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افسردگی

B1 noun #4,000 most common 3 min read

افسردگی

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips افسردگی in 30 Seconds

Explanation افسردگی in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'afsordegi' (depression) often, as it is a complex concept. Instead, you usually learn simpler words like 'narahat' (sad/upset) or 'ghamgin' (sad). However, it is good to recognize 'afsordegi' because you might hear it in news or health conversations. At this stage, just remember that 'afsordegi' is a noun that means 'depression'. You can think of it as a 'very, very sad' feeling that stays for a long time. You might see it in a simple sentence like 'Afsordegi bad ast' (Depression is bad). Focus on the sound: AF-SOR-DE-GI. The most important thing for A1 is not to confuse it with 'narahat'. 'Narahat' is how you feel when you lose your pen. 'Afsordegi' is a serious health word. You should also know that it comes from 'afsordeh', which means a depressed person. If you see this word on a doctor's sign or in a book, just know it is about mental health. Don't worry about the complex grammar yet. Just recognize the shape of the word and its basic meaning as a heavy sadness.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'afsordegi' in basic sentences to describe health or feelings. You should know the common verb 'dashtan' (to have) that goes with it. For example, 'U afsordegi darad' (He has depression). You are moving beyond just saying 'I am sad' to identifying a condition. At this level, you should also be able to distinguish between the noun 'afsordegi' and the adjective 'afsordeh'. Remember: 'Man afsordeh hastam' (I am depressed) vs. 'Man afsordegi daram' (I have depression). You might encounter this word in simple health articles or in conversations about why someone is not coming to a party. It is also helpful to know the word 'darman' (treatment), so you can say 'darman-e afsordegi' (treatment of depression). You are starting to see how Persian builds words: 'afsordeh' (adjective) + 'gi' (suffix) = 'afsordegi' (noun). This pattern is common in Persian. Practice saying the word clearly and using it with 'dashtan' or 'nist' (is not) to make simple statements about mental states. You are beginning to understand that this word is more serious than just being 'narahat' (unhappy).

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'afsordegi' in various contexts, especially when discussing personal health, social issues, or literature. This is the level where you understand that 'afsordegi' is the standard clinical term. You should be able to use collocations like 'afsordegi-ye shadid' (severe depression) or 'afsordegi-ye fasli' (seasonal depression). You should also know the more formal verb 'dochār shodan' (to become afflicted with), as in 'U be afsordegi dochār shod'. This level requires you to understand the difference between 'afsordegi' and other emotional words like 'anduh' (grief) or 'deltangi' (missing someone). You can participate in a conversation about mental health awareness and use the word to express empathy. You might also read short stories where a character's 'afsordegi' is a key part of the plot. Your grammar should be correct when using the Ezafe to link 'afsordegi' to other words, like 'alāyem-e afsordegi' (symptoms of depression). You are now able to discuss the causes and effects of depression in a basic way, using 'chon' (because) and 'be hamin dalil' (for this reason).

At the B2 level, you use 'afsordegi' with nuance and can discuss its societal implications. You understand terms like 'afsordegi-ye ejtema'i' (social depression) and can talk about how economic factors affect the mental health of a population. You are familiar with the etymology of the word, knowing it relates to 'withering' or 'freezing' (from the verb 'afsordan'), which adds depth to your understanding when you see it in literature. You can use the word in complex sentences with multiple clauses. For example: 'Agarche afsordegi yek bimari-ye sakht ast, ama ba darman-e monaseb mitavan an ra kontrol kard' (Although depression is a difficult illness, it can be controlled with proper treatment). You also start to recognize the word in more abstract contexts, such as 'afsordegi-ye yek nasl' (the depression of a generation). Your pronunciation should be natural, and you should be able to identify the word even when spoken quickly in a podcast or news report. You are also aware of the cultural sensitivity around the word in Iran and can use it appropriately in both formal and informal settings.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of the word 'afsordegi' and its related forms. You can discuss the history of the term and its usage in classical versus modern Persian. You are able to read academic papers or psychological reports in Persian that use 'afsordegi' as a technical term, understanding the nuances of 'ekhtelal-e afsordegi-ye kholghi'. You can use the word metaphorically in high-level writing or speeches. You are also aware of the various synonyms used in poetic contexts, such as 'malal' or 'huzn', and can explain why 'afsordegi' might be a more appropriate choice in a modern context. You can lead a discussion on mental health stigma, using the word to advocate for better understanding. Your usage of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the correct use of prepositions and complex verb structures. You can also identify the word in various dialects or registers, recognizing when it is being used hyperbolically versus literally. You understand the subtle difference between 'afsordegi' and 'pazhmordegi' in a literary analysis of a poem by Sohrab Sepehri or Forough Farrokhzad.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly understanding of 'afsordegi'. You can analyze the philosophical implications of the word and its root 'afsordan' in the context of Persian existential thought. You can write professional-grade articles or give keynote speeches on the topic of mental health in the Persian-speaking world. You understand the most obscure collocations and can play with the word's meaning in creative writing. You are familiar with the historical evolution of the word from Middle Persian to the present day. You can debate the merits of different psychological approaches to 'afsordegi' using highly specialized vocabulary. You also understand the deep cultural resonances of the word in Iranian cinema and art, being able to critique how 'afsordegi' is visually represented. You can navigate the most sensitive conversations with ease, choosing between 'afsordegi' and its synonyms with perfect precision based on the social hierarchy and emotional climate of the interaction. The word is not just a vocabulary item to you, but a window into the Iranian psyche and the history of Persian emotional expression.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

