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Vocabulary
دیروز

A1 adverb #700 most common 11 min read

دیروز

diruz Top 700

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips دیروز in 30 Seconds

Explanation دیروز in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'دیروز' (Dirooz) is one of the first time-related words you will learn. It is essential for moving beyond the present tense ('I eat', 'I go') and starting to talk about things you have already done. At this stage, you should focus on using 'Dirooz' with simple past tense verbs like 'raftam' (I went), 'didam' (I saw), and 'budam' (I was). You will use it to answer basic questions about your day, such as 'Dirooz che kar kardi?' (What did you do yesterday?). The goal is to understand that 'Dirooz' always points to the past and requires the verb to change its ending. It is a building block for basic storytelling and personal introductions.

For A2 learners, 'دیروز' becomes part of more descriptive sentences. You will start combining it with specific times of the day, such as 'Dirooz sobh' (Yesterday morning) or 'Dirooz asr' (Yesterday afternoon). You will also begin to use the past continuous tense with 'Dirooz' to describe ongoing actions in the past, like 'Dirooz dashtam ketab mikhandam' (Yesterday I was reading a book). At this level, you should also be able to use 'Dirooz' in negative sentences and simple questions, and understand its placement in the sentence relative to objects and other adverbs. You are moving from simple facts to more detailed descriptions of your previous day.

At the B1 level, you will use 'دیروز' in complex and compound sentences. You might use it in conditional sentences or to explain reasons for current situations, such as 'Chon dirooz mariz budam, emrooz be kar nayamadam' (Because I was sick yesterday, I didn't come to work today). You will also encounter 'Dirooz' in more varied contexts, such as news reports or short stories. At this stage, you should be comfortable with the word order and the grammatical harmony it requires. You might also start learning related words like 'Parirooz' (the day before yesterday) and 'Dishab' (last night) to provide more precise temporal information in your narratives.

By the B2 level, 'دیروز' is used fluently in a variety of registers, from formal reports to casual slang. You will understand its use in idiomatic expressions and how it can be used for emphasis. For example, you might use 'Ham-dirooz' to emphasize how recently something happened. You will also be able to use 'Dirooz' in the passive voice or with more advanced verb forms like the past perfect ('Dirooz rafte budam'). At this level, you are expected to have perfect command of the tense shifts that 'Dirooz' triggers and to use it naturally in debates, presentations, and long-form storytelling without thinking about the underlying grammar.

At the C1 level, you will explore the literary and metaphorical uses of 'دیروز'. You will encounter it in classical and modern Persian poetry where it might represent the 'lost past' or a specific era. You will understand the nuances between 'Dirooz' and more archaic terms like 'Di' or 'Doosh'. You can use the word to discuss historical events or philosophical concepts of time. Your use of 'Dirooz' will be indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the subtle use of 'Ta'arof' where 'Dirooz' might be used to politely refer to a missed opportunity or a shared memory. You can also analyze how the word is used in political discourse to contrast current policies with the 'yesterday' of a previous administration.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'دیروز' and its place in the Persian linguistic landscape. You can identify regional variations in its pronunciation and usage across the Persian-speaking world (Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan). You can appreciate and use the word in high-level academic writing, legal documents, and complex literary analysis. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how it has evolved from Middle Persian. You can use 'Dirooz' to create sophisticated rhetorical effects in your speech and writing, and you are fully aware of the cultural and historical weight the concept of 'yesterday' carries in Persian thought and literature.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

دیروز in 30 Seconds

Dirooz means 'yesterday' in Persian.
It is used with past tense verbs.
It usually appears at the start of a sentence or after the subject.
It is a core A1 vocabulary word for daily conversation.

The Persian word دیروز (pronounced 'dirooz') is a fundamental temporal adverb that translates directly to the English word yesterday. In the hierarchy of time-related vocabulary in Persian, it sits as the primary marker for the day immediately preceding the current one. Understanding this word is crucial for any beginner because it serves as the gateway to mastering the past tense in Persian grammar. When a speaker uses دیروز, they are not just indicating a point in time; they are setting a grammatical stage that requires the verb to shift into the past. In Persian culture, time is often discussed in relation to social interactions, and دیروز frequently appears in daily greetings and small talk, such as asking someone how their previous day went or recounting events from a recent gathering.

Temporal Context: The word is composed of two historical elements: 'di' (related to 'day' or 'late' in older forms) and 'rooz' (meaning day). It is used universally across all Persian dialects, including Farsi, Dari, and Tajik, though the pronunciation might shift slightly in regional accents. In a sentence, it usually appears at the beginning or after the subject to establish the timeframe immediately.
Grammatical Function: As an adverb of time, it does not take suffixes like nouns do (unless used in specific poetic or archaic constructions). Its presence is a 'trigger' for the past simple or past continuous tenses. For example, if you say 'Dirooz,' the verb 'raftan' (to go) must become 'raftam' (I went) or 'miraftam' (I was going).

