What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally a command form of the verb 'to forgive' (baxšidan), meaning 'forgive' or 'forgive me'.
Which one should you use?
While ببخشید is used for "excuse me" or minor apologies, متأسفم is a more formal way to express deep regret or sympathy. In contrast, ببخش is the informal, singular imperative version used with friends or people younger than you.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ببخشید is a polite way to say "excuse me" or "sorry" and is suitable for use with strangers or in formal settings. For very formal situations, you can use متأسفم (I am sorry), باعث ناراحتی شما شدم (I have caused you discomfort) or پوزش می‌طلبم (I ask for forgiveness). In informal settings, you might use معذرت می‌خوام (I apologize), پوزش می‌خوام (I'm sorry) or من عذر می‌خوام (I am asking for forgiveness).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Tehran, the phrase ببخش، واقعاً پشیمون شدم is used to mean "Sorry, I am truly regretful".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of ببخشید is /ˈbi.bax.ʃeːd/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Persian culture, an apology is often accompanied by Taarof, a complex system of etiquette where the other person may repeatedly refuse to accept the apology out of politeness.
- The phrase ببخشید is the second person plural form of the verb, meaning you are literally addressing the other person as if they were a group to show respect.
- The verb root in ببخشید also relates to the concept of 'giving' or 'bestowing', which suggests that true forgiveness is seen as a gift given by the person who was wronged.
Examples in context
- متأسفم که به شما آسیب رساندم.I am sorry for hurting you.
- ببخشید، ساعت چند است؟bebakhshid, sā'at chand ast?Excuse me, what time is it?
- ببخشید، من دیر آمدم.bebakhshid, man dir āmadam.I am sorry, I came late.
- ببخشید، می‌توانم از اینجا رد شوم؟bebakhshid, mitavānam az injā rad shavam?Excuse me, may I pass through here?
Example conversation
Zahra accidentally bumps into Ali in a hallway.
- زهرا Zahraببخشید، من حواسم نبود.Bebakhshid, man havasam nabud.I am sorry, I wasn't paying attention.
- علی Aliاشکالی ندارد، زهرا.Eshkali nadarad, Zahra.It doesn't matter, Zahra.
- زهرا Zahraواقعاً متأسفم، علی.Vaghe'an motassefam, Ali.I am really sorry, Ali.
- علی Aliعیبی ندارد، اتفاق می‌افتد.Eybi nadarad, ettefagh mi-oftad.No problem, it happens.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ببخشید, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ببخشید, CC BY-SA 4.0.
