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تنگی نفس

B1 noun 8 min read

تنگی نفس

tangi nafas

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips تنگی نفس in 30 Seconds

Explanation تنگی نفس in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to master the complex medical nuances of 'tangi-ye nafas,' but you should recognize it as a way to say you are having trouble breathing. Think of it as two simple words: 'tang' (tight) and 'nafas' (breath). In A1, you might use it in a very basic sentence like 'Man tangi-ye nafas dāram' (I have shortness of breath). You will mostly hear this when people talk about being tired or when the air is very dirty. It is important to know this word for safety, just in case you need to tell someone you feel unwell. Even at this early stage, remembering that 'nafas' means breath will help you with many other words in Persian related to living and breathing. You can practice by saying 'nafas' while inhaling and 'tang' while pretending to have a tight shirt. This physical association helps. Don't worry about the grammar of the 'ye' glide yet; just focus on the two main sounds: Tangi and Nafas. If you can say 'Doctor, nafas!' and point to your chest, you are already communicating. But 'tangi-ye nafas' makes you sound much more advanced and clear. It's a useful 'survival' phrase for anyone traveling to a big city in Iran where the air might be different from what they are used to.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'tangi-ye nafas' in slightly more complex sentences. You should be able to link it to a cause using 'be dalil-e' (because of). For example, 'Be dalil-e āludegi, man tangi-ye nafas dāram' (Because of pollution, I have shortness of breath). You are beginning to understand that this is a symptom, not just a feeling. You might also hear it in the past tense: 'Diruz tangi-ye nafas dāshtam' (Yesterday I had shortness of breath). At this level, you should also be able to distinguish between 'tangi-ye nafas' and 'nafas nafas zadan' (panting after running). You can use it to talk about your family or friends, like 'Mādar-bozorgam tangi-ye nafas dārad.' This shows you can apply the word to different subjects. You should also start noticing the Ezafe (the linking 'ye' sound) between 'tangi' and 'nafas.' This is a key grammatical feature of A2 Persian. Practice linking nouns together like this. When you go to a pharmacy or a clinic, using this specific phrase will help the staff understand you better than if you just use simple adjectives. It's a step toward becoming a more independent speaker in health-related situations.

As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using 'tangi-ye nafas' in various contexts, including medical, environmental, and slightly metaphorical ones. You should be able to describe the severity of the condition using adjectives like 'shadid' (severe) or 'hafif' (mild). For example, 'Bimār tangi-ye nafas-e shadid dārad' (The patient has severe shortness of breath). You should also understand common verbs that go with it, such as 'dochār shodan' (to suffer from/become afflicted with). A B1 speaker can explain *when* they feel this way: 'Hangeām-e varezsh, دچار تنگی نفس می‌شوم' (During exercise, I get shortness of breath). You are also expected to recognize this word in news reports about air quality in Tehran or other major cities. You should understand that 'tangi' comes from the adjective 'tang' (narrow/tight) and that the suffix '-i' turns it into a noun. This understanding of word formation is a hallmark of the B1 level. You can now participate in conversations about health and the environment with more precision. You might even use it to describe a stressful situation, though usually, it stays in the physical realm. This word is a bridge between everyday language and more specialized medical Persian.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'tangi-ye nafas' and its place in more formal and academic discourse. You can use it in passive constructions or more complex grammatical frames, such as 'Tangi-ye nafas-e u bā dāru behbud yāft' (His shortness of breath improved with medication). You should be aware of its synonyms like 'doshvāri dar tanaffos' and know when to use each based on the register. A B2 learner can read a medical pamphlet or a scientific article about respiratory health and understand how 'tangi-ye nafas' is categorized as a symptom. You should also be able to discuss the societal implications of widespread 'tangi-ye nafas' in urban areas due to industrialization. Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'altihāb-e rieh' (lung inflammation) or 'ghafaseh-ye sineh' (chest cavity). You can use the term metaphorically in literature or high-level discussion to describe political or social oppression, though this is less common than the physical meaning. You understand the historical and etymological roots of 'nafas' (Arabic origin) and 'tang' (Persian origin) and how they have blended into this standard compound. Your pronunciation should be perfect, including the correct stress and the Ezafe connection.