من دیروز به بازار رفتم و میوه خریدم.
— Translation: I went to the bazaar yesterday and bought fruit.

Beyond its literal meaning, دیروز can also be used metaphorically in literature to represent the 'recent past' or a time that has just slipped away. In poetry, it often contrasts with 'emrooz' (today) and 'farda' (tomorrow) to discuss the fleeting nature of life. For a learner, mastering this word involves not just the word itself, but the immediate conjugation of the following verb. It is one of the top 100 most used words in spoken Persian because humans are naturally inclined to narrate their past experiences. Whether you are explaining why you missed a call or describing a beautiful sunset you witnessed, دیروز is your essential tool.

هوا دیروز خیلی بارانی بود.
— Translation: The weather was very rainy yesterday.

Social Usage: In Iranian culture, being specific about time is common. You will often hear 'Dirooz sobh' (Yesterday morning) or 'Dirooz asr' (Yesterday afternoon). Iranians value storytelling, and 'Dirooz' is the starting gun for almost every personal anecdote shared over tea.

Furthermore, the word is used in news reporting to anchor events. 'Dirooz dar Tehran...' (Yesterday in Tehran...) is a standard opening for news segments. It provides a sense of immediacy that 'dar gozashte' (in the past) lacks. For a student, practicing this word alongside the past tense of 'budan' (to be) and 'dashtan' (to have) is the most effective way to build conversational confidence. It allows you to move beyond the present moment and start sharing your history with others.

آیا شما دیروز وقت داشتید؟
— Translation: Did you have time yesterday?

Using دیروز in a sentence is relatively straightforward, but there are nuances regarding its placement and the grammatical harmony it requires. In the standard Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) structure of Persian, دیروز usually follows the subject. However, for emphasis, it can be moved to the very beginning of the sentence. For example, 'Man dirooz raftam' (I yesterday went) is standard, while 'Dirooz man raftam' (Yesterday, I went) places more focus on the timing of the action rather than the person performing it.

Placement Patterns: 1. [Subject] + [Dirooz] + [Object] + [Verb]. 2. [Dirooz] + [Subject] + [Object] + [Verb]. 3. [Subject] + [Object] + [Dirooz] + [Verb] (Less common, used for specific emphasis on the object).

ما دیروز ناهار را در رستوران خوردیم.
— Translation: We ate lunch at the restaurant yesterday.

One of the most important things to remember is that دیروز is incompatible with present or future tense verbs in a literal sense. You cannot say 'Dirooz miravam' (Yesterday I go). This seems obvious, but for learners coming from languages with complex aspect systems, it is a reminder that Persian past tense is strictly enforced by temporal markers. If you are describing a habitual action that started yesterday and continues, you would use the past continuous: 'Dirooz dashtam kar mikardam' (Yesterday I was working).

چرا دیروز به من زنگ نزدی؟
— Translation: Why didn't you call me yesterday?

In questions, دیروز often follows the question word or the subject. 'Koja budi dirooz?' (Where were you yesterday?) is a very common informal phrasing where the adverb is moved to the end for a rhythmic, casual effect. In formal writing, however, keep it closer to the start. Another common usage is combining it with 'ta' (until) to say 'ta dirooz' (until yesterday), which indicates a change in state that occurred today.

تا دیروز همه چیز خوب بود.
— Translation: Until yesterday, everything was fine.

Negative Sentences: When negating a sentence with 'Dirooz', the 'na-' prefix is added to the past tense verb. 'Dirooz nayamadam' (I didn't come yesterday). The temporal adverb remains unchanged, but the verb must reflect the negation of the past action.

Finally, consider the use of دیروز in complex sentences. When using 'vanti' (when) or 'chon' (because), دیروز helps establish the timeline for the subordinate clause. 'Chon dirooz baran amad, man dar khane mandam' (Because it rained yesterday, I stayed at home). This shows how the word acts as a logical anchor for cause-and-effect narratives in the past.

You will hear دیروز in almost every corner of Persian-speaking life. It is not a 'textbook only' word; it is the lifeblood of daily communication. In a typical Iranian household, the day often begins with a recap of the previous day's events. You might hear a mother asking her child, 'Dirooz dar madrese che kar kardi?' (What did you do at school yesterday?). In the workplace, colleagues might discuss a meeting that took place 'dirooz asr' (yesterday afternoon). It is a word that bridges the gap between the immediate present and the narrative past.

