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Vocabulary
يَحزن

A2 verb #3,500 most common 8 min read

يَحزن

yahzan Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips يَحزن in 30 Seconds

Explanation يَحزن in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to basic emotions. While they might first learn the adjective 'hazin' (sad), the verb 'yahzan' (he is sad) is introduced to show how emotions are actions in Arabic. At this stage, learners focus on the third-person masculine form 'yahzan' and the first-person 'ahzan' (I am sad). The focus is on simple, direct sentences like 'The boy is sad' or 'I am sad today.' Understanding that the verb changes for gender (tahzan for she) is a key milestone. Teachers often use visual aids—like a sad face emoji—to link the word to the feeling. The goal is to build a basic emotional vocabulary so students can express how they or others feel in simple contexts, such as missing a friend or losing a pen.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'yahzan' in more structured contexts, particularly with prepositions. The introduction of 'ala' (on/over) is crucial: 'He is sad about the cat' (yahzan ala al-qitta). Students also learn the negative imperative 'la tahzan' (don't be sad), which is a common phrase in social interactions. At this level, the distinction between the past tense 'hazina' and the present 'yahzan' is reinforced. Learners are expected to use the verb in short paragraphs describing a story or a personal experience. They start to see the verb in simple news headlines or children's stories, where the reasons for the sadness are explained using 'li-anna' (because). This level marks the transition from just identifying the emotion to describing its cause.

By B1, learners use 'yahzan' to express more complex social and empathetic ideas. They can conjugate the verb in all forms, including the dual and plural (yahzanuna). The use of the verb in conditional sentences becomes more frequent: 'If it rains, the children will be sad.' B1 students also begin to distinguish between 'yahzan' (to be sad) and 'yuhzin' (to make sad), which is a common point of confusion. They can participate in discussions about movies or books, explaining why a character 'yahzan' at a specific plot point. The focus shifts toward more natural phrasing and understanding the emotional weight the word carries in different cultural contexts, such as during a funeral or a national holiday.

At the B2 level, the learner's use of 'yahzan' becomes more nuanced and stylistically varied. They understand its use in formal media and can identify it in classical poetry. They are familiar with the concept of the 'root' (H-Z-N) and how it relates to other words like 'huzn' (sadness) and 'mahzun' (saddened). B2 learners can use the verb metaphorically, such as 'the world grieves for the climate.' They are also more adept at using synonyms to avoid repetition, choosing 'yahzan' for general sadness but perhaps 'yaghtamm' for a more oppressive feeling. Their ability to use the verb in the jussive and subjunctive moods (e.g., after 'lan' or 'li') is expected to be accurate, allowing for more complex grammatical constructions.

C1 learners explore the philosophical and literary depths of 'yahzan.' They study how the verb is used in the Quran and Hadith, analyzing the theological implications of 'sadness' and its remedy in Islamic thought. They can discuss the different 'shades' of sadness in Arabic, comparing 'yahzan' with more obscure literary terms. At this level, the learner can write essays on emotional health or literature, using the verb to describe complex psychological states. They are also sensitive to the 'register' of the word—knowing when it sounds too formal and when it is perfectly appropriate. Their understanding of the verb includes its historical evolution and its role in the development of the Arabic 'Tarab' musical tradition.

At the C2 level, the learner has a near-native grasp of 'yahzan.' They can use it with total spontaneity and precision, capturing the subtle emotional undercurrents of a conversation. They can appreciate and produce sophisticated wordplay involving the root H-Z-N. C2 learners are capable of translating complex English concepts of 'melancholy,' 'angst,' or 'sorrow' into the most appropriate Arabic equivalent, often using 'yahzan' as a base but modifying it with advanced grammatical structures or idiomatic pairings. They can analyze the use of the verb in the works of great Arab poets like Al-Mutanabbi or Mahmoud Darwish, understanding how the verb functions within the meter and rhyme of the poem to evoke specific responses in the reader.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

يَحزن in 30 Seconds

A foundational Arabic verb meaning 'to be sad' or 'to grieve.'
Belongs to the root H-Z-N and follows the Form I verb pattern.
Commonly used with the preposition 'ala' to indicate the cause of sadness.
Essential for expressing empathy, mourning, and personal feelings in all registers.

