At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'del' means heart and 'sard' means cold. You might not use the full verb 'del sard kardan' yet, but you can understand that a 'cold heart' in Persian is a sad or unmotivated heart. Focus on the individual words first. 'Del' (heart) is a very important word in Persian. 'Sard' (cold) is used for weather and food. When you put them together, they describe a feeling. Just remember: Del + Sard = Not happy/Not excited.
At the A2 level, you can start using the compound verb in simple sentences. Remember that 'kardan' is the part that changes. You can say 'U mara del sard kard' (He discouraged me). Focus on the past tense first because it is easier. You should also recognize the opposite: 'del garm kardan' (to encourage). At this stage, you are learning that Persian uses many compound verbs with 'kardan' to describe emotions.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'del sard kardan' in various tenses, including the present and future. You should also understand the use of the preposition 'az' (from) to indicate what someone is discouraged from. For example, 'az dars khandan' (from studying). You can start using this verb to describe your feelings about your hobbies, your work, or your language learning journey. You are moving beyond simple emotions to more complex descriptions of motivation.
At the B2 level, you should use 'del sard kardan' fluently in discussions about social and professional issues. You can differentiate it from 'na-omid kardan' (to make hopeless) and use it in the subjunctive mood. You should also be comfortable with its passive-like intransitive form 'del sard shodan.' You can write short essays about what 'del sard' (discouraged) people feel in society and how to help them. Your use of the verb should feel natural in complex sentence structures.
At the C1 level, you should understand the subtle nuances of 'del sard kardan' in literature and classical poetry. You can use it to describe abstract concepts like 'political disillusionment' or 'artistic stagnation.' You should also be aware of how this term is used in psychological discourse in Persian. You can use it in highly formal contexts, such as academic writing or formal speeches, and you should be able to explain the metaphor of the 'cold heart' to others.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'del sard kardan.' You can use it in wordplay, irony, or complex metaphors. You understand its historical evolution in the Persian language and can compare its usage in different dialects (like Dari or Tajik). You can use it to critique social structures or philosophical ideas. Your mastery includes knowing exactly when *not* to use it in favor of a more specific or obscure synonym.

دل سرد کردن in 30 Seconds

  • To discourage or dishearten someone.
  • Literally translates to 'making the heart cold'.
  • A compound verb using 'kardan' (to do/make).
  • Commonly used with the preposition 'az' (from).

The Persian compound verb دل سرد کردن (del sard kardan) is a profound linguistic expression that transcends simple translation. While English speakers might use terms like 'to discourage' or 'to dishearten,' the Persian phrasing literally translates to 'to make the heart cold.' In the cultural and psychological landscape of Iran, the 'del' (heart) is not merely an organ or the seat of romance; it is the absolute epicenter of human will, motivation, and vital heat. To make someone's heart 'cold' is to extinguish the fire of their enthusiasm, to dampen their spirit so thoroughly that they no longer feel the internal warmth required to pursue a goal or maintain a relationship.

Emotional Resonance
This verb is used when an external force—be it a person's harsh words, a series of failures, or a cold environment—causes a person to lose interest. It is often used in the context of broken promises or lack of support. If a student works hard and a teacher ignores their effort, that teacher has 'made the student's heart cold.'
Social Dynamics
In social interactions, 'del sard kardan' carries a weight of responsibility. In Persian culture, maintaining the 'warmth' of social bonds is a collective duty. Therefore, accusing someone of 'del sard kardan' is a serious matter, suggesting they have failed in their interpersonal duty to encourage and sustain the other person's spirit.

رفتار تند مدیر، کارمندان را از ادامه پروژه دل سرد کرد.

Translation: The manager's harsh behavior discouraged the employees from continuing the project.

The verb consists of two parts: 'del sard' (cold-hearted or discouraged) which acts as the adjective/noun component, and 'kardan' (to do/make), the auxiliary verb. Because it is a compound verb, all the conjugation happens on the 'kardan' part, while 'del sard' remains static. This structure is common in Persian but requires learners to keep the two parts together to maintain the specific meaning of discouragement.

انتقادهای بی‌جا نباید تو را از نقاشی کشیدن دل سرد کند.

