Meaning
Feeling extreme pity or sadness for someone else's situation.
Cultural Background
In Iran, showing empathy is a social requirement. Using idioms like 'Delam kabab shod' proves you are not 'bi-atefeh' (without emotion). The phrase is also used in Afghanistan with similar intensity, often emphasizing the 'burning' aspect of the heart. The heart as 'kebab' is a recurring theme in Sufi poetry, representing the soul being purified by the fire of divine love. Iranians use this phrase frequently in comments on Instagram or Twitter when reacting to social injustices or tragic viral videos.
Use with 'Teflaki'
Pair this with the word 'Teflaki' (poor thing) for maximum native-like empathy: 'Teflaki, delam barash kabab shod.'
Don't use for yourself
If you say 'Delam baraye khodam kabab shod,' it sounds a bit too dramatic or self-pitying. Use 'Delam baraye khodam sookht' instead.
Meaning
Feeling extreme pity or sadness for someone else's situation.
Use with 'Teflaki'
Pair this with the word 'Teflaki' (poor thing) for maximum native-like empathy: 'Teflaki, delam barash kabab shod.'
Don't use for yourself
If you say 'Delam baraye khodam kabab shod,' it sounds a bit too dramatic or self-pitying. Use 'Delam baraye khodam sookht' instead.
The Liver Alternative
If the situation is truly horrific, use 'Jegaram kabab shod' to show that the pain has reached your very core.
Body Language
When saying this, Iranians often tilt their head slightly and make a small 't-t-t' sound with their tongue to show sympathy.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
وقتی گربه زخمی را دیدم، دلم برایش ________.
The past tense 'shod' is needed because the action of seeing (didam) is in the past.
Which sentence is the most natural way to express pity for a friend who failed an exam?
دوستت در امتحان رد شده است. چه میگویی؟
This follows the standard grammar and logic of the idiom.
Match the situation to the most likely reaction.
Situation: You see an old man crying in the park.
Seeing someone cry is a primary trigger for this idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
الف: شنیدی که خانهی همسایه آتش گرفته؟ ب: بله، واقعاً ________.
The reaction to the news should be in the simple past.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Levels of Sadness in Persian
Practice Bank
4 exercisesوقتی گربه زخمی را دیدم، دلم برایش ________.
The past tense 'shod' is needed because the action of seeing (didam) is in the past.
دوستت در امتحان رد شده است. چه میگویی؟
This follows the standard grammar and logic of the idiom.
Situation: You see an old man crying in the park.
Seeing someone cry is a primary trigger for this idiom.
الف: شنیدی که خانهی همسایه آتش گرفته؟ ب: بله، واقعاً ________.
The reaction to the news should be in the simple past.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very kind and shows you are empathetic. However, it is informal, so use it with friends and family.
Not really. It's usually for living things (people, animals). For a car, you'd just say 'Heyf shod' (What a waste/pity).
'Delam sookht' is the general 'I feel sorry.' 'Delam kabab shod' is more intense and visual.
No, it's too informal. Use 'Mota'asser shodam' (I was affected/moved) instead.
You can also use 'Jegar' (liver), which is even more intense.
Yes, it's understood and used in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, though local variations exist.
You would say 'Delam-o kabab kardi' (You grilled my heart).
It's an idiom, not necessarily slang. It's used by all age groups.
Absolutely not. It is strictly for sadness and pity.
The opposite would be 'Del-shadi' (heart-happiness) or being 'Sang-del' (stone-hearted/indifferent).
Related Phrases
دل سوختن
synonymTo feel pity (literally: heart burning)
جگر کباب شدن
specialized formTo feel extreme, visceral pity
اشک کسی را درآوردن
builds onTo make someone cry
دلرحم
similarCompassionate/Kind-hearted
سنگدل
contrastStone-hearted
