Meaning
Expresses deep sorrow or regret about a situation.
Cultural Background
In Iranian state media, this phrase is a 'red flag' signal. When a news anchor starts a sentence with this, the audience knows a serious condemnation of a foreign policy or a social tragedy is coming. Professors use this in written feedback to indicate that a student's work is not just poor, but fails to meet the ethical or intellectual standards of the institution. The phrase is equally common in formal Dari in Afghanistan, often used in official government statements from Kabul to express grief over national security incidents. Using this phrase in a non-formal setting is often a sign of 'Ketābi' (bookish) speech. It can be used humorously among friends to over-dramatize a small problem, like running out of tea.
The 'Ke' Rule
Always follow this phrase with 'ke' (that) to explain exactly what you are regretting. It makes your Persian sound structured and professional.
Don't Overuse
If you use this more than once in a single letter, it loses its power. Save it for the most important point.
Meaning
Expresses deep sorrow or regret about a situation.
The 'Ke' Rule
Always follow this phrase with 'ke' (that) to explain exactly what you are regretting. It makes your Persian sound structured and professional.
Don't Overuse
If you use this more than once in a single letter, it loses its power. Save it for the most important point.
The Sarcasm Trap
Be careful! If you use this for something small, Iranians will think you are being extremely sarcastic or 'high-maintenance'.
Test Yourself
Complete the formal sentence with the correct intensifier.
جای ... تأسف است که این فرصت از دست رفت.
In the fixed formal expression 'Jāy-e ... ta'assof ast', the word 'basi' is the standard literary intensifier.
In which of these situations is 'جای بسی تأسف است' appropriate?
Select the correct context:
This phrase is reserved for serious, often public or moral tragedies, not minor personal inconveniences.
Choose the best response for a news anchor.
Anchor: 'گزارشها نشان میدهد که جنگلها در حال سوختن هستند.' Co-anchor: 'بله، ...'
This is the standard formal way to react to tragic news in a professional broadcast.
Which sentence is grammatically and register-wise correct?
Pick the best option:
The phrase must describe an 'it' (the situation) and follow the fixed order.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Jāy-e basi ta'assof ast'
Official
- • Government statements
- • News reports
- • Legal documents
Academic
- • Formal essays
- • Critiques
- • University letters
Serious
- • Natural disasters
- • Ethical failures
- • Major losses
Practice Bank
4 exercisesجای ... تأسف است که این فرصت از دست رفت.
In the fixed formal expression 'Jāy-e ... ta'assof ast', the word 'basi' is the standard literary intensifier.
Select the correct context:
This phrase is reserved for serious, often public or moral tragedies, not minor personal inconveniences.
Anchor: 'گزارشها نشان میدهد که جنگلها در حال سوختن هستند.' Co-anchor: 'بله، ...'
This is the standard formal way to react to tragic news in a professional broadcast.
Pick the best option:
The phrase must describe an 'it' (the situation) and follow the fixed order.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'basi' is much more formal and literary. You can't say 'basi mamnun' (thanks a lot), but you can say 'basi ta'assof'.
Only if you are talking about a serious industry failure or a past professional regret. Don't use it to describe your own small mistakes.
There isn't a single direct opposite, but 'جای بسی خوشحالی است' (It is a matter of great joy) is the positive equivalent.
It sounds 'classic' and 'official' rather than 'old-fashioned'. It's like using 'deeply regrettable' in English—it never goes out of style in the right context.
Generally no, unless you are being very formal or ironic.
Yes, it is the Ezafe construction. Without it, the phrase is grammatically incorrect.
It's a tiny catch in the throat, like the middle of 'uh-oh'.
Rarely in modern poetry, but the components are very common in classical verse.
Yes, 'dārad' (it has) is a common alternative to 'ast' (it is).
It is B2 because it requires an understanding of register and archaic vocabulary.
Related Phrases
مایه تأسف
similarSource of regret
افسوس خوردن
synonymTo eat regret (to feel sorry)
دریغ است که...
similarIt is a pity that...
خوشبختانه
contrastFortunately
متأسفانه
builds onUnfortunately