In the Media: On Iranian television news (like IRIB), 'Dirooz' is used to report on parliamentary sessions, sporting events, or international news. It sounds formal and authoritative in this context. News anchors will emphasize the 'D' and 'R' sounds clearly. For example: 'Dirooz vazir-e khareje ba hamtaye khod didar kard' (Yesterday, the Foreign Minister met with his counterpart).
In Pop Culture: Persian pop songs often use 'Dirooz' to evoke nostalgia or regret. Lyrics might talk about a love that was present 'dirooz' but is gone 'emrooz'. In cinema, dialogue frequently uses the word to build backstories for characters. If you watch a Persian drama, listen for how characters use it to justify their current actions based on what happened the day before.

نامه ای که دیروز فرستادی به دستم رسید.
— Translation: The letter you sent yesterday reached me.

In the bazaar or local shops, دیروز is used in negotiations and inquiries. A customer might say, 'Dirooz in sib-ha aruntar budand' (Yesterday these apples were cheaper). Here, it is used to compare prices and quality. It is also common in 'Ta'arof' (the Persian system of etiquette). Someone might say, 'Dirooz jaya-tan khali bud' (Your place was empty yesterday), which is a polite way of saying 'We missed you yesterday'.

من دیروز تمام روز را کار کردم.
— Translation: I worked all day yesterday.

Social media also sees heavy use of this word. On Instagram or Twitter (X), Iranians often post photos with captions starting with 'Dirooz...' to share memories. It acts as a timestamp for digital storytelling. Whether it is a formal report or a casual text message, دیروز is the indispensable marker of the recent past that every learner must recognize instantly.

While دیروز is a simple word, English speakers often make specific errors when integrating it into Persian sentences. The most common mistake is 'Tense Mismatch'. In English, we sometimes use the present perfect ('I have gone') which can feel ambiguous. In Persian, دیروز requires a definitive past tense. Using it with a present tense verb is the most jarring error for a native speaker to hear.

Mistake 1: Tense Mismatch: Incorrect: *Dirooz miravam (Yesterday I go). Correct: Dirooz raftam (Yesterday I went). Always ensure your verb ending matches the past tense requirements of the adverb.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Parirooz': Learners often confuse 'Dirooz' (yesterday) with 'Parirooz' (the day before yesterday). While they sound somewhat similar, 'Parirooz' refers to 48 hours ago. Using 'Dirooz' when you mean 'Parirooz' can cause significant confusion in scheduling and storytelling.

اشتباه: من دیروز می آیم. (غلط)
— Explanation: This is wrong because 'mi-ayam' is present tense.

Another common error involves the word order. While Persian is flexible, putting دیروز after the verb is almost never done in standard speech. For example, 'Man raftam dirooz' sounds very 'English-fied' and unnatural. It is much better to say 'Man dirooz raftam'. English speakers tend to carry over their native word order, which places time adverbs at the end of the sentence. In Persian, the verb likes to be the final word, so the time adverb must come earlier.

درست: دیروز هوا سرد بود.
— Translation: Yesterday the weather was cold. (Correct word order)

Finally, watch out for the pronunciation of the 'oo' sound. Some learners pronounce it like the 'u' in 'but' or the 'o' in 'go'. It should be a long, rounded 'oo' like in 'moon'. Mispronouncing the vowel can make the word unrecognizable or sound like 'dir-oz', which isn't a word. Also, ensure you don't confuse it with 'dir' (late). While they share a root, 'dir' is an adjective/adverb meaning late, whereas 'dirooz' is specifically the day before today.

While دیروز is the most common way to say 'yesterday', there are other words and phrases that relate to the past or provide more specific timing. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to express more complex ideas about time.

Parirooz (پریروز): Meaning: The day before yesterday. This is the most direct relative of 'Dirooz'. If you are talking about something that happened two days ago, you must use 'Parirooz'.
Gozashte (گذشته): Meaning: Past or Last. While 'Dirooz' is specifically one day ago, 'Gozashte' is used for longer periods, like 'Hafte-ye gozashte' (Last week) or 'Mah-e gozashte' (Last month).
Pish (پیش): Meaning: Ago. You can say 'Yek rooz pish' (One day ago) as a synonym for 'Dirooz', though 'Dirooz' is much more common in daily speech. 'Pish' is useful for other durations like 'Do saat pish' (Two hours ago).

من پریروز او را دیدم.
— Translation: I saw him the day before yesterday.

In formal or literary Persian, you might encounter the word دی (Di) or دوش (Doosh). 'Doosh' specifically means 'last night' and is very common in classical poetry (like Hafiz or Rumi). While you wouldn't use 'Doosh' in a modern business meeting, knowing it will help you appreciate Persian literature. In modern speech, 'last night' is 'dishab'.

