Meaning
To gain someone's affection, trust, or approval.
Cultural Background
The 'heart' is the center of social harmony. Iranians often prioritize 'del-e kasi rā nashkastan' (not breaking a heart) over being direct or blunt. Poets like Hafez use this idiom to describe the relationship between the lover and the beloved, or the soul and God. Children are taught from a young age to 'win the hearts' of their elders through 'adab' (politeness/etiquette). In the traditional Bazaar, trust is more important than contracts. Winning a partner's heart (trust) is key to long-term business.
Use the Subjunctive
When you say 'I want to win...', use 'bi-āram'. It sounds much more natural: 'mi-khām del-esh-o be dast bi-āram'.
Small Gestures
In Iran, winning a heart doesn't require big gifts. A simple 'khaste nabāshid' (don't be tired) to a worker can 'win their heart'.
Meaning
To gain someone's affection, trust, or approval.
Use the Subjunctive
When you say 'I want to win...', use 'bi-āram'. It sounds much more natural: 'mi-khām del-esh-o be dast bi-āram'.
Small Gestures
In Iran, winning a heart doesn't require big gifts. A simple 'khaste nabāshid' (don't be tired) to a worker can 'win their heart'.
Don't overdo it
If you use this phrase too much in business, you might sound like you are trying to manipulate people emotionally.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
من میخواهم با این هدیه دل خواهرم را ... .
The subjunctive form 'be dast biāvaram' is used after 'mi-khāham' (I want).
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'He won the teacher's heart'?
کدام جمله درست است؟
'Del' is more idiomatic than 'ghalb', and 'be dast āvardan' is the correct verb.
Match the Persian phrase to its English meaning.
وصل کنید:
These are all common 'del' idioms.
What should Sarah say to win her friend's heart back?
سارا: من دوستم را ناراحت کردم. حالا چه کار کنم؟ علی: برو و با یک عذرخواهی ...
Winning the heart is the solution to making someone 'nārāhat' (upset).
In which situation would you use 'del به دست آوردن'?
کدام موقعیت مناسب است؟
It is used for emotional reconciliation.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercisesمن میخواهم با این هدیه دل خواهرم را ... .
The subjunctive form 'be dast biāvaram' is used after 'mi-khāham' (I want).
کدام جمله درست است؟
'Del' is more idiomatic than 'ghalb', and 'be dast āvardan' is the correct verb.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all common 'del' idioms.
سارا: من دوستم را ناراحت کردم. حالا چه کار کنم؟ علی: برو و با یک عذرخواهی ...
Winning the heart is the solution to making someone 'nārāhat' (upset).
کدام موقعیت مناسب است؟
It is used for emotional reconciliation.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it is used for friends, family, bosses, and even the general public.
You can, but it sounds like a translation from English. 'Del' is the authentic Persian choice.
It is neutral. You can use it with your grandmother or in a newspaper article.
The opposite is 'del shekastan' (to break a heart).
You say: 'Delet-o be dast āvardam.'
Related Phrases
دل شکستن
contrastTo break someone's heart
از دل کسی درآوردن
similarTo make amends / apologize
دل باختن
similarTo lose one's heart (fall in love)
دل دادن
similarTo give one's heart / to pay close attention
