ببخشید
bibaxšēd/ˈbi.bax.ʃeːd/
In Persian, sorry is expressed as ببخشید (bibaxšēd).
ببخشید is used to express regret or to ask for forgiveness, often translated as "Please forgive me." Beyond apologizing, it is also a common way to say "excuse me" when you need to interrupt someone or pass through a crowd.
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
Which one should you use?
While ببخشید is used for social apologies and getting someone's attention, متاسفم is used specifically to express deeper, more formal sympathy or regret regarding a situation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ببخشید is a polite and formal imperative. For a more informal setting, such as speaking with friends or people of lower social status, you can use ببخش.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈbi.bax.ʃeːd/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable. The romanization is bibaxšēd.
Did you know?
- The root of ببخشید is the verb بخشیدن, which is also the primary word used for 'to donate' or 'to grant' in Persian. When you ask for forgiveness, you are literally asking someone to 'bestow' or 'grant' you mercy.
- In many Iranian social contexts, an apology is often accompanied by a slight bow or a touch of the hand to the chest. This physical gesture complements the verbal ببخشید to show sincerity and respect.
- In the complex system of Taarof (Persian etiquette), a person might say ببخشید multiple times in a row even if they have done nothing wrong, simply to show extreme humility to the other person.
Examples in context
- ببخشید که اذیتت کردم.I'm sorry to bother you.This sentence shows how to use ببخشید when expressing regret for bothering someone.Tatoeba #824142 by mahdiye, translation #64416 by CK
- ببخشید،من نمی دانستم تو همچنان اینجا بودی.Sorry, I didn't know you were still here.This sentence shows how to use ببخشید to apologize for a lack of awareness.Tatoeba #564207 by mahdiye, translation #564200 by darinmex
- ببخشید، دوست ندارم.Sorry, I'm not interested.This sentence shows how to use ببخشید to politely decline an interest.Tatoeba #3840852 by kuarash, translation #2908761 by Hybrid
- متاسفم! لطفاً ببخشید!I am sorry! Please forgive me!
- عذرخواهی می‌کنم، تاخیر کردم.I apologize for being late.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Amir accidentally bumps into Zahra in a crowded hallway.
- امیر Amirببخشید، حواسم نبود.bebakhshid, havāsam nabud.Sorry, I wasn't paying attention.
- زهرا Zahraاشکالی نداره، امیر.eshkāli nadāre, Amir.It's okay, Amir.
- امیر Amirباز هم ببخشید.bāz ham bebakhshid.Sorry again.
- زهرا Zahraواقعاً لازم نیست، نگران نباش.vāghe'an lāzem nist, negarān nabāsh.It's really not necessary, don't worry.
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