Translation: Unfair criticisms should not discourage you from painting.
Common Contexts
1. Romantic relationships where one partner's indifference 'cools' the other's affection. 2. Educational settings where a difficult exam 'cools' the student's desire to study. 3. Political or social movements where lack of progress 'cools' the public's fervor.

او با حرف‌هایش مرا از زندگی دل سرد کرد.

Translation: He discouraged me from life with his words.

In summary, 'del sard kardan' is more than just a synonym for 'discourage.' It is an evocative description of the emotional state of losing one's internal fire. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object—someone is doing the discouraging to someone else. If you want to say 'I became discouraged,' you would use the intransitive version: 'del sard shodan.'

Using دل سرد کردن correctly involves understanding the syntax of Persian compound verbs. The verb is composed of the non-verbal element 'del sard' and the auxiliary 'kardan.' To use it effectively, you must master the placement of the object and the use of the preposition 'az' (from).

The Basic Structure
[Subject] + [Object] + [az + Activity/Noun] + [del sard kardan (conjugated)]. For example: 'Ali (Subject) Maryam (Object) را از درس (from study) دل سرد کرد (discouraged).'

شکست‌های پی‌درپی او را دل سرد کرده است.

Translation: Successive failures have discouraged him.

In the present tense, the prefix 'mi-' is attached to the stem of 'kardan' (kon). So, 'del sard mi-konad' means 'he/she discourages.' Notice how the prefix 'mi' stays with the auxiliary verb and doesn't touch 'del sard.'

چرا سعی می‌کنی مرا از تلاشم دل سرد کنی؟

Translation: Why are you trying to discourage me from my effort?

When using the subjunctive mood (after verbs like 'should' or 'want'), 'kardan' becomes 'bokonad.' However, in modern Persian, the 'bo-' prefix is often dropped in compound verbs. So, 'nabāyad del sard koni' (you shouldn't discourage) is more common than 'nabāyad del sard bokoni.'

هیچ‌چیز نمی‌تواند ما را از رسیدن به هدفمان دل سرد کند.

Translation: Nothing can discourage us from reaching our goal.
Formal vs Informal
In formal writing, you will see the full forms. In spoken Persian, 'kardan' often contracts. For example, 'del sard mikone' instead of 'del sard mikonad.' The meaning remains identical, but the rhythm of the sentence changes.

You will encounter دل سرد کردن in various facets of Iranian life, from high-stakes business meetings to intimate family dinners. It is a staple of emotional vocabulary in Persian-speaking societies.

In the Workplace
Managers often discuss 'del sard kardan' when talking about employee retention. If a company doesn't pay on time, they might say: 'In ta'khirha karmandan ra del sard mikonad' (These delays discourage the employees).

کمبود بودجه، تیم تحقیق را دل سرد کرده است.

Translation: The budget shortage has discouraged the research team.

In Persian literature and cinema, this verb frequently appears during scenes of heartbreak or disillusionment. When a character realizes their efforts are in vain or their love is unrequited, the dialogue often centers on how they have been 'made cold-hearted' towards their previously held dreams.

او سعی داشت با تمسخر، مرا از نوشتن کتاب دل سرد کند.

Translation: He tried to discourage me from writing the book by mocking me.
Daily Conversations
Parents might use it when warning a child not to be mean to their sibling: 'Ba in harfha baradarat ra del sard nakon' (Don't discourage your brother with these words).

Learning دل سرد کردن comes with several pitfalls, primarily due to its compound nature and its similarity to other verbs.

Mistaking 'Kardan' for 'Shodan'
The most common error is using 'kardan' (to do) when you mean 'shodan' (to become). If you say 'Man del sard kardam,' it means 'I discouraged [someone],' but learners often mean 'I became discouraged,' which should be 'Man del sard shodam.'

❌ من از کارم دل سرد کردم.
✅ من از کارم دل سرد شدم.

Correction: I became discouraged with my work.

Another mistake involves the preposition. Many learners try to use 'be' (to) or 'dar' (in) when they should use 'az' (from). In Persian, you are discouraged *from* an activity or a person.

