

Watch the Preposition

Never use 'به' (to) with this verb. It must be 'از' (from). This is the most common mistake for English speakers.

Use in Emails

This is the perfect word to use when writing a formal email to an Iranian company or professor.

Silent 'V'

Remember to skip the 'v' sound in 'khāstan'. It sounds like 'khā-stan'.

Pure Persian

Using 'پوزش' instead of 'عذر' makes your Persian sound more literary and elegant.

Professionalism

If you make a mistake at work, 'پوزش می‌خواهم' shows you are professional and respectful.

Ta'rof

In Ta'rof, an apology is often followed by a compliment to restore social balance.

Apology in Advance

Use 'پیشاپیش پوزش می‌خواهم' if you know you will be late or cause a disruption.

News Phrasing

Listen for 'پوزش می‌طلبیم' in airport or train station announcements.

Adverb Pairing

Pair it with 'صمیمانه' (sincerely) for a heartfelt formal apology.

Association

Associate 'Puzesh' with 'Position'. You are taking a 'position' of humility.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Poo' (like a mistake) + 'Zesh' (sounds like 'jest'). You are not jesting about the 'poo' mistake, so you 'puzesh khāstan' (ask for apology).

Visual Association

Imagine a person in a formal suit (representing the formality) holding a sign that says 'I AM SORRY' in beautiful calligraphy.

Word Web

Respect Formal Pure Persian Letter Mistake Etiquette Forgiveness Humility

Challenge

Try to write a 3-sentence formal email to a hypothetical professor apologizing for a late assignment using 'پوزش خواستن' and the preposition 'بابت'.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Persian 'pōzišn'. It has remained remarkably stable in form and meaning over a thousand years.

Original meaning: A justification, an excuse, or a legal defense in a court of law.

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> Middle Persian -> Modern Persian.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use it too much for tiny mistakes, as it can seem insincere or like you're trying too hard to be formal.

In English, 'I apologize' is formal, but 'پوزش خواستن' is even more formal, bordering on 'I beg your pardon' or 'I crave your forgiveness'.

Found in the Shahnameh of Ferdowsi in various forms. Commonly used in the speeches of Iranian diplomats at the UN. Used in the prefaces of major Persian encyclopedias like Dehkhoda.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Email

پوزش بابت تأخیر
صمیمانه پوزش می‌خواهیم
پوزش ما را بپذیرید
با عرض پوزش فراوان

Formal Speech

از پیشگاه شما پوزش می‌طلبم
بابت قصور پوزش می‌خواهم
جای پوزش دارد
لازم است پوزش بخواهم

Academic Writing

نویسنده پوزش می‌خواهد
بابت خطاهای احتمالی پوزش می‌طلبیم
پوزش‌نامه نویسنده
در مقام پوزش

Diplomacy

پوزش رسمی دولت
درخواست پوزش
پوزش بی‌قید و شرط
پذیرش پوزش

Customer Service

پوزش بابت نقص فنی
پوزش بابت شلوغی
پیشاپیش پوزش می‌خواهیم
پوزش صمیمانه تیم ما

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال مجبور شده‌اید از کسی رسماً پوزش بخواهید؟"

"به نظر شما پوزش خواستن نشانه قدرت است یا ضعف؟"

"در فرهنگ شما، پوزش خواستن چقدر اهمیت دارد؟"

"بهترین راه برای پوزش خواستن از یک دوست صمیمی چیست؟"

"آیا در زبان شما هم کلمات متفاوتی برای پوزش خواستن وجود دارد؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که از کسی پوزش خواستید و احساس بهتری پیدا کردید.

چرا پوزش خواستن در محیط‌های کاری ایران بسیار مهم است؟

تفاوت بین 'ببخشید' و 'پوزش می‌خواهم' را با ذکر مثال توضیح دهید.

یک نامه رسمی پوزش‌خواهی به مدیر یک شرکت فرضی بنویسید.

آیا فکر می‌کنید سیاستمداران باید بابت اشتباهاتشان پوزش بخواهند؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Rarely. In daily life, Iranians use 'ببخشید' or 'معذرت می‌خوام'. 'پوزش خواستن' is reserved for formal situations or letters.

Always use 'از' (az) for the person. For example: 'از دوستم پوزش خواستم'.

No, it is a silent letter. You should pronounce it as 'khāstan'.

'پوزش' is a pure Persian word, while 'عذر' is Arabic. 'پوزش' is considered more literary.

No, that is grammatically incorrect. You must use 'خواستن' or 'طلبیدن' as the light verb.

You can say: 'بابت تأخیر پوزش می‌خواهم'.

It might sound a bit too formal or even sarcastic unless you are making a very serious apology.

It means an official 'letter of apology'.

You would typically say 'با عرض پوزش' (with apologies) to mean 'excuse me' formally.

Linguistically, there is no direct functional link in modern Persian, though some etymologists look at ancient roots. Stick to the 'apology' meaning!