For C1 learners, 'tangi-ye nafas' is a word you not only know but can manipulate with stylistic flair. You understand its use in classical and modern poetry, where 'nafas' is a frequent motif for life itself, and 'tangi' represents the constraints of the material world or the pain of love. You can use the term in professional medical settings or when translating complex texts. You are familiar with technical variations and can explain the physiological process of 'tangi-ye nafas' in detail using Persian. For example, you could discuss how 'ekhtelāl dar tabādol-e gāzhā' (disruption in gas exchange) leads to this sensation. You can distinguish between 'tangi-ye nafas' as a subjective feeling and 'hypoxia' as a clinical state. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, and you can pick up on subtle connotations in different Iranian dialects or regional accents. You might also explore the word's appearance in famous Persian novels or films, analyzing how it serves as a symbol for the 'suffocation' of the characters' aspirations. You are comfortable using it in any grammatical structure, no matter how complex, and you can use it to teach lower-level students about the beauty of Persian compound nouns.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'tangi-ye nafas' is complete. You understand the deepest etymological layers of both 'tang' and 'nafas,' tracing 'tang' back to its Indo-European roots and 'nafas' through its journey in Arabic and Persian literature. You can engage in high-level debates about public health policy in Iran, using this term to describe the respiratory crises facing the nation. You can write academic papers or give lectures in Persian where 'tangi-ye nafas' is a central theme. You are aware of every possible synonym, archaic form (like 'nafas-tangi' in 10th-century texts), and regional variation across the Persian-speaking world (including Dari and Tajik nuances). You can use the term in a variety of registers, from the most informal street slang to the most elevated courtly prose. You understand the psychological dimensions of the word—how 'tangi-ye nafas' is linked to 'deltangi' (sadness/homesickness, literally 'narrowness of the heart'). You can analyze the phonological beauty of the phrase, the way the 'ng' sound transitions into the soft 'f' and 's' of 'nafas.' For you, the word is not just a symptom; it is a point of entry into the vast and complex history of the Persian language and the lived experience of its speakers.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

تنگی نفس in 30 Seconds

Tangi-ye nafas means shortness of breath.
It is a compound noun: tangi (tightness) + nafas (breath).
Commonly used in medical and environmental contexts.
Often paired with the verb 'dāshtan' (to have).

The term تنگی نفس (Tang-i Nafas) is a compound noun in Persian that literally translates to 'tightness of breath.' In a clinical sense, it is the equivalent of the medical term 'dyspnea,' but in everyday conversation, it is the standard way to describe the sensation of not being able to draw enough air into the lungs. This phrase is composed of two distinct parts: tangi meaning tightness, narrowness, or restriction, and nafas meaning breath or respiration. When combined, they evoke a powerful physical image of the airways being constricted or the chest feeling compressed.

Clinical Context: In medical settings, doctors use this term to diagnose conditions ranging from asthma and bronchitis to more serious cardiovascular issues. It is often paired with verbs like 'dārad' (has) or 'dochār shodeh ast' (has become afflicted with).

Environmental Context: In major Iranian cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Ahvaz, this term is frequently heard during the winter months when 'air inversion' (vāruneh-gi-ye dāmā) traps pollutants near the ground, causing widespread respiratory distress among the population.

بیمار از تنگی نفس شدید شکایت می‌کند.

Translation: The patient complains of severe shortness of breath.

آلودگی هوا باعث تنگی نفس در کودکان می‌شود.

Translation: Air pollution causes breathing difficulties in children.

Beyond the physical, the term can occasionally appear in poetic or metaphorical contexts to describe a feeling of being stifled or overwhelmed by life's pressures, though its primary use remains strictly physiological. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone living in or visiting Iran, as it is a key symptom to communicate in any health-related interaction. It is a B1 level word because while the components are simple, the compound noun is specific to medical and environmental discourse.

Emotional Nuance: While 'tangi' implies a physical narrowing, it also carries a weight of anxiety. People experiencing a panic attack will often describe their state as 'tangi-ye nafas,' linking the psychological state of panic with the physical sensation of air hunger.

هنگام اضطراب، دچار تنگی نفس می‌شوم.

Translation: During anxiety, I suffer from shortness of breath.

بالا رفتن از پله‌ها برای او تنگی نفس می‌آورد.

Translation: Climbing stairs brings him shortness of breath.

ماسک زدن ممکن است باعث تنگی نفس موقت شود.

Translation: Wearing a mask might cause temporary shortness of breath.

Using تنگی نفس correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun that often functions as the object of a verb or the subject of a physiological condition. The most common verb paired with it is dāshtan (to have) or dochār shodan (to become afflicted/suffer). For instance, 'Man tangi-ye nafas dāram' is the simplest way to express the condition. However, if you want to describe a sudden onset, you might use 'tang-i-ye nafas be man dast dād,' which personifies the breathlessness as something that 'gave its hand' or 'attacked' you.

Formal Usage: In formal writing, such as a medical report or a news broadcast about pollution, the phrase is often used with 'ijād kardan' (to create) or 'ba'es shodan' (to cause). Example: 'Āludegi-ye havā ba'es-e tangi-ye nafas-e shahrvandān shod' (Air pollution caused shortness of breath for the citizens).

