At the A1 level, 'دریغا' (Darighā) is a word you likely won't use yourself, but you might see it in very simple stories or hear it in a song. It means 'Alas' or 'I am very sad about this.' Think of it as a very strong version of 'I'm sorry.' It is used when something bad happens that cannot be changed. For example, if a king in a fairy tale dies, the book might say 'دریغا!'. At this level, just remember it is a 'sad word' used in books and poems. It is much more formal than 'حیف' (Heyf), which is what you use when you lose your pen. 'دریغا' is for big, sad things. When you see it, imagine someone putting their hand on their heart and looking at the sky in a movie. It's a dramatic word for dramatic moments.
At the A2 level, you can start to recognize 'دریغا' as a marker of formal or literary Persian. You are learning that Persian has different 'levels' of speaking. While you use 'متاسفانه' (mote'assefāne) for 'unfortunately' in your homework, 'دریغا' is the word you'll find in the captions of historical photos or in classical music. It expresses a deep regret. You should know that it usually comes at the start of a sentence. A common phrase is 'دریغا که...' which means 'Alas that...'. It's important to know that you shouldn't use this word with your friends at a party, or you will sound like you are acting in a play! It's a 'book word' (ketābi).
For B1 learners, 'دریغا' becomes a tool for understanding the emotional landscape of Persian culture. You are likely starting to read some simple poetry or watching Iranian films. When a character says 'دریغا', they are expressing a sense of 'lost opportunity' or 'tragic fate.' You should notice the suffix '-ā' at the end; this is an old Persian way to make a word sound like a cry or a call. You can practice using it in your formal writing assignments when discussing historical events or the loss of a great artist. Understand the difference between 'دریغا' and 'حیف': 'حیف' is for 'pity' (like wasting food), while 'دریغا' is for 'lament' (like the passing of an era).
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the grammatical structures that follow 'دریغا'. It often takes the preposition 'از' (az) to mean 'Alas for [something].' For example: 'دریغا از آن همه مهربانی' (Alas for all that kindness). You are also expected to recognize it in the context of 'Nostalgia'—a central theme in Persian literature. When you encounter this word in a newspaper editorial, understand that the writer is taking a moral or emotional stand, not just reporting facts. It adds a layer of 'pathos' to the discourse. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'افسوس' (Afsos), noting that 'دریغا' feels more ancient and poetic.
At the C1 level, you are exploring the nuances of 'High Persian.' 'دریغا' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it's a stylistic choice. You should use it to elevate your prose or when delivering a formal presentation. You understand its role in the 'vocative of lamentation.' You should be able to analyze its use in classical texts like the Shahnameh, where it signifies the 'turning of the wheel of fortune' (gardesh-e ruzgār). At this level, you should also be aware of its synonyms like 'واحسرتا' and 'هیهات' (Arabic-rooted but used in Persian) and know when 'دریغا' is the more 'Persian' (pure) choice. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the tragic 'zeitgeist' of Persian history.
For C2 mastery, 'دریغا' is part of your rhetorical arsenal. You understand its etymological roots in Middle Persian and how the suffix '-ā' functions as a 'vocative of exclamation.' You can use it to create rhythmic, balanced sentences in formal oratory. You recognize the subtle difference between 'دریغا' as a standalone interjection and its use as a prefix to a tragic narrative. You are capable of discussing the philosophical implications of 'darigh' (regret) in Sufi literature, where 'دریغا' might represent the soul's longing for its divine origin. You can use it ironically in high-level satire or with profound sincerity in a formal eulogy, perfectly matching the cultural expectations of 'fāzel' (learned) speech.

دریغا em 30 segundos

  • Formal interjection meaning 'Alas' or 'What a pity.'
  • Used for deep, tragic, or existential regret.
  • Common in classical poetry and formal oratory.
  • Usually followed by 'که' (ke) to explain the regret.

The Persian word دریغا (Darighā) is a sophisticated, high-register interjection and adverb used to express deep regret, sorrow, or a sense of tragic loss. It is the linguistic equivalent of the English archaic 'Alas!' or the more modern 'What a pity!' but with a significantly heavier emotional and literary weight. In the landscape of Persian vocabulary, it stands as a pillar of classical lamentation, often appearing in the works of great poets like Ferdowsi, Rumi, and Hafez to signify the fleeting nature of life, the cruelty of fate, or the loss of a beloved figure.

Grammatical Origin
The word is composed of the noun 'دریغ' (darigh), meaning regret or pity, and the suffix '-ā' (آ), which is a vocative or exclamatory marker in classical Persian. This suffix transforms the static concept of regret into a living cry of despair.

When a Persian speaker uses دریغا, they are not merely saying they are 'sorry' about a situation; they are invoking a tradition of tragic consciousness. It is used when a great opportunity has passed, when a hero has fallen, or when one reflects on the irreversible passage of time. Unlike the colloquial 'حیف' (heyf), which you might use if you dropped your ice cream, دریغا is reserved for moments of existential weight. It is the sound of a heart sighing over the 'what ifs' of history and personal destiny.

