Bedeutung
Expressing regret or sadness.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Tehran, 'Che heyf' is often shortened to just 'Heyf!' in very fast, casual speech, especially among youth. Shirazis, known for their love of poetry, might use 'Sad heyf' (A hundred pities) more often to add a touch of drama to their speech. In the diaspora, 'Che heyf' is one of the 'heritage' phrases that persists even when the speaker's Persian is limited, used as a marker of cultural empathy. If a guest leaves early, the host MUST say 'Che heyf' to show they enjoyed the guest's company and are sad to see them go.
Use it for Empathy
When someone tells you something slightly bad, say 'Che heyf' immediately. It makes you sound very fluent and kind.
Not for Death
Never use this for a death or a major accident. It's too small a word for such a big tragedy.
Bedeutung
Expressing regret or sadness.
Use it for Empathy
When someone tells you something slightly bad, say 'Che heyf' immediately. It makes you sound very fluent and kind.
Not for Death
Never use this for a death or a major accident. It's too small a word for such a big tragedy.
The 'Ke' Rule
If you want to explain WHY it's a pity, always use 'ke' after 'Che heyf'.
Ta'arof Context
Use it when refusing an invitation to show you really wanted to go.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to express disappointment.
دوستم به مهمانی نمیآید. ________!
When a friend can't come, 'Che heyf' is the appropriate way to show you are sorry to miss them.
Match the situation to the best response.
Situation: You find out your favorite ice cream shop is out of saffron ice cream.
'Che heyf' expresses the disappointment of missing out on something you like.
Complete the dialogue.
A: بلیط سینما تمام شد. B: ________! حالا چکار کنیم؟
The speaker is reacting to the bad news about the tickets.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'What a pity it's raining'?
Choose the best option:
The structure 'Che heyf ke' + [sentence] is the standard way to explain the reason for the pity.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Heyf vs. Afsus
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgabenدوستم به مهمانی نمیآید. ________!
When a friend can't come, 'Che heyf' is the appropriate way to show you are sorry to miss them.
Situation: You find out your favorite ice cream shop is out of saffron ice cream.
'Che heyf' expresses the disappointment of missing out on something you like.
A: بلیط سینما تمام شد. B: ________! حالا چکار کنیم؟
The speaker is reacting to the bad news about the tickets.
Choose the best option:
The structure 'Che heyf ke' + [sentence] is the standard way to explain the reason for the pity.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenIt is mostly informal to neutral. In very formal writing, you might use 'Jaye taasof ast.'
Yes! If you drop your phone, you can say 'Che heyf!' to yourself.
'Heyf' is for daily life; 'Afsus' is for deep, poetic, or historical regret.
You can say 'Are valla' (Yes, by God) or 'Dige chare-yi nist' (There's no other way).
No, it is usually seen as very polite and empathetic.
Yes, it means 'A hundred pities' and adds emphasis.
Yes, in many contexts like 'Heyf-e pool' (What a waste of money).
Only if you have a close relationship with the person. Otherwise, use 'Mota'asefane' (Unfortunately).
Yes, it is understood and used in Iran, Afghanistan (Dari), and Tajikistan.
Yes, 'Heyf shod' is very common for things that already happened.
You can just say 'Heyf!' but 'Che heyf' is more common as an exclamation.
It works, but be careful with your tone so people know you're joking.
Verwandte Redewendungen
حیف شد
similarIt became a pity / It was a shame
افسوس
synonymAlas / Regret
دریغ
synonymAlas
ای وای
builds onOh no!
حیف و میل
specialized formSquandering / Wasting
چه بد
similarHow bad
