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دغدغه

B1 noun #4,000 most common 9 min read

دغدغه

daghdagheh Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips دغدغه in 30 Seconds

Explanation دغدغه in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of 'daghdagheh' as a 'big worry' or a 'busy thought.' While it's a bit advanced for beginners, you can use it to say you have something important on your mind. Imagine you are thinking about your family or your job all day. That thing you are thinking about is your 'daghdagheh.' It is like saying 'I have a big thing in my head.' You usually say 'I have daghdagheh' (Man daghdagheh daram). Don't worry about the complex meanings yet; just think of it as a serious version of 'worry.'

At the A2 level, you can start using 'daghdagheh' to talk about daily life concerns. For example, 'I have the concern of money' or 'I have the concern of school.' It helps you explain *why* you are busy or stressed. It’s more than just being 'busy' (mashghul); it's about what is taking up your mental energy. You can also use the phrase 'bi-daghdagheh' to mean 'no worries' or 'carefree.' For example, 'I want a life without concerns.' This is a great way to express your goals and feelings more clearly than just using simple words like 'good' or 'bad.'

At the B1 level, 'daghdagheh' becomes a key word for discussing social issues and personal values. You should use it to describe preoccupations that are meaningful to you. It's not just a passing worry; it's a 'concern' that drives your interests. For example, if you care about the environment, that is your 'daghdagheh.' You will hear this word often in interviews, news, and movies. Understanding this word helps you follow discussions about what Iranian society is thinking about. You should also practice using it with the Ezafe construction, like 'daghdagheh-ye kar' (concern of work).

At the B2 level, you should be able to distinguish 'daghdagheh' from synonyms like 'negarani' (emotional worry) and 'del-mashghuli' (personal interest). 'Daghdagheh' often implies a sense of responsibility or an intellectual challenge. You can use it to talk about the 'concerns of a generation' or the 'concerns of a writer.' It is a very useful word for essays and debates. You can also use the adjective 'daghdagheh-mand' to describe someone who is socially or intellectually engaged. At this level, you should use the word to add depth to your arguments and show that you understand the nuances of Persian thought.

At the C1 level, 'daghdagheh' is used in academic and philosophical contexts. It can refer to the 'existential concern' of a human being or the 'central thematic concern' of a literary work. You should be comfortable using it to analyze complex texts. For instance, you might discuss how a particular poet's 'daghdagheh' was the tension between tradition and modernity. You can also use it in more abstract ways, such as 'the daghdagheh of truth' or 'the daghdagheh of existence.' At this level, your usage should reflect a deep understanding of the word's ability to frame a whole discourse.

At the C2 level, you master the subtle connotations and historical weight of 'daghdagheh.' You can use it to discuss Heideggerian 'Sorge' (Concern) or other complex philosophical concepts translated into Persian. You understand the word's power to signal a person's intellectual lineage or social standing. You can use it with precision in high-level debates, literary criticism, and creative writing. You are also aware of how the word has evolved in modern Persian to become a hallmark of the 'intellectual' (roshan-fekr) class. Your use of 'daghdagheh' is not just about meaning, but about tone, register, and cultural resonance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

دغدغه in 30 Seconds

Daghdagheh means a serious concern or mental preoccupation that stays on your mind.
It is more intellectual and formal than the common word for worry, 'negarani'.
It is often used to describe social, artistic, or professional interests and responsibilities.
The most common grammatical structure is 'daghdagheh dashtan' (to have a concern).

The word دغدغه (daghdagheh) is a sophisticated and deeply resonant Persian noun that translates most closely to 'concern,' 'preoccupation,' or 'mental engagement.' While it can sometimes imply a 'worry,' it is distinct from simple anxiety or fear. In the Persian-speaking world, having a daghdagheh means that a particular subject, issue, or problem is constantly on your mind, occupying your thoughts and driving your actions. It suggests a level of intellectual or emotional investment that goes beyond a passing thought. For instance, an environmentalist might have the 'daghdagheh' of climate change, meaning it is their primary focus and a source of constant mental activity. In modern Iranian discourse, the term is frequently used to describe the underlying motivations of artists, intellectuals, and social activists. It is the 'itch' that one must scratch, the persistent question that demands an answer, or the social ill that one feels compelled to address.