The Arabic verb يَحزن (Yahzanu) is a foundational word in the Arabic emotional lexicon, primarily translated as 'to be sad,' 'to grieve,' or 'to feel sorrow.' At its core, it describes an internal state of emotional pain, often resulting from loss, disappointment, or empathy. In the CEFR A2 level, learners encounter this word as a primary way to describe feelings, moving beyond simple adjectives like 'sad' (hazin) to the dynamic action of feeling sadness. The verb originates from the root ح-ز-ن (H-Z-N), which carries the semantic weight of roughness or hardness, metaphorically suggesting that grief is a 'rough' or 'hard' state of the heart. Unlike English, where 'to be sad' is often a state of being (using the verb 'to be'), Arabic uses the active verb form to indicate a process or a reaction to an event.

Emotional Depth: It spans the spectrum from mild disappointment to profound mourning. It is the standard term used in both Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and various dialects, though the pronunciation may shift slightly.

يَحزنُ الوَلَدُ عِندَما يَكسِرُ لُعبَتَهُ.
(The boy feels sad when he breaks his toy.)

In a cultural context, expressing sadness through this verb is common in literature and poetry. It is often paired with the heart (القلب) or the eyes (العين), suggesting a physical manifestation of the emotion. For instance, one might say 'The heart grieves' (يَحزن القلب). It is important to distinguish this from the causative form يُحزن (Yuhzinu), which means 'to make (someone) sad.' While يَحزن is what the subject feels, يُحزن is what an object or situation does to the subject.

Social Usage: In social settings, you might use it to express sympathy: 'I am saddened by this news' (يَحزنني هذا الخبر - though this uses the causative form, the root remains the same).

لا يَحزن العاقلُ على ما فاته.
(The wise person does not grieve over what has passed.)

Linguistically, the verb is often followed by the preposition على (ala - on/for) to indicate the object of sadness. For example, 'He is sad for his friend' (يَحزن على صديقه). It can also be followed by لـ (li - for/because of) to indicate the reason. Understanding these prepositional links is crucial for moving from basic vocabulary to fluent sentence construction. In modern media, you will hear this verb in news reports about tragic events, in song lyrics about lost love, and in movies during emotional climaxes. It is a 'heavy' word but essential for human connection and the expression of empathy in the Arabic-speaking world.

Mastering يَحزن involves understanding its conjugation and its relationship with other sentence elements. As a present-tense verb (المضارع), it changes based on the subject. For example, 'I am sad' is أحزن (Ahzanu), 'We are sad' is نحزن (Nahzanu), and 'She is sad' is تحزن (Tahzanu). Because it describes an internal state, it is often used with adverbs of frequency or intensity to provide more context to the emotion.

Prepositional Usage: The most common preposition used with this verb is 'على' (ala). This is used when you are sad 'about' or 'over' something. Example: 'He is sad about the loss' (يَحزن على الخسارة).

نَحنُ نَحزنُ لِفِراقِ الأَحِبَّةِ.
(We grieve for the separation of loved ones.)

Another important structure is using the verb with لِـ (li) to denote the cause. 'I am sad because of the news' (أحزنُ لِلخَبَر). In many cases, the verb is preceded by 'لا' (la) to form a command or advice: 'Do not be sad' (لا تَحزن). This specific phrase is famous due to its occurrence in the Quran, providing a spiritual dimension to the word's usage. When teaching this to English speakers, it is helpful to point out that while we say 'I feel sad,' the Arabic verb يَحزن encapsulates both the feeling and the action of being in that state.

يَحزنُ القَلبُ وتَدمَعُ العَينُ.
(The heart grieves and the eye sheds tears.)

In complex sentences, يَحزن can be part of a conditional clause. 'If he fails, he will be sad' (إذا رَسَبَ، فَسَيَحزن). Notice the use of the prefix 'سـ' to indicate the future. Furthermore, in literature, you might see the verb used metaphorically with inanimate objects to create a somber mood, such as 'The city grieves for its heroes' (تَحزن المدينة على أبطالها). This anthropomorphism is a hallmark of Arabic rhetorical style (Balagha), even at intermediate levels of study.

The verb يَحزن is ubiquitous across the Arab world, appearing in various registers from the most formal classical texts to the most casual daily conversations. In religious contexts, it is a key term in the Quran, particularly in the phrase 'Do not be sad, for Allah is with us' (لا تحزن إن الله معنا), which is frequently quoted to offer comfort and resilience. This gives the word a layer of stoicism and faith-based endurance that is deeply embedded in the cultural psyche.

In Media and News: News anchors use the root when reporting on national tragedies or the passing of significant figures. You will hear phrases like 'The nation grieves' (تَحزن الأمة).

يَحزنُ الجُمهورُ لِخَسارَةِ الفَريقِ.
(The fans are sad about the team's loss.)

