This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
B1 verb 9 min read

افسوس خوردن

afsus khordan
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips افسوس خوردن in 30 Seconds
Explanation افسوس خوردن in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the deep poetic meanings of 'afsus khordan.' Just think of it as a way to say 'I am sad about something in the past.' It is a 'compound verb,' which means it has two parts. The first part 'afsus' (regret) stays the same. The second part 'khordan' (to eat) changes depending on who is talking. For example, 'Afsus mikhoram' means 'I regret.' Use it simply when you want to say something was a pity. It's like saying 'Oh no!' but as a verb. You might hear it when someone misses a goal in a soccer game or drops their ice cream. It's a useful word to start expressing feelings beyond just 'good' or 'bad.'
Sign up free to read full explanation
For A2 learners, 'afsus khordan' is a great introduction to how Persian uses the verb 'to eat' (khordan) for emotions. You should start using it with the preposition 'baraye' (for). For example, 'Baraye ghaza afsus mikhoram' (I regret/am sad about the food - maybe it was bad or you missed it). At this level, focus on the present and past tenses. 'Afsus khordam' (I regretted) and 'Afsus mikhoram' (I regret). It's a step up from 'mota'asefam' (I'm sorry) because it shows you are talking about a situation, not just apologizing for a mistake. You will often hear it in simple stories or when people talk about missing a party or a class.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B1 level, you should understand that 'afsus khordan' is about lingering regret and lamentation. It is not for simple apologies. You should be able to use it in complex sentences with 'ke' (that). For example: 'Afsus mikhoram ke be harf-e to goosh nadadam' (I regret that I didn't listen to you). You also start to see the difference between this and 'pashiman shodan' (to be repentant). This level requires you to use it in conversation to express empathy for others. If a friend loses their job, saying 'Baraye in ettefagh afsus mikhoram' shows a good grasp of emotional nuance. You should also be comfortable with the negative form 'afsus nakhor' (don't regret it/don't worry) to comfort others.
B2 learners should recognize 'afsus khordan' as a key part of Persian literary and cultural expression. You should understand its use in media and news, where it takes on a slightly more formal tone. You can now use it to discuss abstract concepts, like 'regretting the passage of time' or 'regretting the loss of cultural heritage.' You should be able to distinguish it clearly from 'hasrat khordan' (yearning/envy-regret) and 'ta'asof khordan' (formal regret). At this level, your use of the verb should include various modal verbs, like 'nabayad afsus bikhory' (you shouldn't regret) or 'shayad afsus bekhorad' (he might regret). You are moving from just 'feeling' to 'analyzing' the regret.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C1 level, you are exploring the philosophical and poetic depths of 'afsus khordan.' You should be able to identify it in classical poetry (like Khayyam or Saadi) and understand how it relates to the Persian concept of the 'fleeting world' (donya-ye fani). You can use it in sophisticated debates about history or literature. Your vocabulary should include related nouns like 'ta'asof,' 'darigh,' and 'hasrat,' and you should know when to substitute 'afsus khordan' with more formal or archaic versions in writing. You understand the rhythm of the sentence and where to place emphasis to convey the maximum emotional weight of the 'eating' of regret.
Sign up free to read full explanation
For C2 mastery, 'afsus khordan' is a tool for nuanced storytelling and high-level rhetoric. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its cognates in other Indo-European languages. You can use it with perfect native-like timing in social situations to express deep, culturally-appropriate sentiment. You can write essays on the 'pedagogy of regret' in Persian culture, using this verb as a focal point. You are also aware of regional variations in how regret is 'eaten' across the Persian-speaking world (Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan). At this stage, the verb is no longer a vocabulary item but a part of your emotional identity in the Persian language.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

افسوس خوردن in 30 Seconds

  • A compound verb meaning 'to regret' or 'to lament' deeply.
  • Literally translates to 'eating regret,' implying a strong internal feeling.
  • Commonly used with the preposition 'baraye' (for) to indicate the cause.
  • Essential for expressing empathy, nostalgia, and disappointment in Persian.

The Persian compound verb افسوس خوردن (afsus khordan) is a deeply evocative expression that translates literally to "to eat regret" or "to eat sorrow." In the Persian linguistic landscape, the act of "eating" (خوردن) is frequently used metaphorically to describe internalizing an emotion or suffering through a state of being. When someone says they are 'eating regret,' they are not merely acknowledging a mistake; they are describing a visceral, lingering feeling of disappointment over a lost opportunity, a past action, or a situation that cannot be changed. This verb captures the essence of lamentation and the heavy sigh of 'what if.' It is used across all social strata, from the high-flown verses of classical poetry to the mundane conversations of daily life when one realizes they missed the last bus or failed to tell a loved one something important before they departed.