Core Nuance: Unlike 'negari' (worry), which is often passive and negative, 'daghdagheh' can be a productive force. It is the mental burden that leads to creativity or social change. It implies that the person is 'engaged' with the world.

بزرگترین دغدغه او در زندگی، عدالت اجتماعی است.

(His/Her greatest concern in life is social justice.)

Historically, the word has roots that suggest a rustling sound or a disturbance. Imagine a small noise that keeps you from sleeping; that is the essence of daghdagheh. It is the mental noise that prevents complacency. In a professional setting, if a manager says, 'My main daghdagheh is the quality of the product,' they are saying that quality is the thing they think about most, the standard they are constantly measuring against, and the source of their professional stress and pride. It is a word that elevates a simple 'problem' to a 'mission' or a 'significant preoccupation.'

هنرمند باید دغدغه مردم را داشته باشد.

(An artist should be concerned with the people's preoccupations.)

Register: While common in daily speech, it is a staple of journalism, academic writing, and serious literature. It bridges the gap between everyday emotion and philosophical inquiry.

In the context of the modern Iranian lifestyle, daghdagheh often appears in discussions about the economy, education, and the future. When parents talk about the 'daghdagheh' of their children's education, they aren't just saying they are worried about grades; they are saying that the entire mental space regarding their children's future is filled with this concern. It is a holistic term for a mental state where a specific issue takes center stage. It is often paired with the verb 'dashtan' (to have), as in 'daghdagheh dashtan' (to have a concern/preoccupation).

من هیچ دغدغه‌ای برای آینده ندارم.

(I have no concerns for the future - often used ironically or to show peace of mind.)

Synonym Comparison: Compared to 'moshkel' (problem), 'daghdagheh' is internal. A 'moshkel' is something you solve; a 'daghdagheh' is something you live with or think through.

او همیشه با دغدغه‌های ذهنی‌اش کلنجار می‌رود.

(He is always wrestling with his mental preoccupations.)

Using دغدغه correctly requires understanding its grammatical environment. Most commonly, it functions as the object of the verb 'داشتن' (to have). However, it can also be the subject of verbs like 'ایجاد کردن' (to create/cause) or 'رفع کردن' (to resolve/remove). When you want to say you are concerned about something, the structure is usually: [Subject] + [Topic] + [Daghdagheh] + [Verb]. For example, 'Students have the concern of exams' becomes 'دانشجویان دغدغه امتحان دارند'. This structure places the concern as a possession of the mind.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. دغدغه داشتن (To have a concern) 2. دغدغه ایجاد کردن (To cause concern) 3. دغدغه رفع شدن (For a concern to be resolved) 4. دغدغه ذهنی (Mental preoccupation)

تغییرات اقلیمی به یک دغدغه جهانی تبدیل شده است.

(Climate change has become a global concern.)

You can also use it in the plural form, daghdaghe-ha, to refer to a variety of worries or interests. In a sentence like 'I have many concerns these days' (این روزها دغدغه‌های زیادی دارم), the plural emphasizes the scattered and overwhelming nature of one's mental state. Another important usage is as an adjective: daghdaghe-mand (دغدغه‌مند), which describes a person who is socially conscious or deeply concerned about specific issues. An 'insan-e daghdaghe-mand' is a person who cares deeply about society and doesn't just live for themselves.

او هیچ دغدغه‌ای جز درس خواندن ندارد.

(He has no concern other than studying.)

In formal writing, 'daghdagheh' often appears in the beginning of a paragraph to set the theme. For example, 'The main concern of this article is...' (دغدغه اصلی این مقاله...). This highlights the central thesis or the 'why' behind the writing. In personal conversations, it can be used to express empathy. If a friend is stressed, you might ask: 'What is your main daghdagheh right now?' (دغدغه اصلی‌ات الان چیه؟). This shows you want to understand the root of their stress, not just the symptoms.

این فیلم به دغدغه‌های نسل جوان می‌پردازد.

(This film addresses the concerns of the younger generation.)

Negative Form: بی‌دغدغه (Without concern/Carefree). This can be positive (peaceful) or negative (indifferent).

زندگیِ بی‌دغدغه آرزوی خیلی‌هاست.

(A carefree life is the dream of many.)