In the world of music and 'Tarab,' sadness is a central theme. Countless songs by legends like Umm Kulthum or Abdel Halim Hafez utilize this verb or its derivatives to express the pangs of unrequited love or nostalgia. When listening to Arabic music, pay attention to the 'H' sound of the root—it often carries a breathy, emotive quality in vocal performances. In daily life, while people might use dialect-specific words for 'sad' (like 'za'lan' in Levantine or Egyptian), the verb يَحزن remains the standard for formal expression and written communication.

الأُمُّ تَحزنُ عِندَما يَمْرَضُ طِفلُها.
(The mother feels sad when her child is sick.)

Finally, you will find this word in educational settings. Teachers use it when discussing the themes of a story or poem. 'Why does the protagonist feel sad?' (لماذا يَحزن البطل؟). Understanding this verb allows a learner to engage with the emotional core of Arabic narratives. It is not just a vocabulary word; it is a gateway to understanding how Arabic speakers process and articulate the more difficult aspects of the human experience.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with يَحزن is confusing it with its causative Form IV counterpart, يُحزن (Yuhzinu). While يَحزن (Yahzanu) means 'he is sad' (the person feels the emotion), يُحزن (Yuhzinu) means 'he/it makes (someone) sad.' For example, 'I am sad' is أَحزن, but 'The news makes me sad' is يُحزنني الخبر. Confusing these two can change the meaning of your sentence from an internal feeling to an external action.

Preposition Pitfalls: Learners often try to translate the English 'sad about' directly using 'عن' (an) instead of the correct 'على' (ala). In Arabic, you are sad 'on' or 'over' something, not 'about' it in the way 'an' implies.

Incorrect: هو يَحزن عَن الكلب.
Correct: هو يَحزن على الكلب.
(He is sad about the dog.)

Another mistake involves the conjugation of the past tense. Because the present tense is يَحْزَن (with a fatha on the 'z'), some learners assume the past tense is حَزَنَ (with a fatha). However, it is actually حَزِنَ (with a kasra). This is a 'bab' (category) of verbs that follow the 'fa'ila - yaf'alu' pattern, common for verbs describing emotions or bodily states (like 'shabiba' - to be full, or 'fariba' - to be happy).

Incorrect: لا تَحزنُ!
Correct: لا تَحزَنْ!
(Don't be sad! - Jussive case for negative command.)

Lastly, learners sometimes over-use يَحزن for mild annoyance. In Arabic, يَحزن implies a deeper level of sorrow. If you are just a bit 'upset' or 'bothered,' words like يتضايق (yatadayyaq) or يزعل (yaz'al - common in dialect) are often more appropriate. Reserving يَحزن for genuine grief or significant sadness will make your Arabic sound more natural and emotionally accurate.

Arabic is famous for its vast vocabulary, especially regarding emotions. While يَحزن is the most common verb for sadness, several alternatives offer nuanced differences in meaning. Understanding these can help you describe feelings with greater precision.

يَحزن vs. يَأسى (Ya'sa): While 'yahzanu' is general sadness, 'ya'sa' often implies a more profound, lasting grief or regret. It is a more literary and intense word.

يَأسى الشاعِرُ على ضَياعِ الوَطَن.
(The poet grieves [deeply] for the loss of the homeland.)

Another related verb is يَغتمّ (yaghtamm), which refers to being 'distressed' or 'worried-sad.' It implies a feeling of being 'suffocated' by grief. If the sadness includes a sense of physical or mental pain, يتألم (yata'allam - to be in pain) might be used alongside يَحزن. In many dialects, the verb يزعل (yaz'al) is used for 'being upset' or 'getting angry-sad' at someone. This is much more common in daily speech in Egypt and the Levant than the formal يَحزن.

Antonyms: The direct opposite is 'يَفْرَح' (yafrahu - to be happy/rejoice). Other opposites include 'يَسْتَبْشِر' (yastabshiru - to be optimistic/rejoice in good news).

لا تَحزن، بَل افرح بِنَجاحِك.
(Don't be sad; instead, rejoice in your success.)

In summary, while يَحزن is your 'go-to' verb for sadness, being aware of يَأسى, يَغتمّ, and يَزعل will significantly broaden your expressive range. When reading Arabic literature, look for how authors choose between these synonyms to set a specific emotional tone. Each word carries its own history and weight, contributing to the rich tapestry of the Arabic language.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In old Arabic, 'al-huzn' also referred to a specific type of rugged land. The transition from a physical description of land to an emotional state of the soul is a classic example of Arabic's metaphorical depth.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /jah.za.nu/

US /jɑh.zæ.nu/

The stress is typically on the first syllable: YAH-za-nu.

