Persian Proverbs and Idioms: Meaning, Examples, and Cultural Insight
Persian proverbs and idioms are an essential part of everyday Farsi. They reflect centuries of cultural wisdom, humor, and life experience, and are commonly used by native speakers in daily conversations.
In this guide, you will learn some of the most common and authentic Persian proverbs and idioms, along with clear English meanings and explanations to help you understand how they are actually used in real life.
What Are Persian Proverbs and Idioms?
Persian proverbs (ضربالمثلها) and idioms (اصطلاحات) are fixed expressions that convey deeper meanings beyond the literal words. They are often used to give advice, express emotions, describe situations, or add humor to speech.
Learning these expressions helps Persian learners sound more natural and better understand Persian culture and mindset.
10 Common Persian Proverbs and Idioms
Below are ten authentic and widely used Persian proverbs and idioms with accurate meanings.
1. آب از سرش گذشته
Romanization: Âb az saresh gozashté
Meaning: The situation has gone too far; it’s beyond repair.
2. از این ستون به آن ستون فرج است
Romanization: Az in sotoon be ân sotoon faraj ast
Meaning: Delaying a problem may bring relief or a solution.
3. دیگ به دیگ میگه روت سیاه
Romanization: Dig be dig mige ru-at siyâh
Meaning: Someone criticizes another for the same flaw they have.
4. کار از کار گذشته
Romanization: Kâr az kâr gozashté
Meaning: It’s too late to change anything.
5. مار گزیده از ریسمان سیاه و سفید میترسد
Romanization: Mâr-gazidé az risman siyâh o sefid mitarsad
Meaning: Someone who has been hurt before becomes overly cautious.
6. سنگ بزرگ علامت نزدن است
Romanization: Sang-e bozorg alamat-e nazadan ast
Meaning: Big promises often mean no action.
7. دل به دل راه دارد
Romanization: Del be del râh dârad
Meaning: Hearts understand each other; emotional connection exists.
8. هر که بامش بیش، برفش بیشتر
Romanization: Har ke bâmesh bish, barfash bishtar
Meaning: The more you have, the more problems you face.
9. نیش و نوش با هم است
Romanization: Nish o noosh bâ ham ast
Meaning: Pleasure and pain come together.
10. خواهی نشوی رسوا، همرنگ جماعت شو
Romanization: Khâhi nashavi rosva, hamrang-e jamâ’at sho
Meaning: To avoid trouble, follow social norms.
Why Learn Persian Proverbs?
Using Persian proverbs and idioms helps you sound fluent, understand humor, and connect more deeply with native speakers. These expressions reveal how Persians think, feel, and interpret life situations.
If you want to learn Persian naturally and step by step, structured guidance makes a big difference.
You can explore structured Persian courses at Danaa School to build both language skills and cultural understanding.
FAQs
Are Persian proverbs still used today?
Yes. Many Persian proverbs are used daily in conversations.
Are Persian idioms hard to learn?
Not with context. Learning them through examples makes them intuitive.
Do Persian proverbs have exact English equivalents?
Some do, but many reflect unique cultural perspectives.
Find Your Ideal Teacher
At Danaa School, you can choose your Farsi tutor from a selection of qualified and experienced teachers. Begin an exceptional journey into the world of Persian language!
Book Your Trial Lesson
11 Favorite Persian Idioms and Expressions
- “Delam sang shod.”
Translation: “My heart turned to stone.”
Meaning: Expresses deep sorrow or disappointment.
- “Morgh e asir kabab nemishavad.”
Translation: “A captured bird won’t become roasted.”
Meaning: Without freedom, even the simplest joys are unattainable.
- “Harf barayeh gorhe gandom mizanad.”
Translation: “Talking about a bushel of wheat.”
Meaning: Someone is exaggerating or making a mountain out of a molehill.
- “Khar ra keh dast mizani, beesh mizanad.”
Translation: “If you touch a donkey, it kicks more.”
Meaning: Sometimes, interference makes things worse.