افسردگی in 30 Seconds

Afsordegi is the Persian noun for 'depression', used for both clinical conditions and deep, persistent states of sadness.
It originates from the verb 'afsordan', meaning to wither or freeze, reflecting a loss of internal vitality and warmth.
Commonly used with the verb 'dashtan' (to have) or 'dochār shodan' (to become afflicted with) in formal medical contexts.
It is a key term in modern Iranian mental health discourse, literature, and social media for expressing emotional struggles.

The Persian word افسردگی (pronunciation: afsordegi) is a profound and multi-layered noun that translates most directly to "depression" in English. While it is the standard clinical term used by psychologists and medical professionals in Iran today, its linguistic roots delve deep into the concept of withering, chilling, and the loss of internal heat or vitality. In contemporary Persian society, the word is used across a broad spectrum of contexts, ranging from casual expressions of temporary sadness to serious discussions regarding mental health and public well-being. Understanding this word requires looking beyond a simple dictionary definition; one must see it as a state of being where the 'inner fire' or 'spirit' has been dampened. It is not merely 'sadness' (which is gham or

Clinical Usage

In a medical context, it refers to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Doctors use terms like afsordegi-ye shadid (severe depression) to diagnose patients. It involves symptoms like lethargy, loss of interest, and sleep disturbances.

بسیاری از مردم در فصل زمستان دچار افسردگی فصلی می‌شوند.

Literary Nuance: In classical Persian literature, the root verb afsordan often referred to things becoming frozen or withered. Thus, a person with afsordegi is seen as someone whose soul has 'withered' like a flower in the cold or 'frozen' like water in winter.

When people use this word, they are often signaling a depth of emotion that is more significant than a passing mood. For example, if someone says "Man afsordegi daram," they are making a statement about their long-term mental state. However, in more hyperbolic speech, younger generations might use it to describe a boring or gloomy atmosphere, though this is less common than the serious application. The word carries a weight that demands empathy from the listener. It is also frequently paired with verbs like 'dāštan' (to have) or 'gereftan' (to catch/contract), emphasizing that it is an affliction one possesses or falls into.

او سال‌ها با بیماری افسردگی دست و پنجه نرم کرد.

Societal Context: In Iranian media, you will often hear discussions about 'afsordegi-ye ejtema'i' (social depression), which refers to a collective sense of hopelessness in a community due to economic or political factors.

In conclusion, afsordegi is the bridge between the physical sensation of coldness/withering and the psychological state of despair. It is a word that encapsulates the struggle of the human spirit when it feels disconnected from joy and purpose. Whether used in a psychiatrist's office in Tehran or in a poem about the loss of youth, it remains one of the most poignant and significant nouns in the Persian lexicon of emotion.

Using the word افسردگی correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a noun and the specific verbs it collocates with. In Persian, nouns like this often function as the head of a noun phrase or as the direct object of complex verbs. The most common way to express that someone 'has' depression is by using the verb dashtan (to have) or d دچار شدن (to become afflicted with). Unlike English, where we might say 'I am depressed' (adjective), in Persian, it is very common to say 'I have depression' (noun).

The 'Having' Construction: Structure: [Subject] + [Afsordegi] + [Verb: Dashtan]. Example: Ali afsordegi darad (Ali has depression). This is the standard way to describe a diagnosis.

ورزش می‌تواند به کاهش افسردگی کمک کند.

The 'Affliction' Construction: Structure: [Subject] + [be Afsordegi] + [dochār shodan]. This is more formal and medical. It implies falling into the state. Example: U be afsordegi dochār shod (He became afflicted with depression).

Furthermore, afsordegi can be modified by various adjectives to specify its type or intensity. Common modifiers include shadid (severe), mozmen (chronic), falsafi (philosophical), and pas az zayeman (postpartum). When you want to talk about the treatment of depression, you use the phrase darman-e afsordegi. Note the Ezafe construction (the '-e' sound) connecting the noun to its modifier or its possession.

علائم افسردگی در افراد مختلف، متفاوت است.

As a Compound Noun: You will often see it in compounds like afsordegi-zadegi (being struck by depression) or in phrases like darvazeh-ye afsordegi (the gateway to depression).

In academic writing, afsordegi serves as the primary subject in psychological studies. You might see sentences like "Afsordegi yeki az raije-tarin ekhtelalat-e ravani ast" (Depression is one of the most common mental disorders). In this context, the word is treated as an abstract concept. In daily conversation, however, it is more personal. If you are asking a friend about their mental health, you might ask: "Aya ehsas-e afsordegi mikoni?" (Do you feel depression/depressed?). Here, 'ehsas-e' (feeling of) acts as a buffer to make the question slightly more sensitive.