Literal Meaning
To consume or swallow regret; indicating that the sorrow has become a part of one's internal state.
Emotional Nuance
Unlike the simple 'pashiman shodan' (to be sorry/repentant), 'afsus khordan' carries a weight of nostalgia and helplessness. It is often directed at things outside of one's immediate control or past events that are permanently fixed in time.

"من همیشه برای زمان‌هایی که با پدربزرگم سپری نکردم، افسوس می‌خورم."

— Common expression of familial regret

In a cultural context, Iranians often use this phrase to express a collective sense of lost glory or the passing of 'the good old days' (یادش بخیر). It is a verb of reflection. When you hear an elder speaking about their youth, or a businessman discussing a missed investment, 'afsus khordan' is the operative verb. It implies a certain level of maturity—the ability to look back and recognize the value of what was lost. It is also common in literature to see the world itself described as a place where one does nothing but 'eat regret' for the fleeting nature of life. This philosophical underpinning makes the word much more than a simple synonym for 'regret.'

"نباید برای گذشته افسوس خورد، بلکه باید از آن درس گرفت."

Furthermore, the usage of this verb extends into the realm of empathy. When you see someone else suffering or missing out, you might say 'Baraye u afsus mikhoram' (I feel sorry/regret for him). This demonstrates that the 'eating' of regret can be done on behalf of others, showcasing the communal nature of Persian emotional expression. It is a versatile tool for any speaker looking to navigate the nuances of human disappointment and the passage of time.

Using افسوس خوردن correctly requires an understanding of compound verb conjugation in Persian. The verb consists of the noun 'afsus' (regret) and the auxiliary verb 'khordan' (to eat). Only the 'khordan' part changes to reflect tense, person, and number. The noun 'afsus' remains stationary. Because it is a transitive-like expression of emotion, it often takes the preposition برای (baraye - for) to indicate what is being regretted.

Present Continuous
می‌خورم، می‌خوری، می‌خورد... (I am regretting, you are regretting...)
Simple Past
خوردم، خوردی، خورد... (I regretted, you regretted...)

"او برای فرصتی که از دست داد، بسیار افسوس خورد."

(He regretted the opportunity he lost very much.)

When constructing sentences, remember that 'afsus' can be preceded by intensifiers like 'besiyar' (very much) or 'kheyli' (a lot). For example, 'Kheyli afsus mikhoram' sounds very natural. In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter the variation 'afsus khordan bar...' (to regret upon...), but 'baraye' is the standard for modern spoken and written Persian at the B1 level. It is also important to note that this verb is never used for 'apologizing.' If you bumped into someone, you wouldn't use 'afsus khordan'; you would use 'ozr khahi kardan' or 'bebakshid.'

"ما هرگز برای تصمیم‌های درستمان افسوس نخواهیم خورد."

(We will never regret our correct decisions.)

In negative forms, the 'na-' prefix attaches to the 'khordan' part: 'afsus nemikhoram' (I don't regret). This is vital for expressing resilience or lack of remorse. In complex sentences, 'afsus khordan' can be followed by a 'ke' clause (that...), such as 'Afsus mikhoram ke natavanestam biayam' (I regret that I couldn't come). This structure is very useful for explaining reasons behind one's sorrow or missed actions in a polite, slightly formal way.

You will encounter افسوس خوردن in a variety of real-life scenarios, ranging from television dramas to heartfelt dinner table conversations. In Iranian cinema, particularly in 'social' genre films, characters often use this verb to lament their life choices or the state of society. It provides a linguistic window into the 'melancholic' side of the Persian psyche, which values deep feeling and reflection. If you are watching a movie like 'A Separation' or 'The Salesman,' listen for the roots of this word when characters reflect on their pasts.

In Literature
Classical poets like Khayyam often write about not 'eating regret' for the past or future, but rather living in the moment.
In News and Media
Commentators might say 'The sports world regrets the loss of this champion,' using 'afsus khordan' to show national or global mourning.

"پیرمرد روی صندلی نشست و برای جوانی‌اش افسوس خورد."

(The old man sat on the chair and regretted his youth.)

In daily life, it's used when things go wrong. If a student fails an exam by one mark, their parents might say, 'Afsus nakhor, dafe-ye ba'd jobran mikoni' (Don't regret it/don't be sad, you'll make up for it next time). Here, it functions as a word of comfort. It is also very common in the context of environmental or historical loss. For instance, Iranians might 'afsus khordan' for the drying of Lake Urmia or the destruction of a historical monument in Shiraz. It signifies a loss that is felt personally, even if the object is public.

"تمام تماشاگران برای باخت تیم ملی افسوس خوردند."