آیا شما سابقه تنگی نفس در خانواده دارید؟

Translation: Do you have a history of shortness of breath in your family?

ورزش سنگین می‌تواند منجر به تنگی نفس شود.

Translation: Heavy exercise can lead to shortness of breath.

Describing Severity: To modify the intensity, use adjectives like 'shadid' (severe), 'hafif' (mild), or 'mozmen' (chronic). 'Tangi-ye nafas-e shadid' is a medical emergency.

او از تنگی نفس شبانه رنج می‌برد.

Translation: He suffers from nocturnal shortness of breath.

داروهای جدید تنگی نفس او را بهبود بخشید.

Translation: The new medications improved his shortness of breath.

در ارتفاعات بالا، تنگی نفس طبیعی است.

Translation: At high altitudes, shortness of breath is natural.

In summary, while the phrase is a noun, its utility comes from the verbs that surround it. Whether you are describing a personal health issue or reporting on environmental conditions, the structure remains consistent: [Cause] + [Verb] + [Tangi-ye Nafas] or [Subject] + [Tangi-ye Nafas] + [Verb].

In the daily life of an Iranian, تنگی نفس is a word that echoes through various public and private spheres. Perhaps the most common place you will hear it is on the evening news. Iran's metropolitan areas, particularly Tehran, struggle with severe air pollution. During 'Pollution Emergencies,' news anchors will warn: 'Sālemandān va kudakān be dalil-e ehtemāl-e tangi-ye nafas az khāneh khārej nashavand' (The elderly and children should not leave home due to the possibility of shortness of breath).

At the Pharmacy: You will hear customers asking for 'sprey-e tangi-ye nafas' (inhalers). This is a common sight in pharmacies in downtown Tehran where the smog is thickest.

اخبار گفت که آلودگی باعث تنگی نفس می‌شود.

Translation: The news said that pollution causes shortness of breath.

In the Gym: Personal trainers often ask their clients: 'Āyā hangeām-e tamrin tangi-ye nafas dārid?' (Do you have shortness of breath during training?) to gauge their cardiovascular health.

مادربزرگم همیشه از تنگی نفس گله می‌کند.

Translation: My grandmother always complains about shortness of breath.

In Literature and Drama: In Iranian cinema, particularly in social dramas, 'tangi-ye nafas' is often used as a metaphor for the suffocating nature of certain social or economic circumstances, though the literal medical meaning is always the foundation.

این شهر به من تنگی نفس می‌دهد.

Translation: This city gives me shortness of breath (metaphorically or literally).

دکتر برای تنگی نفس او اکسیژن تجویز کرد.

Translation: The doctor prescribed oxygen for his shortness of breath.

بعد از کرونا، هنوز کمی تنگی نفس دارم.

Translation: After COVID, I still have a bit of shortness of breath.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing تنگی نفس (the condition) with the act of 'panting' or 'being out of breath' after running. While they are related, 'panting' is typically expressed as 'nafas nafas zadan.' If you tell a doctor 'Man nafas nafas mizanam,' they will think you are currently breathing fast. If you say 'Man tangi-ye nafas dāram,' they will understand you have a medical difficulty breathing.

Mistake: Using 'Tang-e Nafas': A common error is omitting the 'i' at the end of 'tang.' 'Tang-e nafas' (with a short 'e') is grammatically incorrect. It must be 'tangi-ye nafas' because 'tangi' is the noun form of the adjective 'tang'.

اشتباه: من تنگ نفس دارم. (غلط)

Note: This is incorrect because it uses the adjective instead of the noun.

Mistake: Confusing with 'Suffocation': Learners sometimes use 'khafegi' (suffocation) when they mean 'tangi-ye nafas.' 'Khafegi' implies a total lack of air or being strangled, whereas 'tangi-ye nafas' is the difficulty of breathing.

درست: او دچار تنگی نفس شد، نه خفگی.

Translation: He suffered from shortness of breath, not suffocation.

Mistake: Verb Agreement: Sometimes learners use 'shodan' (to become) when they should use 'dāshtan' (to have). While 'tangi-ye nafas shod' is used for events, 'tangi-ye nafas dārad' describes the state.

بیمار تنگی نفس دارد. (Correct: The patient has shortness of breath.)

او دچار تنگی نفس شد. (Correct: He became afflicted with shortness of breath.)

هوا باعث تنگی نفس است. (Incorrect: Usually requires a verb like 'shodan' or 'ijād kardan'.)