The word افسردگی is ubiquitous in modern Iranian life, echoing through various layers of society from the clinical to the cultural. If you are in Iran or consuming Persian media, you will encounter this word in several key environments. The most prominent place is in the healthcare sector. Iranian news outlets frequently feature segments on mental health, where psychologists discuss pishgiri az afsordegi (prevention of depression). You will hear it in hospitals, clinics, and in public health advertisements on the Tehran Metro or national television.

In Modern Media and Podcasts: Persian-language podcasts focusing on self-help and psychology, such as 'Radio Rah' or 'Heli Talk', frequently use afsordegi when discussing emotional intelligence and mental well-being. It is a central theme in modern Iranian discourse on 'well-being'.

در این پادکست، ما درباره ریشه‌های افسردگی صحبت می‌کنیم.

In Cinema and Literature: Iranian cinema, known for its deep emotional realism, often portrays characters struggling with afsordegi. In films by directors like Asghar Farhadi, while the word might not always be spoken, the state of afsordegi is a tangible presence in the atmosphere and character arcs.

Another common place to hear this word is in university settings. Students often discuss afsordegi-ye tahsili (academic-related depression) or the general pressure of exams. It is also a frequent topic in social media circles, particularly on Persian Twitter (X) and Instagram, where users share their personal experiences with mental health to foster community support. In these digital spaces, the word is used with a high degree of vulnerability. You might also hear it in the workplace, as awareness of 'burnout' and its link to afsordegi grows among the Iranian urban middle class.

او به دلیل افسردگی شغلی، استعفا داد.

Music and Lyrics: Contemporary Persian alternative and rock music often utilize this word to express existential angst. Artists like Mohsen Namjoo or various underground rap artists use 'afsordegi' to describe the feeling of a generation.

Finally, you will hear it in daily gossip or concerned conversations between family members. A mother might say about her son, "Negaranesh hastam, fekr konam afsordegi gerefteh" (I'm worried about him, I think he has caught depression). This usage highlights how the word has moved from the specialized realm of psychiatry into the common vocabulary of care and concern in the Iranian household. It is a word that signals a need for attention, whether in a professional medical journal or a quiet conversation over tea.

When learning Persian, English speakers often make specific errors when using افسردگی. These mistakes usually stem from direct translation from English or from confusing the noun with its related adjective and verb forms. The first and most common mistake is using the noun when an adjective is required. In English, we say "I am depressed." A literal translation might lead a student to say "Man afsordegi hastam," which translates to "I am the concept of depression." This is incorrect and sounds very strange to a native speaker.

Noun vs. Adjective Confusion: Mistake: Man afsordegi hastam. Correct: Man afsordeh-am (I am depressed) or Man afsordegi daram (I have depression). Always remember that 'afsordegi' is the noun (the thing) and 'afsordeh' is the adjective (the state).

اشتباه: من خیلی افسردگی هستم. (Incorrect use as an adjective)

Confusing Sadness with Depression: Another mistake is using 'afsordegi' for minor, temporary sadness. If you lost your keys and are sad, use narahati. Using 'afsordegi' for trivial matters can come across as overly dramatic or insensitive to those with clinical conditions.

A third mistake involves the preposition used with the verb dochār shodan (to become afflicted). English speakers might try to use 'ba' (with) because we say 'with depression'. However, in Persian, the correct preposition is 'be' (to). So, it should be dochār BE afsordegi, not dochār BA afsordegi. This is a subtle but important grammatical point that distinguishes a fluent speaker from a beginner.

درست: او به افسردگی مبتلا شد. (Correct preposition 'be')

Spelling and Pronunciation: Learners sometimes forget the 'g' sound in the suffix '-gi'. They might say 'afsordeh-i'. While 'afsordeh-i' is a word (meaning 'a depressed person' or 'you are depressed'), it is not the noun 'depression'. Ensure the 'g' is clear.

Finally, don't confuse afsordegi with esters (stress) or afsordegi specifically for the heavy, low-energy state of depression to ensure your Persian is accurate and nuanced.

While افسردگی is the primary term for depression, Persian is a language rich in emotional vocabulary. Depending on the context—whether poetic, clinical, or casual—there are several alternatives and similar words you should know to enhance your fluency. Understanding the nuances between these words will help you choose the right term for the right situation. The most common 'near-synonyms' relate to sadness, grief, and anxiety.

غم (Gham) vs. افسردگی: Gham is 'sorrow' or 'grief'. It is often externalized and linked to a specific cause, like a loss. Afsordegi is more internal, systemic, and often lacks a single clear cause. You 'feel' gham, but you 'have' afsordegi.

تفاوت بین غم و افسردگی در تداوم آن‌هاست.

دلتنگی (Deltangi): Literally 'heart-tightness', this is often translated as 'homesickness' or 'missing someone'. It is a localized feeling of sadness, whereas afsordegi is a pervasive state of being.

Another important word is anduh (grief/sadness), which is more formal and literary than gham. In a clinical setting, you might also hear ekhtelal-e khalghi (mood disorder), which is a broader category that includes afsordegi. If you want to describe someone who is simply 'down' or 'unhappy' for a moment, the word narahat (upset/unhappy) is the safest and most common choice. It doesn't carry the heavy clinical weight that afsordegi does.

او به جای واژه افسردگی، از کلمه ملالت استفاده کرد.

