Significado
A polite way to ask for a favor or permission.
Contexto cultural
In Iran, 'Ta'arof' means you might have to ask two or three times before someone accepts a favor, or they might refuse your payment. Using 'Momken ast lotfan' shows you are a person of 'shakhsiat' (character). In Dari (Afghan Persian), the phrase is also used but 'Mumkin' is pronounced with a shorter 'u'. The level of formality is similarly high in urban centers like Kabul. In Tajik, which uses the Cyrillic script, the phrase is 'Мумкин аст лутфан?'. Due to Soviet influence, Russian polite structures also mix with traditional Persian ones. Younger generations in Tehran might shorten this to 'Momkene...?' in a very fast, melodic way, especially when using ride-sharing apps like Snapp.
The 'Bebakshid' Combo
Always start with 'Bebakshid' (Excuse me) before 'Momken ast lotfan' for maximum politeness points.
Don't Forget the Verb!
English speakers often stop after 'please', but in Persian, you usually need to finish the sentence with a verb.
Significado
A polite way to ask for a favor or permission.
The 'Bebakshid' Combo
Always start with 'Bebakshid' (Excuse me) before 'Momken ast lotfan' for maximum politeness points.
Don't Forget the Verb!
English speakers often stop after 'please', but in Persian, you usually need to finish the sentence with a verb.
Smile and Nod
When saying this, a slight tilt of the head shows you are sincere in your request.
Texting Shortcut
In informal texts, you can just write 'mishe lotfan?' to save time.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct subjunctive form of the verb 'to bring' (آوردن -> بیاورید).
ممکن است لطفاً یک لیوان آب ______؟
After 'Momken ast lotfan', we use the subjunctive 'be-' form. 'Biavarid' is the correct formal subjunctive.
Which situation is MOST appropriate for using 'ممکن است لطفاً؟'?
Choose the best context:
This phrase is formal and respectful, making it perfect for authority figures or strangers.
Match the Persian phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations for different levels of politeness.
Complete the dialogue in a formal office setting.
Employee: ببخشید رئیس، ______ پنجره را ببندم؟ Manager: بله، حتماً.
This is the most polite way to ask a superior for permission.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosممکن است لطفاً یک لیوان آب ______؟
After 'Momken ast lotfan', we use the subjunctive 'be-' form. 'Biavarid' is the correct formal subjunctive.
Choose the best context:
This phrase is formal and respectful, making it perfect for authority figures or strangers.
Combine cada item a esquerda com seu par a direita:
These are the standard translations for different levels of politeness.
Employee: ببخشید رئیس، ______ پنجره را ببندم؟ Manager: بله، حتماً.
This is the most polite way to ask a superior for permission.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, but it's like saying 'Please' instead of 'Could you please?'. It's okay for small things, but 'Momken ast lotfan' is much more elegant.
Absolutely! It is the perfect phrase for a student-teacher relationship.
'Momkene' is the spoken, informal contraction of 'Momken ast'. You'll hear it everywhere in Tehran.
You can, but it makes it very formal (like a textbook). In normal conversation, your rising intonation does the work.
They will usually say 'Motasefam' (I'm sorry) or give an excuse using Ta'arof logic.
Yes, it's very common in the body of a professional email.
Yes! 'Momken ast lotfan کمی تخفیف بدهید؟' is a classic bazaar line.
The root is Arabic, but the usage is 100% Persian.
Just use the negative subjunctive: 'Momken ast lotfan نکنید؟' (ne-konid).
It's actually quite nice for a first date—it shows you are a gentleman or a lady.
Frases relacionadas
خواهش میکنم
similarI request / You're welcome
ببخشید
builds onExcuse me
امکان دارد؟
synonymIs there a possibility?
میشه؟
informalIs it possible? (Casual)