❌ او مرا به ورزش دل سرد کرد.
✅ او مرا از ورزش دل سرد کرد.

Correction: He discouraged me from sports.
Word Order
Do not separate 'del' and 'sard' with other words. They must stay together as a single unit. You cannot say 'del-e u ra sard kardam' to mean 'I discouraged him'; it must be 'u ra del sard kardam.'

Persian has a rich vocabulary for emotions. While دل سرد کردن is very common, other words might be more appropriate depending on the intensity or formality of the situation.

ناامید کردن (Na-omid Kardan)
This means 'to make hopeless.' While 'del sard kardan' implies a loss of enthusiasm, 'na-omid kardan' is stronger and implies a total loss of hope. You might be 'del sard' about a project but 'na-omid' about your entire future.
مأیوس کردن (Ma'yus Kardan)
This is a more formal, Arabic-rooted synonym for 'na-omid kardan.' You will see this in literature or formal speeches. It carries a heavy, tragic weight.
بی‌انگیزه کردن (Bi-angizeh Kardan)
Literally 'to make unmotivated.' This is a more modern, psychological term often used in educational or professional contexts. It is less poetic than 'del sard kardan.'

اگرچه شکست خوردم، اما ناامید نشدم، فقط کمی دل‌سرد هستم.

Translation: Although I failed, I didn't become hopeless, just a little discouraged.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Persian medicine, emotions were tied to temperatures. A 'hot' person was passionate or angry, while a 'cold' person was indifferent or discouraged. This linguistic relic remains in daily speech.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /del sæɾd kæɾdæn/
US /del sɑːrd kɑːrdæn/
The stress is typically on the final syllable of the auxiliary verb 'kardan' (dan), but 'del sard' is pronounced as a single semantic unit.
Rhymes With
sard (cold) mard (man) dard (pain) gard (dust) zard (yellow) fard (individual) naba'rd (battle) ra'rd (thunder)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'del' as 'deal'. It should be a short 'e' like in 'bell'.
  • Stressing the 'sard' instead of the end of the verb.
  • Merging 'del' and 'sard' into one word 'delsard' without a slight pause.
  • Pronouncing the 'r' in 'sard' too softly; it should be a tapped 'r'.
  • Failing to pronounce the 'n' at the end of 'kardan' clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'del' and 'sard'.

Writing 5/5

Requires correct use of 'az' and proper conjugation of 'kardan'.

Speaking 4/5

Common in daily speech, but learners often mix up 'kardan' and 'shodan'.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to catch.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

دل سرد کردن از ناامید

Learn Next

دلگرم کردن منصرف کردن اشتیاق انگیزه مأیوس

Advanced

دلسردیِ مفرط انجمادِ عاطفی سرخوردگی بی‌تفاوتی

Grammar to Know

Compound Verbs

Compound verbs like 'del sard kardan' only conjugate the auxiliary part.

Preposition 'Az'

Use 'az' to indicate the source of discouragement: 'az dars'.

Direct Object Marker 'Ra'

The person being discouraged takes 'ra': 'u ra del sard kard'.

Subjunctive Mood

Use 'konad' or 'bokonad' after 'shayad' or 'bayad'.

Negation

The 'na' prefix attaches to the auxiliary: 'del sard nakon'.

Examples by Level

1

دل من سرد است.

My heart is cold (I am discouraged).

Simple adjective use.

2

هوا سرد است.

The weather is cold.

Basic use of 'sard'.

3

او دل سرد شد.

He became discouraged.

Intransitive form.

4

مرا دل سرد نکن.

Don't discourage me.

Simple imperative.

5

چرا دل سرد هستی؟

Why are you discouraged?

Question with 'to be'.

6

او دل سرد است.

She is discouraged.

Third person singular.

7

کمی دل سرد شدم.

I became a little discouraged.

Use of 'kami' (a little).

8

دل سرد نباش!

Don't be discouraged!

Negative imperative of 'to be'.

1

نمره بد او را دل سرد کرد.

The bad grade discouraged him.

Past tense with direct object 'ra'.

2

حرف‌های تو مرا دل سرد می‌کند.

Your words discourage me.

