At the A1 level, you should know that دلتنگی (deltangi) means 'missing someone' or 'homesickness.' It comes from two words: 'del' (heart) and 'tang' (tight). Think of it as your heart feeling small or tight because you want to see someone. You will mostly use the adjective form 'deltang.' For example, 'Man deltang-e madaram hastam' (I miss my mother). At this stage, just focus on the basic feeling of missing your home, your parents, or your friends. It is a very common word in Iran because family is very important. When you go on a trip, your Iranian friends might ask if you have 'deltangi.' You can simply answer 'Bale' (Yes) or 'Na' (No). Remember, it's a noun, but in simple sentences, we use it to describe a feeling. You might see it on greeting cards or hear it in simple songs. It's one of the first 'emotion' words learners practice because it’s so central to Persian life.
At the A2 level, you can start using دلتنگی as a noun in simple phrases. You should learn the expression 'رفع دلتنگی' (raf-e deltangi), which means 'to relieve the feeling of missing someone.' For example, if you call your friend after a long time, you can say 'Zang zadam baraye raf-e deltangi' (I called to relieve my longing for you). You also learn that 'deltangi' can be for places, not just people. 'Deltangi baraye vatan' is homesickness for your country. You will notice that Iranians use this word often in text messages. Instead of just 'I miss you,' they might say 'Deltangi amunamo boride,' which is a bit more advanced but shows how the noun is used as a subject. You should also be able to distinguish between 'sad' (ghamgin) and 'longing' (deltang). At A2, you can start to form sentences like 'Deltangi sakht ast' (Longing is difficult).
At the B1 level, you understand that دلتنگی is a core theme in Persian culture and literature. You can use it to describe complex emotions. You should be familiar with the verb 'دچار شدن' (dochar shodan - to be afflicted by) used with deltangi. For example, 'Dochar-e deltangi-ye shadidi shodam' (I became afflicted by a severe longing). You can now discuss the 'Friday afternoon blues' (deltangi-ye Jomeh) and understand why it’s a common topic in Iran. You are also expected to use the word in more formal writing or when telling stories about your past. You recognize that 'deltangi' isn't just a simple emotion but can be a persistent state of mind. You can use it with various adjectives like 'shirin' (sweet - as in bittersweet longing) or 'talkh' (bitter). This level involves understanding that the 'tightness of heart' is a physical metaphor used to describe psychological distress.
At the B2 level, you can use دلتنگی to analyze literature and film. You understand its nuances compared to synonyms like 'hasrat' (regret) or 'hejran' (separation). You can discuss how 'deltangi' is used as a motif in Iranian cinema to represent the gap between the modern self and traditional roots. You should be able to use the word in abstract discussions about the human condition. For instance, 'Deltangi joz'i az tabi'at-e ensan ast' (Longing is part of human nature). You can also use complex grammatical structures, such as 'Deltangi-i ke dar del dashtam...' (The longing that I had in my heart...). You are comfortable hearing the word in various registers, from the slangy 'deltangitam' to the poetic 'deltangi-haye bi-payan.' You also understand the social function of expressing 'deltangi' in Iranian etiquette (Ta'arof) to show sincerity and warmth.
At the C1 level, you possess a deep appreciation for the poetic and philosophical weight of دلتنگی. You can interpret classical poetry where 'deltangi' (or its roots) signifies the soul's yearning for the Divine or the 'Beloved' (Ma'shugh). You can use the word in academic or literary critiques, discussing 'the aesthetics of longing' in Persian art. You are familiar with how modern poets like Sohrab Sepehri or Forough Farrokhzad reinterpreted 'deltangi' in a contemporary context. Your usage of the word is precise; you know exactly when to use 'deltangi' versus 'melal' (ennui) or 'anduh' (sorrow). You can speak eloquently about the collective 'deltangi' of a generation and how it shapes national identity. You also recognize the word's role in 'Ghorbat' literature, where it becomes a structural element of the narrative, representing the tension between the 'here' and the 'there.'
At the C2 level, you have mastered دلتنگی in all its linguistic and cultural complexity. You can engage in high-level philosophical debates about the nature of 'del' (heart) and 'tang' (tightness) in Persian mysticism (Sufism). You understand the subtle historical shifts in the word's usage from the Middle Persian 'dil-tangih' to the present day. You can use the word in creative writing with the same emotional resonance as a native speaker, employing metaphors and wordplay that rely on the 'tightness' imagery. You are capable of translating the concept into other languages while explaining why 'nostalgia' or 'longing' often falls short of capturing the full Persian essence. You can detect the slightest irony or subtext when the word is used in political or social satire. For you, 'deltangi' is not just a vocabulary item but a window into the Persian soul's historical and emotional landscape.