هفته‌ی گذشته بسیار شلوغ بود.
— Translation: Last week was very busy.

Another interesting alternative is 'Ham-dirooz' (just yesterday/only yesterday). Adding 'ham' emphasizes that the event was very recent. For example, 'Ham-dirooz ba u harf zadam' (I spoke with him just yesterday). This adds a layer of emphasis that 'Dirooz' alone lacks. Understanding these nuances allows you to navigate the Persian concept of time with greater precision and cultural awareness.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"جناب عالی، دیروز گزارشی در این زمینه تهیه شد."

Neutral

"دیروز به کتابخانه رفتم."

Informal

"دیروز کجا بودی؟ زنگ زدم نبودی."

Child friendly

"دیروز با هم بستنی خوردیم، یادت هست؟"

Slang

"دیروز ترکوندیم!"

Fun Fact

The 'di' in 'dirooz' is cognate with the Latin 'dies' (day), showing the deep Indo-European roots shared between Persian and European languages.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /diːˈruːz/

US /diˈruz/

The stress is typically on the second syllable: di-ROOZ.

Rhymes With

امروز (Emrooz - Today) نوروز (Nowrooz - Persian New Year) پیروز (Pirooz - Victorious) دلسوز (Delsooz - Compassionate) بهروز (Behrooz - Prosperous) شب‌افروز (Shab-afrooz - Night-brightening) خودآموز (Khod-amooz - Self-taught) هنرآموز (Honar-amooz - Art student)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'oo' as a short 'o' (like 'hot').
Shortening the 'i' in 'di' to an 'e' sound.
Dropping the final 'z' sound in fast speech.
Adding an extra vowel at the end (e.g., di-roo-ze).
Mixing up the 'r' with a flap 'r' instead of a slight trill.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize once the letters dal, ye, re, vav, and ze are learned.

Writing 1/5

Simple spelling with no complex ligatures.

Speaking 2/5

Requires correct vowel length for the 'oo' sound.

Listening 2/5

Can be confused with 'parirooz' or 'emrooz' if spoken very quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

روز (Rooz) من (Man) بودن (Budan) رفتن (Raftan) امروز (Emrooz)

Learn Next

فردا (Farda) پریروز (Parirooz) دیشب (Dishab) گذشته (Gozashte) آینده (Ayandeh)

Advanced

ماضی استمراری (Past Continuous) ماضی بعید (Past Perfect) دوش (Doosh) دی (Di)

Grammar to Know

Simple Past Tense Formation

Verb stem + endings (am, i, -, im, id, and). Dirooz raftam.

Past Continuous Tense

Dashtam + mi-verb. Dirooz dashtam miraftam.

Negation in Past Tense

Add 'na' to the verb. Dirooz naraftam.

Word Order for Time Adverbs

Usually Subject + Time + Object + Verb. Man dirooz sib khordam.

Using 'Ta' (Until) with Dirooz

Ta dirooz inja budam.

Examples by Level

من دیروز به مدرسه رفتم.

I went to school yesterday.

Simple past tense of 'raftan' (to go).

دیروز هوا خوب بود.

Yesterday the weather was good.

Past tense of 'budan' (to be).

او دیروز سیب خورد.

He/She ate an apple yesterday.

Simple past tense of 'khordan' (to eat).

ما دیروز در خانه بودیم.

We were at home yesterday.

First person plural past tense of 'budan'.

دیروز ناهار چه خوردی؟

What did you eat for lunch yesterday?

Question in the simple past tense.

آنها دیروز کتاب خواندند.

They read a book yesterday.

Third person plural past tense of 'khandan'.

دیروز جمعه بود.

Yesterday was Friday.

Simple past tense identifying a day.

من دیروز خوشحال بودم.

I was happy yesterday.

Adjective with the past tense of 'budan'.

دیروز صبح ساعت هشت بیدار شدم.

I woke up at eight o'clock yesterday morning.

Combining 'Dirooz' with a specific time.

دیروز داشتم با دوستم حرف می‌زدم.

Yesterday I was talking to my friend.

Past continuous tense (dashtam + mi-verb).

آیا دیروز به بازار رفتی؟

Did you go to the bazaar yesterday?

Second person singular past tense question.

دیروز عصر باران شدیدی آمد.

It rained heavily yesterday afternoon.

Subject-Verb agreement with 'baran' (rain).

من دیروز وقت نداشتم که به تو زنگ بزنم.

I didn't have time to call you yesterday.

Negative past tense of 'dashtan' (to have).

دیروز با خانواده‌ام به پارک رفتیم.

Yesterday we went to the park with my family.

