Learning common ways to say sorry in Farsi (Persian) is essential for connecting with native speakers, showing politeness, and effectively expressing emotions. Apologies play a significant role in Iranian culture, emphasizing respect, humility, and a genuine acknowledgment of one’s mistakes. 

Here, we’ll explore some of the most commonly used phrases to apologize in Farsi, including translations, cultural context, and pronunciation tips.

Apologies in Farsi: Why Learning Them Matters

Persian culture, deeply rooted in traditions and social etiquette, values expressing regret appropriately. Whether you’re learning Farsi for travel, business, or cultural understanding, knowing how to apologize sincerely can strengthen relationships and demonstrate your respect for Iranian customs.

In Farsi, apologies are nuanced, and specific phrases are used depending on the situation. Mastering formal apologies and casual expressions can make you sound both polite and fluent.

Common Ways to Say Sorry in Farsi

• 1. ببخشید (Bebakhshid) – Excuse Me / Sorry

This versatile phrase is one of the most commonly used ways to apologize in Farsi.

• • When to Use:
    
    
    • • To grab someone’s attention
    • • To excuse yourself in a crowd
    • • To apologize casually

• • Pronunciation: Beh-bakh-sheed

• • Example:
    
    
    • • Bebakhshid, man دیر کردم (Bebakhshid, man dir kardam)
        Translation: Sorry, I’m late.

• 2. معذرت می‌خواهم (Ma’zerat Mikhaam) – I Apologize

This is a formal way to say “I apologize” and is often used in professional or serious contexts.

• • Pronunciation: Ma-ze-rat Mee-khaam

• • When to Use:
    
    
    • • Formal apologies
    • • Writing letters or emails

• • Example:
    
    
    • • معذرت می‌خواهم که ناراحتتان کردم.
        (Ma’zerat mikhaam ke naraahatetoon kardam.)
        Translation: I apologize for upsetting you.

• 3. شرمنده‌ام (Sharmandé-am) – I Am Sorry / I Feel Ashamed

This phrase conveys deeper regret and humility. It translates as “I am ashamed” and is used to express heartfelt apologies.

• • Pronunciation: Shar-man-de-am

• • When to Use:
    
    
    • • Personal apologies
    • • Expressing deep regret

• • Example:
    
    
    • • شرمنده‌ام که اشتباه کردم.
        (Sharmandé-am ke eshtebaah kardam.)
        Translation: I am sorry for making a mistake.

• 4. ببخشید که مزاحمتان شدم (Bebakhshid Ke Mozaahametoon Shodam) – Sorry to Bother You

This phrase is polite and suitable when you want to apologize for being an inconvenience.

• • Pronunciation: Beh-bakh-sheed keh moh-zaa-ha-me-toon sho-dam

• • Example:
    
    
    • • ببخشید که مزاحمتان شدم.
        Translation: Sorry for bothering you.

• 5. اشتباه کردم (Eshtebaah Kardam) – I Made a Mistake

Direct and honest, this phrase is perfect for admitting fault.

• • Pronunciation: Esh-te-bah kar-dam

• • Example:
    
    
    • • اشتباه کردم و امیدوارم ببخشید.
        Translation: I made a mistake and hope you’ll forgive me.

• 6. غلط کردم (Ghalat Kardam) – I Was Wrong (Deeply Regretful)

This is a stronger, more self-critical way of apologizing, often used to express profound regret.

• • Pronunciation: Ghah-lat kar-dam

• • Caution: This phrase can sound overly dramatic in casual settings and is best reserved for very serious apologies.

How to Say Sorry in Persian in Different Situations

• Saying Sorry Casually

• • Use phrases like “Bebakhshid” or “Eshtebaah Kardam” in informal interactions.

• • Example: Bebakhshid, اشتباه کردم. (Sorry, I made a mistake.)

• Saying Sorry Formally

• • Opt for “Ma’zerat Mikhaam” or “Sharmandé-am” for professional settings.

• • Example: معذرت می‌خواهم برای تاخیر. (I apologize for the delay.)

• Apologizing in Writing

When writing a letter or email, start with:

• • با عرض معذرت (Ba Arze Ma’zerat) – With Apologies

• • Example:
    
    
    • • با عرض معذرت، امیدوارم ناراحتی ایجاد نکرده باشم.
        Translation: With apologies, I hope I haven’t caused any trouble.