You will encounter دغدغه in a variety of contexts, from the evening news to a deep conversation in a Tehran café. In the media, news anchors often use it to discuss public sentiment. For example, 'The biggest daghdagheh of the people today is the economy.' This usage frames the economic situation not just as a set of numbers, but as a collective mental burden shared by the citizens. It’s a very humanizing way to talk about statistics.

In the Media: Used to describe 'public concern' (دغدغه عمومی) or 'national concern' (دغدغه ملی). It often precedes policy discussions.

مسکن، دغدغه اصلی خانواده‌هاست.

(Housing is the main concern of families.)

In the arts and literature, daghdagheh is almost a buzzword. When a director is interviewed about their new film, they will inevitably be asked, 'What was your daghdagheh when making this movie?' Here, it means 'inspiration' or 'the core problem you were trying to explore.' It implies that the art was born out of a genuine mental struggle or a need to communicate something important. If an artist says they have no daghdagheh, they are essentially saying they have nothing to say.

نویسنده با دغدغه‌ی تنهایی انسان، این کتاب را نوشت.

(The author wrote this book with the concern of human loneliness.)

In educational settings, teachers and professors use it to describe the focus of a course or a research project. A professor might say, 'Our main daghdagheh in this research is the impact of social media on teenagers.' In this context, it translates to 'research focus' or 'central question.' It shows that the research is not just a dry academic exercise but a response to a pressing issue.

Everyday Conversations: 'Don't make it a daghdagheh for yourself' (دغدغه نکن برای خودت) - means 'Don't let it weigh on your mind' or 'Don't overthink it.'

پول هیچ‌وقت دغدغه من نبوده است.

(Money has never been a concern of mine.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning دغدغه is using it as a direct synonym for 'problem' (مشکل - moshkel). While a daghdagheh can certainly be a problem, the two are not interchangeable. A 'moshkel' is an external obstacle—like a flat tire or a broken computer. A 'daghdagheh' is the mental state caused by that obstacle, or even something that isn't a 'problem' in the traditional sense, like an intellectual curiosity. You 'solve' a moshkel, but you 'address' or 'live with' a daghdagheh.

Mistake 1: Verb Confusion: Learners often say 'من دغدغه می‌کنم' (I concern). This is incorrect. You must say 'من دغدغه دارم' (I have a concern). 'Daghdagheh' is a noun, not a verb.

Incorrect: من برای امتحان دغدغه می‌کنم.

(Correct: من دغدغه امتحان دارم.)

Another mistake is overusing the word for trivial things. If you can't find your keys, it's not a daghdagheh; it's just annoying. Using daghdagheh for minor inconveniences can make you sound overly dramatic or like you're trying too hard to sound intellectual. Reserve it for things that actually occupy your mental space for an extended period. Similarly, don't confuse it with 'ezterab' (anxiety). 'Ezterab' is a clinical or intense feeling of fear, while 'daghdagheh' is more about preoccupation and concern.

Correct: دغدغه اصلی من کیفیت آموزش است.

(My main concern is the quality of education.)

Mistake 2: Preposition Use: Sometimes learners use 'darbare-ye' (about) when an Ezafe is more natural. While 'daghdagheh darbare-ye...' is okay, 'daghdagheh-ye [Topic]' is much more native.

نباید اجازه دهی این مسائل به دغدغه دائمی‌ات تبدیل شوند.

(You shouldn't let these issues become your permanent concern.)

To truly master دغدغه, you need to see how it fits into the broader family of Persian words for 'worry' and 'thought.' The most common alternative is negarani (نگرانی). While negarani is a general word for being worried, daghdagheh is more about the *subject* of the worry and the mental space it occupies. If you are worried about a specific test tomorrow, use negarani. If you are 'concerned' about the state of the education system in general, use daghdagheh.

Comparison: Daghdagheh vs. Negarani

Daghdagheh: Intellectual, long-term, preoccupation, 'what keeps you up at night' regarding a mission or value.

Negarani: Emotional, situational, 'feeling' worried about a specific outcome.

او دغدغه نان دارد، نه نگرانی از فردا.

(He has the 'preoccupation of bread' (survival), not just a worry about tomorrow.)

Another beautiful alternative is del-mashghuli (دل‌مشغولی). This literally means 'heart-occupancy.' It is slightly more poetic and personal than daghdagheh. It’s used for hobbies, passions, or people that occupy your heart and mind. If daghdagheh is 'mental preoccupation,' del-mashghuli is 'soul preoccupation.' Then there is tashvish (تشویش), which is a more formal and intense word for agitation or anxiety, often used in literature to describe a disturbed state of mind.