Present tense.

3

ما نباید همدیگر را دل سرد کنیم.

We shouldn't discourage each other.

Modal verb 'nabayad'.

4

آیا این کار تو را دل سرد کرد؟

Did this work discourage you?

Simple past question.

5

او از فوتبال دل سرد شد.

He became discouraged from football.

Use of 'az' preposition.

6

سعی کن او را دل سرد نکنی.

Try not to discourage him.

Infinitive construction.

7

آنها از سفر دل سرد شدند.

They became discouraged from the trip.

Plural subject.

8

پدرم مرا دل سرد نکرد.

My father did not discourage me.

Negative past tense.

1

انتقادهای تند، نویسنده را از نوشتن دل سرد کرد.

Harsh criticisms discouraged the writer from writing.

Compound sentence with prepositional phrase.

2

اگر کمک نکنی، او دل سرد می‌شود.

If you don't help, he will become discouraged.

Conditional sentence.

3

او را از ادامه تحصیل دل سرد کردند.

They discouraged him from continuing his education.

Plural verb, specific object.

4

نباید اجازه دهی مشکلات تو را دل سرد کند.

You shouldn't let problems discourage you.

Subjunctive mood.

5

رفتار سرد او مرا از عشق دل سرد کرد.

His cold behavior discouraged me from love.

Metaphorical usage.

6

چرا می‌خواهی مرا از این پروژه دل سرد کنی؟

Why do you want to discourage me from this project?

Present continuous-like question.

7

او با بی‌توجهی‌اش همه را دل سرد کرده است.

He has discouraged everyone with his inattention.

Present perfect tense.

8

ما از یادگیری زبان دل سرد نخواهیم شد.

We will not be discouraged from learning the language.

Future tense.

1

شرایط اقتصادی بسیاری از کارآفرینان را دل سرد کرده است.

Economic conditions have discouraged many entrepreneurs.

Complex subject and present perfect.

2

او با وجود تمام موانع، اجازه نداد کسی او را دل سرد کند.

Despite all obstacles, she didn't let anyone discourage her.

Concessive clause 'ba vojud-e'.

3

تبعیض در محیط کار، کارمندان بااستعداد را دل سرد می‌کند.

Discrimination in the workplace discourages talented employees.

Abstract subject.

4

او سعی کرد با منطق، برادرش را از آن تصمیم خطرناک دل سرد کند.

He tried to discourage his brother from that dangerous decision with logic.

Instrumental phrase 'ba manteq'.

5

فقدان حمایت دولتی هنرمندان را از خلق آثار جدید دل سرد کرده است.

Lack of government support has discouraged artists from creating new works.

Formal vocabulary.

6

نباید با یک شکست کوچک، خودت را از کل مسیر دل سرد کنی.

You shouldn't discourage yourself from the whole path because of one small failure.

Reflexive-like usage.

7

این نوع برخورد، هر کسی را از همکاری دل سرد می‌کند.

This kind of treatment discourages anyone from cooperating.

Indefinite pronoun 'har kasi'.

8

او با لحنی کنایه‌آمیز سعی در دل سرد کردن من داشت.

He was trying to discourage me with a sarcastic tone.

Progressive past construction 'say dar ... dasht'.

1

سانسور مداوم، روحیه خلاق نویسندگان را به شدت دل سرد کرده است.

Constant censorship has severely discouraged the creative spirit of writers.

Adverbial intensifier 'be sheddat'.

2

فساد اداری، اعتماد عمومی را سلب و مردم را از اصلاحات دل سرد کرده است.

Administrative corruption has eroded public trust and discouraged people from reforms.

Parallel verb structures.

3

او با فلسفه‌بافی‌هایش می‌خواست مرا از معنای زندگی دل سرد کند.

He wanted to discourage me from the meaning of life with his philosophizing.

Abstract philosophical context.

4

پیچیدگی‌های بوروکراتیک، سرمایه‌گذاران خارجی را از ورود به بازار دل سرد می‌کند.

Bureaucratic complexities discourage foreign investors from entering the market.

Technical/Economic vocabulary.

5

تجربیات تلخ گذشته او را از برقراری روابط جدید دل سرد کرده بود.