دریغا که روزگار جوانی به شتاب گذشت.
(Darighā ke ruzgār-e javāni be shetāb gozasht.)
Alas, that the days of youth passed with such haste.

In contemporary usage, while it remains rare in daily street slang, it is frequently encountered in formal literature, political eulogies, high-level journalism, and classical music lyrics. It signals to the listener that the speaker is moving into a mode of profound reflection. It is an 'elevated' word; using it correctly elevates your Persian from functional to artistic.

Emotional Nuance
It carries a sense of 'irreversibility.' It is used for things that cannot be fixed, emphasizing the finality of the loss.

دریغا از آن همه تلاش که به باد رفت.
Alas for all that effort which went to the wind (was wasted).

To master this word is to understand the Persian soul's relationship with nostalgia (nostalgia for a golden age, for lost love, or for the purity of the past). It is the linguistic embodiment of the 'ah!' that escapes the lips when looking at old photographs or reading the final chapter of a tragedy. In academic circles, it is often analyzed as a marker of the 'elegy' genre in Persian literature.

Social Register
Formal (Ketābi) and Poetic. Using it in a text message to a friend about a missed bus would be seen as humorous or overly dramatic (hyperbolic).

دریغا که راه سخت است و ما ناتوان.
Alas, the path is difficult and we are powerless.

Using دریغا requires an understanding of sentence flow in formal Persian. It almost always appears at the very beginning of a sentence or a clause to set the tone for the lament that follows. Structurally, it functions as an independent exclamation that modifies the entire sentiment of the following statement. It is frequently followed by the conjunction که (ke), which introduces the specific reason for the regret.

Pattern 1: دریغا که... (Alas that...)
This is the most common construction. It introduces a clause describing a tragic fact. Example: 'دریغا که او دیگر در میان ما نیست' (Alas that he is no longer among us).

Another sophisticated way to use it is with the preposition از (az). This construction, دریغا از..., translates to 'Alas for...' or 'What a pity concerning...'. It focuses the regret on a specific noun or concept rather than a full action. For instance, 'دریغا از آن دوران' (Alas for those times) expresses a deep longing for a lost era.

دریغا که عشق باز هم شکست خورد.
Alas that love has once again suffered defeat.

In poetic structures, دریغا can be repeated for emphasis (دریغا و دریغا) to indicate an escalating sense of grief. It is also sometimes paired with other interjections of pain, such as 'آه' (Ah) or 'افسوس' (Afsos). When you see 'آه و دریغا', you are looking at the pinnacle of Persian mournful expression.

Pattern 2: ...، دریغا! (..., Alas!)
While less common, it can be placed at the end of a sentence for a dramatic 'punchline' effect, though this is primarily found in modern prose or theater scripts.

همه چیز تمام شد، دریغا!
Everything ended, alas!

In academic writing, دریغا might be used when discussing a lost manuscript or a failed historical movement. It signals the author's subjective engagement with the tragedy of the subject matter. For example: 'دریغا که این کتاب هرگز به دست ما نرسید' (Alas, this book never reached our hands).

Pattern 3: ای دریغا (O, Alas)
Adding the vocative 'Ey' (ای) before 'دریغا' further intensifies the emotion, making it sound like a direct address to fate itself.

ای دریغا که قدر استاد را ندانستیم.
Oh, alas that we did not appreciate the master's value.

If you are walking through a bazaar in Tehran or sitting in a modern café in Shiraz, you are unlikely to hear دریغا in casual banter. However, it is omnipresent in the cultural 'soundscape' of Iran. You will hear it most prominently in Traditional Persian Music (Musiqi-ye Sonnati). Singers like Mohammad-Reza Shajarian often perform poems that utilize this word to express the 'suze-del' (burning of the heart). When the vocalist reaches a crescendo and cries 'Darighā!', the audience understands this as the peak of emotional expression.

Classical Literature
It is a staple of the 'Marsiya' (elegy) genre. When a poet mourns the death of a king or a martyr, 'دریغا' is the word of choice. It appears hundreds of times in the Shahnameh during the tragic deaths of heroes like Sohrab.

In modern Iranian media, you will encounter it in documentaries about history or nature. A narrator might say, 'دریغا که این تالاب خشک شد' (Alas, this wetland dried up), using the word to emphasize the environmental tragedy. It is also found in formal obituaries for national figures or intellectuals published in newspapers like Ettela'at or Shargh.

دریغا که ایران چنین گوهری را از دست داد.
Alas that Iran lost such a gem (referring to a famous person).

Another place you will hear it is in formal speeches and sermons. Orators use it to create a sense of gravitas and to connect their modern message with the linguistic heritage of the past. It is a 'bridge' word that connects the 21st-century speaker to the 10th-century poet.