شعر، تنها دل‌مشغولی او در میانسالی بود.

(Poetry was his only 'heart-preoccupation' in middle age.)

Other Related Words: 1. وسواس (Vasvas) - Obsession/Compulsion 2. دلمشغولی (Del-mashghuli) - Preoccupation/Hobby 3. مشغله (Mashghaleh) - Busy-ness/Work occupation

این دغدغه‌های کوچک نباید مانع اهداف بزرگ شوند.

(These small concerns should not hinder great goals.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Imagine a feather tickling your ear—you can't ignore it. That's how 'daghdagheh' works in the mind; it's a thought you can't ignore.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dæɣ.dæ.ɣe/

US /dæɣ.dæ.ɣe/

Stress is on the final syllable: dagh-da-GHEH.

Rhymes With

قهقهه (ghah-ghah-eh - laughter) ولوله (vel-vel-eh - commotion) زلزله (zel-zel-eh - earthquake) سلسله (sel-sel-eh - chain/dynasty) هلهله (hel-hel-eh - shouting for joy) فلفله (fel-fel-eh - peppery/commotion) فاصله (fas-el-eh - distance) حوصله (how-sel-eh - patience)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'gh' as a hard 'g'.
Pronouncing 'e' at the end as a long 'ee'. It is a short 'eh'.
Putting stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the two 'gh' sounds (they are the same sound in this word).
Skipping the middle 'da' syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize once you know the 'gh' sound.

Writing 4/5

Spelling with 'gh' (غ) and 'q' (ق) can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 5/5

Requires mastering the uvular 'gh' sound twice.

Listening 3/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to catch in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

فکر (thought) نگران (worried) مهم (important) داشتن (to have) مشکل (problem)

Learn Next

تشویش (agitation) آرامش (peace) مسئولیت (responsibility) اولویت (priority) چالش (challenge)

Advanced

تبارشناسی (genealogy) هستی‌شناختی (ontological) روشنفکری (intellectualism) دغدغه‌مندی اجتماعی (social engagement)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

دغدغهِ من (My concern) - The 'e' sound links the noun to the possessor.

Compound Adjectives with 'mand'

دغدغه‌مند (Concerned) - Adding 'mand' to a noun creates an adjective meaning 'possessing'.

Compound Adjectives with 'bi'

بی‌دغدغه (Carefree) - Adding 'bi' (without) creates a negative adjective.

Noun-Verb Agreement

دغدغه‌ها زیاد هستند (The concerns are many) - Plural noun takes a plural verb.

Indefinite 'Ye'

دغدغه‌ای (A concern) - Adding 'i' to the end makes it indefinite.

Examples by Level

من دغدغه دارم.

I have a concern.

Simple Subject + Noun + Verb.

دغدغه تو چیست؟

What is your concern?

Question form using 'chiست'.

او دغدغه پول دارد.

He/She has the concern of money.

Noun + Ezafe + Noun.

مادرم دغدغه من را دارد.

My mother is concerned about me.

Possessive construction.

ما دغدغه نداریم.

We have no concerns.

Negative verb 'nadarim'.

این یک دغدغه بزرگ است.

This is a big concern.

Adjective 'bozorg' modifying the noun.

دغدغه او مدرسه است.

His/Her concern is school.

Noun as subject.

امروز دغدغه ندارم.

I don't have a concern today.

Adverb of time 'emruz'.

بزرگترین دغدغه من درس است.

My biggest concern is my studies.

Superlative adjective 'bozorg-tarin'.

او زندگی بی‌دغدغه‌ای دارد.

He/She has a carefree life.

Compound adjective 'bi-daghdagheh'.

آیا شما دغدغه کار دارید؟

Do you have work concerns?

Formal 'shoma' plural.

دغدغه‌های او خیلی زیاد است.

His/Her concerns are very many.

Plural noun 'daghdaghe-ha'.

من برای آینده دغدغه دارم.

I have concerns for the future.

Preposition 'baraye'.

دغدغه اصلی‌ات چیست؟

What is your main concern?

Adjective 'asli' (main).

او هیچ دغدغه‌ای ندارد.

He/She has no concern at all.

Use of 'hich' for emphasis.