Rhymes With

يسكن (yaskun) يعلن (yu'lin) يضمن (yadman) يفتن (yaftin) يؤمن (yu'min) يحسن (yuhsin) يدفن (yadfun) يخزن (yakhzun)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'H' (ح) as a soft English 'h'. It must be deeper and more fricative.
Confusing the fatha on the 'z' in the present tense with a kasra.
Mistaking the present tense 'yahzanu' for the causative 'yuhzinu'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Recognizable root, very common in text.

Writing 3/5

Must remember the fatha/kasra distinction and correct preposition.

Speaking 3/5

The 'H' sound requires practice for non-natives.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation in standard Arabic.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

حزين قلب على لا هو

Learn Next

يُحزن يفرح يبكي موت فقد

Advanced

يستاء يغتم ينفطر يتفجع يتأسى

Grammar to Know

The pattern of Form I middle-kasra verbs

حَزِنَ (Past) -> يَحْزَنُ (Present)

Jussive mood after 'La' (Prohibitive)

لا تَحْزَنْ (Don't be sad)

Subjunctive mood after 'An'

يُريدُ أَن يَحْزَنَ (He wants to be sad)

Cognate Accusative for emphasis

يَحزن حُزناً شَديداً (He grieves a great grief)

Prepositional link with 'Ala'

يَحزن على وَطَنِه (He is sad for his country)

Examples by Level

يَحزنُ الوَلَدُ.

The boy is sad.

Simple subject-verb sentence.

أَنا أَحزنُ اليَومَ.

I am sad today.

First person singular present tense.

هَل تَحزنُ؟

Are you (m) sad?

Interrogative with second person masculine.

هِيَ تَحزنُ كَثيراً.

She is very sad.

Use of 'kathiran' (a lot) as an adverb.

لا تَحزَنْ يا صَدِيقي.

Don't be sad, my friend.

Negative imperative (Jussive).

نَحنُ نَحزنُ مَعَكَ.

We are sad with you.

First person plural present tense.

القِطُّ يَحزنُ لِفُقدانِ طَعامِهِ.

The cat is sad for losing its food.

Verb used for an animal subject.

يَحزنُ أَبي عِندَما يَتأَخَّرُ العَمَلُ.

My father is sad when work is late.

Complex sentence with 'indama' (when).

يَحزنُ الطالِبُ لِأَنَّهُ رَسَبَ.

The student is sad because he failed.

Using 'li-anna' to explain cause.

تَحزنُ الأُمُّ على مَرَضِ ابْنِها.

The mother is sad over her son's illness.

Preposition 'ala' indicating the object of sadness.

أَحزنُ عِندَما أُسافِرُ بَعيداً.

I feel sad when I travel far away.

Present tense expressing a recurring feeling.

لا يَحزنُ مَن يَتَوَكَّلُ على الله.

He who trusts in God does not grieve.

Relative clause with 'man' (who).

يَحزنُ الناسُ لِسَماعِ الأخبارِ السَّيِّئَةِ.

People are sad to hear bad news.

Masculine singular verb with a collective noun 'al-nas'.

تَحزنُ البِنتُ على لُعبَتِها المَكسورَةِ.

The girl is sad over her broken toy.

Adjective 'maksura' modifying the object of 'ala'.

نَحزنُ لِفِراقِ الأَصدِقاءِ في الصَّيفِ.

We are sad for the parting of friends in summer.

Masdar 'firaq' used as the reason for sadness.

يَحزنُ قَلبي لِرُؤيَةِ الفَقيرِ.

My heart is sad to see the poor person.

The heart as the subject of the verb.

كُنْتُ أَحزنُ كَثيراً في صِغَري.

I used to be very sad in my childhood.

Past continuous using 'kana' + present verb.

لَن نَحزنَ بَعدَ اليَومِ.

We will not be sad after today.

Future negation with 'lan' (Subjunctive).

يَجِبُ أَلَّا تَحزنَ على أَخطاءِ الماضي.

You must not be sad about past mistakes.

Subjunctive after 'an la' (alla).

يَحزنُ المُواطِنونَ لِتَدهورِ الاقتِصادِ.

Citizens are sad about the economic downturn.

Plural subject with singular verb (V-S order).

لَوْ كُنتُ مَكانَكَ، لَمَا حَزِنتُ.