Cinema and Theater
In historical dramas (like 'Hezar Dastan' or 'Mokhtarnameh'), characters use this word to maintain the 'period-appropriate' atmosphere of the dialogue.

دریغا که ما را به حال خود رها کردند.
Alas that they left us to our own devices.

Finally, you might hear it in the classroom. Persian literature teachers often use it when explaining the tragic themes of a text. It is a word that invites the listener to stop, breathe, and acknowledge a shared sadness.

The most frequent mistake learners make with دریغا is a mismatch of register. Because it is a high-literary word, using it in an informal setting can make you sound unintentionally funny or melodramatic. For example, if you miss a phone call from a friend and say 'دریغا که تماست را پاسخ ندادم' (Alas that I did not answer your call), it sounds like you are performing a 12th-century tragedy about a missed phone call. In such cases, 'حیف' (heyf) or 'متاسفانه' (mote'assefāne) is much more appropriate.

Mistake 1: Misusing the Suffix
Some learners confuse 'دریغ' (the noun) with 'دریغا' (the interjection). You 'have' a 'دریغ' (regret), but you 'cry' 'دریغا'. Do not say 'من دریغا دارم' (I have alas); say 'دریغ دارم' or simply 'دریغا!'.

Another mistake involves pronunciation. The final 'ā' (آ) must be pronounced clearly and held slightly longer than a standard vowel. It is an exclamatory ending. If you shorten it, it loses its poetic impact. It should sound like 'Da-ree-ghāaaa', not a clipped 'Da-ree-gh'.

Incorrect: دریغا! ناهار تمام شد.
Correct: حیف! ناهار تمام شد.
Explanation: Lunch ending is too trivial for 'دریغا'.

Learners also sometimes forget the conjunction 'که' (ke). While 'دریغا' can stand alone, if it is followed by a verb or a clause, the 'که' is almost always required to link the emotion to the fact. Saying 'دریغا او رفت' is grammatically 'okay' but 'دریغا که او رفت' is the standard, more natural literary form.

Mistake 2: Overuse
Using it more than once in a short text can make the writing feel 'purple' (overly flowery). It is a word that gains power from its rarity.

Incorrect: دریغا که هوا بارانی است.
Correct: متاسفانه هوا بارانی است.
Explanation: Rain is a minor inconvenience, not a tragic destiny.

Lastly, ensure you don't confuse it with افسوس (Afsos). While they are synonyms, 'افسوس' is slightly more common and a tiny bit less formal. 'دریغا' is the 'max volume' version of 'افسوس'.

Persian has a rich vocabulary for expressing regret. Understanding the differences between these synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation. دریغا sits at the top of the formality scale.

دریغا (Darighā) vs. افسوس (Afsos)
'Afsos' is the most direct synonym. It also means 'alas.' However, 'Afsos' is used more in semi-formal speech. 'Darighā' is more likely to be found in a poem or a grand eulogy. If 'Afsos' is a sigh, 'Darighā' is a lament.
دریغا (Darighā) vs. حیف (Heyf)
'Heyf' is the everyday word for 'What a pity' or 'Too bad.' You use 'Heyf' when you miss a movie or a good meal. You use 'Darighā' when you miss a once-in-a-lifetime chance for world peace. 'Heyf' is for the mundane; 'Darighā' is for the monumental.

Another alternative is متاسفانه (Mote'assefāne). This is the standard adverb for 'unfortunately' used in news reports, business emails, and polite conversation. It is neutral and lacks the poetic 'soul' of دریغا. If you want to be objective, use متاسفانه. If you want to be emotional, use دریغا.

دریغا: Alas! (Poetic/Tragic)
افسوس: Alas! (Formal/General)
حیف: Too bad! (Informal/Common)
متاسفانه: Unfortunately (Neutral/Business)

In very religious or traditional contexts, you might hear واویلا (Vāveylā) or واحسرتا (Vā-hasratā). These are Arabic-derived exclamations of extreme grief, often used in religious mourning ceremonies (like Muharram). They are even more intense than دریغا but are specifically tied to religious or visceral mourning.

فریاد (Faryād)
Sometimes 'Faryād' (Scream/Outcry) is used similarly to 'Darighā' in classical poetry to express an outcry against injustice or fate ('Faryād az in ruzgār!').

دریغا که از آن همه شکوه، تنها ویرانه‌ای مانده است.
Alas that from all that glory, only a ruin remains.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The suffix '-ā' in 'دریغا' is a remnant of the Old Persian vocative case, which was used to address someone or something directly. In this case, the speaker is addressing 'Regret' itself.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /dæ.riː.ˈɡɒː/
US /dæ.ri.ˈɡɑ/
The stress is typically on the final syllable: da-ri-GHĀ.
Rima com
کجا (Kojā) رها (Rahā) سرا (Sarā) صدا (Sedā) بقا (Baqā) خدا (Khodā) جدا (Jodā) نوا (Navā)
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the final 'ā' too short, making it sound like 'darigh'.
  • Using a hard 'g' instead of the Persian 'gh' (ق/غ) sound.
  • Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
  • Treating it as two separate words: dari-gha.
  • Confusing the 'i' sound with a short 'e'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 4/5

Easy to recognize in texts but requires context to feel the weight.