While تنگی نفس is the most common term, several synonyms and related words exist depending on the register and context. In a highly academic or medical textbook, you might encounter 'doshvāri dar tanaffos' (difficulty in respiration). This is more formal and less likely to be used in a conversation with a friend.

Tangi-ye Nafas vs. Nafas-Tangi: 'Nafas-tangi' is a more literary or slightly archaic variation. It means the same thing but is rarely used in modern spoken Persian. It sounds more like something from a classical poem.

Tangi-ye Nafas vs. Āsm: 'Āsm' is the specific disease (Asthma). 'Tangi-ye nafas' is the symptom. One can have 'tangi-ye nafas' without having 'āsm' (e.g., due to heart failure or anxiety).

دشواری در تنفس (Formal) vs. تنگی نفس (Standard)

نفس‌تنگی (Literary) vs. تنگی نفس (Everyday)

Informal Alternatives: Informally, people say 'nafasam bālā nemiād' (my breath doesn't come up) or 'nafasam migireh' (my breath catches/gets stuck). These are very common in spoken Farsi.

نفسم بالا نمی‌آید. (Informal/Spoken)

سینه پهلو (Pleurisy/Pneumonia) - often confused but much more specific.

حبس نفس (Holding one's breath) - an intentional act, unlike تنگی نفس.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Persian, the word 'nafas' (breath) is also used as a term of endearment, similar to 'my life' or 'my darling'. However, you would never call your loved one 'tangi-ye nafas'!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tæŋ.ɡiː.je næ.fæs/

US /tæŋ.ɡiː.je næ.fæs/

Stress is on the final syllable of 'tangi' and the final syllable of 'nafas'.

Rhymes With

قفس (qafas - cage) هوس (havas - desire) نفس (nafas - breath) فرس (faras - horse) جرس (jaras - bell) عبس (abas - vain) نحس (nahs - unlucky) بحث (bahs - discussion)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'nafas' as 'naf-as' with a long 'a'.
Omitting the 'ye' glide between the two words.
Pronouncing 'tang' like the English word 'tang' instead of the Persian 'tæng'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize as it's a common compound.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct spelling of 'tangi' and 'nafas'.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once you master the Ezafe.

Listening 3/5

Frequently heard in news and hospitals.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

تنگ (Tight) نفس (Breath) داشتن (To have) هوا (Air) بیماری (Disease)

Learn Next

آسم (Asthma) ریه (Lung) اکسیژن (Oxygen) التهاب (Inflammation) سرفه (Cough)

Advanced

دیسپنه (Dyspnea) نارسایی قلبی (Heart Failure) برونشیت (Bronchitis) آمفیزم (Emphysema)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

تنگیِ نفس (The 'i' sound connects the words).

Compound Noun Formation

Noun + Noun = New Meaning.

Verbal Nouns with '-i'

Tang (Adj) + i = Tangi (Noun).

Prepositional Phrases

دچارِ تنگی نفس (Afflicted with...).

Adjective Placement

تنگی نفسِ شدید (Adjective follows the compound).

Examples by Level

من تنگی نفس دارم.

I have shortness of breath.

Simple subject + object + verb 'dāram'.

آیا شما تنگی نفس دارید؟

Do you have shortness of breath?

Question form using 'āyā'.

او تنگی نفس دارد.

He/she has shortness of breath.

Third person singular 'dārad'.

هوا بد است، تنگی نفس دارم.

The air is bad, I have shortness of breath.

Cause and effect in two simple clauses.

من امروز تنگی نفس ندارم.

I don't have shortness of breath today.

Negative form 'nadāram'.

تنگی نفس بد است.

Shortness of breath is bad.

Simple predicate 'bad ast'.

اسم من علی است و تنگی نفس دارم.

My name is Ali and I have shortness of breath.

Connecting two simple sentences with 'va'.

کمک! تنگی نفس دارم.

Help! I have shortness of breath.

Imperative 'komak' (help).

به دلیل آلودگی هوا، تنگی نفس دارم.

Due to air pollution, I have shortness of breath.

Using 'be dalil-e' (due to).

دیروز کمی تنگی نفس داشتم.

Yesterday I had a little shortness of breath.

Past tense 'dāshtam'.

او بعد از دویدن دچار تنگی نفس شد.

He got shortness of breath after running.

Using 'dochār shodan' (to become afflicted).

مادرم همیشه تنگی نفس دارد.

My mother always has shortness of breath.

Adverb 'hamisheh' (always).

آیا این دارو برای تنگی نفس است؟

Is this medicine for shortness of breath?

Preposition 'barāye' (for).

وقتی هوا گرم است، تنگی نفس می‌گیرم.