بچه‌ها دغدغه بازی دارند.

Children are preoccupied with playing.

Noun + Ezafe + Noun.

دغدغه محیط زیست برای همه مهم است.

Environmental concern is important for everyone.

Abstract concept as Ezafe.

او همیشه دغدغه کمک به دیگران را دارد.

He/She always has the concern of helping others.

Infinitive 'komak kardan' as part of the concern.

این موضوع برای من دغدغه ایجاد کرد.

This subject caused concern for me.

Verb 'ijad kardan' (to create/cause).

دغدغه‌های اجتماعی در این کتاب آمده است.

Social concerns are mentioned in this book.

Passive-like construction 'amade ast'.

من دغدغه‌مند هستم.

I am a concerned/engaged person.

Adjective 'daghdaghe-mand'.

رفع دغدغه‌های مردم وظیفه دولت است.

Resolving the people's concerns is the government's duty.

Verbal noun 'raf' (resolving).

دغدغه فکری او چیست؟

What is his mental preoccupation?

Adjective 'fekri' (mental).

او بدون هیچ دغدغه‌ای سفر می‌کند.

He/She travels without any concern.

Prepositional phrase 'bedun-e hich'.

فیلم به دغدغه‌های نسل جوان می‌پردازد.

The film addresses the concerns of the younger generation.

Verb 'pardakhtan be' (to address/deal with).

دغدغه اصلی نویسنده، آزادی بیان است.

The author's main concern is freedom of speech.

Complex Ezafe construction.

او با دغدغه‌های ذهنی‌اش کلنجار می‌رود.

He is wrestling with his mental preoccupations.

Idiomatic verb 'kalanjat raftan'.

بیکاری یکی از دغدغه‌های جدی جامعه است.

Unemployment is one of the serious concerns of society.

Use of 'yeki az' (one of).

دغدغه هنری او فراتر از شهرت است.

His artistic concern is beyond fame.

Adverbial 'faratar az' (beyond).

این مسئله به دغدغه دائمی او تبدیل شده است.

This issue has become his permanent concern.

Verb 'tabdil shodan' (to become/transform).

او انسانی دغدغه‌مند و مسئولیت‌پذیر است.

He is a concerned and responsible person.

Compound adjectives.

دغدغه‌های اقتصادی مانع پیشرفت او شد.

Economic concerns hindered his progress.

Subject-verb agreement.

دغدغه هستی‌شناختی در آثار او موج می‌زند.

Ontological concern is prevalent in his works.

Metaphorical verb 'mowj zadan' (to surge/be prevalent).

او به تبیین دغدغه‌های فلسفی معاصر پرداخت.

He proceeded to explain contemporary philosophical concerns.

Formal verb 'tabyin kardan' (to explain/elucidate).

دغدغه نان، دغدغه‌های فرهنگی را به حاشیه رانده است.

The concern for bread (survival) has marginalized cultural concerns.

Idiomatic 'be hashiye randan' (to marginalize).

این اثر بازتابی از دغدغه‌های عمیق انسانی است.

This work is a reflection of deep human concerns.

Noun 'baztab' (reflection).

دغدغه او همواره برقراری عدالت در جامعه بوده است.

His concern has always been the establishment of justice in society.

Gerund 'bargharari' (establishing).

او از دغدغه‌های روشنفکری خود سخن گفت.

He spoke of his intellectual concerns.

Adjective 'roshan-fekri'.

دغدغه‌های زبانی یکی از مباحث مهم در ترجمه است.

Linguistic concerns are one of the important topics in translation.

Technical usage in linguistics.

او میان دغدغه‌های شخصی و وظایف حرفه‌ای‌اش گیر کرده بود.

He was caught between his personal concerns and professional duties.

Prepositional 'miyan-e' (between).

دغدغه، در ساحت اندیشه، محرک پویایی است.

Concern, in the realm of thought, is a driver of dynamism.

Highly formal 'sahat-e andishe'.

او با نگاهی تبارشناسانه به دغدغه‌های مدرنیته نگریست.

He looked at the concerns of modernity with a genealogical gaze.

Adverbial 'tabar-shenasane'.

تقلیل دغدغه‌های بشری به نیازهای مادی، خطایی راهبردی است.

Reducing human concerns to material needs is a strategic error.

Verbal noun 'taghlil' (reduction).