Escrita 7/5

Difficult to use correctly without sounding overly dramatic.

Expressão oral 8/5

Rarely used in speech; requires high-level social awareness.

Audição 5/5

Common in media and music; important for comprehension.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

حیف غم گذشته مرگ افسوس

Aprenda a seguir

هیهات واحسرتا ملال مصیبت سوگواری

Avançado

تراژدی مرثیه قضا و قدر فانی ابدیت

Gramática essencial

Vocative Suffix -ā

In 'دریغا', the 'ā' is an ancient suffix used for exclamation.

Subordinating Conjunction 'ke'

After 'دریغا', 'که' is used to introduce the reason for regret.

Preposition 'az' for Focus

Use 'دریغا از...' to target the regret on a specific noun.

Register Consistency

Pair 'دریغا' with other formal words like 'گشت' instead of 'شد'.

Inversion for Poetry

Sometimes 'دریغا' follows the noun in very old poetry, but this is rare now.

Exemplos por nível

1

دریغا! او رفت.

Alas! He/She went (passed away).

'دریغا' is used here as a standalone exclamation of sadness.

2

دریغا که باغ خشک شد.

Alas that the garden dried up.

'که' links the regret to the reason.

3

دریغا، کتاب گم شد.

Alas, the book was lost.

A comma is used after 'دریغا' for emphasis.

4

دریغا از این روزگار.

Alas for these times.

'از' connects the regret to the time period.

5

دریغا که زمستان آمد.

Alas that winter came.

Simple sentence structure.

6

ای دریغا!

Oh, alas!

'ای' adds more emotion.

7

دریغا که گل مرد.

Alas that the flower died.

Literary way to say a flower died.

8

دریغا از آن خانه.

Alas for that house.

Expressing regret about a specific place.

1

دریغا که وقت ما تمام شد.

Alas that our time is up.

Commonly used in formal closings.

2

دریغا که او را ندیدم.

Alas that I did not see him.

Past tense 'did not see'.

3

دریغا از این همه برف.

Alas for all this snow.

Used here to show a heavy burden.

4

دریغا که دوست من رفت.

Alas that my friend left.

Expressing personal loss.

5

دریغا که شهر ویران گشت.

Alas that the city became ruined.

'گشت' is a formal version of 'شد'.

6

دریغا که حقیقت را نگفت.

Alas that he did not tell the truth.

Regret over a moral failure.

7

دریغا که فرصت از دست رفت.

Alas that the opportunity was lost.

Idiom: 'از دست رفتن' (to be lost).

8

دریغا از این تنهایی.

Alas for this loneliness.

Focusing on a state of being.

1

دریغا که جوانی چون باد گذشت.

Alas that youth passed like the wind.

Simile: 'چون باد' (like wind).

2

دریغا که قدر آن روزها را ندانستیم.

Alas that we did not know the value of those days.

Reflecting on missed appreciation.

3

دریغا که این بنای تاریخی تخریب شد.

Alas that this historical building was destroyed.

Used for cultural/historical loss.

4

دریغا که قلم از توصیف این غم ناتوان است.

Alas that the pen is unable to describe this grief.

Personification of the pen.

5

دریغا از آن پهلوان که بر خاک افتاد.

Alas for that hero who fell upon the earth.

Classic heroic/epic register.

6

دریغا که عشق در این شهر غریب است.

Alas that love is a stranger in this city.

Metaphorical usage.

7

دریغا که خرد در برابر خشم شکست خورد.

Alas that wisdom was defeated by anger.

Abstract nouns as subjects.

8

دریغا که دیگر صدای ساز او را نمی‌شنویم.

Alas that we no longer hear the sound of his instrument.

Regret over the loss of art/artist.

1

دریغا که در چاه تقدیر گرفتار شدیم.

Alas that we became trapped in the well of fate.

Metaphor: 'چاه تقدیر' (well of fate).

2

دریغا که آرزوهایمان در نطفه خفه شد.

Alas that our desires were strangled in the bud.

Idiom for things failing early.

3

دریغا از این تمدن که به سوی نابودی می‌رود.

Alas for this civilization that is heading toward destruction.

Societal/macro-level regret.

4

دریغا که میان ما و او فرسنگ‌ها فاصله است.

Alas that there are leagues of distance between us and him.

'فرسنگ' is a classical unit of distance.

5

دریغا که چراغ معرفت خاموش گشت.

Alas that the lamp of knowledge was extinguished.

Symbolic language.

6

دریغا که صیاد مرغ عشق را شکار کرد.

Alas that the hunter hunted the bird of love.

Allegorical imagery.

7

دریغا که در این قصه، قهرمان تنها ماند.

Alas that in this story, the hero remained alone.

Narrative reflection.