Prepositional phrase 'ba khanevade-am'.

او دیروز خیلی خسته به نظر می‌رسید.

He/She looked very tired yesterday.

Compound verb 'be nazar residan' in the past.

دیروز برای شام پیتزا درست کردیم.

We made pizza for dinner yesterday.

Compound verb 'dorost kardan' in the past.

اگر دیروز می‌دانستم، حتماً می‌آمدم.

If I had known yesterday, I would have definitely come.

Conditional sentence using past subjunctive/continuous.

دیروز گزارشی که خواسته بودید را تمام کردم.

Yesterday I finished the report you had asked for.

Relative clause 'ke khaste budid'.

چون دیروز برف می‌بارید، پروازها لغو شد.

Because it was snowing yesterday, flights were canceled.

Causal conjunction 'chon' with past continuous.

دیروز در اخبار شنیدم که قیمت‌ها بالا رفته است.

Yesterday I heard on the news that prices have gone up.

Reported speech with 'shenidam ke'.

تا دیروز فکر می‌کردم که او در سفر است.

Until yesterday, I thought he/she was on a trip.

Using 'ta dirooz' to show a change in belief.

دیروز فرصتی پیدا کردم تا با مدیر صحبت کنم.

Yesterday I found an opportunity to talk to the manager.

Infinitive phrase 'ta ba modir sohbat konam'.

دیروز تمام وسایلم را برای اسباب‌کشی جمع کردم.

Yesterday I packed all my things for moving.

Compound verb 'jam' kardan' in the past.

دیروز یکی از بهترین روزهای زندگی‌ام بود.

Yesterday was one of the best days of my life.

Superlative 'behtarin' with past tense.

دیروز در جلسه هیئت مدیره، تصمیمات مهمی اتخاذ شد.

Yesterday, in the board meeting, important decisions were made.

Passive voice 'ethaz shod' in a formal context.

همین دیروز بود که درباره این موضوع بحث کردیم.

It was just yesterday that we discussed this topic.

Emphatic construction 'hamin dirooz bud'.

دیروز با وجود ترافیک سنگین، به موقع رسیدم.

Yesterday, despite heavy traffic, I arrived on time.

Prepositional phrase 'ba vojud-e' (despite).

دیروز متوجه شدم که کلیدهایم را گم کرده‌ام.

Yesterday I realized that I had lost my keys.

Past perfect 'gom karde-am' in a subordinate clause.

دیروز نمایشگاهی را دیدم که آثار هنرمندان معاصر را نشان می‌داد.

Yesterday I saw an exhibition that showed works of contemporary artists.

Relative clause describing a past experience.

دیروز فرصت نشد که پروژه را به طور کامل بررسی کنیم.

Yesterday there wasn't a chance to review the project completely.

Impersonal construction 'forsat nashod'.

دیروز در حالی که پیاده‌روی می‌کردم، یکی از دوستان قدیمی‌ام را دیدم.

Yesterday, while I was walking, I saw one of my old friends.

Conjunction 'dar hali ke' with past continuous.

دیروز نامه‌ای رسمی از طرف دانشگاه دریافت کردم.

Yesterday I received a formal letter from the university.

Formal vocabulary 'rasmi' and 'dar-yaft kardan'.

دیروزِ ما، چراغِ راهِ فردای ماست.

Our yesterday is the light for our tomorrow's path.

Metaphorical use of 'Dirooz' as 'the past'.

دیروز در بیانیه‌ای تند، این اقدام محکوم شد.

Yesterday, in a sharp statement, this action was condemned.

Journalistic style with passive voice.

آنچه دیروز گذشت، تجربه‌ای گرانبها برای ما بود.

What happened yesterday was a precious experience for us.

Nominalized clause 'anche dirooz gozasht'.

دیروز شاهد تحولات شگرفی در بازارهای جهانی بودیم.

Yesterday we witnessed remarkable developments in global markets.

Formal verb 'shahed budan' (to witness).

دیروز به یادِ خاطراتِ دورانِ کودکی افتادم.

Yesterday I remembered memories of my childhood.

Idiomatic expression 'be yad-e ... oftadan'.

دیروز در محافلِ ادبی، بحث‌های داغی درگرفت.

Yesterday, in literary circles, heated debates broke out.

Literary vocabulary 'mahafel' and 'dar-gereftan'.

دیروز پس از سال‌ها انتظار، توافق نهایی حاصل شد.

Yesterday, after years of waiting, the final agreement was reached.

Complex temporal phrase 'pas az sal-ha entezar'.

دیروزِ این سرزمین، سرشار از حماسه‌های ماندگار است.

The yesterday (history) of this land is full of lasting epics.