When the air is hot, I get shortness of breath.

Conditional 'vaghti' (when).

او به خاطر تنگی نفس به دکتر رفت.

He went to the doctor because of shortness of breath.

Using 'be khāter-e' (because of).

تنگی نفس او خیلی شدید نیست.

His shortness of breath is not very severe.

Adjective 'shadid' (severe) with negation.

بیمار از تنگی نفس شدید شکایت می‌کند.

The patient complains of severe shortness of breath.

Verb 'shekāyat kardan' (to complain).

اگر تنگی نفس دارید، سیگار نکشید.

If you have shortness of breath, do not smoke.

Conditional 'agar' (if) with imperative.

تنگی نفس می‌تواند نشانه بیماری قلبی باشد.

Shortness of breath can be a sign of heart disease.

Modal verb 'tavānestan' (can).

او از کودکی دچار تنگی نفس بوده است.

He has suffered from shortness of breath since childhood.

Present perfect 'budeh ast'.

ورزش منظم تنگی نفس را کاهش می‌دهد.

Regular exercise reduces shortness of breath.

Verb 'kāhesh dādan' (to reduce).

پزشک برای درمان تنگی نفس او اکسیژن تجویز کرد.

The doctor prescribed oxygen to treat his shortness of breath.

Verb 'tajviz kardan' (to prescribe).

تنگی نفس در ارتفاعات بالا طبیعی است.

Shortness of breath is natural at high altitudes.

Noun phrase in a locative context.

بسیاری از مردم تهران از تنگی نفس رنج می‌برند.

Many people in Tehran suffer from shortness of breath.

Verb 'ranj bordan' (to suffer).

تنگی نفس مزمن نیاز به پیگیری پزشکی دارد.

Chronic shortness of breath requires medical follow-up.

Adjective 'mozmen' (chronic).

استرس و اضطراب از عوامل اصلی تنگی نفس هستند.

Stress and anxiety are among the main factors of shortness of breath.

Plural subject with 'hastand'.

بیمار هنگام فعالیت بدنی دچار تنگی نفس می‌شود.

The patient gets shortness of breath during physical activity.

Temporal clause 'hangeām-e' (during).

این اسپری به سرعت تنگی نفس را برطرف می‌کند.

This inhaler quickly resolves shortness of breath.

Adverb 'be sor'at' (quickly).

تنگی نفس ناگهانی ممکن است خطرناک باشد.

Sudden shortness of breath may be dangerous.

Adjective 'nāgahāni' (sudden).

علت تنگی نفس او هنوز مشخص نشده است.

The cause of his shortness of breath has not yet been determined.

Passive voice 'moshakhas nashodeh ast'.

تنگی نفس می‌تواند کیفیت زندگی را کاهش دهد.

Shortness of breath can reduce the quality of life.

Compound noun 'keyfiyat-e zendegi'.

در صورت بروز تنگی نفس، سریعاً به پزشک مراجعه کنید.

In case of shortness of breath, consult a doctor immediately.

Formal instruction 'dar surat-e' (in case of).

تنگی نفس فزاینده نشان‌دهنده وخامت حال بیمار است.

Increasing shortness of breath indicates the worsening of the patient's condition.

Present participle 'fazāyandeh' (increasing).

مکانیسم‌های فیزیولوژیک تنگی نفس بسیار پیچیده هستند.

The physiological mechanisms of shortness of breath are very complex.

Academic vocabulary 'makanism-hā-ye fiziolozhik'.

تنگی نفس ممکن است ناشی از نارسایی قلبی باشد.

Shortness of breath may stem from heart failure.

Phrase 'nāshi az' (stemming from).

ارزیابی دقیق تنگی نفس برای تشخیص درست حیاتی است.

Accurate assessment of shortness of breath is vital for correct diagnosis.

Gerund 'arzyābi' (assessment).

تنگی نفس در بیماران مبتلا به آسم شایع است.

Shortness of breath is common in patients suffering from asthma.

Phrase 'mobtalā be' (suffering from/afflicted with).

او با وجود تنگی نفس، به کوهنوردی ادامه داد.

Despite shortness of breath, he continued mountain climbing.

Conjunction 'bā vojud-e' (despite).

تنگی نفس شبانه می‌تواند نشانه اختلالات خواب باشد.

Nocturnal shortness of breath can be a sign of sleep disorders.

Compound adjective 'shabāneh' (nocturnal).

پیشرفت تنگی نفس در این مرحله نگران‌کننده است.

The progression of shortness of breath at this stage is worrying.

Noun 'pishraft' (progression).

پدیدارشناسی تنگی نفس در متون پزشکی کهن مورد بررسی قرار گرفته است.