If I were in your place, I wouldn't have been sad.

Conditional sentence with 'law'.

تَحزنُ الطيورُ عِندَما يُدَمَّرُ عُشُّها.

Birds grieve when their nest is destroyed.

Metaphorical use for animals in a formal context.

مِنَ الطَّبيعيِّ أَن يَحزنَ الإنسانُ لِلفَقدِ.

It is natural for a person to grieve for loss.

Infinitive clause with 'an' + present verb.

يَحزنُ الكاتِبُ إِذا لَم يَجِد مَن يَقرأُ لَهُ.

The writer is sad if he finds no one to read for him.

Conditional 'idha' with present tense.

يَحزنُ المَرءُ لِضَياعِ فُرَصٍ لا تَعوضُ.

One grieves for the loss of irreplaceable opportunities.

Use of 'al-mar' (one/man) as a generic subject.

قَد يَحزنُ البَعضُ دونَ سَبَبٍ واضِحٍ.

Some may feel sad without an obvious reason.

'Qad' with present tense indicates possibility.

تَحزنُ النُّفوسُ لِمَشاهِدِ الحُروبِ والدَّمارِ.

Souls grieve at the sights of war and destruction.

Plural 'nufus' (souls) as subject.

لَم يَحزنِ الرَّجُلُ رُغمَ كُلِّ الصِّعابِ.

The man did not grieve despite all the difficulties.

Jussive after 'lam' with kasra for preventing meeting of two sukoons.

يَحزنُ العالَمُ لِرَحيلِ العُلماءِ العُظَماءِ.

The world grieves for the passing of great scientists.

Collective subject 'al-alam' (the world).

تَحزنُ لِحالِهِ كُلُّ القُلوبِ الرَّحيمةِ.

All merciful hearts grieve for his condition.

V-S order with 'kull' (all) as part of the subject.

إِيّاكَ أَن تَحزنَ على ما لا تَملِكُ.

Beware of grieving over what you do not possess.

Warning structure with 'iyyaka'.

يَحزنُ المُهاجِرُ لِحَنينِهِ إِلى الوَطَنِ.

The migrant grieves due to his nostalgia for the homeland.

Use of 'hanin' (nostalgia) as a cause.

يَحزنُ الفيلَسوفُ لِعَجزِ العَقلِ عَن إِدراكِ الحَقيقةِ.

The philosopher grieves for the mind's inability to perceive the truth.

Abstract and academic subject matter.

لا يَحزنُ مَن أَدرَكَ أَنَّ الدُّنيا فانيةٌ.

He who realizes that the world is fleeting does not grieve.

Theological/Philosophical context.

تَحزنُ القَصائِدُ لِمَوتِ قائِليها.

Poems grieve for the death of those who recited them.

Personification in literary style.

يَحزنُ الغَريبُ في مَنفاهُ حُزناً عَميقاً.

The stranger in his exile grieves a deep grief.

Cognate accusative (maf'ul mutlaq) 'huznan amiqan'.

لَعَلَّكَ تَحزنُ لِأَنَّكَ لَم تَفهَم مَقْصِدي.

Perhaps you are sad because you did not understand my intent.

Use of 'la'allaka' (perhaps).

يَحزنُ التارِيخُ عِندَما تُنسى الحَضاراتُ.

History grieves when civilizations are forgotten.

Abstract subject 'al-tarikh'.

أَوَتَحزنُ وَأَنتَ تَرى جَمالَ الكَونِ؟

Do you grieve while you see the beauty of the universe?

Rhetorical question with 'waw al-hal'.

يَحزنُ المَرءُ لِفَواتِ الأَوانِ في إصلاحِ ما فَسَدَ.

One grieves for the passing of time to fix what has been corrupted.

Complex genitive construction (idafa).

يَحزنُ الوُجودُ بِرُمَّتِهِ لِغِيابِ العَدلِ.

Existence in its entirety grieves for the absence of justice.

Use of 'bi-rummatihi' (entirely).

لا يَحزنُ إِلّا مَن حَمَلَ هَمَّ الأُمَّةِ.

None grieves except he who carried the concern of the nation.

Exclusionary 'illa' structure.

تَحزنُ المَعاني عِندَما تَعجِزُ الكَلِماتُ عَن وَصفِها.

Meanings grieve when words fail to describe them.

Metaphysical personification.

يَحزنُ العارِفُ لِانشِغالِ الخَلقِ بِالقُشورِ.

The gnostic grieves for people's preoccupation with superficialities.