- “Be gorg roz dadan, be shab harif boodan.”
Translation: “Feeding the wolf by day, fighting it by night.”
Meaning: Being kind to someone who later causes harm or trouble.
- “Sang ro sang nemizanad.”
Translation: “Stones don’t hit stones.”
Meaning: Harmony is disrupted only by external forces, not by similar things.
- “Del be del rah dareh.”
Translation: “There is a road from heart to heart.”
Meaning: Genuine feelings are often mutual and instinctive.
- “Ab ra az cheshmeh begir.”
Translation: “Take water from the source.”
Meaning: Go to the root of a problem or seek information from the most reliable source.
- “Zir bar raftan.”
Translation: “To go under the load.”
Meaning: Taking responsibility or bearing a burden.
- “Hameh yek gooreh mizanan.”
Translation: “Everyone plays the same tune.”
Meaning: Refers to conformity or groupthink in certain situations.
Persian Quotes with Meaning
- “Bebin va nasanj.”
Translation: “Observe without judging.”
Meaning: Encourages mindfulness and open-mindedness.
- “Zendegi meydane jang ast.”
Translation: “Life is a battlefield.”
Meaning: Life is full of struggles, and perseverance is essential.
- “Gol ke khod be golshan miravad.”
Translation: “A flower naturally finds its way to the garden.”
Meaning: Good things gravitate towards their rightful place.
- “Har kasi karet dasht, rezeh to dasht.”
Translation: “Anyone who holds your knife, owes you bread.”
Meaning: Trust builds obligations.
Famous Persian Proverbs and Their Wisdom
- “Shirin zabani shah zani ast.”
Translation: “Sweet speech is the crown of women.”
Meaning: Politeness and eloquence are key virtues, particularly for effective communication.
- “Avval andisheh, ba’d sokhan.”
Translation: “First thought, then speech.”
Meaning: Highlights the importance of careful thinking before speaking.
- “Do bar bebin, yeh bar begu.”
Translation: “Look twice, speak once.”
Meaning: Emphasizes the importance of being sure before taking action.
Persian Proverbs and Idioms About Life
- “Zendeh ro be shoghl mikhahand.”
Translation: “A living person needs a purpose.”
Meaning: A purposeful life is a meaningful one.
- “Az khareh ast, vali yek cheshm dorost nadarad.”
Translation: “Even a blind donkey finds its way.”
Meaning: Persistence can often overcome a lack of skill.
- “Rast ro rast mibareh.”
Translation: “The honest path takes you straight ahead.”
Meaning: Honesty is the best policy.
- “Kam kam darya misheh.”
Translation: “Drop by drop, the sea forms.”
Meaning: Success comes from patience and small efforts over time.
FAQs
What do Persian proverbs reveal about Persian culture?
Persian proverbs reflect values such as kindness, patience, respect, and wisdom, while also showcasing humor and a deep appreciation for poetry.
How can Persian idioms help in learning Farsi?
Idioms and proverbs immerse learners in cultural nuances, offering insights into native speakers’ thought processes and enhancing vocabulary.
Are Persian proverbs still relevant today?
Absolutely. Many Persian proverbs hold universal truths that remain applicable in modern life.
What is unique about Persian expressions compared to other languages?
Persian proverbs often carry poetic and metaphorical undertones, blending simplicity with profound meaning.
How can I incorporate Persian proverbs into daily life?
These expressions in conversations, writing, or decision-making can help build connections and convey wisdom.
Where can I find more Persian proverbs?
Online resources like language-learning platforms, Persian literature books, and cultural blogs are great starting points.
Conclusion
Persian proverbs and idioms serve as a gateway to understanding Iran’s cultural and historical richness. These timeless expressions convey wisdom, humor, and life lessons, bridging gaps between generations and languages. Whether you’re a language enthusiast or simply curious about Persian culture, exploring these proverbs can deepen your appreciation for the beauty of Farsi. Sign up now.
Want to Learn Farsi at Danaa School?
Here are the best resources for you!