Using 'Dirooz' to mean 'history' or 'heritage'.

دیروز، همچون غباری بر آینه زمان، به تاریخ پیوست.

Yesterday, like dust on the mirror of time, joined history.

Highly poetic and metaphorical language.

در تحلیلِ وقایعِ دیروز، نباید از بسترهای اجتماعی غافل شد.

In analyzing yesterday's events, one must not neglect the social contexts.

Academic register with complex noun phrases.

دیروزِ پر تلاطمِ اقتصاد، نویدبخشِ فردایی آرام نیست.

The turbulent yesterday of the economy does not promise a calm tomorrow.

Personification and economic terminology.

دیروز در کشاکشِ نبردهای کلامی، حقیقت ذبح شد.

Yesterday, in the struggle of verbal battles, truth was sacrificed.

Archaic and powerful vocabulary ('keshakash', 'zebh').

دیروزِ این شهر، در لابلای خشت‌های کهنه‌اش نهفته است.

The yesterday of this city is hidden within its old bricks.

Metonymy and poetic description.

دیروز، بازتابی از آرزوهای بر باد رفته‌ی یک نسل بود.

Yesterday was a reflection of the lost dreams of a generation.

Abstract philosophical statement.

دیروز در فراسوی مرزهای جغرافیایی، همدلیِ انسانی تجلی یافت.

Yesterday, beyond geographical borders, human empathy was manifested.

Sophisticated vocabulary ('farasoo', 'tajalli').

دیروز، نقطه عطفی در تاریخِ اندیشه‌ی معاصر به شمار می‌آید.

Yesterday is considered a turning point in the history of contemporary thought.

Formal expression 'be shomar amadan'.

Common Collocations

دیروز صبح

دیروز عصر

دیروز ظهر

دیروز شب

همین دیروز

تا دیروز

از دیروز

دیروز و امروز

دیروز وقت

دیروز جلسه

Common Phrases

دیروز کجا بودی؟

— A standard question asking for someone's location the previous day.

دیروز کجا بودی؟ هر چه زنگ زدم جواب ندادی.

دیروز چه کار کردی؟

— A common way to ask about someone's activities yesterday.

سلام، دیروز چه کار کردی؟ خوش گذشت؟

مثل دیروز

— Used to describe something that hasn't changed since the day before.

امروز هم مثل دیروز هوا گرم است.

دیروز یادم رفت

— A common excuse for forgetting a task or appointment.

ببخشید، دیروز یادم رفت کتابت را بیاورم.

دیروز شنیدم که...

— Used to introduce a piece of news or gossip heard recently.

دیروز شنیدم که علی ازدواج کرده است.

دیروز دیدمش

— A simple statement confirming a recent encounter.

آره، دیروز دیدمش، حالش خوب بود.

دیروز خیلی شلوغ بود

— Used to describe a busy day or a crowded place.

بازار دیروز خیلی شلوغ بود.

دیروز وقت نشد

— Used when you couldn't find the time to do something.

دیروز وقت نشد به گل‌ها آب بدهم.

دیروز تولدش بود

— Used to mention a recent birthday.

دیروز تولد مریم بود، برایش هدیه خریدم.

دیروز تمام شد

— Can be used literally (a task finished) or metaphorically (the past is over).

آن پروژه دیروز تمام شد.

Often Confused With

دیروز vs امروز (Emrooz)

Means today. Beginners sometimes swap them in early stages.

دیروز vs پریروز (Parirooz)

Means the day before yesterday. It's more specific than 'dirooz'.

دیروز vs دیر (Dir)

Means 'late'. It sounds similar but has a different meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"دیروز و امروز ندارد"

— Used to say that time doesn't matter or that something is always true.

دوستی ما دیروز و امروز ندارد، ما همیشه با هم هستیم.

Informal

"حرف دیروز نیست"

— Used to indicate that a problem or situation has been going on for a long time, not just since yesterday.

این مشکل حرف دیروز نیست، سال‌هاست که ادامه دارد.

Neutral

"دیروزِ ما و امروزِ شما"

— A way to compare generations or different eras of life.

دیروزِ ما خیلی متفاوت از امروزِ شما بود.

Formal/Reflective

"آدمِ دیروز نیست"

— Refers to someone who has changed significantly or is no longer the same person.

او دیگر آن آدمِ دیروز نیست، خیلی با تجربه شده است.

Informal

"دیروز به تاریخ پیوست"

— A philosophical way of saying that what happened yesterday is now part of history and cannot be changed.

نگران نباش، دیروز به تاریخ پیوست، به فکر فردا باش.

Formal

"دیروز را فراموش کن"

— An encouraging phrase telling someone to let go of past mistakes.