Bitter past experiences had discouraged her from establishing new relationships.

Past perfect tense.

6

انفعال جامعه در برابر ظلم، مبارزان را دل سرد می‌کند.

The passivity of society in the face of oppression discourages fighters.

Sociopolitical context.

7

او با مهارتی خاص، رقیبش را از ادامه مسابقه دل سرد کرد.

With a specific skill, he discouraged his rival from continuing the race.

Strategic usage.

8

نباید اجازه داد که هیاهوی توخالی، ما را از مسیر حقیقت دل سرد کند.

We must not allow empty clamor to discourage us from the path of truth.

Passive-imperative structure.

1

نیهیلیسم مستتر در آثار او، مخاطب را از هرگونه کنشگری دل سرد می‌کند.

The nihilism inherent in his works discourages the audience from any kind of activism.

High-level academic vocabulary ('nihilism', 'activism').

2

او با نگاهی عاقل اندر سفیه، سعی داشت نوآموزان را از پرسشگری دل سرد کند.

With a condescending look, he tried to discourage the novices from questioning.

Idiomatic expression 'agel andar safih'.

3

تقلیل مفاهیم والا به امور روزمره، جویندگان کمال را دل سرد می‌کند.

Reducing sublime concepts to everyday matters discourages seekers of perfection.

Philosophical complexity.

4

ساختار صلب قدرت، هرگونه تلاش برای تغییر را در نطفه دل سرد می‌کند.

The rigid structure of power discourages any attempt at change in the bud.

Metaphorical 'in the bud' usage.

5

او با ظرافتی ماکیاولیستی، متحدانش را از وفاداری دل سرد کرد.

With Machiavellian subtlety, he discouraged his allies from loyalty.

Literary allusion.

6

انباشت شکست‌های تاریخی، ملت را از رویاپردازی جمعی دل سرد کرده است.

The accumulation of historical failures has discouraged the nation from collective dreaming.

Sociological analysis.

7

او چنان با سردی برخورد کرد که گویی می‌خواست مرا از هستی دل سرد کند.

He behaved so coldly as if he wanted to discourage me from existence itself.

Hyperbolic emotional expression.

8

دیوار بلند بی‌تفاوتی، هر مصلحی را از اصلاحگری دل سرد می‌کند.

The high wall of indifference discourages any reformer from reforming.

Highly metaphorical.

Common Collocations

از زندگی دل سرد کردن
از ادامه تحصیل دل سرد کردن
از کار دل سرد کردن
از عشق دل سرد کردن
به شدت دل سرد کردن
زود دل سرد کردن
از ورزش دل سرد کردن
از سیاست دل سرد کردن
از هنر دل سرد کردن
از آینده دل سرد کردن

Common Phrases

مرا دل سرد نکن

— Don't discourage me. Used when seeking support.

خواهش می‌کنم با این حرف‌ها مرا دل سرد نکن.

دل سرد کننده است

— It is discouraging. Used to describe a situation.

این وضعیت واقعاً دل سرد کننده است.

دلیل دل سردی

— The reason for discouragement.

دلیل دل سردی او مشخص نیست.

دل سرد شدن از همه چیز

— To become discouraged from everything/life.

او از همه چیز دل سرد شده است.

نباید دل سرد شد

— One should not get discouraged.

در راه موفقیت نباید دل سرد شد.

باعث دل سردی شدن

— To cause discouragement.

رفتار تو باعث دل سردی من شد.

دل سردی موقت

— Temporary discouragement.

این فقط یک دل سردی موقت است.

رفع دل سردی

— Removing/Curing discouragement.

برای رفع دل سردی او چه کنیم؟

دل سردی از ازدواج

— Discouragement from marriage.

مشکلات مالی باعث دل سردی جوانان شده است.

دل سردی نسبت به دوست

— Feeling discouraged/cold toward a friend.

او نسبت به دوستش دل سرد شده است.

Often Confused With

دل سرد کردن vs دل سرد شدن

This means 'to become discouraged' (intransitive), whereas 'kardan' is 'to discourage someone' (transitive).