دلتنگی en 30 secondes

  • Deltangi literally means 'heart-tightness' and is the standard Persian word for missing someone or feeling homesick.
  • It is a versatile noun used in everyday speech, pop songs, and classical Sufi poetry to express longing.
  • Grammatically, it is often used with the verb 'dashtan' (to have) or 'kardan' (to do/feel).
  • Culturally, it is a deeply respected emotion that signifies a person's capacity for love and connection.
The word دلتنگی (deltangi) is a profound and emotionally charged Persian noun that captures a unique spectrum of human emotion, ranging from simple homesickness to deep, existential longing. Etymologically, it is a compound of del (heart) and tang (tight/narrow), literally meaning 'tightness of the heart.' This physical metaphor perfectly describes the physiological sensation of anxiety or sadness that accompanies missing someone or something. In Persian culture, the heart is not just an organ but the seat of all emotions, intellect, and spiritual connection. Therefore, when the heart feels 'tight,' it suggests a constriction of one's very being.
Emotional Range
Deltangi covers everything from a child missing their parents at school to a poet yearning for divine union or an exile longing for their homeland.

غروب‌ها همیشه دچار نوعی دلتنگی عجیب می‌شوم که دلیلش را نمی‌دانم.

Translation: In the evenings, I always fall into a strange kind of longing, the reason for which I do not know.
This word is ubiquitous in Persian literature, music, and daily conversation. It transcends the English word 'nostalgia' because it is more active and visceral. While nostalgia is often a bittersweet reflection on the past, دلتنگی is a present-tense ache. It is the feeling of an absence that is so heavy it becomes a presence. In modern Iranian life, especially among the diaspora, دلتنگی is a constant companion. It is used to describe the feeling of missing the smell of rain on dust (kah-gel), the sound of the Azan in the distance, or the chaotic warmth of a Tehran bazaar. It is also used in romantic contexts, where the lover's absence causes a literal 'tightness' that can only be cured by their presence.
Linguistic Structure
The suffix '-i' transforms the adjective 'deltang' (sad/missing) into the abstract noun 'deltangi' (the state of missing).

نامه تو مرهمی بر دلتنگی‌های من بود.

Translation: Your letter was a balm for my longings.
It is important to note that دلتنگی is not necessarily a negative state in the Persian psyche. It is often seen as a sign of deep love and humanity. To feel دلتنگی is to prove that one has a heart capable of attachment and depth. Poets like Hafez and Rumi often frame this yearning as the soul's desire to return to its origin.
Grammar Tip
The preposition 'baraye' (for) is almost always used with deltangi to indicate the object of longing.

هیچ چیز جای دلتنگی وطن را نمی‌گیرد.

In summary, دلتنگی is more than a word; it is a cultural institution that encapsulates the Persian experience of love, loss, and the enduring connection between the heart and its desires.
Using دلتنگی correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its common verbal pairings. The most frequent way to express 'missing someone' in Persian is actually using the adjective form deltang with the verb 'to be' (deltang budan) or 'to become' (deltang shodan). However, the noun دلتنگی is used when discussing the concept itself or when it acts as the subject or object of a sentence.
With 'Dashtan' (To Have)
One 'has' deltangi for someone: 'Deltangi dashtan baraye...'

او همیشه برای روزهای کودکی‌اش دلتنگی دارد.

Translation: He always has a longing for his childhood days.
Another common construction is 'Deltangi kardan,' which means to actively feel or express this longing. This is often used for children or pets.
With 'Raf' Kardan' (To Relieve)
To 'relieve' or 'remove' the longing: 'Raf-e deltangi kardan.' This usually involves seeing the person or calling them.

زنگ زدم تا کمی با تو حرف بزنم و رفع دلتنگی کنم.

Translation: I called to talk to you a bit and relieve my longing.
You will also see it used with the verb 'ghalabe kardan' (to overcome). When the feeling becomes too much, we say 'Deltangi bar man ghalabe kard' (The longing overcame me).
Compound Structures
Deltangi-ye dori (the longing caused by distance) is a frequent literary phrase.

دلتنگیِ دوری از یار، تم اصلی بسیاری از اشعار فارسی است.

Translation: The longing from being away from the beloved is the main theme of many Persian poems.
In a more casual setting, someone might say 'Deltangitam' (I am longing for you/I miss you), which is a contraction of 'Deltang-e to hastam.' However, if they want to emphasize the emotion, they use the noun: 'In deltangi dare mano mikoshe' (This longing is killing me).

دلتنگی عجیبی در فضای خانه حاکم بود.

Translation: A strange longing dominated the atmosphere of the house.
Understanding these patterns allows a learner to move beyond basic survival Persian into the realm of emotional expression, which is vital for building deep relationships with native speakers.
The word دلتنگی is ubiquitous, but its resonance changes depending on the context. If you are in Iran during a major holiday like Nowruz, you will hear it constantly in the context of family members who are abroad or have passed away. In the Iranian diaspora, دلتنگی is the 'lingua franca' of social gatherings. It is the common ground between people who have left their roots behind.
In Music and Media
Listen to any 'Pop' or 'Traditional' Persian song, and you will likely hear this word within the first three verses. It is the fuel for the entire music industry.

خواننده با سوز دل از دلتنگی‌هایش می‌خواند.

Translation: The singer sings with heart-wrenching passion about his longings.
In cinema, particularly the works of directors like Abbas Kiarostami or Asghar Farhadi, دلتنگی is often portrayed through long silence, a gaze out of a car window, or the way a character touches an old object. It is rarely shouted; it is felt in the atmosphere. You will also hear it in airport terminals. The 'salaam-o-aleik' of Iranians meeting after years is always followed by an admission of دلتنگی. It is a way of validating the time spent apart.
Social Media
On Instagram or Telegram, you'll see 'hashtags' like #دلتنگی accompanying photos of old Tehran, a cup of tea, or a sunset.