Sufi/Gnostic terminology ('al-arif').

أَيَحزنُ القَلبُ وَقَد أُتْرِعَ بِالإيمانِ؟

Does the heart grieve when it has been filled with faith?

Archaic verb 'utri'a' (to be filled).

يَحزنُ الزَّمانُ على ما اقترَفَهُ الإنسانُ في حَقِّ الطَّبيعةِ.

Time itself grieves for what man has committed against nature.

High literary register.

يَحزنُ المَرءُ حُزناً لا تُدرِكُ كُنْهَهُ العُقولُ.

One grieves a grief whose essence minds cannot grasp.

Relative clause modifying a cognate accusative.

تَحزنُ الرُّوحُ لِقُيودِ الجَسَدِ التُّرابِيِّ.

The soul grieves for the shackles of the earthly body.

Philosophical dualism context.

Common Collocations

يَحزنُ القَلْبُ

يَحزنُ كَثيراً

لا يَحزنُ أَبَداً

يَحزنُ لِلفَقْدِ

يَحزنُ على الماضي

يَحزنُ بِصَمْتٍ

يَحزنُ لِحَالِهِ

يَحزنُ لِلخَبَرِ

يَحزنُ شَدِيداً

يَحزنُ على نَفْسِهِ

Common Phrases

لا تَحزَنْ

— A phrase of comfort meaning 'Don't be sad.' Famous from the Quran.

لا تحزن إن الله معنا.

يَحزنني أَن أقول

— A formal way to say 'I am sorry to say' or 'It saddens me to say.'

يَحزنني أن أقول إنك رسبت.

مِمَّا يَحزن

— A phrase meaning 'What is saddening is...' used to introduce bad news.

ومما يَحزن أن الحرب مستمرة.

يَحزن القَلْب وتدمع العَين

— A classic expression of deep grief, often used during funerals.

يَحزن القلب وتدمع العين ولا نقول إلا ما يرضي الله.

لا يَحزنك قَوْلُهم

— A phrase meaning 'Do not let their words sadden you.'

لا يَحزنك قولهم، فأنت على حق.

حُزناً على

— Using the noun form to mean 'out of sadness for.'

بكى حُزناً على فراقها.

يَحزن لِحُزْنِهِ

— To be sad because someone else is sad (empathy).

الصديق الحقيقي يَحزن لِحزن صديقه.

ما يَحزنني هو...

— A way to highlight the specific cause of one's sadness.

ما يَحزنني هو ضياع الوقت.

قَد يَحزن المَرء

— A general observation: 'A person might be sad.'

قد يَحزن المرء لسبب تافه.

لِكَيْ لا تَحزنوا

— A phrase meaning 'So that you may not grieve.'

أخبرتكم لكي لا تحزنوا لاحقاً.

Often Confused With

يَحزن vs يُحزن

This means 'to make sad.' The first vowel is 'u' instead of 'a'.

يَحزن vs يخزن

This means 'to store' (root Kh-Z-N). The first letter is 'Kh' (خ) instead of 'H' (ح).

يَحزن vs يخشن

This means 'to become rough' (root Kh-Sh-N).

Idioms & Expressions

"يَحزن على اللبن المسكوب"

— To cry over spilled milk (to grieve over something that cannot be changed).

لا فائدة من أن تَحزن على اللبن المسكوب.

Informal

"يَحزن الحجر"

— Something so sad it would make even a stone grieve.

هذا مشهد يَحزن له الحجر.

Literary/Emotive

"يَحزن في نفسه"

— To grieve internally without showing it to others.

كان يَحزن في نفسه ولا يشكو.

Neutral

"أَكلَهُ الحُزْن"

— To be consumed by grief (using the noun derivative).

أكله الحزن بعد وفاة زوجته.

Literary

"يَحزن لِمُصَابِه"

— To grieve for someone's tragedy/affliction.

العالم كله يَحزن لمصابهم.

Formal

"لا يَحزن ولا يَفرح"

— To be emotionally numb or stoic.

أصبح لا يَحزن ولا يَفرح من كثرة الصدمات.

Neutral

"يَحزن حُزنَ الثَّكْلَى"

— To grieve like a mother who lost her child (very intense grief).

يَحزن حزن الثكلى على وطنه.

Poetic

"يَحزن لِغُروبِ الشَّمْس"

— To be sad at the end of something beautiful.

يَحزن لغروب الشمس لأنه يذكره بالرحيل.

Poetic

"يَحزن القُرَبَاء"

— To cause grief to those close to you (usually through one's actions).