(All the spectators regretted/felt sorrow for the national team's loss.)

Ultimately, this word is a staple of 'Dard-e-del' (sharing one's heart's pain). When Iranians open up about their lives, 'afsus khordan' is the verb they use to bridge the gap between their current reality and their unfulfilled dreams. Understanding this word is key to understanding the emotional depth of Persian social interactions.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using افسوس خوردن is confusing it with the English word 'sorry' in the context of an apology. If you step on someone's foot, saying 'Afsus mikhoram' would be very strange and overly dramatic, as if you are lamenting the tragedy of their bruised toe for eternity. Instead, use 'Mota'asefam' (I'm sorry) or 'Bebakshid' (Excuse me). 'Afsus khordan' is for deep-seated regret, not social etiquette.

Confusing with 'Pashiman Shodan'
Pashiman shodan means you wish you hadn't done something because it was a mistake. Afsus khordan is more about the sadness of the loss itself.
Incorrect Prepositions
Do not use 'az' (from) with this verb. Always use 'baraye' (for) or 'bar' (upon) in formal writing.

❌ من از اشتباهم افسوس می‌خورم.
✅ "من برای اشتباهم افسوس می‌خورم."

Another mistake is the placement of the negative marker 'na-'. Since it is a compound verb, the 'na' must go on the 'khordan' part, resulting in 'afsus nakhor' (don't regret) or 'afsus nemikhoram'. Some beginners try to put the 'na' before 'afsus', which is grammatically incorrect. Furthermore, ensure you don't confuse 'afsus' with 'afsoon' (magic/spell). While they sound similar, 'afsoon khordan' doesn't exist, and 'afsoon kardan' means to enchant!

"او به جای افسوس خوردن، شروع به تلاش دوباره کرد."

(Instead of regretting, he started trying again.)

Lastly, avoid using 'afsus khordan' for trivial, ongoing annoyances. If you can't find your keys, you are 'asabi' (angry/nervous), not 'afsus khorde'. Reserve 'afsus khordan' for moments that have a bit more gravity, like missing a wedding, losing a job, or reflecting on a decade of life. Using it for small things can make you sound overly poetic or melodramatic in a way that might confuse native speakers.

Persian is a language rich in emotional vocabulary, and there are several words that overlap with افسوس خوردن. Understanding the subtle differences between them will elevate your Persian from functional to fluent. The most common alternative is پشیمان شدن (pashiman shodan), which specifically denotes the feeling of 'I wish I hadn't done that'—it is active and focuses on the mistake. 'Afsus khordan' is more about the feeling of loss itself.

حسرت خوردن (Hasrat Khordan)
Similar to 'afsus', but 'hasrat' implies a longing for something someone else has or something you never had. It's closer to 'yearning' mixed with regret.
دریغ کردن (Darigh Kardan)
Often used in the context of withholding something, but as a noun (Darigh!), it is a formal synonym for 'Afsus!' (Alas!).

"تفاوت بین افسوس خوردن و پشیمانی در این است که افسوس بیشتر جنبه احساسی دارد."

Another related term is غصه خوردن (ghose khordan), which means 'to grieve' or 'to worry/be sad.' While 'afsus' is specifically about regret for the past, 'ghose' is a more general state of being sad or worried about a current situation. If someone is crying over a breakup, they are 'ghose mikhorand'. If they are crying because they realize they treated their partner poorly years ago, they are 'afsus mikhorand'.

"او برای روزهای از دست رفته حسرت می‌خورد، اما دیگر افسوس خوردن سودی ندارد."

In formal writing, you might see تأسف خوردن (ta'asof khordan). This is the 'official' version of regret. You will see this in press releases: 'The Ministry regrets the incident.' It is less emotional than 'afsus' and more clinical. For a learner, 'afsus khordan' is the most useful for personal expression, while 'ta'asof khordan' is better for professional or academic contexts. By mastering these distinctions, you can navigate the complex emotional landscape of Persian communication with precision.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The transition from 'mockery' to 'regret' suggests that one 'mocks' their own past mistakes, which eventually became the primary meaning of the word.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /æfˈsuːs xɔːrˈdæn/
US /æfˈsus xɔrˈdɑn/
The primary stress is on the last syllable of the second word: 'dan'.
Rhymes With
کردن (kardan) آوردن (avardan) بردن (bordan) سپردن (sepordan) فشردن (foshordan) شمردن (shemordan) مردن (mordan) آزردن (azordan)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'afsus' as 'af-sus' (like 'suspect'). It should be 'soos'.
  • Failing to pronounce the 'kh' (خ) correctly; it shouldn't be a simple 'k'.
  • Putting stress on 'af'.
  • Treating it as a single word instead of two.
  • Muting the 'n' at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Recognizing the compound verb is easy, but the poetic nuances can be tricky.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct conjugation of 'khordan' and proper use of prepositions.