عکس‌های قدیمی همیشه باعث دلتنگی می‌شوند.

Translation: Old photos always cause longing.
In religious contexts, particularly during Muharram, دلتنگی is used to describe the yearning for spiritual figures or the grief of their loss. It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the sacred.
Everyday Conversation
'Deltang-e che khabari?' (Longing for what news?) is a poetic way to ask what someone has been up to or what they miss.

بعد از سال‌ها دوری، دلتنگی‌اش برای وطن تمام نشدنی بود.

Ultimately, whether in a high-art film or a quick WhatsApp message, دلتنگی is the thread that connects the Persian heart to its history, its people, and its dreams.
For English speakers, the most common mistake is treating دلتنگی exactly like the English 'homesickness' or 'sadness.' While it overlaps with these, it is more specific. Homesickness is 'deltangi baraye vatan/khaneh,' but دلتنگی can be for a person, a time, or even a feeling.
Mistake 1: Confusing Noun and Adjective
Saying 'Man deltangi hastam' is incorrect. You should say 'Man deltang hastam' (I am longing) or 'Man deltangi daram' (I have longing).

اشتباه: من دلتنگی هستم. درست: من دلتنگ هستم.

Mistake 2: Preposition Errors
Learners often use 'az' (from) instead of 'baraye' (for). In Persian, you are 'deltang' *for* someone, not *from* them.

اشتباه: دلتنگی از تو. درست: دلتنگی برای تو.

Another mistake is using دلتنگی when you simply mean 'depression' (afsordegi) or 'unhappiness' (naraahati). دلتنگی always implies an object—there is something missing that causes the feeling. If you are just in a bad mood without a specific cause, 'deltangi' is usually not the right word unless it's that existential 'Friday longing' mentioned earlier.
Mistake 3: Overuse of 'Kardan'
While 'deltangi kardan' is valid, it's often better to use 'deltang shodan' (to become longing) for personal feelings. 'Kardan' can sometimes sound like you are performing the action of being sad.

او برای خانواده‌اش دلتنگی می‌کند (He is acting out his longing/missing them visibly).

Finally, watch out for the spelling. The 'g' sound in 'deltangi' is essential; without it, 'deltang' becomes 'deltan' (which isn't a word, but might be confused with 'dandan' - tooth - by absolute beginners). Mastering the nuances of دلتنگی will significantly improve your emotional intelligence in Persian.
Persian has a rich vocabulary for sadness and longing. Understanding the difference between دلتنگی and its synonyms is key to advanced fluency.
Deltangi vs. Hasrat
Hasrat (حسرت) implies regret for something lost forever or something one never had. Deltangi is more about the emotional ache of absence, often with the hope of reunion.

من دلتنگی وطن دارم (I miss my home), but من حسرت گذشته را می‌خورم (I regret/long for the past with sorrow).

Deltangi vs. Ghorbat
Ghorbat (غربت) refers to the state of being a stranger in a foreign land. It is the *cause* of much deltangi. You feel deltangi *because* you are in ghorbat.

غم غربت و دلتنگی با هم می‌آیند.

Translation: The sorrow of exile and longing come together.
Another word is Melal (ملال), which is closer to ennui or a weary sadness. Deltangi is more acute and focused.
Deltangi vs. Hejr
Hejr (هجر) or Hejran (هجران) is highly literary and specifically refers to the separation between lovers. Deltangi is the feeling that results from hejr.

در آتش هجران، دلتنگی‌اش بیشتر شد.

Translation: In the fire of separation, his longing increased.
Finally, Gham (غم) is simply 'grief' or 'sorrow.' It is a broad category that includes deltangi but is not limited to it. You can have gham because of a financial loss, but you wouldn't usually call that deltangi. Choosing the right word shows you understand the 'flavor' of the sadness being expressed.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The concept of 'tightness' to describe sadness is found in many Indo-European languages (like 'angst' from Latin 'angustus' meaning narrow), but Persian makes it literal with the word 'heart'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /deltæŋˈɡiː/
US /deltæŋˈɡi/
On the final syllable: del-tang-I.
Rime avec
سنگی (sangi - stony) رنگی (rangi - colorful) جنگی (jangi - warlike) فرنگی (farangi - European) تنگی (tangi - tightness) زرنگی (zerangi - cleverness) پلنگی (palangi - leopard-like) نهنگی (nahangi - whale-like)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'del' like 'deal' (it should be short 'e').
  • Omiting the 'g' sound and saying 'deltani'.
  • Putting stress on the first syllable.
  • Pronouncing 'tang' like 'tongue' (it should be 'a' as in 'cat').
  • Confusing it with 'dandangi' (not a word).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the familiar 'del' root.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct usage of the 'g' and 'i' suffixes.

Expression orale 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires correct stress.