پژمردگی (Pazhmordegi): This word means 'withering' (like a flower). It is a beautiful, metaphorical alternative to afsordegi. While afsordegi is the medical term, pazhmordegi describes the visual and spiritual state of losing one's bloom.

Lastly, consider the word ya's (despair/hopelessness). This is a very strong word, often used in religious or philosophical contexts to describe the total loss of hope. While afsordegi can lead to ya's, they are not the same; ya's is a specific emotional peak (or valley), while afsordegi is the ongoing condition. By learning these distinctions, you can navigate the complex landscape of Persian emotions with much greater precision and sensitivity.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"اختلال افسردگی یکی از چالش‌های اصلی بهداشت روان در جوامع مدرن است."

Neutral

"او به دلیل افسردگی نتوانست در جلسه شرکت کند."

Informal

"فکر کنم دوباره افسردگی‌ام برگشته."

Child friendly

"گاهی قلب آدم خیلی خیلی غمگین می‌شود که به آن افسردگی می‌گویند."

Slang

"فاز افسردگی نگیر بابا، بیا بریم بیرون!"

Fun Fact

The root 'sard' (cold) is still very much alive in modern Persian. When you say 'hava sard ast' (the weather is cold), you are using the same linguistic root that forms the basis of 'depression'. In the Persian worldview, depression is a state of psychological coldness.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /æf.sɔːr.de.ˈɡiː/

US /æf.sɔːr.de.ˈɡiː/

The primary stress is on the final syllable: af-sor-de-GI.

Rhymes With

زندگی (Zendegi - Life) بندگی (Bandegi - Servitude) خستگی (Khastegi - Tiredness) شرمندگی (Sharmandegi - Shame) پیوستگی (Peyvastegi - Continuity) سادگی (Sadegi - Simplicity) آزادگی (Azadegi - Nobility/Freedom) سازندگی (Sazandegi - Constructiveness)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'i' too short.
Missing the 'g' in 'gi' and saying 'afsordeh-i'.
Placing the stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing the 'o' in 'sor' like 'oo'.
Confusing the 'f' sound with a 'v' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is easy to recognize once you know the suffix '-gi', but it often appears in complex academic texts.

Writing 4/5

Writing it requires remembering the 's' (sin) and the 'g' (gaf) correctly, and using it in proper grammatical structures.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but using it with the right level of sensitivity is key.

Listening 2/5

It is a very distinct-sounding word and usually easy to pick out in a conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

غم (Sadness) سرد (Cold) بیمار (Sick) داشتن (To have) احساس (Feeling)

Learn Next

اضطراب (Anxiety) روان‌شناس (Psychologist) درمان (Treatment) بهبود (Improvement) روحیه (Morale)

Advanced

ملانکولی (Melancholy) روان‌رنجوری (Neurosis) ناهنجاری (Abnormality) سازگاری (Adaptation) تاب‌آوری (Resilience)

Grammar to Know

Noun to Adjective Conversion

Adding '-gi' to adjectives ending in 'e' to form a noun: افسرده (depressed) -> افسردگی (depression).

Complex Verbs with 'Dashtan'

Many health states use 'dashtan' (to have): افسردگی داشتن (to have depression).

Preposition 'Be' with 'Affliction'

The verb 'dochār shodan' always takes the preposition 'be': دچارِ افسردگی شدن.

Ezafe Construction for Modifiers

Connecting the noun with an adjective: افسردگیِ شدید (severe depression).

Indefinite Suffix '-i'

Adding '-i' to the end: افسردگی‌ای که او داشت... (The depression that he had...).

Examples by Level

افسردگی بد است.

Depression is bad.

Simple Subject + Adjective + Verb 'ast'.

او افسردگی دارد.

He/She has depression.

Noun as a direct object with 'dashtan'.

آیا شما افسردگی دارید؟

Do you have depression?

Question form using 'Aya'.

من افسردگی ندارم.

I do not have depression.

Negative form of 'dashtan'.

او خیلی افسرده است.

He is very depressed.

Using the adjective 'afsordeh' instead of the noun.

کتاب درباره افسردگی است.

The book is about depression.

Preposition 'darbareh' (about).

نام این بیماری افسردگی است.

The name of this illness is depression.

Ezafe construction 'nam-e in bimari'.

افسردگی یک مشکل است.

Depression is a problem.

Noun + indefinite 'yek'.

بسیاری از مردم افسردگی دارند.

Many people have depression.

Quantifier 'basyari az'.

او برای افسردگی به دکتر رفت.

He went to the doctor for depression.

Preposition 'baraye' (for).

افسردگی می‌تواند سخت باشد.

Depression can be hard.

Modal verb 'mitavanad' (can).

دوست من افسردگی شدید دارد.

My friend has severe depression.

Adjective 'shadid' (severe) modifying the noun.

علت افسردگی چیست؟

What is the cause of depression?

Ezafe connecting 'ellat' and 'afsordegi'.

او از افسردگی رنج می‌برد.

He suffers from depression.

Verb 'ranj bordan' (to suffer).

ورزش برای افسردگی خوب است.

Exercise is good for depression.

Simple advice structure.

این فیلم درباره افسردگی است.

This movie is about depression.

Demonstrative 'in' (this).

افسردگی فصلی در زمستان شایع است.