Speaking 3/5

Natural in conversation, but don't use it for small apologies.

Listening 3/5

Commonly heard in media and films.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

خوردن غم برای پشیمان گذشته

Learn Next

حسرت خوردن تأسف دریغ جبران کردن فرصت

Advanced

اندوه ملال ندامت استغفار توبه

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

Only 'khordan' changes: افسوس می‌خورم, افسوس خوردم.

Preposition 'Baraye'

Always use 'baraye' for the object of regret.

Negative 'Na'

The 'na' prefix goes on the auxiliary: افسوس نخور.

Subjunctive with 'Afsus'

افسوس می‌خورم که نتوانم (I regret that I might not be able to).

Infinitive as Noun

افسوس خوردن سودی ندارد (Regretting has no benefit).

Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

من برای بستنی‌ام افسوس می‌خورم.

I regret (am sad about) my ice cream.

Simple present tense using 'baraye'.

2

او افسوس خورد.

He regretted it.

Simple past tense, third person singular.

3

افسوس نخور!

Don't regret it! / Don't be sad!

Imperative negative form.

4

آیا تو افسوس می‌خوری؟

Do you regret?

Interrogative present tense.

5

ما افسوس خوردیم.

We regretted.

First person plural, past tense.

6

آن‌ها برای بازی افسوس می‌خورند.

They regret the game.

Third person plural, present tense.

7

افسوس خوردن بد است.

Regretting is bad.

Infinitive as a subject.

8

من برای تو افسوس می‌خورم.

I feel sorry for you.

Using 'baraye' with a pronoun.

1

من برای نمره‌ام خیلی افسوس خوردم.

I regretted my grade very much.

Adding the intensifier 'kheyli'.

2

او همیشه برای گذشته افسوس می‌خورد.

He always regrets the past.

Use of the adverb 'hamishe' (always).

3

نباید برای این چیزها افسوس خورد.

One shouldn't regret these things.

Modal verb 'nabayad' with the short infinitive.

4

ما برای فرصت‌های از دست رفته افسوس می‌خوریم.

We regret the lost opportunities.

Plural noun with 'baraye'.

5

چرا برای او افسوس می‌خوری؟

Why do you feel sorry for him?

Question word 'chera' (why).

6

او برای حرفی که زد افسوس خورد.

He regretted the word he said.

Relative clause with 'ke'.

7

من هیچ‌وقت افسوس نمی‌خورم.

I never regret.

Negative present tense with 'hich-vaght'.

8

آن‌ها برای خانه قدیمی‌شان افسوس می‌خورند.

They regret (the loss of) their old house.

Possessive suffix with 'baraye'.

1

افسوس می‌خورم که نتوانستم در عروسی شرکت کنم.

I regret that I couldn't attend the wedding.

Complex sentence with 'ke' and 'natavanestam'.

2

بسیاری از مردم برای دوران جوانی خود افسوس می‌خورند.

Many people regret their youth.

Formal subject 'basiyari az mardom'.

3

اگر نروی، بعداً افسوس خواهی خورد.

If you don't go, you will regret it later.

Future tense 'khahi khord' in a conditional sentence.

4

او به جای افسوس خوردن، کارش را اصلاح کرد.

Instead of regretting, he corrected his work.

Using 'be jaye' (instead of) with the infinitive.

5

من برای زمانی که تلف کردم افسوس می‌خورم.

I regret the time I wasted.

Past participle 'talaf karde' modifying 'zaman'.

6

او با صدای بلند افسوس خورد و اتاق را ترک کرد.

He regretted loudly and left the room.

Compound sentence with two actions.

7

آیا تا به حال برای تصمیمی افسوس خورده‌ای؟

Have you ever regretted a decision?

Present perfect tense 'khorde-i'.

8

ما برای اشتباهات دیگران افسوس نمی‌خوریم.

We don't regret others' mistakes.

Genitive construction 'eshtebahat-e digaran'.

1

در پایان زندگی، کسی برای ثروتش افسوس نمی‌خورد.

At the end of life, no one regrets their wealth (not having more).

Prepositional phrase 'dar payan-e zendegi'.

2

او برای هر لحظه‌ای که دور از وطن بود، افسوس می‌خورد.

He regretted every moment he was away from his homeland.

Emphatic 'har lahze-i ke'.

3

نباید اجازه دهی افسوس خوردن جای تلاش را بگیرد.

You shouldn't let regretting take the place of effort.

Subjunctive mood 'begirad'.