او در پی حل دغدغه‌های بنیادین بشر در باب حقیقت بود.

He sought to resolve the fundamental concerns of humanity regarding truth.

Formal 'dar bab-e' (concerning).

دغدغه‌های نوستالژیک او در اشعار متأخرش متبلور شده است.

His nostalgic concerns are crystallized in his later poems.

Verb 'motaballevar shodan' (to be crystallized).

این دغدغه‌ها ریشه در ناخودآگاه جمعی ما دارند.

These concerns are rooted in our collective unconscious.

Jungian psychological term 'nakhod-agah-e jam'i'.

او با ظرافت، دغدغه‌های اخلاقی را در تار و پود داستان تنیده است.

He has delicately woven ethical concerns into the fabric of the story.

Metaphorical 'tar o pud' (warp and weft).

دغدغه غایی او، دستیابی به صلح درونی بود.

His ultimate concern was achieving inner peace.

Adjective 'ghayi' (ultimate/final).

Common Collocations

دغدغه داشتن

دغدغه ذهنی

دغدغه اصلی

دغدغه ایجاد کردن

رفع دغدغه

دغدغه نان

دغدغه فرهنگی

بدون دغدغه

دغدغه مشترک

دغدغه همیشگی

Common Phrases

دغدغه نان داشتن

— To be worried about basic survival and food.

در این شرایط اقتصادی، همه دغدغه نان دارند.

دغدغه فکری داشتن

— To have something weighing on one's mind.

او دغدغه فکری زیادی برای پروژه‌اش دارد.

بی‌دغدغه زندگی کردن

— To live a life free of worries and stress.

آرزو دارم روزی بی‌دغدغه زندگی کنم.

دغدغه مردم را داشتن

— To care about the people's problems and well-being.

یک سیاستمدار باید دغدغه مردم را داشته باشد.

رفع دغدغه کردن

— To address or eliminate a concern.

مدیر تلاش کرد رفع دغدغه کارکنان کند.

دغدغه اصلی من

— My primary concern or focus.

دغدغه اصلی من سلامتی خانواده‌ام است.

دغدغه ایجاد شدن

— For a concern to arise in someone's mind.

با شنیدن این حرف، دغدغه‌ای در من ایجاد شد.

دغدغه‌های جوانی

— The typical concerns and preoccupations of young people.

او در مورد دغدغه‌های جوانی کتاب نوشت.

دغدغه مند بودن

— To be an engaged and concerned person.

او همیشه فردی دغدغه‌مند در مسائل محیط زیست بوده است.

دغدغه خاطر

— Mental preoccupation or worry (formal).

دغدغه خاطر او از چهره‌اش پیدا بود.

Often Confused With

دغدغه vs مشکل (Moshkel)

A 'moshkel' is an external problem; a 'daghdagheh' is the internal preoccupation with it.

دغدغه vs نگرانی (Negarani)

Negarani is an emotional state of worry; daghdagheh is a mental focus on a concern.

دغدغه vs مشغله (Mashghaleh)

Mashghaleh means being busy with tasks; daghdagheh means being busy with thoughts.

Idioms & Expressions

"دغدغه نان"

— The struggle for basic survival; financial insecurity.

وقتی دغدغه نان باشد، هنر فراموش می‌شود.

Common

"دغدغه ذهنی"

— Mental itch; a persistent thought that won't go away.

این سوال به دغدغه ذهنی من تبدیل شده است.

Intellectual

"بی‌دغدغه"

— Carefree; sometimes used to criticize someone for being indifferent.

او خیلی بی‌دغدغه از کنار مشکلات می‌گذرد.

Neutral

"دغدغه مردم"

— Social responsibility; caring for the collective.

هنرمند واقعی دغدغه مردم دارد.

Formal

"دغدغه داشتن برای چیزی"

— To be mission-driven regarding a specific goal.

او برای آموزش کودکان دغدغه دارد.

Neutral

"دغدغه ایجاد کردن"

— To raise a red flag or cause someone to think deeply.

رفتار او برای من دغدغه ایجاد کرد.

Neutral

"رفع دغدغه"

— Providing peace of mind.

بیمه باعث رفع دغدغه ما شد.

Formal

"دغدغه خاطر"

— A heavy mind; being troubled.

او با دغدغه خاطر به خواب رفت.