8

دریغا که سخن حق را نشنیدند.

Alas that they did not hear the word of truth.

Regret over collective ignorance.

1

دریغا که آن سرو بلندقامت در خاک خفت.

Alas that that tall cypress (noble person) slept in the dust (died).

'سرو' is a common metaphor for a noble person.

2

دریغا که روزگار غدار امان نداد.

Alas that treacherous fate gave no quarter.

'غدار' (treacherous) is a high-level adjective.

3

دریغا که آینه شکست و صورت یار پنهان شد.

Alas that the mirror broke and the beloved's face was hidden.

Mystical/Sufi imagery.

4

دریغا از آن خرد که در پای جهل قربانی شد.

Alas for that wisdom which was sacrificed at the feet of ignorance.

Complex abstract personification.

5

دریغا که جهان را وفایی نیست.

Alas that there is no loyalty in the world.

Philosophical statement on 'vafā' (loyalty).

6

دریغا که مرغ سحر ناله مستانه سر داد.

Alas that the morning bird broke into a drunken wail.

Highly poetic/lyrical structure.

7

دریغا که این گنجینه در غبار فراموشی گم شد.

Alas that this treasure was lost in the dust of oblivion.

Metaphor for lost heritage.

8

دریغا که ما را از اصل خویش دور کردند.

Alas that they distanced us from our own essence.

Existential/Identity-based regret.

1

دریغا که چرخ نیلگون، جز به کام سفلگان نمی‌گردد.

Alas that the azure wheel (the heavens) turns only to the desire of the base.

Classical idiom involving fate and social hierarchy.

2

دریغا که نقد جوانی به رایگان از کف برفت.

Alas that the currency of youth went from the palm for free (was wasted).

Metaphor: 'نقد' (cash/currency) for youth.

3

دریغا که در این بادیه، سرابی بیش نبودیم.

Alas that in this wilderness, we were nothing more than a mirage.

Existential nihilism in poetry.

4

دریغا که فریاد مظلوم در هیاهوی ظالمان گم گشت.

Alas that the cry of the oppressed was lost in the clamor of the oppressors.

Political/Ethical lament.

5

دریغا که خامه را یای سرودن این سوگ نیست.

Alas that the pen (stylus) has no power to compose this elegy.

'خامه' is a very formal word for pen.

6

دریغا که آن مهر تابان در افق نیستی غروب کرد.

Alas that that shining sun (person) set in the horizon of non-existence.

Euphemism for death.

7

دریغا که عقل مصلحت‌بین، راه بر عشق بست.

Alas that the prudent intellect blocked the path to love.

Conflict between 'Aql' (reason) and 'Ishq' (love).

8

دریغا که از آن گلستان، جز خاری در چشم نماند.

Alas that from that rose garden, nothing remained but a thorn in the eye.

Contrast between past beauty and present pain.

Colocações comuns

دریغا که
ای دریغا
دریغا و افسوس
دریغا از آن
صد دریغا
آه و دریغا
دریغا که ندانستیم
دریغا از عمر
دریغا که دیر است
دریغا که نشد

Frases Comuns

دریغا که از دست رفت.

— Alas, it is gone/lost. Used for opportunities or lives.

دریغا که آن فرصت طلایی از دست رفت.

دریغا از این سرنوشت.

— Alas for this fate. Expresses resignation to a bad destiny.

دریغا از این سرنوشت تلخ که برای ما رقم خورد.

ای دریغا که نماندی.

— Oh alas that you didn't stay. Used in mourning or breakups.

ای دریغا که نماندی و بهار را ندیدی.

دریغا که دنیا چنین است.

— Alas that the world is like this. A general philosophical lament.

دریغا که دنیا چنین بی‌رحم است.

دریغا که راه بازگشتی نیست.

— Alas that there is no way back. Used for finality.

دریغا که راه بازگشتی به روزهای کودکی نیست.

دریغا از آن همه آرزو.

— Alas for all those dreams. Used when plans fail.

دریغا از آن همه آرزو که نقش بر آب شد.

دریغا که ما غافل بودیم.

— Alas that we were unaware. Expresses regret over ignorance.

دریغا که ما از توطئه‌های دشمن غافل بودیم.

دریغا که سخن کوتاه باید کرد.

— Alas that I must cut the speech short. A polite formal closing.

دریغا که سخن کوتاه باید کرد و از حضور شما مرخص شد.

دریغا که دیگر نیستی.

— Alas that you are no longer here. Direct address to the deceased.

پدر جان، دریغا که دیگر در کنار ما نیستی.

دریغا از این همه ظلم.

— Alas for all this oppression. A cry against injustice.

دریغا از این همه ظلم که بر این مردم می‌رود.

Frequentemente confundido com

دریغا vs دریا (Daryā)

Means 'sea.' Sounds similar but the 'gh' in Darighā is distinct.

دریغا vs دریغ (Darigh)

The noun 'regret.' You can say 'دریغ است' (it's a pity), but 'دریغا' is the cry.

