Meaning
Expresses regret or longing for something that has passed and cannot be regained.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Old Tehran' (Tehran-e Ghadim) is a massive cultural trope. People use 'Darigh az gozashteh' to refer to the architecture, music, and social etiquette of the 1960s and 70s. In Tajik Persian, 'Darigh' is used similarly, often in the context of mourning the loss of Soviet-era stability or ancient Persian glory. In Dari, this phrase is frequently used to lament the decades of war, comparing the current state of cities like Kabul to their peaceful past. For Iranians living abroad, this phrase is a staple of 'Ghorbat' (exile), expressing a longing for the homeland as it was before they left.
The 'Sigh' Factor
When saying this, a small sigh before the phrase makes it sound 100% more native.
Don't Overuse
If you say this about everything, you'll sound like a grumpy old person. Save it for meaningful moments.
Meaning
Expresses regret or longing for something that has passed and cannot be regained.
The 'Sigh' Factor
When saying this, a small sigh before the phrase makes it sound 100% more native.
Don't Overuse
If you say this about everything, you'll sound like a grumpy old person. Save it for meaningful moments.
Pair with 'Heyf'
Saying 'Heyf o darigh az gozashteh' shows a very high level of linguistic mastery.
Social Bonding
Use this to agree with an older Iranian person's complaint about the modern world; it's a great way to show respect.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
دریغ ___ گذشته که همه چیز ارزان بود.
The idiom 'Darigh az gozashteh' always uses the preposition 'az'.
Which situation is most appropriate for this phrase?
In which scenario would you say 'دریغ از گذشته'?
The phrase is used for deep nostalgia and comparing a better past to a worse present.
Complete the dialogue.
A: نانهای امروزی اصلا کیفیت ندارند. B: واقعا، ________.
The dialogue is comparing modern food quality to the past, making this the perfect response.
Match the phrase to its tone.
Match the following:
Understanding the nuance between different types of 'looking back' is key for B2.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Darigh vs. Pashimani
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدریغ ___ گذشته که همه چیز ارزان بود.
The idiom 'Darigh az gozashteh' always uses the preposition 'az'.
In which scenario would you say 'دریغ از گذشته'?
The phrase is used for deep nostalgia and comparing a better past to a worse present.
A: نانهای امروزی اصلا کیفیت ندارند. B: واقعا، ________.
The dialogue is comparing modern food quality to the past, making this the perfect response.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the nuance between different types of 'looking back' is key for B2.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is a noun used as an exclamation. However, it can be turned into a verb: 'darigh kardan' (to withhold).
It's better to use 'Khoda biamorzatesh' or 'Yadesh bekheyr'. 'Darigh az gozashteh' is for the *time* they lived in, not the person specifically.
No, it's very common in poetic or emotional texts/captions.
'Darigh' is more about the loss of something valuable; 'Afsus' is more about the sadness of the situation.
Grammatically yes, but idiomatically no. We don't usually 'pity' the future in this way; we 'fear' it.
It's like a gargling sound in the back of the throat, similar to the French 'r'.
Yes, it is a staple of classical and modern Persian poetry.
Only if you are discussing the history of the company or industry in a very specific, respectful way. Otherwise, it's too emotional.
Here it means 'concerning' or 'originating from'.
Just saying 'Darigh!' is common.
Related Phrases
یادش بخیر
similarMay its memory be good
حیف از...
synonymWhat a pity for...
نوشدارو بعد از مرگ سهراب
builds onMedicine after Sohrab's death
گذشتهها گذشته
contrastThe past is the past
صد افسوس
specialized formA hundred regrets
