Signification
To become discouraged or scared.
Contexte culturel
In the countryside, 'Зүрх алдах' is often used regarding nature—like a massive snowstorm (zud) or a pack of wolves. It reflects the respect Mongolians have for the power of the environment. In Ulaanbaatar, the phrase is frequently applied to the intense traffic or the difficulty of finding a good job, showing how the idiom has adapted to city life. Before a match, a wrestler's 'spirit' is analyzed. If a wrestler looks 'зүрх алдсан' (having lost heart), it is believed they have already lost the match before it began. Mongolian parents often use this phrase to encourage children to be 'strong-hearted' (зүрхтэй) and not to 'lose heart' when faced with difficult homework.
Use with -аас
Always remember to put the thing you are scared of in the ablative case ending in -аас, -ээс, -оос, or -өөс.
Not for Romance
Never use this to say you like someone. It will sound like you are terrified of them!
Signification
To become discouraged or scared.
Use with -аас
Always remember to put the thing you are scared of in the ablative case ending in -аас, -ээс, -оос, or -өөс.
Not for Romance
Never use this to say you like someone. It will sound like you are terrified of them!
Encouragement
Use 'Битгий зүрх алдаарай' as a very natural way to support a Mongolian friend who is stressed.
Heart vs. Mind
In Mongolian, emotions are often located in the heart (зүрх) or the liver (элэг), not the head.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Би энэ өндөр уулыг хараад зүрх ______ байна.
The correct verb for this idiom is 'алдах' (to lose).
Which situation best fits the use of 'Зүрх алдах'?
When would you say 'Зүрх алдаж байна'?
The idiom is used for intimidation or fear of a big task.
Match the Mongolian sentence to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are standard translations of the idiom in different forms.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Маргааш том тэмцээнтэй. Би жаахан айж байна. B: ________________!
This is the standard way to encourage someone not to be scared.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesБи энэ өндөр уулыг хараад зүрх ______ байна.
The correct verb for this idiom is 'алдах' (to lose).
When would you say 'Зүрх алдаж байна'?
The idiom is used for intimidation or fear of a big task.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are standard translations of the idiom in different forms.
A: Маргааш том тэмцээнтэй. Би жаахан айж байна. B: ________________!
This is the standard way to encourage someone not to be scared.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but it's also perfectly fine in a business meeting or a book.
Yes! 'Би энэ киноноос зүрх алдаж байна' (I am getting scared/intimidated by this movie) is correct.
'Айх' is a general verb for fear. 'Зүрх алдах' is more about being overwhelmed or losing confidence because something is too big or hard.
Yes, adding the possessive '-ээ' (one's own) is also common and means the same thing.
Very often! Many Mongolian pop and rock songs use it to describe facing life's challenges.
No. For a heart attack, you would say 'зүрх зогсох' (heart stopping) or 'зүрхний шигдээс'.
Say 'Битгий зүрх алдаарай' (Bit-gii tsurkh al-daar-ai).
Yes, 'Өндрөөс зүрх алдах' is a very common way to describe a fear of heights.
Yes, you will hear it frequently in conversations about work, school, and life problems.
The opposite is 'Зориг орох' (to gain courage) or 'Зүрх гаргах'.
Expressions liées
Зүрх үхэх
similarTo be paralyzed by fear
Зүрх гаргах
contrastTo summon courage
Айж эмээх
synonymTo be afraid and hesitant
Сүр дарах
builds onTo overwhelm with majesty