دریغا vs دریغ کردن (Darigh kardan)

Means 'to withhold.' Context is completely different (action vs exclamation).

Expressões idiomáticas

"دریغا که نقد جوانی برفت"

— Alas that the 'cash' of youth is gone. Refers to wasting one's best years.

دریغا که نقد جوانی برفت و ما هنوز در خوابیم.

Poetic
"دریغا که قدر زر زرگر شناسد"

— Alas, only a goldsmith knows the value of gold. Regret that true value is ignored by commoners.

دریغا که قدر زر زرگر شناسد و این نادانان تو را نمی‌فهمند.

Proverbial
"دریغ از یک جو وفا"

— Not even a 'barley-corn' of loyalty. Used to express extreme disappointment in someone.

دریغ از یک جو وفا در وجود این آدم.

Formal/Idiomatic
"دریغا که آب از سر گذشت"

— Alas, the water has passed over the head (it's too late).

دریغا که آب از سر گذشت و دیگر کاری نمی‌توان کرد.

Metaphorical
"دریغا که چراغ خانه خاموش شد"

— Alas, the lamp of the house went out. Idiom for the death of a family member.

دریغا که با رفتن مادر، چراغ خانه خاموش شد.

Euphemistic
"دریغا که بار کج به منزل نرسید"

— Alas, the crooked load didn't reach the destination. Regret over a failed dishonest plan.

دریغا که بار کج به منزل نرسید و رسوا شدند.

Moralistic
"دریغا که دیو بر فرشته پیروز شد"

— Alas, the demon triumphed over the angel. Lamenting the victory of evil.

در آن جنگ، دریغا که دیو بر فرشته پیروز شد.

Epic
"دریغا که مرغ از قفس پرید"

— Alas, the bird flew from the cage. Regret over a lost chance or someone's death.

دریغا که مرغ از قفس پرید و ما تنها ماندیم.

Symbolic
"دریغا که خشت اول کج نهاده شد"

— Alas, the first brick was laid crookedly. Regret over a fundamental mistake.

دریغا که خشت اول کج نهاده شد و دیوار تا ثریا کج رفت.

Proverbial
"دریغا که آفتاب در نیمروز غروب کرد"

— Alas, the sun set at noon. Refers to someone dying young or at their peak.

دریغا که آفتاب زندگی او در نیمروز غروب کرد.

Elegiac

Fácil de confundir

دریغا vs افسوس

Both mean 'alas.'

Afsos is slightly more common in modern formal Persian. Darighā is more classical and poetic.

افسوس که نیامدی. (Standard) vs دریغا که نیامدی. (Dramatic)

دریغا vs حیف

Both express pity.

Heyf is for everyday losses. Darighā is for tragic, permanent losses.

حیف این غذا که سرد شد. vs دریغا آن قهرمان که کشته شد.

دریغا vs هیهات

Both are formal exclamations of regret.

Heyhāt is Arabic and often implies 'impossible' or 'far-fetched' regret.

هیهات که به مقصود برسیم.

دریغا vs واحسرتا

Both are cries of grief.

Vā-hasratā emphasizes the 'longing' (hasrat) for something unattainable.

واحسرتا از بهشت گمشده.

دریغا vs متاسفانه

Both translate as 'unfortunately.'

Mote'assefāne is an objective adverb. Darighā is an emotional interjection.

متاسفانه بانک بسته است.

Padrões de frases

A1

دریغا! [Subject] [Verb].

دریغا! او رفت.

A2

دریغا که [Sentence].

دریغا که دیر شد.

B1

دریغا از [Noun Phrase].

دریغا از آن روزهای خوب.

B2

ای دریغا که [Sentence].

ای دریغا که قدرش را ندانستیم.

C1

دریغا که [Noun] در [Noun] [Verb].

دریغا که آن سرو در خاک خفت.

C2

دریغا که [Complex Metaphor] [Verb].

دریغا که نقد جوانی به رایگان از کف برفت.

C2

دریغا و صد دریغا که...

دریغا و صد دریغا که راه بازگشتی نیست.

B1

دریغا که [Time] گذشت.

دریغا که تابستان گذشت.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

دریغ (Darigh) - Regret/Pity
بی‌دریغ (Bi-darigh) - Unsparing/Generous

Verbos

دریغ کردن (Darigh kardan) - To withhold/To begrudge
دریغ ورزیدن (Darigh varzidan) - To show regret/withhold (formal)

Adjetivos

دریغ‌آمیز (Darigh-āmiz) - Regretful/Sorrowful

Relacionado

افسوس (Afsos)
حسرت (Hasrat)
تأسف (Ta'assof)
اندوه (Anduh)
سوگ (Sug)

Como usar

frequency

Low in speech, high in literature and classical music.

Erros comuns
  • Using 'دریغا' for a lost wallet. Using 'حیف' or 'متاسفانه'.