Seasonal depression is common in winter.

Compound noun 'afsordegi-ye fasli'.

او به دلیل افسردگی در خانه ماند.

He stayed home because of depression.

Reasoning with 'be dalil-e'.

درمان افسردگی زمان می‌برد.

Treating depression takes time.

Noun phrase as subject.

آیا علائم افسردگی را می‌شناسید؟

Do you know the symptoms of depression?

Direct object with 'ra'.

او با افسردگی مبارزه می‌کند.

He is fighting against depression.

Verb 'mobarezeh kardan' (to fight).

افسردگی می‌تواند روی کار تاثیر بگذارد.

Depression can affect work.

Verb phrase 'tasir gozashtan' (to affect).

بسیاری از هنرمندان دچار افسردگی بودند.

Many artists were afflicted with depression.

Past tense of 'dochar budan'.

صحبت کردن درباره افسردگی مهم است.

Talking about depression is important.

Gerund as subject 'Sohbat kardan'.

افسردگی پس از زایمان یک موضوع جدی است.

Postpartum depression is a serious issue.

Complex noun phrase 'afsordegi-ye pas az zayeman'.

جامعه‌شناسان درباره افسردگی اجتماعی هشدار می‌دهند.

Sociologists warn about social depression.

Subject-verb agreement with plural noun.

او به جای دارو، از روش‌های طبیعی برای درمان افسردگی استفاده کرد.

Instead of medicine, he used natural methods to treat depression.

Contrastive structure 'be jaye... از'.

افسردگی مزمن می‌تواند سال‌ها ادامه یابد.

Chronic depression can continue for years.

Adjective 'mozmen' (chronic).

ریشه‌های افسردگی ممکن است در کودکی باشد.

The roots of depression may lie in childhood.

Possibility with 'momken ast'.

حمایت خانواده در بهبود افسردگی نقش حیاتی دارد.

Family support plays a vital role in recovering from depression.

Verb phrase 'naghsh dashtan' (to play a role).

او کتابی درباره غلبه بر افسردگی نوشت.

He wrote a book about overcoming depression.

Infinitive 'ghalabeh kardan' used as a noun.

افسردگی نباید به عنوان یک تابو در نظر گرفته شود.

Depression should not be considered a taboo.

Passive voice 'dar nazar gerefteh shavad'.

در متون کلاسیک، افسردگی اغلب با واژه ملال توصیف شده است.

In classical texts, depression is often described with the word 'malal'.

Passive voice in a formal register.

پدیده افسردگی در کلان‌شهرها به دلیل انزوای اجتماعی رو به افزایش است.

The phenomenon of depression in megacities is increasing due to social isolation.

Complex sentence with 'be dalil-e'.

روان‌شناسان بر این باورند که افسردگی صرفاً یک حالت روحی نیست، بلکه ریشه در بیوشیمی مغز دارد.

Psychologists believe that depression is not merely a mental state, but is rooted in brain biochemistry.

Subordinate clause with 'ke' and contrastive 'balke'.

او در اشعارش به زیبایی حس افسردگی و پوچی را به تصویر می‌کشد.

In his poems, he beautifully portrays the feeling of depression and emptiness.

Compound object 'hes-e afsordegi va puchi'.

برخورد جامعه با فرد مبتلا به افسردگی باید توأم با درک و همدلی باشد.

Society's interaction with a person suffering from depression must be coupled with understanding and empathy.

Formal construction 'tu'am ba' (coupled with).

افسردگی می‌تواند به عنوان واکنشی به بحران‌های وجودی تلقی گردد.

Depression can be regarded as a reaction to existential crises.

Formal passive 'talaghi gardad'.

تشخیص افتراقی بین افسردگی و سوگ برای درمان صحیح الزامی است.

Differential diagnosis between depression and bereavement is essential for correct treatment.

Academic terminology 'tashkhis-e efteraghi'.

سیاست‌های عمومی باید به گونه‌ای طراحی شوند که بار افسردگی را در جامعه کاهش دهند.

Public policies should be designed in a way that reduces the burden of depression in society.

Relative clause 'ke... kahesh dehand'.

واکاوی مفهوم افسردگی در اندیشه‌های فلسفی مدرن، ابعاد تازه‌ای از رنج بشری را آشکار می‌سازد.

The analysis of the concept of depression in modern philosophical thoughts reveals new dimensions of human suffering.

Highly formal 'vakavi' (analysis) and 'ashkar misazad' (reveals).

افسردگی در این رمان، نه یک عارضه، بلکه به مثابه یک شخصیت کنشگر عمل می‌کند.

Depression in this novel acts not as an ailment, but as an active character.

Literary construction 'be masabeh-ye' (as/in the capacity of).

پیوند ناگسستنی میان فقر ساختاری و نرخ افسردگی در جوامع در حال توسعه غیرقابل انکار است.

The unbreakable link between structural poverty and the rate of depression in developing societies is undeniable.

Sophisticated adjectives 'nagostani' and 'gheyr-e ghabel-e enkar'.

او با رویکردی پدیدارشناسانه به بررسی تجربه زیسته افراد از افسردگی پرداخت.

He examined the lived experience of individuals with depression using a phenomenological approach.