بفعله هذا، هو يَحزن القرباء.

Neutral

"يَحزن على الأطلال"

— To grieve over ruins (nostalgia for the past).

وقف الشاعر يَحزن على الأطلال.

Literary

Easily Confused

يَحزن vs يُحزن (Yuhzinu)

Same root, different verb form (Form IV).

Yahzanu is the feeling (intransitive), Yuhzinu is the cause (transitive).

يَحزن الولد (The boy is sad) vs يُحزنني الولد (The boy makes me sad).

يَحزن vs يخزن (Yakhzunu)

Similar sound and spelling.

Yakhzunu means to store or save items, while Yahzanu refers to emotion.

يخزن التاجر البضاعة (The merchant stores the goods).

يَحزن vs يأسى (Ya'sa)

Similar meaning of grief.

Ya'sa is more literary and usually implies a deeper, more permanent sorrow.

يأسى على ضياع ملكه (He grieves the loss of his kingdom).

يَحزن vs يزعل (Yaz'al)

Often used as a synonym in dialects.

Yaz'al often includes a hint of anger or being 'upset' with someone, whereas Yahzanu is pure sadness.

لا تزعل مني (Don't be upset with me).

يَحزن vs يغتم (Yaghtamm)

Both relate to sadness.

Yaghtamm implies a feeling of being burdened or worried along with the sadness.

يغتم لضيق الرزق (He is distressed by the lack of livelihood).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] يَحزن.

الرجل يَحزن.

[Subject] يَحزن على [Noun].

البنت تَحزن على القطة.

لا تَحزن لِأَنَّ [Clause].

لا تَحزن لأنك ستنجح.

يَحزن [Subject] عِندما [Verb].

يَحزن الطفل عندما ينام والده.

مِنَ الصَّعْبِ أَن لا يَحزنَ [Subject].

من الصعب أن لا يحزن الفقير.

يَحزن [Subject] حُزناً [Adjective].

يَحزن الغريب حزناً طويلاً.

أَيَحزنُ مَن [Verb phrase]؟

أيحزن من عرف الله؟

يَحزنُ [Abstract Subject] لِـ [Masdar].

يَحزن الزمان لضياع المجد.

Word Family

Nouns

حُزْن (huzn) - Sadness

مَحْزَنَة (mahzana) - Cause of grief

تَحْزِين (tahzin) - Making someone sad

Verbs

حَزِنَ (hazina) - To be sad (Past)

أَحْزَنَ (ahzana) - To make sad (Form IV)

حَزَّنَ (hazzana) - To make someone very sad (Form II)

Adjectives

حَزِين (hazin) - Sad

مَحْزُون (mahzun) - Saddened

حَزْنَان (haznan) - Very sad (archaic/dialect)

بكاء (bukaa') - Crying

أسى (asaa) - Grief

غم (ghamm) - Distress

كآبة (ka'aba) - Depression

ترح (tarah) - Sorrow

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in literature, media, and formal speech; moderately common in daily life.

Common Mistakes

يَحزن عَن → يَحزن على
Arabic uses 'ala' (on) for the object of sadness, not 'an' (about).
يُحزن (when meaning 'he is sad') → يَحزن
Yuhzinu means 'it makes sad.' Yahzanu is 'he is sad.'
حَزَنَ (Past tense) → حَزِنَ
The past tense of this specific verb requires a kasra on the middle letter.
لا تَحزنُ (Command) → لا تَحزَنْ
The negative command requires the jussive (sukoon on the last letter).
Using 'yahzan' for minor annoyance → يتضايق or يزعل
Yahzan is reserved for more significant sorrow or grief.

Tips

Check the Vowels

Ensure you use the fatha on the 'z' in the present tense (yahzAnu).

Learn the Noun

The noun 'huzn' (sadness) is just as common and useful as the verb.

Religious Context

The phrase 'La Tahzan' is a powerful cultural and religious reference for comfort.

Preposition 'Ala'

Always pair the verb with 'ala' to sound like a native speaker.

The Deep 'H'

Practice the 'ح' sound; it shouldn't sound like the 'h' in 'hello.'

Maf'ul Mutlaq

To say 'He is very sad,' use 'Yahzanu huznan shadidan.'

Initial Vowel

Listen for the 'ya' vs 'yu' to distinguish between 'is sad' and 'makes sad.'

Poetic Use

Don't be afraid to use it with abstract subjects like 'the heart' or 'the city.'