    'دریغا' is for epic or tragic loss, not minor personal inconveniences.

  • Saying 'من خیلی دریغا هستم'. من خیلی متاسفم.

    'دریغا' is an interjection, not an adjective to describe a person's state.

  • Pronouncing it 'Darigh' (dropping the 'ā'). Darighā.

    The 'ā' is essential for the exclamatory meaning; without it, it's just a noun.

  • Using it in a text message to a coworker. متاسفانه.

    It sounds overly theatrical and inappropriate for workplace communication.

  • Forgetting the 'که' in 'دریغا که او رفت'. دریغا که او رفت.

    While understandable, the 'که' is required for proper literary syntax.

Dicas

Register Check

Always check if your context is formal enough. If you're not writing a poem or a funeral speech, consider 'افسوس' instead.

The 'Ke' Connection

Remember to use 'که' after 'دریغا' to explain exactly what you are lamenting.

Musical Cues

Listen to traditional Avaz. When the singer says 'Darighā,' pay attention to the melody; it usually becomes more intense.

Avoid Overuse

Like a strong spice, 'دریغا' works best when used sparingly. One per essay is usually enough.

Hold the 'A'

The final vowel is long. Don't rush it. Let the 'ā' breathe to convey the emotion.

Noun vs Interjection

Remember: 'Digh' is the feeling, 'Darighā' is the cry. Use the noun for 'regret' in sentences.

Epic Context

When reading the Shahnameh, 'دریغا' signals a moment where the hero realizes their fate is sealed.

Darighā vs Heyf

Think of 'Heyf' as 'Too bad' and 'Darighā' as 'Woe is me.' Use accordingly.

The 'Ah' Factor

The 'ā' at the end sounds like 'Ah!' Use that to remember it's an exclamation.

Formal Openings

In a very formal letter about a sad event, 'دریغا' can be a powerful way to start a paragraph.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'The Regret' (Da-Righ) and add an 'Ah!' at the end. 'Da-Regret-Ah!' -> Darighā.

Associação visual

Imagine a king sitting on a ruined throne, looking at a sunset and sighing 'Darighā.'

Word Web

Poetry Regret Loss Tragedy Alas Classical Formal Sigh

Desafio

Try to find one news article or poem online today that uses 'دریغا' and explain why the writer chose it over 'mote'assefāne'.

Origem da palavra

Derived from Middle Persian 'darīg' or 'drīg,' which related to sorrow or being poor/needy. The root is related to the concept of 'holding back' or 'pain.'

Significado original: Sorrow, distress, or a feeling of lack/need.

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

Contexto cultural

Never use 'دریغا' sarcastically in a funeral or serious setting; it is deeply disrespectful.

Equivalent to 'Alas,' which is also rare in speech but common in Shakespeare or classical literature.

Shahnameh of Ferdowsi (countless tragedies). Songs by Mohammad-Reza Shajarian. Modern elegies for poets like Simin Behbahani.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Death of a public figure

  • دریغا که ایران یتیم شد.
  • دریغا از این فقدان بزرگ.
  • دریغا که جایش خالیست.
  • صد دریغا که او رفت.

Environmental loss

  • دریغا که دریاچه خشکید.
  • دریغا از جنگل‌های سوخته.
  • دریغا که زمین گرم شد.
  • دریغا از آینده فرزندان.

Historical reflection

  • دریغا که آن شکوه برفت.
  • دریغا از کتاب‌های سوخته.
  • دریغا که تاریخ تکرار شد.
  • دریغا از تمدن‌های خفته.

Personal regret (Literary)

  • دریغا که قدر تو را ندانستم.
  • دریغا که جوانی به هدر رفت.
  • دریغا که دیر به خود آمدم.
  • دریغا از عمری که گذشت.

Classical Music/Poetry

  • دریغا و دریغا از این عشق.
  • دریغا که یار بی‌وفا بود.
  • دریغا که شب به سر نرسید.
  • دریغا از ناله مستان.

Iniciadores de conversa

"دریغا که نسل جدید کمتر کتاب می‌خواند، نظر شما چیست؟"

"دریغا که خانه‌های قدیمی در حال تخریب هستند، آیا شما هم ناراحتید؟"

"دریغا که فرصت سفر به آن شهر را از دست دادیم، نه؟"

"دریغا که هنرمندان بزرگ ما یکی پس از دیگری می‌روند..."

"دریغا که دوستی‌های قدیمی کمرنگ شده‌اند، موافقید؟"

Temas para diário

بنویسید: دریغا که در کودکی ندانستم که...

درباره یک بنای تاریخی که تخریب شده با کلمه 'دریغا' متنی بنویسید.

اگر بخواهید برای جوانی خود مرثیه‌ای بنویسید، چگونه از 'دریغا' استفاده می‌کنید؟

درباره بزرگترین حسرت زندگی‌تان با لحنی ادبی و کلمه 'دریغا' بنویسید.