4

نویسنده برای از بین رفتن فرهنگ بومی افسوس می‌خورد.

The author regrets the destruction of indigenous culture.

Complex noun phrase as an object.

5

افسوس خوردن برای گذشته، سودی برای آینده ندارد.

Regretting the past has no benefit for the future.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive.

6

او مدام افسوس می‌خورد که چرا زودتر اقدام نکرد.

He constantly regrets why he didn't act sooner.

Adverb 'modam' (constantly).

7

آن‌ها برای سال‌هایی که در تنهایی گذشت افسوس خوردند.

They regretted the years that passed in loneliness.

Relative clause with 'gozasht'.

8

حتی اگر افسوس بخوری، چیزی عوض نمی‌شود.

Even if you regret it, nothing will change.

Concessive clause 'hatta agar'.

1

شاعر در اشعارش برای بیوفایی دنیا افسوس می‌خورد.

The poet regrets the world's unfaithfulness in his poems.

Literary vocabulary 'bi-vafa-ye donya'.

2

او با هر آهی که می‌کشید، برای جوانی بر باد رفته‌اش افسوس می‌خورد.

With every sigh he let out, he regretted his wasted youth.

Metaphorical 'bar-bad-rafte' (gone to the wind).

3

افسوس خوردن بر مزار گذشتگان، دردی را دوا نمی‌کند.

Regretting at the graves of the ancestors does not cure any pain.

Proverbial style 'dardi ra dava nemikonad'.

4

من برای تمام کتاب‌هایی که نخوانده‌ام، افسوس می‌خورم.

I regret all the books I haven't read.

Present perfect negative in relative clause.

5

او چنان افسوس می‌خورد که گویی تمام جهان را از دست داده است.

He regrets so much as if he has lost the whole world.

Comparative 'chenan... ke gooyi'.

6

بجای آنکه افسوس بخوری، برخیز و جبران کن.

Instead of regretting, stand up and make amends.

Subjunctive 'bekhori' and 'barkhiz'.

7

تاریخ‌نگار برای تمدن‌های فراموش‌شده افسوس می‌خورد.

The historian regrets the forgotten civilizations.

Academic subject 'tarikh-negar'.

8

او هیچ‌گاه برای فداکاری‌هایش افسوس نخورده است.

He has never regretted his sacrifices.

Present perfect negative 'nakhorde ast'.

1

در فلسفه خیام، افسوس خوردن برای دیروز و فردا خطاست.

In Khayyam's philosophy, regretting yesterday and tomorrow is an error.

Specific philosophical reference.

2

او در سکوتی عمیق، برای فرصت‌های سوخته‌اش افسوس می‌خورد.

In a deep silence, he regretted his burnt (wasted) opportunities.

Poetic adjective 'sookhte' (burnt).

3

افسوس خوردن، تجسمِ ناتوانیِ انسان در برابرِ جبرِ زمان است.

Regretting is the embodiment of human helplessness against the determinism of time.

Highly abstract/academic structure.

4

او برای آرمان‌هایی که به ثمر نرسید، افسوس می‌خورد.

He regrets the ideals that did not bear fruit.

Metaphorical 'be samar naresid'.

5

جامعه‌شناسان برای از دست رفتنِ همبستگیِ اجتماعی افسوس می‌خورند.

Sociologists regret the loss of social cohesion.

Specialized terminology 'hambastegi-ye ejtema'i'.

6

او هرگز برای صداقتش، هرچند به ضررش تمام شد، افسوس نخورد.

He never regretted his honesty, even though it ended up to his detriment.

Complex concessive phrase 'har-chand be zararrash'.

7

افسوس خوردن بر گذشته، غل و زنجیری بر پای آینده است.

Regretting the past is a shackle on the feet of the future.

Metaphorical imagery.

8

او برای تمام کلماتی که در گلو ماند و هرگز گفته نشد، افسوس می‌خورد.

He regrets all the words that stayed in the throat and were never said.

Poetic relative clause 'dar galu mand'.

Synonyms

پشیمان شدن تأسف خوردن حسرت خوردن دریغ خوردن متأسف بودن غصه خوردن دریغ داشتن اندوهگین شدن

Antonyms

افتخار کردن شادمان بودن راضی بودن لذت بردن

Common Collocations

خیلی افسوس خوردن
برای گذشته افسوس خوردن
افسوسِ بیهوده خوردن
مدام افسوس خوردن
برای جوانی افسوس خوردن
برای فرصت افسوس خوردن
با گریه افسوس خوردن
هرگز افسوس نخوردن
افسوس خوردن بر...
بسیار افسوس خوردن

Common Phrases

افسوس که...

— It's a pity that... / Alas that...

افسوس که دیر رسیدیم.