The phenomenology of shortness of breath has been examined in ancient medical texts.

Highly academic 'padidār-shenāsi' (phenomenology).

تنگی نفس به مثابه نمادی از خفقان سیاسی در ادبیات معاصر تجلی یافته است.

Shortness of breath has manifested as a symbol of political suffocation in contemporary literature.

Metaphorical use with 'be masābeh-ye' (as/like).

تلفیق عوامل محیطی و ژنتیکی در بروز تنگی نفس نقشی کلیدی ایفا می‌کند.

The integration of environmental and genetic factors plays a key role in the onset of shortness of breath.

Verb 'nagsh-i ifā kardan' (to play a role).

تنگی نفس مزمن انسدادی ریه یکی از چالش‌های بزرگ نظام سلامت است.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the major challenges of the health system.

Technical medical term (COPD translation).

درک سوبژکتیو بیمار از تنگی نفس با یافته‌های پاراکلینیکی متفاوت است.

The patient's subjective understanding of shortness of breath differs from paraclinical findings.

Loanword 'subjektiv' and 'pārāklinik'.

تنگی نفس می‌تواند به عنوان یک پاسخ وازوموتور به محرک‌های عصبی تلقی شود.

Shortness of breath can be regarded as a vasomotor response to neural stimuli.

Technical 'vāzomotor' and 'talaghi shodan'.

شدت تنگی نفس با میزان اشباع اکسیژن خون همبستگی مستقیمی ندارد.

The severity of shortness of breath does not have a direct correlation with blood oxygen saturation levels.

Statistical term 'hambastegi' (correlation).

تنگی نفس در اشعار صوفیانه گاه به معنای اشتیاق وافر به وصال حق است.

In Sufi poetry, shortness of breath sometimes signifies an intense longing for union with the Truth.

Spiritual/mystical interpretation.

Synonyms

دشواری در تنفس نفس‌تنگی خفقان تنگ‌دَمی نفس‌بریدگی تنگی سینه آسم نفس‌تنگی حاد

Antonyms

تنفس راحت نفس عمیق بهبودی تنفس تنفس طبیعی

Common Collocations

تنگی نفس شدید

دچار تنگی نفس شدن

تنگی نفس مزمن

تنگی نفس خفیف

تنگی نفس ناگهانی

عامل تنگی نفس

درمان تنگی نفس

سابقه تنگی نفس

تنگی نفس شبانه

احساس تنگی نفس

Common Phrases

تنگی نفس گرفتن

— To catch or develop shortness of breath.

در این هوای آلوده تنگی نفس گرفتم.

تنگی نفس آوردن

— To cause shortness of breath.

این پله‌ها برای من تنگی نفس می‌آورد.

رفع تنگی نفس

— The resolution of breathing difficulty.

این دارو برای رفع تنگی نفس است.

حمله تنگی نفس

— An attack of shortness of breath.

او دچار حمله تنگی نفس شد.

تنگی نفس و سرفه

— Shortness of breath and coughing (common pair).

تنگی نفس و سرفه علائم سرماخوردگی هستند.

تنگی نفس هنگام خواب

— Shortness of breath while sleeping.

او هنگام خواب تنگی نفس دارد.

تنگی نفس ناشی از استرس

— Shortness of breath caused by stress.

تنگی نفس ناشی از استرس شایع است.

تنگی نفس در کودکان

— Shortness of breath in children.

تنگی نفس در کودکان باید جدی گرفته شود.

تنگی نفس بعد از غذا

— Shortness of breath after eating.

او همیشه بعد از غذا تنگی نفس دارد.

شدت تنگی نفس

— The severity of shortness of breath.

شدت تنگی نفس او زیاد است.

Often Confused With

تنگی نفس vs نفس‌نفس زدن

This means panting after exercise, not necessarily a medical difficulty.

تنگی نفس vs خفگی

This means actual suffocation or choking, which is much more extreme.

تنگی نفس vs تنگیِ وقت

This means 'being short on time,' using the same word 'tangi' but in a different context.

Idioms & Expressions

"نفسم گرفت"

— My breath caught (due to shock, emotion, or air).

از دیدن آن صحنه نفسم گرفت.

Informal

"نفسم بالا نمی‌آید"

— I can't catch my breath (often used for exhaustion).

بعد از دویدن، نفسم بالا نمی‌آید.

Informal

"به نفس‌نفس افتادن"

— To start panting heavily.

بعد از پله‌ها به نفس‌نفس افتاد.

Neutral

"نفس کسی را بریدن"

— To take someone's breath away or exhaust them.

این کار نفس مرا برید.