فکر کنید دنیا در حال تمام شدن است؛ آخرین 'دریغا'ی شما برای چه خواهد بود؟

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Generally, no. It is too poetic and emotional. Use 'متاسفانه' (mote'assefāne) instead for professional contexts.

Only in very formal speeches, storytelling, or if someone is being intentionally dramatic or ironic.

'دریغ' is the noun (regret), while 'دریغا' is the interjection (Alas!). You say 'صد دریغ' but you cry 'دریغا!'.

If it introduces a specific fact or clause, yes ('دریغا که...'). If used alone as a cry, it does not.

No, it is a literary word. While it can be used in religious contexts (like mourning), its roots are in secular classical poetry.

It is a voiced uvular fricative, similar to the French 'r' or the sound made when gargling. It is distinct from a hard 'g'.

No. 'دریغا' is an interjection, not an adjective for a person. Say 'من متاسفم' (I am sorry) or 'من اندوهگینم' (I am sorrowful).

It means 'unsparing' or 'without withholding.' For example, 'کمک بی‌دریغ' means 'generous/unsparing help.'

Yes, it is one of the most iconic words in the Shahnameh, used by Ferdowsi to highlight the tragic deaths of heroes.

No, it is strictly for regret, sorrow, and loss.

Teste-se 200 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence using 'دریغا' to mourn a lost friend.

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writing

Translate: 'Alas that youth passed so quickly.'

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writing

Use 'دریغا از' to express regret about a ruined building.

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writing

Write a formal opening for an obituary using 'دریغا'.

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writing

Compare 'دریغا' and 'حیف' in two sentences.

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writing

Write a poetic line about a withered flower using 'دریغا'.

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writing

Translate: 'Alas for this treacherous world.'

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writing

Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about the loss of a library using 'دریغا'.

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writing

Use 'ای دریغا' in a sentence about a missed opportunity.

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writing

Translate: 'Alas that the truth was hidden.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'دریغا' and the word 'سرنوشت' (fate).

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writing

Use 'صد دریغا' in a sentence about the death of an artist.

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writing

Translate: 'Alas that we did not know his value.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'دریغا' in a historical context.

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writing

Translate: 'Alas, everything ended.'

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writing

Use 'دریغا' to lament the drying of a river.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'دریغا' and 'خاموش شدن چراغ'.

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writing

Translate: 'Alas that the hero fell.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'دریغا' and 'غفلت' (neglect).

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writing

Translate: 'Alas for those sweet days of childhood.'

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speaking

Pronounce 'دریغا' slowly, emphasizing the 'gh' and 'ā'.

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speaking

Say 'Alas that he went' in Persian.

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speaking

Recite the phrase 'دریغا که جوانی گذشت' with a sad tone.

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speaking

Explain in Persian why you wouldn't use 'دریغا' in a grocery store.

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speaking

Use 'دریغا' in a sentence about a historical tragedy.

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speaking

How do you say 'A hundred alases'?

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speaking

Compare the pronunciation of 'دریا' and 'دریغا'.

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speaking

Give a short formal toast using 'دریغا' to mourn a legend.

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speaking

Say 'Oh alas for these times' in Persian.

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speaking

Explain the difference between 'دریغا' and 'متاسفانه' orally.

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speaking

Use 'دریغا' in a sentence about a lost opportunity.

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speaking

Pronounce 'آه و دریغا' with proper emotional stress.

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speaking

Say 'Alas that the garden dried up' in Persian.

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speaking

Read this line aloud: 'دریغا که نقد جوانی به رایگان از کف برفت.'

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speaking

Explain the meaning of 'دریغ از یک جو وفا' to a friend.

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speaking

Use 'دریغا' to express regret about a broken mirror.

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speaking

Say 'Alas that the truth was not said' in Persian.

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speaking

Pronounce the rhyme: 'دریغا، کجا، رها'.

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speaking

Explain why 'دریغا' is a 'high register' word.

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speaking

Use 'دریغا' in a sentence about the passage of time.

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listening

Listen to a clip of Shajarian. Did he say 'دریغا' or 'دریا'?

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listening

In a formal speech, what word follows 'دریغا' usually?

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listening

How many syllables do you hear in 'Darighā'?

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listening

Listen for the stress. Is it at the end or the beginning?

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listening

Identify the emotion of the speaker who says 'دریغا'.

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listening

Listen to an obituary. What is the speaker lamenting?

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listening

Can you hear the 'gh' sound clearly in this recording?

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listening

Does the speaker say 'دریغا که' or 'دریغا از'?

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listening

Is the tone of 'دریغا' formal or informal in this audio?

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listening

How many times was 'دریغا' repeated in the poem?

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listening

Identify the word 'دریغا' in a fast-paced formal news report.

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listening

Listen for the suffix '-ā'. Is it long or short?

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listening

What is the noun being regretted after 'دریغا از...'?

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listening

Does the speaker sound ironic or sincere?

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listening

Distinguish 'دریغا' from 'دریغ' in a sentence.

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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