Écoute 3/5

Commonly heard in songs and daily speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

دل (heart) تنگ (tight) غم (sadness) برای (for) داشتن (to have)

Apprends ensuite

حسرت (regret) اشتیاق (eagerness) غربت (exile) خاطره (memory) تنهایی (solitude)

Avancé

هجران (separation) ملال (ennui) انزوا (isolation) نوستالژی (nostalgia) تسلّی (consolation)

Grammaire à connaître

Noun formation with -i

تنگ (adj) + ی = تنگی (noun)

Ezafe for possession

دلتنگیِ من (my longing)

Compound verbs with 'kardan'

دلتنگی کردن

Preposition 'baraye'

دلتنگی برای او

Pluralization with -ha

دلتنگی‌ها

Exemples par niveau

1

من برای خانه‌ام دلتنگی دارم.

I have homesickness for my home.

Simple noun usage with 'dashtan'.

2

دلتنگی بد است.

Longing is bad.

Subject + Adjective.

3

آیا تو دلتنگی؟

Are you (feeling) longing?

Informal question.

4

او برای گربه‌اش دلتنگی می‌کند.

He is missing his cat.

Using 'deltangi kardan' for an action.

5

دلتنگی من زیاد است.

My longing is a lot.

Possessive 'man' after the noun.

6

مادرم برای من دلتنگی دارد.

My mother misses me.

Standard subject-object-verb.

7

خداحافظ، برایت دلتنگی می‌کنم.

Goodbye, I will miss you.

Future intent expressed in present.

8

دلتنگی یعنی چه؟

What does longing mean?

Asking for a definition.

1

برای رفع دلتنگی به او زنگ زدم.

I called him to relieve the longing.

Using 'raf-e deltangi' as a purpose.

2

دلتنگیِ دوری از وطن سخت است.

The longing of being away from home is hard.

Ezafe construction linking two nouns.

3

او با دلتنگی به عکس‌ها نگاه کرد.

He looked at the photos with longing.

Adverbial use with 'ba' (with).

4

نامه‌ات دلتنگی مرا کمتر کرد.

Your letter made my longing less.

Object 'deltangi-ye mara'.

5

بچه‌ها برای پدرشان دلتنگی می‌کنند.

The children are missing their father.

Plural subject.

6

غروب جمعه باعث دلتنگی می‌شود.

Friday sunset causes longing.

Cause and effect structure.

7

دلتنگی‌ات را درک می‌کنم.

I understand your longing.

Direct object with possessive suffix.

8

او هیچ‌وقت از دلتنگی‌هایش نمی‌گوید.

He never talks about his longings.

Plural noun 'deltangi-ha'.

1

دچار دلتنگی عجیبی شده‌ام که درمان ندارد.

I have become afflicted by a strange longing that has no cure.

Using 'dochar-e ... shodan'.

2

دلتنگی، تم اصلی این فیلم سینمایی است.

Longing is the main theme of this movie.

Noun as a thematic subject.

3

او برای روزهای مدرسه دچار دلتنگی شد.

He felt nostalgic for his school days.

Past tense of 'dochar shodan'.

4

صدای موسیقی، دلتنگی‌اش را بیدار کرد.

The sound of music awakened his longing.

Metaphorical verb 'bidar kardan'.

5

در غربت، دلتنگی بخشی از زندگی است.

In exile, longing is a part of life.

Prepositional phrase 'dar ghorbat'.

6

او سعی کرد دلتنگی‌اش را پشت لبخند پنهان کند.

He tried to hide his longing behind a smile.

Infinitive 'penhan kardan'.

7

دلتنگیِ او برای همسرش پایانی نداشت.

His longing for his wife had no end.

Negative 'payani nadasht'.

8

این آهنگ مرا به یاد دلتنگی‌های قدیمی می‌اندازد.

This song reminds me of old longings.

Remind structure 'be yad-e ... andakhtan'.

1

شاعر در این بیت، دلتنگی را به قفسی تشبیه کرده است.

In this verse, the poet has compared longing to a cage.

Literary analysis structure.

2

دلتنگیِ عمیق او ناشی از سال‌ها دوری بود.

His deep longing resulted from years of distance.

Using 'nashi az' (resulting from).

3

او با وجود موفقیت، همچنان با دلتنگی دست و پنجه نرم می‌کند.

Despite success, he still struggles with longing.

Idiom 'dast o panje narm kardan'.

4

دلتنگی می‌تواند محرکی برای خلق آثار هنری باشد.

Longing can be a stimulus for creating artworks.

Using 'moharrek' (stimulus).

5

فضای شهر پس از رفتن او غرق در دلتنگی شد.

The city's atmosphere was drowned in longing after he left.

Metaphor 'gharg dar' (drowned in).

6

او دلتنگی‌هایش را در قالب شعرهای سپید منتشر کرد.

He published his longings in the form of blank verse poems.

Compound preposition 'dar ghalab-e'.

7

دلتنگیِ مهاجران، موضوع بسیاری از پژوهش‌های جامعه‌شناختی است.

The longing of immigrants is the subject of many sociological studies.

Academic register.

8

هیچ کلمه‌ای نمی‌تواند عمق دلتنگی مرا توصیف کند.

No word can describe the depth of my longing.

Negative subject 'hich'.

1

دلتنگی در ادبیات عرفانی، نمادی از اشتیاق روح برای بازگشت به اصل خویش است.

Longing in mystical literature is a symbol of the soul's yearning to return to its origin.