دیروز را فراموش کن و از امروز لذت ببر.

Neutral

"انگار همین دیروز بود"

— Used when a past event feels very recent despite much time having passed.

انگار همین دیروز بود که به این خانه آمدیم.

Informal

"دیروز کجا و امروز کجا"

— Used to highlight a massive change or contrast between the past and present.

دیروز کجا و امروز کجا؛ چقدر همه چیز تغییر کرده!

Informal

"دیروزت را به یاد آر"

— A reminder to remember one's roots or past struggles.

وقتی به قدرت رسیدی، دیروزت را به یاد آر.

Literary

"دیروزِ روشن، فردای تاریک"

— A pessimistic view comparing a good past with a bleak future.

با این وضعیت، دیروزِ روشن ما به فردای تاریک تبدیل می‌شود.

Literary

Easily Confused

دیروز vs دیشب (Dishab)

Both refer to the immediate past.

Dirooz refers to the whole day, while Dishab refers specifically to the night.

دیروز کار کردم، دیشب خوابیدم.

دیروز vs قبلاً (Ghablan)

Both refer to past time.

Dirooz is exactly 24 hours ago; Ghablan is any time in the past.

دیروز او را دیدم. قبلاً هم او را دیده بودم.

دیروز vs پارسال (Parsal)

Both start with a similar sound in some dialects.

Dirooz is yesterday; Parsal is last year.

دیروز سرد بود، اما پارسال گرم بود.

دیروز vs پریروز (Parirooz)

Phonetically similar.

Dirooz is 1 day ago; Parirooz is 2 days ago.

دیروز شنبه بود، پریروز جمعه بود.

دیروز vs فردا (Farda)

Both are primary temporal markers.

Dirooz is past; Farda is future.

دیروز رفتم، فردا می‌آیم.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Dirooz] [Verb-Past]

من دیروز رفتم.

[Dirooz] [Weather-Adjective] بود.

دیروز سرد بود.

[Subject] [Dirooz] [Object] را [Verb-Past]

من دیروز کتاب را خواندم.

[Subject] [Dirooz] [Time-of-Day] [Verb-Past]

او دیروز عصر آمد.

چون [Dirooz] [Reason], [Result].

چون دیروز باران آمد، نرفتم.

تا [Dirooz] [State] بود.

تا دیروز همه چیز خوب بود.

همین [Dirooz] بود که [Action].

همین دیروز بود که دیدمش.

[Dirooz] شاهدِ [Noun Phrase] بودیم.

دیروز شاهدِ تغییرات بودیم.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high; essential daily vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Dirooz miravam. → Dirooz raftam.
You cannot use the present tense ('miravam') with 'yesterday'. You must use the past tense ('raftam').
Man raftam dirooz. → Man dirooz raftam.
In Persian, the verb usually comes last. Placing 'dirooz' after the verb sounds unnatural.
Dirooz man khoshhal hastam. → Dirooz man khoshhal budam.
The verb 'to be' must also be in the past tense ('budam') when referring to yesterday.
Confusing 'Dirooz' with 'Dishab'. → Dirooz (Day), Dishab (Night).
If an event happened at night, use 'Dishab'. 'Dirooz' is for the daytime or the day as a whole.
Using 'Dirooz' for 'two days ago'. → Parirooz.
For two days ago, Persian has a specific word: 'Parirooz'.

Tips

Tense Trigger

Think of 'Dirooz' as a light switch that turns on the past tense. As soon as you say it, your verb must be in a past form.

The Long 'OO'

Make sure the 'oo' in 'Dirooz' is long and rounded. If it's too short, it might be hard for natives to understand.

Morning/Afternoon

Combine 'Dirooz' with 'sobh', 'zohr', or 'asr' to be more specific about when something happened.

Ta'arof usage

Use 'Dirooz jayat khali bud' to politely tell someone you missed them at an event yesterday.

Word Order

Keep 'Dirooz' near the start of the sentence. Putting it at the end sounds like a direct translation from English.

Context Clues

If you miss the word 'Dirooz', listen for the past tense verb endings (-am, -i, -id) to know the person is talking about the past.

The 'D' Rule

Associate the 'D' in 'Dirooz' with 'Done'. Yesterday is the day that is done and finished.

Emphasis

Use 'Hamin dirooz' (Just yesterday) to emphasize how recent an event was.

Visual Shape

Recognize the word by its shape: a short 'D', a long middle, and a 'Z' at the end.

Daily Diary

Every evening, write one sentence starting with 'Dirooz' to practice your past tense conjugations.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Dirooz' as 'The Day that is Rooz (Day) and is now Done (D)'. D + Rooz = Dirooz.