Academic phrase 'tajrobeh-ye zisteh' (lived experience).

تقلیل افسردگی به یک ناهنجاری شیمیایی، نادیده گرفتن بسترهای فرهنگی و تاریخی آن است.

Reducing depression to a chemical abnormality is to ignore its cultural and historical contexts.

Gerund 'taghlil' (reduction) as subject.

افسردگی مزمن می‌تواند منجر به فرسایش تدریجی سرمایه‌های نمادین و اجتماعی فرد گردد.

Chronic depression can lead to the gradual erosion of an individual's symbolic and social capital.

Sophisticated noun phrase 'sarmayeh-haye namadin' (symbolic capital).

در دیالکتیک میان شادی و غم، افسردگی نقطه‌ای است که در آن پویایی روح به سکون می‌گراید.

In the dialectic between joy and sorrow, depression is the point where the soul's dynamics tend toward stillness.

Philosophical register with 'dialektik' and 'sokun'.

استلزام‌های اخلاقی در مواجهه با افسردگی، نیازمند بازنگری در مفاهیم مسئولیت فردی است.

The ethical imperatives in confronting depression require a revision of the concepts of individual responsibility.

High-level vocabulary 'estelzam-haye akhlaghi'.

Common Collocations

افسردگی شدید

درمان افسردگی

علائم افسردگی

افسردگی فصلی

افسردگی پس از زایمان

دچار افسردگی شدن

کاهش افسردگی

پیشگیری از افسردگی

افسردگی مزمن

زمینه افسردگی

Common Phrases

افسردگی گرفتن

— To 'catch' or develop depression. It is a common informal way to describe falling into a state of depression.

فکر کنم به خاطر تنهایی افسردگی گرفتم.

مبارزه با افسردگی

— Fighting against depression. This is used in motivational or medical contexts to describe the process of recovery.

او کتابی درباره مبارزه با افسردگی نوشت.

غلبه بر افسردگی

— Overcoming depression. This implies a successful struggle or reaching a state of recovery.

غلبه بر افسردگی ممکن است.

بحران افسردگی

— Depression crisis. Used to describe a peak in mental health issues in a society or individual.

بحران افسردگی در میان جوانان نگران‌کننده است.

افسردگی پنهان

— Hidden/masked depression. Refers to people who are depressed but appear happy or functional to others.

افسردگی پنهان می‌تواند خطرناک باشد.

افسردگی شغلی

— Job-related depression or burnout leading to depressive symptoms.

افسردگی شغلی باعث کاهش بهره‌وری می‌شود.

تله افسردگی

— The 'depression trap'. A metaphorical phrase for the cycle of negative thoughts that keep one depressed.

نباید در تله افسردگی گرفتار شد.

گرداب افسردگی

— The 'whirlpool of depression'. A poetic way to describe how depression pulls one down.

او در گرداب افسردگی فرو رفته بود.

پایان افسردگی

— The end of depression. Used in hopeful contexts about recovery.

نور امید، پایان افسردگی است.

سایه افسردگی

— The 'shadow of depression'. Describes the lingering presence of the condition.

سایه افسردگی بر زندگی‌اش سنگینی می‌کرد.

Often Confused With

افسردگی vs استرس (Stress)

Stress is a reaction to pressure, while depression is a persistent mood state. They are often linked but distinct.

افسردگی vs اضطراب (Anxiety)

Anxiety is about fear and future-oriented worry; depression is about low mood and past/present-oriented despair.

افسردگی vs خستگی (Tiredness)

Physical tiredness is 'khastegi'. While depression causes fatigue, 'khastegi' alone doesn't imply the mental state of 'afsordegi'.

Idioms & Expressions

"دل و دماغ نداشتن"

— Literally 'to not have heart or nose/brain'. It is a common idiom meaning to have no mood or energy for anything, often used to describe depressive states.

امروز اصلا دل و دماغ کار کردن ندارم.

Informal

"زانو زدن در برابر غم"

— To kneel before sorrow. To give up or be defeated by depression.

او در برابر افسردگی زانو نزد.

Literary

"کوه غم"

— A mountain of sorrow. Used to describe a very heavy and large burden of depression.

او کوهی از غم را بر دوش می‌کشید.

Poetic

"دل مرده بودن"

— To be 'dead-hearted'. Describes someone who has lost all joy and vitality, a common symptom of severe depression.

بعد از آن حادثه، او کاملا دل‌مرده شده است.

Neutral

"در خود فرورفتن"

— To sink into oneself. To become withdrawn and silent due to depression.

او مدتی است که در خود فرورفته و با کسی حرف نمی‌زند.

Neutral

"خاکسترنشین غم بودن"

— To be sitting on the ashes of sorrow. A poetic way of describing long-term, devastating depression.

او سال‌هاست که خاکسترنشین غم است.

Poetic

"دنیا را تیره و تار دیدن"

— To see the world as dark and murky. A classic description of the depressive perspective.

وقتی افسردگی داری، دنیا را تیره و تار می‌بینی.

Informal

"بغض در گلو داشتن"

— To have a lump in the throat. Describes the constant feeling of suppressed sadness or the urge to cry.

همیشه بغضی در گلو دارد که نمی‌شکند.