Mystical/Sufi context.

2

او در یادداشت‌هایش، دلتنگی را یک وضعیت وجودی (اگزیستانسیال) توصیف می‌کند.

In his notes, he describes longing as an existential state.

High-level vocabulary 'vaz'iyat-e vojud-i'.

3

تجربه دلتنگی در آثار هدایت، با نوعی پوچی و یأس گره خورده است.

The experience of longing in Hedayat's works is tied to a kind of absurdity and despair.

Literary criticism 'gereh khorde'.

4

دلتنگیِ جمعیِ یک ملت می‌تواند به تغییرات بزرگ اجتماعی منجر شود.

The collective longing of a nation can lead to major social changes.

Sociological context.

5

او با مهارتی بی‌نظیر، دلتنگی را در تار و پود موسیقی‌اش تنیده است.

With unique skill, he has woven longing into the warp and weft of his music.

Metaphorical 'tanideh ast'.

6

دلتنگی، پلی است میان آنچه بوده‌ایم و آنچه اکنون هستیم.

Longing is a bridge between what we were and what we are now.

Philosophical metaphor.

7

در این نقاشی، رنگ‌های سرد بازتاب‌دهنده دلتنگیِ درونی هنرمند هستند.

In this painting, cold colors reflect the artist's inner longing.

Art criticism 'baztab-dahandeh'.

8

او سال‌ها با دلتنگیِ وطن ساخت، اما هرگز با آن کنار نیامد.

He endured the longing for his homeland for years, but never came to terms with it.

Idiom 'kenar amadan'.

1

واکاویِ مفهوم دلتنگی در غزل‌های حافظ، لایه‌های پنهانی از جهان‌بینی او را آشکار می‌سازد.

Analyzing the concept of longing in Hafez's sonnets reveals hidden layers of his worldview.

Highly academic 'vakavi' (analysis).

2

دلتنگی، در این ساحت، نه یک عارضه روانی، بلکه یک ضرورت استعلایی تلقی می‌شود.

Longing, in this realm, is regarded not as a psychological ailment, but as a transcendental necessity.

Philosophical terminology 'zarurat-e este'la'i'.

3

نویسنده با ظرافتی هرمنوتیک، دلتنگی را به مثابه متنی برای قرائتِ تاریخِ فردی می‌نگرد.

The author, with hermeneutic subtlety, views longing as a text for reading individual history.

Advanced academic register.

4

دیالکتیکِ میان حضور و غیاب، جوهره اصلیِ دلتنگی را در اندیشه معاصر شکل می‌دهد.

The dialectic between presence and absence forms the core essence of longing in contemporary thought.

Dialectical analysis.

5

دلتنگی در این اثر، فراتر از نوستالژیِ نوستالژیک، به یک کنشِ سیاسی بدل می‌گردد.

Longing in this work, beyond nostalgic nostalgia, turns into a political act.

Political science context.

6

او در جستار خود، دلتنگی را به مثابه 'زخمِ بازِ حافظه' توصیف کرده است.

In his essay, he described longing as the 'open wound of memory'.

Metaphorical essay style.

7

پارادوکسِ دلتنگی در این است که هرچه نزدیک‌تر می‌شویم، گویی دوری عمیق‌تر می‌گردد.

The paradox of longing is that the closer we get, the deeper the distance seems to become.

Logical paradox structure.

8

بازنماییِ دلتنگی در سینمای پسا-انقلاب، واجدِ دلالت‌های معناشناختیِ متعددی است.

The representation of longing in post-revolutionary cinema possesses numerous semantic implications.

Cinema studies 'baz-namayi'.

Collocations courantes

دچار دلتنگی شدن
رفع دلتنگی
دلتنگیِ شدید
دلتنگیِ وطن
احساس دلتنگی
دلتنگیِ غروب
درمان دلتنگی
دلتنگیِ دوری
فریاد دلتنگی
دلتنگیِ پنهان

Phrases Courantes

دلتنگتم

— I miss you (informal contraction).

سلام عزیزم، دلتنگتم.

دلتنگی امانم را بریده

— The longing has exhausted me/I can't take it anymore.

دوری از تو و این دلتنگی امانم را بریده.

جای دلتنگی نیست

— There is no room/reason for longing (usually said to comfort someone).

زود برمی‌گردم، جای دلتنگی نیست.

دلتنگی نکن

— Don't be sad/Don't miss (someone) so much.

گریه نکن و دلتنگی نکن.

از سر دلتنگی

— Out of longing/missing someone.

از سر دلتنگی به خانه‌اش رفتم.

دلتنگیِ بی‌پایان

— Endless longing.

دلتنگیِ بی‌پایان او برای همسرش.

یک عالم دلتنگی

— A world of longing (a huge amount).

یک عالم دلتنگی در دل دارم.

به خاطر دلتنگی

— Because of longing.

به خاطر دلتنگی نتوانستم بخوابم.

دلتنگیِ غریب

— A strange/unfamiliar longing.

دلتنگیِ غریبی در شهر حاکم بود.

دلتنگیِ همیشگی

— Constant longing.

دلتنگیِ همیشگی او برای گذشته.