Switch to Yaz'al

When speaking casually in a cafe, 'yaz'al' might be more appropriate.

Rough Ground

Remember the root's origin (rough ground) to visualize the 'hardness' of grief.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'H' in 'Yahzan' as the sound of a heavy sigh. When you are sad, you sigh: 'Hhh... Yahzan.'

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing on 'rough ground' (the original meaning of the root), struggling to walk. Sadness is like walking on rough ground for the heart.

Word Web

Sorrow Grief Heart Tears Loss Empathy Regret Crying

Challenge

Try to use the verb 'yahzan' in three different sentences today: one about yourself, one about a friend, and one about a story you know.

Word Origin

The root H-Z-N (ح-ز-ن) in Semitic languages originally referred to rough, rugged, or hard ground. This physical hardness was metaphorically applied to the 'hardness' or 'heaviness' of the heart during grief.

Original meaning: Rough ground or rugged terrain.

Afroasiatic -> Semitic -> Central Semitic -> Arabic.

Cultural Context

While 'yahzan' is a common word, be mindful when using it in social situations to ensure you are matching the appropriate level of grief for the occasion.

English speakers often use the adjective 'sad' with 'to be.' In Arabic, using the verb 'yahzan' makes the emotion feel more like an active, ongoing process.

Quran 9:40 ('La Tahzan...') The book 'La Tahzan' by Aid al-Qarni (a global bestseller) Songs by Fayrouz such as 'Ya Tayr'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Funerals

يَحزن الجميع
حزن عميق
لا تحزن
يَحزن القلب

Failing an exam

يَحزن الطالب
أحزن لرسوبي
لا تحزن، حاول ثانية
تَحزن العائلة

Watching a movie

مشهد يَحزن له
لماذا يَحزن البطل؟
نهاية تَحزن
أحزنني الفيلم

National News

تَحزن البلاد
يَحزن العالم
مما يَحزن أن...
يَحزنون للضحايا

Personal relationships

أحزن لفراقك
لا تَحزن مني
يَحزن لغيابها
تَحزن لصديقتها

Conversation Starters

"لماذا يَحزن الناس في هذا الفيلم؟ (Why are the people sad in this movie?)"

"هل تَحزن عِندما تُمطِرُ السَّماء؟ (Do you feel sad when it rains?)"

"ما الذي يَحزنك أكثر شيء؟ (What makes you sad the most?)"

"هل يَحزن أصدقاؤك عِندما تُسافِر؟ (Are your friends sad when you travel?)"

"كيف تُواسي شَخصاً يَحزن؟ (How do you comfort someone who is grieving?)"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن مَوقِفٍ جَعَلَكَ تَحزن كثيراً. (Write about a situation that made you very sad.)

هل تَعتقدُ أَنَّ من الجَيِّدِ أَن يَحزن الإنسانُ أَحياناً؟ (Do you think it's good for a person to be sad sometimes?)

صِف مَشهداً في كِتابٍ جَعَلَكَ تَحزن على البَطَل. (Describe a scene in a book that made you sad for the hero.)

كيف يَتغيرُ العالَمُ إذا تَوَقَّفَ الناسُ عَن أَن يَحزنوا؟ (How would the world change if people stopped grieving?)

اكتب رِسالةً لِصديقٍ يَحزن لِفُقدانِ شَيءٍ ثَمين. (Write a letter to a friend grieving the loss of something valuable.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You say 'أنا أحزن' (Ana ahzanu), but it is more common to say 'أنا حزين' (Ana hazin) if you are describing your state. Using the verb implies you are 'feeling' the sadness right now as an action.

حَزِنَ (hazina) is the past tense ('he was sad'), and يَحزن (yahzanu) is the present tense ('he is sad'). Note the vowel change on the middle letter.

Yes, it is perfectly fine to say 'يَحزن الكلب' (The dog is sad) in Arabic stories or descriptions.

Yes, it is Modern Standard Arabic. In dialect, you might hear 'Ma tez'al.'

The most common and correct preposition is 'على' (ala) to mean 'about' or 'over.'

No, 'to cry' is 'yabki' (يبكي). While sadness often leads to crying, 'yahzanu' refers to the internal emotion itself.

Yes, it is stronger than 'being upset' and is the standard word for grief and mourning.

Not directly. To say 'I'm sorry,' you use 'Asif.' But you can say 'Yahzanuni' (It saddens me) to express regret formally.

The root is H-Z-N (ح-ز-ن).

For 'they are sad,' you say 'يَحزنون' (yahzanuna).