Significado
Without any possessions, gifts, or desired outcome.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'Soughāt' (souvenirs) and 'Pishkesh' (offerings) is so strong that being 'dast-e khali' is often avoided by buying even the simplest item like a box of 'Shirini' (sweets). In Iranian business, the first meeting is often about building rapport. Even if no contract is signed, leaving 'dast-e khali' might refer to not having established a good relationship. In many Persian prayers and poems, the worshipper describes themselves as 'dast-e khali' before God, signifying humility and having no good deeds to offer. Parents often feel a sense of 'sharmandegi' (shame) if they return home 'dast-e khali' to their children without a small treat or 'khorāki'.
The Sweet Rule
If you are worried about being 'dast-e khali', a box of pastries (Shirini) is the universal 'get out of jail free' card in Iran.
Verb Pairing
Always try to use 'bargashtan' (to return) with this phrase; it's the most natural combination for learners.
Significado
Without any possessions, gifts, or desired outcome.
The Sweet Rule
If you are worried about being 'dast-e khali', a box of pastries (Shirini) is the universal 'get out of jail free' card in Iran.
Verb Pairing
Always try to use 'bargashtan' (to return) with this phrase; it's the most natural combination for learners.
Not for Poverty
Avoid using this to describe a homeless person; it sounds like they just finished a shopping trip unsuccessfully.
Self-Deprecation
You can use it to be humble. If you bring a small gift, you can say 'Bakhshid dast-e khali amadam' (Sorry I came empty-handed) even if you have a gift! It's Ta'arof.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
خیلی زشت است که به خانه مادربزرگ ________ برویم.
In the context of visiting a grandmother, 'dast-e khali' (empty-handed) is the culturally appropriate concern.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to mean 'failed to buy anything'?
Which one is correct?
The idiom 'dast-e khali bargashtan' is the standard way to describe returning from a trip without success.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چرا ناراحتی؟ B: چون در مسابقه ________.
Being 'left empty-handed' (dast-e khali mandan) explains why someone would be sad after a competition.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You went to a meeting to get a discount, but the boss said no.
Returning without the desired discount is 'dast-e khali bargashtan'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Dast-e Khāli vs. Dast-e Por
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosخیلی زشت است که به خانه مادربزرگ ________ برویم.
In the context of visiting a grandmother, 'dast-e khali' (empty-handed) is the culturally appropriate concern.
Which one is correct?
The idiom 'dast-e khali bargashtan' is the standard way to describe returning from a trip without success.
A: چرا ناراحتی؟ B: چون در مسابقه ________.
Being 'left empty-handed' (dast-e khali mandan) explains why someone would be sad after a competition.
You went to a meeting to get a discount, but the boss said no.
Returning without the desired discount is 'dast-e khali bargashtan'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, the phrase itself isn't rude, but the *act* of being 'dast-e khali' in a social setting can be seen as impolite in Iran.
No, 'pā-ye khāli' is not an idiom. It only works with hands.
The opposite is 'Dast-e por' (Full-handed).
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing to describe a lack of results.
Not necessarily. It means you don't have the *thing* you were supposed to have at that moment.
Say: 'Nemikhāham dast-e khāli beravam.'
Yes, it is common in Afghanistan (Dari) and Tajikistan (Tajiki) as well.
Yes, 'Team dast-e khali bargasht' is a very common sports headline.
Yes, 'Dast-az-pā derāztar' is a more informal, slightly negative version.
Yes, but usually people will assume you mean the idiom unless the context is very physical.
Frases relacionadas
دست پر
contrastFull-handed; successful
تهیدست
synonymEmpty-handed; poor
دستتنگ
similarIn financial difficulty
دستخالی برگشتن
specialized formTo return empty-handed