Informal

"نفس تازه کردن"

— To take a breather or a break.

بیا کمی نفس تازه کنیم.

Neutral

"در سینه حبس شدن نفس"

— To have one's breath held in the chest (fear/shock).

نفس در سینه‌اش حبس شد.

Literary

"نفس آخر را کشیدن"

— To draw one's last breath (to die).

او نفس آخر را کشید.

Neutral

"با یک نفس"

— In one breath (very quickly).

آب را با یک نفس سر کشید.

Informal

"نفس گرم داشتن"

— To have an influential or blessed voice/presence.

او واقعاً نفس گرمی دارد.

Sufi/Spiritual

"نفس حق"

— The breath of truth (referring to a holy person).

از نفس حق او شفا یافت.

Religious

Easily Confused

تنگی نفس vs تنگی

Means tightness or shortage.

Tangi is general; Tangi-ye nafas is specific to breathing.

تنگی کفش (Tightness of shoes) vs تنگی نفس.

تنگی نفس vs خفگی

Both involve breathing issues.

Khafegi is total lack of air; Tangi-ye nafas is difficulty breathing.

او در آب دچار خفگی شد.

تنگی نفس vs آسم

Often used interchangeably.

Asthma is the disease; Tangi-ye nafas is the symptom.

بیمار آسم دارد و دچار تنگی نفس شده است.

تنگی نفس vs سرفه

Both are respiratory symptoms.

Soreh is coughing; Tangi-ye nafas is shortness of breath.

سرفه و تنگی نفس با هم هستند.

تنگی نفس vs نفس

The root word.

Nafas is just 'breath'; Tangi-ye nafas is the 'tightness' of it.

نفس عمیق بکش.

Sentence Patterns

من [noun] دارم.

من تنگی نفس دارم.

[cause] باعث [noun] می‌شود.

دود باعث تنگی نفس می‌شود.

او دچار [noun] شده است.

او دچار تنگی نفس شده است.

در صورت [noun]، به پزشک بروید.

در صورت تنگی نفس، به پزشک بروید.

[noun] نشان‌دهنده [condition] است.

تنگی نفس نشان‌دهنده آسم است.

بررسی [noun] در [context]...

بررسی تنگی نفس در متون علمی...

آیا شما سابقه [noun] دارید؟

آیا شما سابقه تنگی نفس دارید؟

او به خاطر [noun] مریض است.

او به خاطر تنگی نفس مریض است.

Word Family

Nouns

نفس (breath)

تنفس (respiration)

تنگی (tightness)

بازدم (exhalation)

دم (inhalation)

Verbs

نفس کشیدن (to breathe)

تنفس کردن (to respire)

تنگ شدن (to become tight)

نفس‌نفس زدن (to pant)

Adjectives

تنگ (tight)

نفسی (respiratory)

متنفس (breathing)

ریه (lung)

سینه (chest)

هوا (air)

اکسیژن (oxygen)

آلودگی (pollution)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in urban Iran and medical contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'tang-e nafas' instead of 'tangi-ye nafas'. → تنگی نفس
You need the noun form 'tangi', not the adjective 'tang'.
Confusing it with 'nafas-nafas' (panting). → تنگی نفس
'Nafas-nafas' is a physical action; 'tangi-ye nafas' is a symptom.
Forgetting the 'ye' glide in the Ezafe. → تنگیِ نفس
Without the 'ye', the two words don't connect properly.
Using 'khafegi' for a mild breathing problem. → تنگی نفس
'Khafegi' means you are literally suffocating or being strangled.
Using it to mean 'I am bored'. → حوصله‌ام سر رفته
In English, we say 'I need a breath of fresh air' when bored, but 'tangi-ye nafas' is strictly medical.

Tips

The Ezafe

Don't forget the 'ye' sound between 'tangi' and 'nafas'. It is essential for correct grammar.

Noun Formation

Notice how the suffix '-i' turns the adjective 'tang' (tight) into the noun 'tangi' (tightness).

Doctor Visits

If you go to a doctor in Iran, this is one of the most important symptoms to know how to say.

Pollution Warnings

When you hear 'āludegi' on the news, listen for 'tangi-ye nafas' right after it.

Not Just Exercise

Remember that 'tangi-ye nafas' usually implies something more serious than just being tired from a run.

The Letter 'Gheyn'

There is no 'Gheyn' in 'tangi' or 'nafas'. Both are spelled with standard letters.

Regional Accents

In some accents, the 'ye' glide might be very subtle, but it's always there in formal speech.

Word Association

Associate 'Nafas' with 'Nephesh' (Hebrew) or 'Nafs' (Arabic) if you know those languages.