Literary

"دغدغه‌مند"

— A person who 'gives a damn' about society.

ما به مدیران دغدغه‌مند نیاز داریم.

Political/Social

"فارغ از دغدغه"

— Free from all concerns.

او فارغ از دغدغه دنیا، در باغش استراحت می‌کرد.

Literary

Easily Confused

دغدغه vs دغدغه (Daghdagheh)

Often translated simply as 'worry'.

Daghdagheh implies a deeper, more persistent, and often more intellectual or social concern than a simple worry.

دغدغه او محیط زیست است.

دغدغه vs وسواس (Vasvas)

Both involve persistent thoughts.

Vasvas is usually irrational or compulsive (OCD-like), while daghdagheh is usually rational and value-based.

او وسواس شستشو دارد.

دغدغه vs اضطراب (Ezterab)

Both relate to stress.

Ezterab is a physical/emotional feeling of anxiety; daghdagheh is a thematic mental preoccupation.

او از اضطراب می‌لرزید.

دغدغه vs تشویش (Tashvish)

Both are formal words for mental disturbance.

Tashvish is more about agitation and lack of peace; daghdagheh is more about the specific topic of concern.

تشویش در چهره‌اش بود.

دغدغه vs هم و غم (Hamm o Gham)

Both mean 'major concern'.

Hamm o Gham is an Arabic-derived idiom meaning one's 'entire focus and sorrow,' often even more intense than daghdagheh.

تمام هم و غم او موفقیت پسرش بود.

Sentence Patterns

من دغدغه [Noun] دارم.

من دغدغه پول دارم.

دغدغه اصلی من [Noun] است.

دغدغه اصلی من درس است.

[Subject] دغدغه [Infinitive] دارد.

او دغدغه کمک کردن دارد.

[Issue] به یک دغدغه تبدیل شده است.

بیکاری به یک دغدغه تبدیل شده است.

در ورای این اثر، دغدغه [Concept] نهفته است.

در ورای این اثر، دغدغه آزادی نهفته است.

دغدغه‌مندی [Person] نشان از [Quality] اوست.

دغدغه‌مندی نویسنده نشان از تعهد اوست.

بدون هیچ دغدغه‌ای [Verb].

بدون هیچ دغدغه‌ای استراحت کن.

رفع دغدغه‌های [Group] در اولویت است.

رفع دغدغه‌های جوانان در اولویت است.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in media, high in intellectual discourse, moderate in everyday speech.

Common Mistakes

من دغدغه می‌کنم (Man daghdagheh mikonam) → من دغدغه دارم (Man daghdagheh daram)
You cannot 'do' a concern in Persian; you must 'have' it.
Using it for a broken object (e.g., 'The broken car is my daghdagheh'). → The broken car is my 'moshkel' (problem).
Daghdagheh is for mental preoccupations, not physical broken things.
Pronouncing 'gh' as 'g'. → Pronounce it in the back of the throat.
Pronouncing it as 'g' changes the word's character and can make it hard to understand.
دغدغه برای من ایجاد شد (Incorrect word order sometimes). → این موضوع برای من دغدغه ایجاد کرد.
Ensure the subject and verb are correctly placed around the noun.
Using 'daghdagheh' when 'ezterab' (panic) is meant. → من اضطراب دارم.
Daghdagheh is a thought-based concern, not a physiological panic state.

Tips

Use for Themes

When discussing a book or movie, use 'daghdagheh' to describe its core theme or message.

Ezafe is Key

Always remember the 'e' sound (Ezafe) when connecting 'daghdagheh' to the subject of concern.

Sound Intellectual

Using 'daghdagheh' instead of 'negarani' immediately elevates your Persian to a more professional/educated level.

The 'Gh' Sound

Practice the 'gh' sound by gargling water; it's the same muscle movement.

Social Context

In Iran, mentioning your 'daghdagheh' for social issues is a great way to start a deep conversation.

Plural Usage

Use the plural 'daghdaghe-ha' to describe the complex set of challenges faced by a group.

News Keywords

This is a high-frequency word in Iranian news; learning it will unlock many headlines for you.

The Rustle

Remember the origin: a rustling sound in the mind that you can't ignore.

Avoid Triviality

Don't use it for 'I'm concerned I'll be 5 minutes late.' It's too heavy for that.

