
Man khayli khoshhālam.
I’m very happy.
خوشحال (khoshhāl) means “happy” or “glad” in Persian. It is a compound word that literally translates as “having a good state” – combining khosh (خوش, good, pleasant) with hāl (حال, state, condition).
When do you use خوشحال?
خوشحال covers most uses of “happy” in everyday English: happy to meet someone, happy about news, happy in a moment. It is conversational and neutral in register – appropriate in formal and informal contexts alike.
For deeper or more lasting joy, Persian has other words:
- شاد (shād) – a more poetic “joyful,” closer to “elated.” Used in literature and in the name Nowruz greeting Nowruz shomā mobārak, hamishe shād bāshid (Happy Nowruz, may you always be joyful).
- راضی (rāzi) – “satisfied, content.” Different emotional register – calmer, less energetic.
- سر حال (sar-e hāl) – literally “on top of state” – in good spirits, energetic.
How do you use خوشحال in a sentence?
من خیلی خوشحالم.
Az didanat khoshhāl shodam.
I’m glad to see you (literally: I became happy from seeing you).
از دیدنت خوشحال شدم.
The opposite: ناراحت (nārāhat, upset/sad)
The common antonym is ناراحت (nārāhat) – literally “not comfortable” – which covers a range from “uncomfortable” to “upset” to “sad.” Persian often uses this paired opposition: khoshhāl for positive emotional states, nārāhat for negative ones.
Another opposite is غمگین (ghamgin) – “sorrowful, sad” – more literary, often used in poetry.
References
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