Emergency Room

In an emergency, just saying 'tangi-ye nafas' will get immediate attention.

Compound Nouns

Persian loves compound nouns. Learning this one helps you understand the logic of the language.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'TANG' (the drink) being poured through a 'NARROW' straw, making it hard to 'BREATHE' (nafas).

Visual Association

Imagine a person wearing a 'tight' (tang) belt around their chest, making every 'breath' (nafas) difficult.

Word Web

Lungs Pollution Asthma Doctor Chest Oxygen Inhaler Tightness

Challenge

Try to describe your breathing after running for 5 minutes using only Persian words related to 'nafas'.

Word Origin

The term is a compound of the Persian word 'tang' and the Arabic loanword 'nafas'. 'Tang' comes from Middle Persian 'tang' meaning narrow or tight. 'Nafas' comes from the Arabic root 'n-f-s' relating to breath or soul.

Original meaning: The original meaning is literally 'narrowness of breath', reflecting the physical sensation of constricted airways.

Indo-European (Persian part) and Afroasiatic (Arabic part).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it; it can cause alarm as it implies a serious medical condition.

In English, we often say 'I'm out of breath,' but in Persian, 'tangi-ye nafas' is more formal and specific than the English equivalent.

Avicenna's Canon of Medicine Tehran Air Quality Reports Modern Iranian Social Dramas

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical Checkup

آیا تنگی نفس دارید؟
از کی تنگی نفس دارید؟
تنگی نفس شما شدید است؟
در خانواده سابقه تنگی نفس دارید؟

Air Pollution News

آلودگی باعث تنگی نفس می‌شود.
بیماران تنفسی در خانه بمانند.
شاخص هوا برای تنگی نفس خطرناک است.
ماسک بزنید تا تنگی نفس نگیرید.

At the Gym

بعد از تمرین تنگی نفس دارم.
نفسم بالا نمی‌آید.
ضربان قلب و تنگی نفس.
کمی استراحت کن تا تنگی نفست خوب شود.

High Altitude Hiking

هوا اینجا کم است، تنگی نفس دارم.
آهسته برو تا دچار تنگی نفس نشوی.
کپسول اکسیژن برای تنگی نفس.
تنگی نفس در کوه طبیعی است.

Anxiety/Panic

وقتی می‌ترسم تنگی نفس می‌گیرم.
اضطراب باعث تنگی نفس شده است.
نفس عمیق بکش تا تنگی نفست برود.
تنگی نفس عصبی است.

Conversation Starters

"آیا تا به حال در هوای آلوده دچار تنگی نفس شده‌اید؟"

"به نظر شما بهترین راه برای درمان تنگی نفس چیست؟"

"وقتی کسی تنگی نفس دارد، چه کمکی می‌توانیم به او بکنیم؟"

"آیا ورزش کردن می‌تواند به بهبود تنگی نفس کمک کند؟"

"چرا در شهرهای بزرگ تنگی نفس بیشتر شایع است؟"

Journal Prompts

تجربه خود را از یک روز با هوای آلوده و احساس تنگی نفس بنویسید.

اگر پزشک بودید، به بیماری که تنگی نفس دارد چه توصیه‌ای می‌کردید؟

درباره رابطه بین آلودگی محیط زیست و تنگی نفس تحقیق کنید و بنویسید.

احساس خود را در زمانی که بعد از یک ورزش سنگین دچار تنگی نفس شدید توصیف کنید.

چگونه می‌توانیم شهرهایمان را از آلودگی و تنگی نفس نجات دهیم؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It literally means 'tightness of breath' or 'narrowness of breath'. It is a compound of 'tangi' (tightness) and 'nafas' (breath).

You can say 'Nafasam gerefteh' or 'Be nafas-nafas oftādam'. 'Tangi-ye nafas' sounds more like a medical problem.

It is neutral to formal. It is used by doctors, on the news, and in serious conversations about health.

The verb 'dāshtan' (to have) is the most common. 'Man tangi-ye nafas dāram' means 'I have shortness of breath'.

Yes, you can say 'Az esteres دچار تنگی نفس شدم' (I got shortness of breath from stress).

Yes, but often to symbolize being trapped or the weight of love, though 'nafas' alone is more common in poetry.

You can ask: 'Āyā tangi-ye nafas-e man be khāter-e āsm ast?' (Is my shortness of breath because of asthma?)

There isn't a single word, but 'tanaffos-e rāhat' (easy breathing) or 'tanaffos-e tabi'i' (natural breathing) are used.

It is pronounced 'tan-gee-ye na-fas'. The 'ye' links the two words together.

Yes, unfortunately very common due to high pollution levels in the winter.