Empathy

Asking someone about their 'daghdagheh' shows you care about their deep thoughts, not just their surface feelings.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Dagh-Dagh-Eh' as the sound of 'Dog-Dog-Eh'. Imagine a dog scratching at your door constantly. That persistent scratching is a 'daghdagheh'—it's something you can't ignore and it occupies your mind.

Visual Association

Visualize a small, glowing light inside a brain that is constantly humming. That hum is the 'daghdagheh'—the mental preoccupation.

Word Web

Mind Worry Society Intellect Preoccupation Focus Care Responsibility

Challenge

Try to identify your 'main daghdagheh' for this week and say it in Persian: 'دغدغه اصلی من این هفته ... است'.

Word Origin

The word is of Arabic origin (دغدغة), where it originally meant 'tickling' or 'rustling sound.' It evolved in Persian to describe the mental 'tickling' or 'rustling' that keeps a person from being at peace.

Original meaning: Tickling or a rustling noise.

Semitic (Arabic root) adopted into Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'bi-daghdagheh' (carefree). While it can be a compliment, calling someone 'bi-daghdagheh' regarding social issues can be an insult.

The English word 'concern' is close, but 'preoccupation' or 'mission' often captures the Persian usage better in intellectual contexts.

Used extensively in the works of Iranian sociologists like Ali Shariati. Commonly found in the titles of Iranian reformist newspaper articles. A frequent topic in modern Persian 'Self-Help' and 'Mindfulness' podcasts.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

دغدغه امتحان
دغدغه یادگیری
دغدغه کنکور
دغدغه نمره

Work

دغدغه شغلی
دغدغه حقوق
دغدغه ارتقا
دغدغه کیفیت

Social Issues

دغدغه فقر
دغدغه عدالت
دغدغه آزادی
دغدغه محیط زیست

Personal Life

دغدغه خانواده
دغدغه سلامتی
دغدغه ازدواج
دغدغه مسکن

Arts & Literature

دغدغه هنری
دغدغه فرم
دغدغه محتوا
دغدغه مخاطب

Conversation Starters

"بزرگترین دغدغه تو در زندگی چیست؟ (What is your biggest concern in life?)"

"آیا دغدغه محیط زیست داری؟ (Do you have environmental concerns?)"

"دغدغه اصلی مردم کشور تو چیست؟ (What is the main concern of people in your country?)"

"چطور دغدغه‌های ذهنی‌ات را کم می‌کنی؟ (How do you reduce your mental preoccupations?)"

"به نظر تو هنرمند باید دغدغه داشته باشد؟ (Do you think an artist should have concerns?)"

Journal Prompts

امروز چه دغدغه‌ای در ذهن داشتی؟ آن را بنویس. (What concern did you have in mind today? Write it down.)

سه تا از دغدغه‌های اصلی‌ات برای آینده را لیست کن. (List three of your main concerns for the future.)

آیا زندگی بی‌دغدغه ممکن است؟ چرا؟ (Is a carefree life possible? Why?)

چطور دغدغه‌هایت به تو کمک می‌کنند پیشرفت کنی؟ (How do your concerns help you progress?)

درباره یک فرد دغدغه‌مند که می‌شناسی بنویس. (Write about a concerned/engaged person you know.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not necessarily. While it can mean a worry, it often describes a positive intellectual engagement or a sense of responsibility toward a cause.

You can say 'من دغدغه تو را دارم' (Man daghdagheh-ye to ra daram), but 'من نگران تو هستم' (Man negaran-e to hastam) is more common for personal worry.

It's better not to. Use it for things that truly occupy your mind, like your career, health, or social issues. For small things, use 'negari' or 'fetr'.

'Mashghaleh' refers to being physically busy with work or chores. 'Daghdagheh' refers to being mentally occupied with a concern.

It is a voiced uvular fricative. It sounds like a gargling sound in the back of the throat, similar to the French 'r'.

Yes, it is very common in Iranian media and intellectual discussions to describe someone who cares about social issues.

No, it is strictly a noun. You must use it with a helper verb like 'dashtan' (to have).

The opposite is simply having 'daghdagheh' or being 'daghdaghe-mand'.

It is more common in modern prose and social commentary than in classical poetry, though its roots are old.

Yes, it is very appropriate. You can use it to talk about 'customer concerns' (دغدغه‌های مشتریان) or 'project concerns'.