صد افسوس

— A hundred regrets / A great pity.

صد افسوس که او رفت.

جای افسوس دارد

— It's regrettable / There's room for regret.

این وضعیت واقعاً جای افسوس دارد.

افسوس خوردن فایده ندارد

— Regretting is useless.

دیگر افسوس خوردن فایده ندارد.

آه و افسوس

— Sighs and regrets (often used together).

زندگی او پر از آه و افسوس بود.

افسوس و صد افسوس

— Double emphasis on regret.

افسوس و صد افسوس که قدرش را ندانستیم.

برای نریختنِ خونِ ریخته افسوس خوردن

— To regret something that is already done (idiomatic).

حالا دیگر برای خونِ ریخته افسوس خوردن سودی ندارد.

افسوس خوردن بر گذشته

— Regretting the past.

او تمام عمرش را به افسوس خوردن بر گذشته گذراند.

مایه افسوس

— A source of regret.

این شکست مایه افسوس همه شد.

افسوس خوردن به حالِ کسی

— To feel sorry for someone's state.

من به حال او افسوس می‌خورم.

Often Confused With

افسوس خوردن vs افسون

Means 'magic' or 'spell'. Don't confuse 'afsus' (regret) with 'afsoon'.

افسوس خوردن vs افسوس (as interjection)

Used alone, it means 'Alas!'. As a verb, it needs 'khordan'.

افسوس خوردن vs ترسیدن

Means 'to fear'. Sometimes learners confuse the sounds 'afsus' and 'tars'.

Idioms & Expressions

"آبِ رفته به جوی باز نمی‌گردد"

— The water gone won't return to the stream. Don't regret the past.

افسوس نخور، آب رفته به جوی باز نمی‌گردد.

Informal/Proverb
"افسوس خوردن برای شیرِ ریخته"

— Crying over spilled milk (borrowed concept).

برای شیر ریخته افسوس نخور.

Neutral
"دندان به جگر گذاشتن"

— To endure pain/regret silently.

او دندان به جگر گذاشت و افسوس خورد.

Literary
"دست روی دست گذاشتن و افسوس خوردن"

— To sit idly and just regret instead of acting.

بجای دست روی دست گذاشتن و افسوس خوردن، کاری بکن!

Informal
"انگشتِ حسرت به دندان گزیدن"

— To bite one's finger in regret (very poetic).

او از شدت افسوس، انگشت به دندان گزید.

Literary
"آه از نهاد کسی برآمدن"

— To let out a deep sigh of regret.

وقتی خبر را شنید، آه از نهادش برآمد و افسوس خورد.

Literary
"ای دریغ از عمرِ رفته"

— Oh, regret for the life that has passed.

ای دریغ از عمر رفته که به افسوس گذشت.

Poetic
"درِ باغِ سبز نشان دادن"

— To show a green garden (and then cause regret by deception).

او به من درِ باغ سبز نشان داد و حالا من افسوس می‌خورم.

Idiomatic
"پشتِ دست گزیدن"

— To bite the back of one's hand (a physical sign of regret).

او از افسوس، پشت دستش را گزید.

Idiomatic
"یادِ ایام"

— Remembering the days (implies nostalgic regret).

یاد ایام گذشته و افسوس برای آن روزها.

Nostalgic

Easily Confused

افسوس خوردن vs پشیمانی

Both mean regret.

Pashimani is specifically for a mistake you made. Afsus is for the sadness of the loss.

من از دروغم پشیمانم، اما برای رابطه‌مان افسوس می‌خورم.

افسوس خوردن vs حسرت

Both involve longing and regret.

Hasrat is more about wanting what you don't have. Afsus is about losing what you had or could have had.

او برای جوانی‌اش افسوس می‌خورد و به جوانی دیگران حسرت می‌برد.

افسوس خوردن vs تأسف

Formal vs. Informal.

Ta'asof is clinical and professional. Afsus is emotional and personal.

رئیس تأسف خورد، اما مادر افسوس خورد.

افسوس خوردن vs غصه

Both mean sadness.

Ghose is general grief or worry. Afsus is specifically tied to a past event or missed chance.

او برای آینده غصه می‌خورد و برای گذشته افسوس.

افسوس خوردن vs دریغ

Poetic synonyms.

Darigh is much more formal/literary and often used as an exclamation 'Darigha!'.

دریغ که افسوس خوردن فایده‌ای ندارد.

Sentence Patterns

A1

من برای [Noun] افسوس می‌خورم.

من برای ناهار افسوس می‌خورم.

A2

او همیشه برای [Noun] افسوس می‌خورد.

او همیشه برای جوانی‌اش افسوس می‌خورد.

B1

افسوس می‌خورم که [Sentence].

