Meaning
To no longer have something or someone.
Cultural Background
In Iranian culture, directness about death is often avoided. Using 'az dast dādan' is a linguistic cushion that makes the news softer. Classical poets like Rumi often use the concept of 'losing oneself' (khod rā az dast dādan) to describe mystical ecstasy. In Tehran's business world, 'losing face' or 'losing credit' (e'tebar) is considered a catastrophic 'az dast dādan'.
The 'Rā' Rule
Always use the object marker 'rā' after the thing you lost. E.g., 'Ketāb-rā az dast dādam'.
Handshakes vs. Loss
Be careful! 'Dast dādan' is a handshake. 'Az dast dādan' is a loss. That one tiny word 'az' changes everything.
Meaning
To no longer have something or someone.
The 'Rā' Rule
Always use the object marker 'rā' after the thing you lost. E.g., 'Ketāb-rā az dast dādam'.
Handshakes vs. Loss
Be careful! 'Dast dādan' is a handshake. 'Az dast dādan' is a loss. That one tiny word 'az' changes everything.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'dādan'.
من دیروز کلیدم را از دست ____.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must end in '-am'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to say someone's father passed away?
How to say 'He lost his father'?
'Az dast dādan' is the standard polite way to refer to the death of a loved one.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You missed your flight.
'Parvāz' means flight. You 'lost' the flight because you were late.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: چرا گریه میکنی؟ B: چون دوستم را ____.
Crying (gerye kardan) usually follows losing (az dast dādan) a friend.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن دیروز کلیدم را از دست ____.
The subject is 'Man' (I), so the verb must end in '-am'.
How to say 'He lost his father'?
'Az dast dādan' is the standard polite way to refer to the death of a loved one.
You missed your flight.
'Parvāz' means flight. You 'lost' the flight because you were late.
A: چرا گریه میکنی؟ B: چون دوستم را ____.
Crying (gerye kardan) usually follows losing (az dast dādan) a friend.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, but 'bākhtan' is more common for sports. 'Az dast dādan' sounds like you had the win and let it slip away.
Yes, it is very common and sympathetic to use for pets.
You say 'Dāram az dast midam'.
Related Phrases
گم کردن
similarTo misplace an object
باختن
similarTo lose a game or bet
پیدا کردن
contrastTo find
از دست رفتن
builds onTo be lost / To pass away