دل سرد کردن vs سرد کردن

This usually refers to physical cooling (e.g., cooling food) unless 'del' is included.

دل سرد کردن vs ناامید کردن

This is stronger, meaning 'to make hopeless'.

Idioms & Expressions

"آب پاکی روی دست کسی ریختن"

— To give a final negative answer that discourages someone from further hope.

او با جواب ردش، آب پاکی روی دستم ریخت.

Informal
"توی ذوق کسی زدن"

— To dampen someone's enthusiasm suddenly.

وقتی هدیه‌ام را دید، توی ذوقم زد.

Informal
"بال و پر کسی را چیدن"

— To clip someone's wings (discourage them from ambition).

با این قوانین، بال و پر جوانان را چیدند.

Literary/Informal
"آیه یاس خواندن"

— To preach despair/discouragement constantly.

انقدر آیه یاس نخوان، موفق می‌شویم.

Idiomatic
"سنگ انداختن"

— To throw stones (create obstacles to discourage).

آنها جلوی پای ما سنگ می‌اندازند.

Informal
"دل کسی را چرکین کردن"

— To make someone's heart 'dirty' or resentful/discouraged toward something.

با آن حرف‌ها دل مرا چرکین کرد.

Informal
"آتش کسی را فرو نشاندن"

— To put out someone's fire (enthusiasm).

او با سردی‌اش آتش اشتیاق مرا فرو نشاند.

Literary
"سرد کردن بازار کسی"

— To ruin someone's business or reputation.

او سعی کرد بازار مرا سرد کند.

Informal
"دل بریدن"

— To cut the heart (to give up or lose all interest).

او از آن آرزو دل برید.

Common
"ماست‌ها را کیسه کردن"

— To lose courage or become discouraged/submissive (slightly different nuance).

وقتی مدیر آمد، همه ماست‌ها را کیسه کردند.

Slang

Easily Confused

دل سرد کردن vs افسرده کردن

Both relate to low mood.

'Afsorde kardan' means to make someone depressed, which is a deeper, clinical state than being 'del sard' (discouraged).

این خبر تلخ همه را افسرده کرد.

دل سرد کردن vs منصرف کردن

Both involve stopping someone from doing something.

'Monsaref kardan' is about changing someone's mind/decision, often through logic; 'del sard kardan' is about draining their enthusiasm.

او مرا از سفر منصرف کرد.

دل سرد کردن vs ترساندن

Fear can cause discouragement.

'Tarsandan' is 'to scare.' You can be 'del sard' without being scared.

او مرا از سگ ترساند.

دل سرد کردن vs خسته کردن

Tiredness can lead to discouragement.

'Khaste kardan' is 'to tire.' You can be tired but still motivated (not del sard).

پیاده‌روی مرا خسته کرد.

دل سرد کردن vs تحقیر کردن

Humiliation often causes discouragement.

'Tahqir kardan' is 'to humiliate.' It is a method that might result in 'del sard kardan'.

او رقیبش را تحقیر کرد.

Sentence Patterns

A2

[Subject] [Object] را دل سرد کرد.

علی سارا را دل سرد کرد.

B1

[Subject] [Object] را از [Activity] دل سرد کرد.

او مرا از ورزش دل سرد کرد.

B1

نباید [Object] را دل سرد کرد.

نباید بچه‌ها را دل سرد کرد.

B2

[Something] باعث شد که [Subject] دل سرد شود.

شکست باعث شد که او دل سرد شود.

B2

[Subject] با [Method] او را دل سرد کرد.

او با تمسخر مرا دل سرد کرد.

C1

هیچ‌چیز نمی‌تواند [Object] را از [Goal] دل سرد کند.

هیچ‌چیز نمی‌تواند ما را از حقیقت دل سرد کند.

C1

[Subject] در صددِ دل سرد کردنِ [Object] بود.

دولت در صددِ دل سرد کردنِ معترضان بود.

C2

[Metaphor] موجبِ دل سردیِ [Object] گشت.

سرمایِ بی‌تفاوتی موجبِ دل سردیِ او گشت.