افسوس می‌خورم که نیامدی.

B2

[Subject] نباید برای [Noun] افسوس بخورد.

تو نباید برای گذشته افسوس بخوری.

C1

[Gerund] افسوس خوردن بر [Noun]...

افسوس خوردن بر عمرِ رفته بیهوده است.

C1

چنان افسوس می‌خورد که...

چنان افسوس می‌خورد که گریه‌اش گرفت.

C2

ای دریغ و افسوس که...

ای دریغ و افسوس که فرصت از کف رفت.

C2

افسوس خوردن مایه [Noun] است.

افسوس خوردن مایه تباهی است.

Word Family

Nouns

افسوس (regret/alas)
تأسف (sorrow)
پشیمانی (repentance)

Verbs

افسوس خوردن (to regret)
تأسف خوردن (to regret - formal)
پشیمان شدن (to become sorry)

Adjectives

افسوس‌بار (regrettable)
متأسف (sorry)
پشیمان (repentant)

Related

غم
اندوه
حسرت
دریغ
آه
Sign up free to see all examples

How to Use It

frequency

High in emotional and literary contexts; Medium in daily business.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'az' instead of 'baraye'. → افسوس خوردن برای...

    In English, we say regret 'of' or 'for', but Persian requires 'baraye'.

  • Using it as an apology. → ببخشید / متأسفم

    Afsus khordan is for lamentation, not for social apologies.

  • Conjugating 'afsus'. → افسوس می‌خورم

    Afsus is a noun and never changes. Only 'khordan' conjugates.

  • Using 'kardan' instead of 'khordan'. → افسوس خوردن

    The auxiliary verb for 'afsus' is always 'khordan'.

  • Negating 'afsus' instead of 'khordan'. → افسوس نمی‌خورم

    The 'ne' prefix must be attached to the auxiliary verb.

Tips

Conjugation

Remember that only the 'khordan' part changes. Practice saying 'mikhoram', 'khordam', and 'khahi khord' with 'afsus'.

Nostalgia

Iranians love nostalgia. Using 'afsus' when talking about the past will make you sound very culturally aware.

Intensifiers

Use 'besiyar' (formal) or 'kheyli' (informal) to say you regret something 'very much'.

Relative Clauses

Try building longer sentences using 'ke'. 'Afsus mikhoram ke [reason].' This is a very common structure.

Tone

Don't sound too happy when saying this! Your voice should reflect the feeling of regret.

Song Lyrics

Search for 'afsus' in Persian song titles to hear how it's pronounced in a melodic context.

Not for Apologies

Avoid using it if you just want to say 'Excuse me' or 'I'm sorry I'm late'.

Pashiman

Use 'Pashiman' if you are admitting you did something wrong. Use 'Afsus' if you are just sad about the outcome.

Poetry

If you read Hafez or Khayyam, you will see 'afsus' often. It's a key word for understanding Persian poetry.

The 'Eating' Metaphor

Visualize yourself 'eating' a cloud of regret. This will help you remember the verb 'khordan'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Afsus' sounding like 'A-fuss'. You are making 'a fuss' inside yourself by 'eating' (khordan) your regret.

Visual Association

Imagine someone sitting at a table with a plate labeled 'Regret' and physically eating it with a sad face.

Word Web

Past Sorrow Opportunity Sigh Internal Lament Loss Time

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about things you 'afsus khordan' about from your childhood, using the past tense.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Persian 'afsōs', which meant mockery or derision, but evolved into 'regret' or 'sorrow' in Modern Persian. The auxiliary 'khordan' (to eat) is a standard Persian way to form compound verbs for internal experiences.

Original meaning: Mockery, scorn, or a cry of sorrow.

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> West Iranian -> Persian.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use this verb to apologize for a serious offense (like hitting a car), as it focuses on your feelings rather than the victim's.

English speakers often use 'I regret' for formal business letters. In Persian, 'afsus khordan' is usually too emotional for business; use 'mota'asefam' instead.

Omar Khayyam's Rubaiyat (frequent themes of not regretting) Iranian Pop Song 'Afsus' by Googoosh Classical poetry of Saadi Shirazi

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Personal Regret

  • برای اشتباهم افسوس می‌خورم
  • کاش انجام نمی‌دادم
  • افسوس که گذشت
  • خیلی پشیمانم

Empathy

  • برای تو افسوس می‌خورم
  • واقعاً حیف شد
  • درکت می‌کنم
  • خیلی ناراحت شدم

Nostalgia

  • یادش بخیر
  • افسوس برای آن روزها
  • چقدر زود گذشت
  • دنیا عوض شده

Sports/Competition

  • برای باخت افسوس خوردیم
  • فرصت خوبی بود
  • حیف که گل نشد
  • شانس نیاوردیم

Literature/Philosophy

  • افسوس بر عمر
  • بیوفایی دنیا
  • دم را غنیمت شمار
  • دریغ و درد

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال برای تصمیمی در زندگی‌ات افسوس خورده‌ای؟"