Visual Association

Imagine a calendar page being ripped off and flying into the 'D' (Distance). That page is 'Dirooz'.

Word Web

Dirooz (Yesterday) Emrooz (Today) Farda (Tomorrow) Dishab (Last Night) Parirooz (Day before yesterday) Sobh (Morning) Asr (Afternoon) Shab (Night)

Challenge

Try to write three things you did 'Dirooz' using the simple past tense. For example: 'Dirooz man ghaza khordam' (Yesterday I ate food).

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Persian 'dērōz'. The first part 'dē' or 'di' comes from an Old Iranian root related to 'day' or 'long ago', and 'rōz' is the standard Persian word for 'day'.

Original meaning: The day that has passed or the late day.

Indo-European > Indo-Iranian > Iranian > Western Iranian > Persian.

Cultural Context

None. The word is neutral and safe to use in all contexts.

English speakers use 'yesterday' mostly as a factual time marker. In Persian, it carries more emotional weight in poetry and social etiquette.

Hafiz often uses 'Doosh' (last night/yesterday) to start his mystical poems. The song 'Dirooz' by various Persian pop artists often deals with lost love. Iranian history books often use 'Rooz-e Gozashte' for formal accounts of yesterday's events.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Daily Recap

دیروز عالی بود.
دیروز خیلی کار داشتم.
دیروز استراحت کردم.
دیروز بیرون نرفتم.

Work/Office

دیروز ایمیل زدم.
دیروز جلسه داشتیم.
دیروز پروژه تمام شد.
دیروز مرخصی بودم.

Weather

دیروز هوا آفتابی بود.
دیروز خیلی سرد بود.
دیروز برف آمد.
دیروز هوا آلوده بود.

Social/Friends

دیروز جات خالی بود.
دیروز خوش گذشت؟
دیروز علی را دیدی؟
دیروز تولد بود.

Excuses

دیروز حالم خوب نبود.
دیروز یادم رفت.
دیروز وقت نکردم.
دیروز ترافیک بود.

Conversation Starters

"دیروز چه کار کردی؟ (What did you do yesterday?)"

"دیروز هوا چطور بود؟ (How was the weather yesterday?)"

"آیا دیروز اخبار را شنیدی؟ (Did you hear the news yesterday?)"

"دیروز ناهار کجا بودی؟ (Where were you for lunch yesterday?)"

"دیروز چه فیلمی دیدی؟ (What movie did you watch yesterday?)"

Journal Prompts

دیروز بهترین اتفاقی که برایت افتاد چه بود؟ (What was the best thing that happened to you yesterday?)

سه کاری که دیروز انجام دادی را بنویس. (Write three things you did yesterday.)

اگر می‌توانستی دیروز را دوباره زندگی کنی، چه تغییری می‌دادی؟ (If you could live yesterday again, what would you change?)

دیروز چه چیزی یاد گرفتی؟ (What did you learn yesterday?)

دیروز با چه کسی صحبت کردی و درباره چه بود؟ (Who did you talk to yesterday and what was it about?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in standard Persian, 'Dirooz' is a marker for the past. Using it with a present or future tense verb is grammatically incorrect and will sound very strange to native speakers. Always pair it with past simple or past continuous forms.

While it's possible in very casual speech or for specific emphasis in questions (e.g., 'Koja budi dirooz?'), it's much better and more common to place it at the beginning or after the subject. Persian usually keeps the verb at the very end.

'Dirooz' is the common, everyday word for yesterday. 'Rooz-e Gozashte' is more formal and is typically found in news reports, academic writing, or official documents. They mean the same thing but differ in register.

You simply combine the two words: 'Dirooz sobh'. You don't need any connecting words or prepositions. Similarly, 'yesterday afternoon' is 'Dirooz asr'.

Yes, 'Dirooz' is used in Iran (Farsi), Afghanistan (Dari), and Tajikistan (Tajik). The pronunciation might vary slightly (e.g., in Tajik it might be written as 'Дирӯз'), but the core word is the same.

Metaphorically, yes. In poetry or philosophical discussions, 'Dirooz' can represent 'the past' or 'the way things used to be', often contrasted with 'Emrooz' (today).

It is spelled with five letters: Dal (د), Ye (ی), Re (ر), Vav (و), and Ze (ز). It is written from right to left as دیروز.

Not really. 'Dirooz' is so fundamental that it doesn't have a slang alternative, though its pronunciation might be shortened to 'Diroo' in some fast, casual accents.

The direct opposite is 'Farda' (فردا), which means tomorrow. 'Emrooz' (today) is the middle point between them.

You use the preposition 'az' (from/since). So, 'since yesterday' is 'az dirooz'. For example: 'Az dirooz ta hala' (From yesterday until now).