Souvent confondu avec

دلتنگی vs ناراحتی (Naraahati)

Naraahati is general unhappiness or being upset; deltangi is specifically about missing something.

دلتنگی vs افسردگی (Afsordegi)

Afsordegi is clinical depression; deltangi is a normal emotional response to absence.

دلتنگی vs تنهایی (Tanhaayi)

Tanhaayi is being alone (solitude); you can feel deltangi even when you are with other people.

Expressions idiomatiques

"دلش برای ... لک زده"

— To be extremely longing for something (literally: his heart has spotted for...).

دلم برای کباب‌های ایران لک زده.

Informal
"دل‌تنگ شدن"

— To become sad or miss someone.

خیلی زود دل‌تنگت شدم.

Neutral
"دل به دریا زدن"

— Though not directly about longing, often the result of it—to take a risk to see someone.

دل به دریا زد و به دیدنش رفت.

Neutral
"تنگیِ دل"

— Literary version of deltangi.

از تنگیِ دل به فغان آمدم.

Poetic
"دل‌گرفتگی"

— A feeling of sadness or tightness in the chest, often synonymous with deltangi.

غروب‌ها دچار دل‌گرفتگی می‌شوم.

Neutral
"دل‌واپسی"

— Anxiety or worry, often accompanying deltangi.

دلتنگی و دل‌واپسی او را رها نمی‌کرد.

Neutral
"یک دل و هزار سودا"

— Having many worries/longings at once.

با این یک دل و هزار سودا چه کنم؟

Informal
"دل به دل راه داشتن"

— Hearts find a way to each other (used when two people miss each other simultaneously).

من هم به یادت بودم، دل به دل راه دارد.

Neutral
"خونِ دل خوردن"

— To suffer greatly (often due to longing or separation).

برای رسیدن به تو خونِ دل خوردم.

Poetic/Informal
"دل‌سوزاندن"

— To feel pity or intense longing that 'burns' the heart.

دلتنگی‌اش دل هر کسی را می‌سوزاند.

Neutral

Facile à confondre

دلتنگی vs تنگی (Tangi)

It's the second part of the word.

Tangi means 'tightness' or 'shortness' (like shortness of breath). Deltangi is specific to the heart/emotion.

تنگی نفس (shortness of breath) vs دلتنگی (longing).

دلتنگی vs دلتنگ (Deltang)

Adjective vs Noun.

Deltang is the person's state; Deltangi is the name of the feeling.

من دلتنگ هستم (I am longing) vs دلتنگی سخت است (Longing is hard).

دلتنگی vs حسرت (Hasrat)

Both involve wanting something.

Hasrat involves regret; Deltangi involves missing.

حسرت جوانی (regretting lost youth) vs دلتنگی برای مادر (missing mother).

دلتنگی vs اشتیاق (Eshtiyagh)

Both are intense feelings for something absent.

Eshtiyagh is positive/eager; Deltangi is bittersweet/sad.

اشتیاق برای سفر (eagerness for a trip) vs دلتنگی برای خانه (homesickness).

دلتنگی vs ملال (Melal)

Both are types of sadness.

Melal is more like boredom or weary sadness; Deltangi is active yearning.

ملال عصرگاهی (evening ennui) vs دلتنگی برای دوست (missing a friend).

Structures de phrases

A1

من برای [Noun] دلتنگی دارم.

من برای گربه‌ام دلتنگی دارم.

A2

[Noun] باعث دلتنگی می‌شود.

این عکس باعث دلتنگی می‌شود.

B1

دچار دلتنگیِ [Adjective] شدن.

دچار دلتنگی شدیدی شده‌ام.

B2

دلتنگی را با [Action] رفع کردن.

دلتنگی را با پیاده‌روی رفع کردم.

C1

دلتنگی به مثابه [Metaphor].

دلتنگی به مثابه آینه‌ای برای روح است.

C2

دیالکتیک [Noun] و دلتنگی.

دیالکتیک غربت و دلتنگی در آثار او مشهود است.

B1

هیچ چیز جای [Noun] را نمی‌گیرد.

هیچ چیز جای دلتنگی وطن را نمی‌گیرد.

A2

دلتنگیِ [Time/Place] سخت است.

دلتنگیِ شب‌های تهران سخت است.

Famille de mots

Noms

دلتنگی (deltangi - longing/homesickness)
دلدادگی (deldadegi - being in love)
دلگرفتگی (delgereftegi - sadness)

Verbes

دلتنگ شدن (deltang shodan - to miss/become sad)
دلتنگی کردن (deltangi kardan - to act out longing)

Adjectifs

دلتنگ (deltang - missing/sad)
دلتنگ‌کننده (deltang-konande - causing longing)

Apparenté

دل (del - heart)
تنگ (tang - tight)
غم (gham - sorrow)
غربت (ghorbat - exile)
یاد (yad - memory)

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in emotional, literary, and family-related contexts.

Erreurs courantes
  • من دلتنگی هستم من دلتنگ هستم

    You cannot 'be' the noun 'longing'; you are the adjective 'missing'.

  • دلتنگی از خانه دلتنگی برای خانه

    In Persian, we miss 'for' something, not 'from' something.

  • Using deltangi for 'boredom'. حوصله‌ام سر رفته

    Deltangi requires an object you are missing. If you are just bored, use 'hosele'.

