Persian is the official language of Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Persian has been called “a language with deep roots in Arabic” because it uses a modified form of the Arabic alphabet. It is also known as Farsi or Parsi! Today we will share some popular proverbs, sayings and idioms that are often used by Iranians like you and me every day!
Table of Contents
1. مرغ همسایه غازه – morgheh hamsayeh ghaazeh
Translation: The neighbour’s chicken is a goose.
Meaning: The grass is always greener on the other side.
This proverb suggests that people are usually unhappy with what they have and tend to compare their situation to that of others, who they think have it better.
2. مرد با خونش نازل کرده – marde ba khoonesh naazil karde
Translation: A man has shot down his own blood.
Meaning: This proverb is used when someone does something bad to themselves or one of their family members. It means that the person has done something so terrible that it’s as if they’ve killed themselves or one of their loved ones.
3. خرگوشی که میخواهد باز شود نقاطی از سرت رانند – khargooshi keh mikhaaneh baz shode, naqatei az seret ranand
Translation: The hare that wants to open its eyes will prick itself with thorns.
Meaning: This proverb is used when someone tries to do something difficult or dangerous and fails. It means that the person tried to do something they weren’t ready for and paid for it with their own blood.
4. بلبل که خواب نمیبرد همیشه در آستان میماند – beeleb keh khob nemibare, hamisheh dar astaneh miameand
Translation: The nightingale that doesn’t sleep always stays in the garden.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe people who are hardworking and never take a break. It means that these people work so hard that they never have time to relax or enjoy themselves.
5. قلب معشوق و معشوقه – qalbe maeshooseh va maeshoohah
Translation: A lover’s heart and a beloved one.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe two people who are very close with each other, like a couple. It means that the friends have been through so much together that they would do anything for each other.
6. مگسش خورده – maghashe khorad
Translation: Maggot has eaten it.
Meaning: In this idiom, “maggot” refers to something small or trivial – usually bad – which has ruined what you wanted to accomplish entirely! When saying this phrase in Persian we use the verb “kardan” based on the verb “khordan.” That means that this idiom literally translates to, “A maggot has eaten it!”
7. خوردن پز – khordan paz
Translation: Eating is cooking.
Meaning: This proverb means that in order to be good at something, you have to practice it a lot. It’s like saying “practice makes perfect!”
8. سه راه ولی چهار معشوق – seh raahi vaalii chahaar maeshoohah
Translation: There are three ways but four beloved ones.
Meaning: This proverb suggests that there are many different ways to accomplish something, but the end result always depends on the people involved. In other words, it’s not just about what you know, but also who you know!
9. دو دست و یک پا – do dast va yek paah
Translation: Two hands and one foot.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe someone or something that is very weak or helpless. It means that the person or thing can only rely on themselves for help and has no other options.
10. زنده باد مردم – zendeh baaad maardom
Translation: Long live the people!
Meaning: This phrase is equivalent to “viva la revolución” in Spanish or “long live the people” in English. It is a rallying cry often used by revolutionaries or people who are fighting for change.
11. خوردن قلب – khordan qalb
Translation: Eating the heart.
Meaning: This proverb means that someone has done something so terrible that it’s as if they’ve eaten somebody’s heart. In other words, they’ve committed an act of great cruelty or violence.
12. شاه و مملکت – shaah va momlakat
Translation: The king and his kingdom.
Meaning: This phrase refers to the idea that a king is only as powerful as his kingdom – and vice versa
13. نیازمند خرج و نه مانع – niyayad kharj o na maaniyat
Translation: He is in need of going out and not against it.
Meaning: In this proverb, you say something which implies a benefit for yourself – but really want another person to do what you are asking them to do! This phrase can often be used when someone doesn’t have time or energy for their own tasks, so they ask other people to help.
14. به هر کسی که مالش دادم – beh har kaseh keh maalash daadam
Translation: To anyone who I’ve given my money to.
Meaning: This proverb is used when someone has been scammed or taken advantage of. It means that the person has been cheated and is now out of money.
15. شاهد کشتن سرباز – shaahd keshtan saarbaaz
Translation: A witness to a soldier’s death.
Meaning: This proverb means that when something bad happens, there will always be someone who saw it happen – even if they aren’t willing to talk about it. It’s often used to describe eyewitnesses to crimes or tragic events.
16. چوب خرد کن – choob kardan
Translation: To chop the wood.
Meaning: This proverb means that in order to get something done, you have to take matters into your own hands and do it yourself. It’s like saying “if you want something done, then do it yourself!”
17. ماهی با قزل آلات – maahi ba qazal aalaat
Translation: A fish with scissors.
Meaning: This phrase is used when someone is trying to do too many things at once or is over-extending themselves. It refers to the idea of a fish trying to escape from a net but getting caught in the scissors instead.
18. آب گرم و سیلاب – aab garm o seylaab
Translation: Warm water and floods.
Meaning: This proverb is used when there is too much of something – either good or bad. It means that things have gotten out of control and are now causing chaos or destruction.
19. بزرگ و مهم نیست – bozorg o mahmoo nist
Translation: He is not big or important.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe someone who is not important or influential. It means that the person is not worth your time or attention.
20. انداختن سوخت آتش – andakhteh sookht aateesh
Translation: Putting fuel on the fire.
Meaning: This proverb means that you are adding to the problem by making things worse. It’s often used when someone is trying to start a fight or argument.
21. از پشت بام دیدن – az poosht baam dikhdan
Translation: To see from the roof.
Meaning: This proverb is used when someone has a better view of something than everyone else. It means that the person has a unique perspective or understanding of the situation.
22. مرد و کوه – maard o kuh
Translation: A man and a mountain.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe how hard it is to change or influence someone who is stubborn or unyielding like a mountain. It means that some things are just too difficult to overcome.
23. آب گرم و مال – aab garm o maal
Translation: Warm water and money.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe how easy it is to get along with someone when you have something they want – like money or warmth. It means that the person is willing to do anything to please you in order to get what they want.
24. قولهای زیاد – qoolaahaa-ye ziaad
Translation: Many words.
Meaning: This proverb means that someone is talking too much and not saying anything useful or helpful. It’s often used when someone is trying to explain something but is not making much sense.
25. شیر کوه – shir o kuh
Translation: A lion and a mountain.
Meaning: This proverb is used to describe how hard it is to catch or kill someone who is as strong and fast as a lion – like a mountain. It means that some things are just too difficult to overcome.