Neutral

"خانه نشین شدن"

— To become 'house-bound'. Often used when someone stops going out because of depression.

افسردگی باعث شد او کاملا خانه‌نشین شود.

Neutral

"رنگ پریدگی روح"

— The 'paleness of the soul'. A metaphor for the loss of vitality in depression.

افسردگی، نوعی رنگ‌پریدگی روح است.

Poetic

Easily Confused

افسردگی vs افسرده (Afsordeh)

Learners use the noun 'afsordegi' when they need the adjective.

Afsordeh is the adjective (depressed). Afsordegi is the noun (depression).

من افسرده هستم (I am depressed) vs. من افسردگی دارم (I have depression).

افسردگی vs افسر (Afsar)

Similar looking spelling.

Afsar means 'officer' (like in the police). It has no relation to 'afsordegi'.

افسر پلیس (Police officer).

افسردگی vs افسردن (Afsordan)

The root verb.

Afsordan is the infinitive 'to wither/freeze'. It is rarely used in spoken Persian today.

گل‌ها از سرما افسردند (The flowers withered from the cold).

افسردگی vs فرسودگی (Farsudegi)

Rhyming and similar meaning.

Farsudegi means 'wear and tear' or 'erosion'. 'Farsudegi-ye shoghli' means job burnout.

فرسودگی شغلی می‌تواند باعث افسردگی شود.

افسردگی vs سرخوردگی (Sorkhordegi)

Similar structure.

Sorkhordegi means 'frustration' or 'disillusionment'.

او از شکست‌های پی در پی دچار سرخوردگی شد.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Afsordegi] [Dārad/Nadārad].

او افسردگی دارد.

[Subject] [be Afsordegi] [Moblata ast].

علی به افسردگی مبتلا است.

[Subject] از [Afsordegi-ye Modifiers] [Ranj mibarad].

مریم از افسردگی شدید رنج می‌برد.

[Afsordegi] می‌تواند منجر به [Noun Phrase] شود.

افسردگی می‌تواند منجر به تنهایی شود.

با توجه به [Noun], [Afsordegi] به عنوان [Noun] تلقی می‌شود.

با توجه به شواهد، افسردگی به عنوان یک بیماری جدی تلقی می‌شود.

واکاوی [Afsordegi] در بستر [Context], نشان‌دهنده [Noun] است.

واکاوی افسردگی در بستر تاریخ، نشان‌دهنده تغییرات فرهنگی است.

General

آیا [Subject] علائم [Afsordegi] را دارد؟

آیا او علائم افسردگی را دارد؟

General

[Afsordegi] نتیجه‌ی [Noun Phrase] است.

افسردگی نتیجه‌ی فشارهای عصبی است.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in modern discourse, especially in urban areas and health-related media.

Common Mistakes

من افسردگی هستم. → من افسرده هستم.
You are using the noun 'depression' as an adjective. You should say 'I am depressed'.
او دچار با افسردگی شد. → او دچارِ افسردگی شد.
The verb 'dochār shodan' doesn't use 'ba' (with); it uses an Ezafe or 'be'.
دلیل افسردگی‌اش را نمی‌دانم (Spelling: ص instead of س). → دلیل افسردگی‌اش را نمی‌دانم.
Learners often confuse the letter 'sin' with 'sad'. 'Afsordegi' always uses 'sin'.
او افسردگی شد. → او افسرده شد.
You cannot 'become' the noun depression. You 'become' depressed (the adjective).
افسردگی فصلی در تابستان. → افسردگی فصلی در زمستان.
This is a factual error. Seasonal depression is almost always associated with winter (cold/dark) in Persian culture.

Tips

Don't forget the Ezafe

When adding an adjective to 'afsordegi', always use the Ezafe '-ye' because the word ends in 'i'. Example: 'afsordegi-ye shadid'.

Stigma is changing

In the past, people might have avoided the word, but today's Iranian youth use it openly to discuss mental health.

Learn the family

If you learn 'afsordeh' (adj) and 'afsordegi' (noun) together, you will understand most sentences about the topic.

Use it for the weather?

No, if the weather is 'depressing' (gloomy), Iranians say 'hava gerefteh ast' (the air is caught/heavy), not 'hava afsordeh ast'.

Empathetic listening

If someone tells you they have 'afsordegi', a good response is 'Mote'asefam, omidvaram behtar shavi' (I'm sorry, I hope you get better).

Academic tone

Use 'ekhtelal' (disorder) in front of 'afsordegi' to sound more professional in written Persian.

The 'Cold' Connection

Remember 'sard' (cold) is inside 'afsordegi'. Depression is a cold heart.

Avoid 'Man afsordegi hastam'

Never say 'I am depression'. Say 'I have depression' or 'I am depressed'.

Afsordegi vs. Malal

Use 'malal' for a poetic, existential boredom and 'afsordegi' for the clinical condition.

Hashtags

On Persian social media, you might see #افسردگی used for mental health awareness campaigns.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'af-sor-de-gi' as 'A Frozen Spirit's Ongoing Dullness'. The 'sor' sounds like 'sore', and the 'gi' sounds like 'grief'.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright flower slowly turning gray and freezing in the cold winter air. The process of it losing its color and becoming brittle is 'afsordegi'.