  • Pronouncing it 'del-tan-ji'. del-tang-i

    The 'g' is hard, like in 'go', not soft like 'j'.

  • دلتنگی کردن به کسی دلتنگی کردن برای کسی

    The preposition must be 'baraye'.

Astuces

Noun vs Adjective

Always remember that 'deltangi' is the noun. If you want to say 'I am missing,' use the adjective 'deltang' with 'hastam'.

The Friday Effect

If an Iranian friend seems sad on a Friday afternoon, they might be experiencing 'deltangi-ye Jomeh.' Just being there for them is enough.

Compound Verbs

Learn 'dochar-e deltangi shodan.' It makes your Persian sound much more advanced and sophisticated.

The G sound

Don't drop the 'g'! It's del-tang-i. Dropping it makes the word unrecognizable.

Prepositions

Always use 'baraye' (for) when specifying what you miss. 'Deltangi baraye Iran' is the correct way.

Heart Center

Remember that 'del' is the heart. This will help you learn dozens of other Persian words like 'del-shakaste' (heartbroken).

Poetic Roots

When reading Persian poetry, look for the 'tight heart' metaphor. It's a classic way to describe the pain of separation from the Divine.

Empathy

Telling someone 'Deltang-e to budam' (I was missing you) is one of the best ways to show you care in Iranian culture.

Movie Themes

Watch the movie 'The Salesman' or 'A Separation'; look for the quiet moments of 'deltangi' in the characters' eyes.

Pluralize it

Using 'deltangi-ha' (longings) makes your writing sound more poetic, as if you have many different types of longing.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Deli' that is 'Tangy'. If your favorite Deli is closed, you feel a 'Tangy' (sharp) ache in your 'Del' (heart). Deltangi!

Association visuelle

Imagine a heart inside a very small, tight glass jar. The heart wants to expand but can't because someone is missing. That 'tightness' is Deltangi.

Word Web

Heart (Del) Tight (Tang) Homesickness Nostalgia Longing Absence Friday Exile

Défi

Write three sentences about something you miss from your childhood using 'دلتنگی' as the subject of at least one sentence.

Origine du mot

Derived from Middle Persian 'dil-tangih'. It is a compound of 'del' (from Old Persian 'ard') and 'tang' (from Old Persian 'taka').

Sens originel : A state where the heart feels constricted or narrow due to grief or anxiety.

Indo-European > Indo-Iranian > Iranian > Western Iranian > Persian.

Contexte culturel

Be mindful when discussing 'deltangi' with refugees or immigrants, as it can be a very painful and heavy topic.

While English speakers say 'I miss you,' Iranians often focus on the *state* of the heart being tight. It is more about the internal feeling than the external object.

The song 'Deltangi' by Ebi. The poem 'Deltangi-haye bi-payan' by Ahmad Shamlou. The concept of 'Friday Longing' in Iranian cinema.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Living Abroad

  • دلتنگی برای وطن
  • غم غربت
  • دوری از خانواده
  • یاد ایران

Romantic Relationships

  • دلتنگتم
  • رفع دلتنگی با دیدار
  • دوری و دلتنگی
  • بی‌قراری

Childhood Memories

  • دلتنگی برای گذشته
  • یاد ایام کودکی
  • خاطرات قدیمی
  • حسرت گذشته

Friday Afternoons

  • دلتنگی غروب جمعه
  • دلگیری
  • تنهایی
  • سکوت

Losing a Loved One

  • دلتنگی ابدی
  • جای خالی او
  • یادش بخیر
  • غم از دست دادن

Amorces de conversation

"آیا تا به حال دچار دلتنگی برای جایی شده‌ای که هرگز نرفته‌ای؟"

"برای رفع دلتنگی چه کارهایی انجام می‌دهی؟"

"کدام آهنگ بیشتر از همه باعث دلتنگی تو می‌شود؟"

"آیا دلتنگی برای گذشته همیشه چیز بدی است؟"

"چگونه می‌توان با دلتنگی در غربت کنار آمد؟"

Sujets d'écriture

امروز درباره بزرگترین دلتنگی زندگی‌ات بنویس. چه چیزی یا چه کسی را بیشتر از همه گم کرده‌ای؟

توصیف کن که دلتنگی در بدن تو چه حسی دارد. آیا واقعاً قلبت تنگ می‌شود؟

اگر می‌توانستی برای یک روز به زمانی در گذشته برگردی تا دلتنگی‌ات رفع شود، کدام زمان را انتخاب می‌کردی؟

نقش دلتنگی در هنر و موسیقی چیست؟ چرا ما دوست داریم آهنگ‌های غمگین گوش بدهیم؟

دلتنگی برای وطن را برای کسی که هرگز از خانه‌اش دور نشده توصیف کن.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It literally means 'heart-tightness.' In Persian culture, the heart (del) is the center of emotions, and when you miss someone, it feels like your heart is being squeezed or constricted.

Yes, it is very common to use 'deltangi' to express missing someone who has passed away. It shows a deep, enduring bond.

This refers to the collective feeling of sadness or melancholy that many Iranians feel on Friday afternoons, the end of the Persian weekend. It is a common cultural trope.