"فکر می‌کنی افسوس خوردن برای گذشته فایده‌ای دارد؟"

"برای چه چیزی در دوران کودکی‌ات افسوس می‌خوری؟"

"چطور می‌توانیم کمتر افسوس بخوریم؟"

"آیا برای فرصتی که اخیراً از دست دادی افسوس می‌خوری؟"

Journal Prompts

بنویسید که اگر می‌توانستید به گذشته برگردید، برای چه چیزی افسوس نمی‌خوردید.

یک خاطره را تعریف کنید که در آن برای حرفی که زدید افسوس خوردید.

آیا افسوس خوردن می‌تواند به ما کمک کند تا در آینده بهتر عمل کنیم؟

درباره یک فیلم یا کتاب بنویسید که شخصیت اصلی آن مدام افسوس می‌خورد.

تفاوت بین افسوس خوردن و پشیمانی از نظر شما چیست؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, no. 'Afsus khordan' expresses your own feeling of sadness about a situation. To apologize to someone, use 'mota'asefam' or 'bebakshid'.

It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but you'll also see it in very formal poetry and literature. It's safe for B1 learners in most contexts.

It literally means 'to eat regret.' In Persian, many emotions are 'eaten' (khordan), like 'ghose khordan' (to eat sorrow) or 'fereyb khordan' (to eat a trick/be deceived).

You say 'Afsus nemikhoram'. The 'ne' is the negative prefix added to the verb 'khordan'.

Use 'baraye' (for). For example: 'Baraye in ettefagh afsus mikhoram' (I regret/am sad about this incident).

No, 'afsus kardan' is not a standard Persian verb. You must use 'khordan'.

Yes, 'afsus khordan' is used in Dari (the Persian of Afghanistan) with the same meaning.

Afsus is regret for what was. Hasrat is longing for what is not (but could be or is someone else's).

It sounds a bit too dramatic for a pen. Use 'narahat shodam' (I became sad) instead.

You can just say 'Afsus!' as an exclamation, meaning 'What a pity!' or 'Alas!'

Sign up free for tips & notes

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Persian saying 'I regret the lost time.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'Don't regret the past' in Persian.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'He regretted his decision very much.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using 'afsus mikhoram ke'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'We will never regret our honesty.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'It is a pity that he is not here.' using 'afsus'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Describe a lost opportunity in one sentence using 'afsus khordan'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a formal sentence about a company's regret.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use the word 'hasrat' and 'afsus' in the same sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Regretting the past is useless.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about feeling sorry for a friend.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'She regretted every moment of her youth.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'Instead of regretting, try again.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'They regretted the loss of their garden.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use 'kheyli' with 'afsus mikhoram'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'No one should regret doing good.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a poetic sentence about the world and regret.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I regret that I didn't see you.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'Why are you regretting?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'A hundred regrets for this city.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I regret' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Pronounce 'afsus khordan' correctly.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Don't regret it' to a friend.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask 'Do you regret?' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Tell someone 'I feel sorry for you.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I regret that I was late.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'We regretted the game.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Pronounce ' صد افسوس'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'He always regrets.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I never regret.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Regretting is useless.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Use 'besiyar' with the verb in a sentence.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I regret my childhood.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Why are they regretting?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I will regret it later.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Don't regret the past' formally.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'It is a pity' using 'afsus'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I regret the wasted time.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'She regretted her words.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'We don't regret anything.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'او برای نمره‌اش افسوس خورد.' What did he regret?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the verb in: 'نباید افسوس خورد.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Is the sentence 'من افسوس نمی‌خورم' positive or negative?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

What is the speaker's tone in 'افسوس که دیر شد'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Who is being spoken to in 'افسوس نخور'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Does the speaker regret the past in: 'من برای گذشته افسوس می‌خورم'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

What word follows 'afsus' in 'افسوس که...'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen for the intensifier: 'خیلی افسوس خوردم.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

What is the object of regret in: 'افسوس برای وطن'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the tense: 'افسوس خواهیم خورد.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Is the speaker sorry for themselves or someone else: 'برای تو افسوس می‌خورم'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

What does 'fayede nadarad' mean in the audio?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Identify the noun: 'این یک افسوسِ بزرگ است.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

How many times is regret mentioned: 'افسوس و افسوس'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

What is the subject: 'ما افسوس خوردیم'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

Sign up free to practice

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!