Meaning
To make someone lose confidence or hope.
Cultural Background
In Iran, the 'Del' (heart) is the most important metaphorical organ. Almost all emotions—love, hate, courage, fear—are described as states of the 'Del'. Classical poets like Rumi and Hafez often used 'Del' to represent the soul. While this specific idiom is more modern/colloquial, the concept of the heart being 'emptied' of divine light or courage is a recurring theme. The phrase is also used in Afghanistan with the same meaning, though sometimes 'جگر' (liver) is used in other idioms for courage where Iranians use 'دل'. Filmmakers like Asghar Farhadi use this idiom to show the psychological tension between characters. It often highlights how one character's realism is perceived as 'emptying the heart' of another's idealism.
Use with 'Don't'
This idiom is most naturally used as a request: 'Teh-e del-e mano khali nakon!' (Don't discourage me!)
Not for Hunger
Never use this to say you are hungry. Iranians will be very confused and think you are having a panic attack.
Meaning
To make someone lose confidence or hope.
Use with 'Don't'
This idiom is most naturally used as a request: 'Teh-e del-e mano khali nakon!' (Don't discourage me!)
Not for Hunger
Never use this to say you are hungry. Iranians will be very confused and think you are having a panic attack.
The 'Ro' Variation
In Tehran, everyone says 'ro' instead of 'ra'. Practice saying 'Teh-e delamo khali kardi' to sound like a local.
Ta'arof Context
Sometimes people 'empty your heart' as a form of 'inverse Ta'arof'—trying to protect you from failure by being overly cautious.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
با این حرفهای منفی، ته دل من را _________.
The idiom is 'khali kardan'. 'Khali nakon' is the negative imperative 'don't empty'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'ته دلم خالی شد'?
Which one?
The phrase describes a sudden feeling of anxiety or loss of hope.
What would Person B say to express they are getting nervous?
Person A: 'شنیدی میگن این جاده خیلی خطرناکه؟' Person B: '___________'
Person B is reacting to scary news about a dangerous road.
Match the Persian phrase to its English equivalent.
Match them:
These are the most accurate functional translations.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesبا این حرفهای منفی، ته دل من را _________.
The idiom is 'khali kardan'. 'Khali nakon' is the negative imperative 'don't empty'.
Which one?
The phrase describes a sudden feeling of anxiety or loss of hope.
Person A: 'شنیدی میگن این جاده خیلی خطرناکه؟' Person B: '___________'
Person B is reacting to scary news about a dangerous road.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the most accurate functional translations.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily, but it expresses that you are bothered by someone's negativity. It's a direct way to say 'You're making me nervous.'
Yes! If a scene makes your heart sink with dread, you can say 'Teh-delam khali shod.'
'Tarsundan' is general fear. 'Teh del khali kardan' is specifically about losing confidence or feeling dread about a future event.
You can use it *about* the interview with friends, but don't say it *to* the interviewer!
Yes, 'Teh' (bottom) adds the specific nuance of the 'sinking' feeling. Just 'Del khali kardan' isn't a standard idiom.
Use 'Be man del-garmi dadi' (You gave me heart-warmth).
Yes, in novels and journalism, but it's more frequent in spoken language.
No, they might be telling the truth, but the *way* they say it is what 'empties the heart'.
Only if the love makes you feel sudden dread (e.g., seeing your crush with someone else). It's not for 'butterflies' of excitement.
Usually 'Bakhshid, nemikhastam nitarsoonet' (Sorry, I didn't want to scare you).
Related Phrases
دلگرمی دادن
contrastTo encourage someone
توی دل کسی را خالی کردن
synonymTo discourage someone
آب پاکی روی دست کسی ریختن
similarTo tell someone the final 'no' or bad news
دلسرد کردن
similarTo discourage
دلشوره داشتن
builds onThis is the state you are in *after* someone empties your heart.