No, you can feel 'deltangi' for a place (like your hometown), a time (like your childhood), or even a specific atmosphere or object.

You can say 'Deltang-e to hastam' (I am longing for you) or more informally 'Deltangitam.' Using the noun, you could say 'Deltangi-ye to dar del daram' (I have longing for you in my heart).

Deltangi is the ache of missing something that exists or did exist, often with a desire to see it again. Hasrat is the sorrow or regret for something you can't have or a mistake you made.

Not necessarily. While it involves sadness, it is often seen as a beautiful and human emotion because it proves that you love and value the thing you miss.

The 'cure' is usually 'didar' (meeting) or 'vasl' (union). You can also 'raf' (relieve) it by calling or looking at photos.

Persian culture values emotional depth and the expression of longing. The theme of separation and the desire for reunion is a cornerstone of Persian aesthetics.

Usually, no. It is a very personal and emotional word. In a business context, use more neutral terms unless you have a very close relationship with the person.

Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Persian saying you miss your home.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Explain in Persian why you called your friend (to relieve longing).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Describe the feeling of 'Friday Longing' in one Persian sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Use 'dochar-e deltangi shodan' in a sentence about an immigrant.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a poetic sentence about longing using a metaphor.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Compare 'deltangi' and 'hasrat' in two Persian sentences.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'No word can describe the depth of my longing.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a formal sentence about longing in literature.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Use 'deltangi-ha' (plural) in a sentence about memories.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a short dialogue (2 lines) between two friends using 'deltangitam'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'The song awakened his longing.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write about a time you felt homesick using 'deltangi'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'I have a world of longing in my heart.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Explain 'deltangi' to a child in simple Persian.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'Your letter was a balm for my longings.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using 'deltangi' and 'ghorbat'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'Endless longing for the homeland.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using 'deltangi' and ' غروب' (sunset).

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'He tried to hide his longing behind a smile.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a formal conclusion for an essay on 'deltangi'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Pronounce 'دلتنگی' clearly. Where is the stress?

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I miss my family' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Ask a friend if they are homesick.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Tell someone you called them to 'relieve longing'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

How do you say 'I miss you' informally?

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe a sunset using the word 'deltangi'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I've become afflicted by a strange longing'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Explain why you are looking at old photos.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Nothing replaces the longing for home'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Use the plural 'deltangi-ha' in a short sentence.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Tell a friend 'Don't be sad/miss me too much'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Pronounce 'Raf-e deltangi' correctly.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I understand your longing'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe the 'Friday Longing' to someone.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Translate and say: 'The longing was killing me.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I have a world of longing in my heart'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Express that a song makes you nostalgic.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Longing is part of life'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Pronounce 'deltangane' (longingly).

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I called to talk to you a bit'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to the word: /del-tang-i/. What is the second syllable?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

In the phrase 'رفع دلتنگی', what does 'رفع' mean?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

If someone says 'دلتنگتم', are they formal or informal?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the preposition in 'دلتنگی برای وطن'. What is it?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

In 'دلتنگی‌های من', is the word singular or plural?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Someone says 'دچار دلتنگی شده‌ام'. Do they feel longing now?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen for the adjective: 'دلتنگیِ شدید'. What kind of longing is it?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

In 'دلتنگیِ غروب', what time of day is mentioned?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

A singer sings about 'دوری و دلتنگی'. What are the two themes?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

If someone says 'جای دلتنگی نیست', are they encouraging you or discouraging you?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'دلم برایت لک زده'. Is this a common idiom?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

In 'مرهمی بر دلتنگی', what is the word for 'balm/ointment'?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'دلتنگیِ بی‌پایان'. Does the longing have an end?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

In 'غم غربت', which word means 'exile'?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'دلتنگیِ پنهان'. Is the longing visible?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
error correction

من دلتنگی هستم.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : من دلتنگ هستم.

Use the adjective form for a person's state.

error correction

دلتنگی از تو دارم.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : دلتنگی برای تو دارم.

The preposition should be 'baraye'.

error correction

او دلتنگی کرد برای وطن.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : او برای وطن دلتنگی کرد.

Word order: prepositional phrase usually before the verb.

error correction

دلتنگی من را کشت.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : دلتنگی مرا کشت.

In formal/poetic contexts, 'mara' is preferred over 'man ra'.

error correction

دلتنگی یعنی قلب بزرگ.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : دلتنگی یعنی قلب تنگ.

Literal meaning is 'tight heart', not 'big heart'.

error correction

من هیچ دلتنگی ندارم.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : من هیچ دلتنگی‌ای ندارم.

Indefinite 'i' is often needed with 'hich'.

error correction

دلتنگی غروب شنبه.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : دلتنگی غروب جمعه.

Cultural context: Friday is the day associated with longing.

error correction

او دلتنگی شدیدی شد.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : او دچار دلتنگی شدیدی شد.

Need the verb 'dochar shodan'.

error correction

دلتنگی‌ها من زیاد است.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : دلتنگی‌های من زیاد است.

Need ezafe 'ye' between plural and possessive.

error correction

رفع دلتنگی با خواب.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : رفع دلتنگی با دیدار.

Contextually, meeting someone relieves longing more than sleep.

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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