Word Family

Nouns

دل‌سردی (discouragement)
سردی (coldness)
دل (heart)

Verbs

دل‌سرد شدن (to become discouraged)
سرد کردن (to make cold)
سرد شدن (to get cold)

Adjectives

دل‌سرد (discouraged)
سرد (cold)

Related

ناامیدی
بی‌انگیزگی
افسردگی
یأس
سردیِ رفتار

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Persian.

Common Mistakes
  • من دل سرد کردم (for 'I became discouraged') من دل سرد شدم

    Kardan is transitive (requires an object); Shodan is intransitive.

  • او مرا به درس دل سرد کرد او مرا از درس دل سرد کرد

    The preposition must be 'az' (from), not 'be' (to).

  • دلِ مرا سرد کرد مرا دل سرد کرد

    In this compound verb, 'del sard' is a single unit; don't use the ezafe construction on 'del'.

  • او دل سرد نـمی‌کند او دل سرد نمی‌کند

    Ensure the 'mi' prefix is correctly placed on 'konad'. (Spelling/Spacing mistake).

  • استفاده از 'ناامید' به جای 'دلسرد' در موارد جزئی استفاده از 'دلسرد'

    Don't use 'na-omid' (hopeless) for minor disappointments where 'del sard' is more appropriate.

Tips

Preposition check

Always pair 'del sard kardan' with 'az' when mentioning the activity. 'Az' is the key to a natural sentence.

Heart Temperature

Remember the heart temperature metaphor. Warm = Passionate, Cold = Discouraged. This applies to many Persian idioms.

Pronunciation

Ensure the 'd' at the end of 'sard' is light and the 'k' in 'kardan' is crisp.

Compound Verb Rule

Keep 'del' and 'sard' together. Do not insert other words between them.

Opposites

Learn 'del garm kardan' at the same time. It's easier to remember words in pairs.

Object Marker

Don't forget 'ra' after the person's name. 'Ali ra del sard kard.'

Sensitivity

In Iran, telling someone they 'del sard' you is a very effective way to show you are hurt by their lack of support.

Business

In business, use 'bi-angizeh kardan' for a more professional tone, and 'del sard kardan' for a more personal one.

Tone

Listen for the emotional weight in the speaker's voice; 'del sard' is often said with a sigh.

Visual

Visualize a fire being extinguished by a cold wind.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a bright red heart (del) being put into a bucket of ice (sard). The person doing this (kardan) is the one discouraging you.

Visual Association

A person trying to light a fire (enthusiasm) while someone else pours cold water (del sard kardan) on it.

Word Web

Del (Heart) Sard (Cold) Kardan (To do) Az (From) Na-omid (Hopeless) Del-garm (Encouraged) Motivation Spirit

Challenge

Try to use 'del sard kardan' and 'del garm kardan' in the same sentence to describe a boss and a friend.

Word Origin

Persian 'del' (heart) + 'sard' (cold) + 'kardan' (to do/make).

Original meaning: Literally 'to make the heart cold,' reflecting the ancient humoral theory where warmth is associated with life and passion.

Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

Be careful when accusing someone of 'del sard kardan' in a professional setting; it can sound like a personal emotional complaint rather than a technical one.

English speakers use 'cold feet' for hesitation, but Persians use 'cold heart' for lost motivation.

Used frequently in the songs of Googoosh and Hayedeh regarding lost love. Common in the social-realist films of Asghar Farhadi. Found in the poetry of Forough Farrokhzad.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

  • کاهش حقوق
  • انتقاد تند
  • بی‌توجهی مدیر
  • عدم حمایت

Relationships

  • بی‌وفایی
  • سردیِ رفتار
  • دروغ
  • بی‌تفاوتی

Education

  • نمره بد
  • امتحان سخت
  • برخورد معلم
  • شکست

Hobbies

  • عدم پیشرفت
  • تمسخر دیگران
  • کمبود وقت
  • خستگی

Politics

  • وعده‌های دروغ
  • فساد
  • عدم تغییر
  • سانسور

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال کسی شما را از یادگیری زبان دل سرد کرده است؟"

"چه چیزی بیشتر از همه کارمندان را دل سرد می‌کند؟"

"چگونه می‌توانیم از دل سرد شدن دوستانمان جلوگیری کنیم؟"

"وقتی دل سرد می‌شوید، چه کار می‌کنید تا دوباره انگیزه بگیرید؟"

"آیا فکر می‌کنید انتقاد همیشه باعث دل سردی می‌شود؟"

Journal Prompts

در مورد زمانی بنویسید که حرف یک نفر شما را از انجام کاری دل سرد کرد.

