Phrase in 30 Seconds
Use 'حیف که' to express regret or disappointment about a situation that didn't go as planned.
- Means: It is a pity that / Unfortunately.
- Used in: Expressing missed opportunities, bad weather, or canceled plans.
- Don't confuse: Don't use it for deep grief; it's for minor regrets.
Explanation at your level:
Meaning
Expressing regret or sorrow about an unfortunate situation.
Cultural Background
Used frequently to show empathy.
Use it often
It makes you sound very natural.
Use it often
It makes you sound very natural.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
____ که نتوانستم به مهمانی بیایم.
The phrase is 'حیف که'.
🎉 Score: /1
Practice Bank
2 exercises____ که نتوانستم به مهمانی بیایم.
The phrase is 'حیف که'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, 'حیف!' is common.
Related Phrases
افسوس
synonymRegret
Where to Use It
Missing a flight
Ali: حیف که پرواز را از دست دادیم.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Hey, if' (sounds like 'Heyf')—'Hey, if only things were different!'
Visual Association
Imagine a spilled cup of tea. You look at it and say 'Heyf!'
Rhyme
حیف که رفت، دلم گرفت (It's a pity he left, my heart felt sad)
Story
Ali wanted to go to the park. It started raining. He looked at the window and said 'حیف که باران میبارد.' He stayed home and read a book instead.
In Other Languages
Similar to 'It's a pity' in English or 'Dommage' in French.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about things you missed this week using 'حیف که'.
Review in 1, 3, 7, and 14 days.
Pronunciation
H-ey-f
Formality Spectrum
حیف است که ایشان تشریف نیاوردند. (Social)
حیف که او نیامد. (Social)
حیف که نیومد. (Social)
حیف که نیومد دیگه! (Social)
Derived from the Arabic root 'h-y-f', meaning injustice or pity.
Fun Fact
It is one of the most common words in spoken Persian.
Cultural Notes
Used frequently to show empathy.
“حیف که اینطور شد.”
Conversation Starters
What is a pity about today?
Common Mistakes
حیف من که...
حیف که من...
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
Es una lástima que...
Spanish requires the subjunctive mood after 'que'.
C'est dommage que...
French also requires the subjunctive.
Es ist schade, dass...
German word order changes after 'dass'.
残念ながら...
Japanese uses an adverbial structure rather than a conjunction.
من المؤسف أن...
Arabic is more formal in this construction.
可惜...
Chinese doesn't require a 'that' equivalent.
아쉽게도...
Korean uses a specific suffix for regret.
É uma pena que...
Portuguese requires the subjunctive.
Spotted in the Real World
“حیف که نمیشه...”
Discussing a difficult situation.
Easily Confused
Both mean regret.
متاسفانه is more formal.
Frequently Asked Questions (1)
Yes, 'حیف!' is common.
basic understanding