Word Web

غم (Grief) سرد (Cold) پژمرده (Withered) بیماری (Illness) روان (Soul/Mind) درمان (Treatment) تاریک (Dark) سنگین (Heavy)

Challenge

Try to use 'afsordegi' in three different sentences: one about the weather (seasonal), one about a book or movie, and one formal sentence about health.

Word Origin

The word comes from the Middle Persian 'afsardan', which is a compound of 'apa-' (away/off) and 'sard' (cold).

Original meaning: The original meaning was literally 'to become cold' or 'to freeze'. This evolved metaphorically to describe a heart or spirit that has lost its 'heat' and become withered.

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> Middle Persian -> Modern Persian.

Cultural Context

Always handle this word with care. In Persian culture, admitting to 'afsordegi' can be a sign of great trust and vulnerability.

English speakers might use 'depressed' casually for a bad day, but in Persian, 'afsordegi' is generally kept for more serious, long-term states.

The Blind Owl (Buf-e Kur) by Sadegh Hedayat - a masterpiece of Persian literature exploring themes of deep depression. The poems of Forough Farrokhzad, which often touch upon the 'afsordegi' of the modern woman. The film 'Taste of Cherry' by Abbas Kiarostami, which deals with a man's struggle with extreme despondency.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical/Clinical

نسخه برای افسردگی (Prescription for depression)
روان‌درمانی افسردگی (Psychotherapy for depression)
علائم بالینی افسردگی (Clinical symptoms of depression)
افسردگی واکنشی (Reactive depression)

Social/Economic

افسردگی عمومی (General/public depression)
ناامیدی اجتماعی (Social hopelessness)
آمار افسردگی (Depression statistics)
تاثیر تورم بر افسردگی (Impact of inflation on depression)

Literary/Artistic

تم افسردگی در شعر (The theme of depression in poetry)
بیان هنری افسردگی (Artistic expression of depression)
شخصیت افسرده (Depressed character)
فضای افسرده‌وار (Depressive atmosphere)

Personal/Family

نگران افسردگی‌ات هستم (I'm worried about your depression)
چطور با افسردگی کنار بیاییم؟ (How to cope with depression?)
حمایت از فرد افسرده (Supporting a depressed person)
روزهای افسردگی (Days of depression)

Academic/Educational

پژوهش درباره افسردگی (Research on depression)
نظریه‌های افسردگی (Theories of depression)
واحد درسی روان‌شناسی افسردگی (Course unit on psychology of depression)
کنفرانس بهداشت روان و افسردگی (Mental health and depression conference)

Conversation Starters

"به نظر شما چرا آمار افسردگی در شهرهای بزرگ بیشتر است؟ (Why do you think depression rates are higher in big cities?)"

"آیا تا به حال کتابی درباره غلبه بر افسردگی خوانده‌اید؟ (Have you ever read a book about overcoming depression?)"

"بهترین راه برای کمک به کسی که دچار افسردگی شده چیست؟ (What is the best way to help someone who has become depressed?)"

"آیا فکر می‌کنید شبکه‌های اجتماعی باعث افزایش افسردگی می‌شوند؟ (Do you think social media causes an increase in depression?)"

"نقش ورزش در کاهش افسردگی را چطور می‌بینید؟ (How do you see the role of exercise in reducing depression?)"

Journal Prompts

درباره زمانی بنویسید که احساس کردید افسردگی به شما نزدیک شده است. (Write about a time you felt depression was approaching you.)

چگونه می‌توانیم در جامعه‌ای که پر از استرس است، از افسردگی دوری کنیم؟ (How can we avoid depression in a society full of stress?)

تفاوت بین 'غمگین بودن' و 'افسردگی' را از دیدگاه خود شرح دهید. (Describe the difference between 'being sad' and 'depression' from your perspective.)

اگر می‌توانستید با کسی که افسردگی دارد حرف بزنید، چه می‌گفتید؟ (If you could talk to someone who has depression, what would you say?)

نقش هنر و موسیقی در بهبود حال روحی و درمان افسردگی چیست؟ (What is the role of art and music in improving mood and treating depression?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You can say 'Man afsordeh-am' (using the adjective) or 'Man afsordegi dāram' (using the noun). Both are correct, but 'Man afsordeh-am' is more direct.

Yes, it is very common. Mental health awareness is increasing, and you will hear this word in news, podcasts, and daily life.

The most direct opposite is 'shādi' (joy) or 'neshāt' (vibrancy/high spirits).

It's better not to. Use 'ghamgin' (sad) or 'narāhat' (unhappy). 'Afsordegi' implies a much more serious and long-term condition.

The root 'afsordan' means to freeze or wither. It metaphorically describes a spirit that has become cold and lost its life.

It is a hard 'g' sound, like in 'goat' or 'gift'. The word is pronounced af-sor-de-GI.

Yes. 'Gham' is general sadness or grief, often linked to an event. 'Afsordegi' is the clinical or persistent state of depression.

They are called 'alāyem-e afsordegi' (علائم افسردگی).

It is 'afsordegi-ye pas az zayeman' (افسردگی پس از زایمان).

It is 'zed-e afsordegi' (ضد افسردگی). This usually refers to medication (dāru-ye zed-e afsordegi).