چرا بعضی از مردم دوست دارند دیگران را دل سرد کنند؟

تفاوت بین 'دل سرد شدن' و 'خسته شدن' از نظر شما چیست؟

چگونه یک معلم می‌تواند دانش‌آموزان را دل‌گرم کند به جای اینکه آن‌ها را دل سرد کند؟

آیا شرایط جامعه می‌تواند یک نسل را از آینده دل سرد کند؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, yes. It implies taking away someone's passion or hope. However, in some contexts, you might want to 'del sard' someone from a dangerous or bad path, though 'monsaref kardan' is more common there.

No. For food, just use 'sard kardan' (to cool down). Adding 'del' makes it strictly emotional.

'Del sard' is losing enthusiasm; 'na-omid' is losing all hope. You can be 'del sard' and still try, but 'na-omid' usually means you've given up.

You use 'khaham/khahi... kard'. Example: 'Man u ra del sard khaham kard' (I will discourage him).

Yes, very frequently. It often describes the lover's reaction to the beloved's cruelty.

Yes, that means 'My heart became cold' (I became discouraged).

Yes, 'del-sardi' (discouragement/cold-heartedness).

It is neutral and can be used in any setting.

Yes, if the person being discouraged is a specific person.

Usually, you use 'del sard shodan' for yourself. Use 'kardan' only if you are discouraging someone else.

Test Yourself 190 questions

writing

Write 'He discouraged me' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Don't discourage your friend' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Why are you discouraged?' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'The bad news discouraged everyone' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'I became discouraged from studying' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Economic problems discourage investors' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'I am not discouraged' in Persian.

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writing

Translate: 'Successive failures made him cold-hearted/discouraged.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'az' and 'del sard kardan'.

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writing

Write 'We should encourage, not discourage' in Persian.

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writing

Write about censorship discouraging writers.

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writing

Write 'You are discouraging me' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'I will never be discouraged' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'His behavior caused my discouragement' in Persian.

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writing

Translate: 'The rigid structure of power discouraged the youth.'

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writing

Write 'Is he discouraged?' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'Try not to be discouraged' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'She was trying to discourage me' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'The lack of budget discouraged the team' in Persian.

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writing

Write 'I was discouraged' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Don't discourage me' in Persian.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'He discouraged me from working' in Persian.

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speaking

Ask 'Why are you discouraged?' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'The news was discouraging' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'I became discouraged' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Economic conditions discourage us' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'I am discouraged' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'We should not discourage others' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'His words discouraged me' in Persian.

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speaking

Explain the metaphor of 'del sard' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'You discouraged her' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'I will not be discouraged' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Don't discourage the children' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Censorship discourages writers' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'I'm a little discouraged' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Is she discouraged?' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'They discouraged me from the trip' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'This behavior discourages everyone' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'Don't be discouraged' in Persian.

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speaking

Say 'He is discouraged' in Persian.

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listening

Listen and write: 'او مرا دل سرد کرد.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'نباید دل سرد شوی.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'چرا او را دل سرد کردی؟'

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listening

Listen and write: 'انتقاد تند باعث دل‌سردی می‌شود.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'او از ادامه کار دل سرد شده است.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'شرایط اقتصادی سرمایه‌گذاران را دل سرد کرد.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'دل سرد نباش.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'مرا از این پروژه دل سرد نکن.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'شکست نباید تو را دل سرد کند.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'او با لحنی کنایه‌آمیز مرا دل سرد کرد.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'او دل سرد است.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'ما دل سرد نشدیم.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'آیا تو از من دل سرد شدی؟'

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listening

Listen and write: 'فساد باعث دل‌سردی عمومی شد.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'او را دل سرد نکنید.'

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/ 190 correct

Perfect score!

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