Every Iranian grandmother has a proverb for every situation. Burned the rice? There’s a proverb. Bad boyfriend? Proverb. Lost your job? Three proverbs, delivered with tea and a look that says "I told you so."
Persian proverbs. ضربالمثل (zarb-ol-masal). are the operating system of Iranian wisdom. They’ve been passed down through centuries of poetry, bazaar haggling, family dinners, and passive-aggressive advice sessions. If you’re learning Farsi, these proverbs will show up in conversations, movies, arguments, and WhatsApp messages from your relatives.
Here are 50 of them, organized by theme, with everything you need: the Farsi script, transliteration, literal meaning, actual meaning, English equivalent (if one exists), and how Iranians actually use them.
Wisdom and Life Lessons
1. آب که از سر گذشت، چه یک وجب چه صد وجب
Âb ke az sar gozasht, che yek vejab che sad vejab
Literal: "When water passes over your head, whether one span or a hundred spans"
Meaning: Once the worst has happened, the degree doesn’t matter anymore.
English equivalent: "In for a penny, in for a pound"
Usage: When someone is already committed to something risky and wonders if they should go further.
2. تا نباشد چیزکی، مردم نگویند چیزها
Tâ nabâshad chizaki, mardom naguyand chizhâ
Literal: "Until there’s a little something, people don’t say things"
Meaning: Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
English equivalent: "Where there’s smoke, there’s fire"
Usage: When gossip turns out to have some truth behind it. Your grandma said this about every rumor.
3. هر که بامش بیش، برفش بیشتر
Har ke bâmash bish, barfash bishtar
Literal: "Whoever has a bigger roof gets more snow"
Meaning: The more you have, the more problems you carry.
English equivalent: "More money, more problems" / "Heavy is the head that wears the crown"
Usage: Said when wealthy or powerful people complain about their burdens.
4. چراغی که به خانه رواست، به مسجد حرام است
Cherâghi ke be khâne ravâst, be masjed harâm ast
Literal: "The lamp needed at home is forbidden to the mosque"
Meaning: Take care of your own family before helping strangers.
English equivalent: "Charity begins at home"
Usage: When someone is generous with outsiders but neglects family.
5. از ماست که بر ماست
Az mâst ke bar mâst
Literal: "It’s from us that it’s upon us"
Meaning: We bring our problems on ourselves.
English equivalent: "We reap what we sow"
Usage: When Iranians complain about their own country or community. this proverb acknowledges collective responsibility.
6. عقل که نباشد، جان در عذاب است
Aql ke nabâshad, jân dar azâb ast
Literal: "When there’s no wisdom, the soul is in torment"
Meaning: Foolishness causes suffering.
Usage: Said about someone who keeps making bad decisions. Usually accompanied by a heavy sigh.
7. دیوار موش داره، موش هم گوش داره
Divâr mush dâre, mush ham gush dâre
Literal: "The wall has a mouse, the mouse has ears"
Meaning: Be careful what you say. someone is always listening.
English equivalent: "Walls have ears"
Usage: Warning someone to lower their voice or not discuss sensitive topics.
Work, Money, and Effort
8. نابرده رنج، گنج میسر نمیشود
Nâborde ranj, ganj moyassar nemishavad
Literal: "Without enduring hardship, treasure isn’t achieved"
Meaning: No pain, no gain.
English equivalent: "No pain, no gain"
Usage: The ultimate Iranian work ethic proverb. From the poet Sa’di.
9. سحرخیز باش تا کامروا شوی
Saharkhiz bâsh tâ kâmravâ shavi
Literal: "Be an early riser to be successful"
Meaning: Early to rise brings success.
English equivalent: "The early bird catches the worm"
Usage: What your Iranian parent told you at 6 AM every Saturday.
10. آب از آب تکان نمیخورد
Âb az âb tekân nemikhore
Literal: "Water doesn’t ripple from water"
Meaning: Nothing is happening; everything is calm.
Usage: When someone asks how things are going and the answer is "same old, same old."
11. پول علف خرسه
Pul alaf-e kherse
Literal: "Money is bear’s grass"
Meaning: Money is no object / money grows on trees.
Usage: Said sarcastically when someone spends recklessly. "oh sure, money’s just bear’s grass."
12. یک دست صدا نداره
Yek dast sedâ nadâre
Literal: "One hand has no sound"
Meaning: You can’t do it alone; you need cooperation.
English equivalent: "It takes two to tango"
Usage: When someone refuses to ask for help.
13. کار نیکو کردن از پر کردن است
Kâr-e niku kardan az por kardan ast
Literal: "Doing good work comes from filling"
Meaning: Practice makes perfect.
English equivalent: "Practice makes perfect"
Usage: Encouraging someone who’s struggling with a new skill.
14. مرغ همسایه غازه
Morgh-e hamsâye ghâze
Literal: "The neighbor’s chicken is a goose"
Meaning: Other people’s things always seem better.
English equivalent: "The grass is always greener on the other side"
Usage: When someone envies what others have.
Relationships and People
15. دوست آن باشد که گیرد دست دوست / در پریشانحالی و درماندگی
Dust ân bâshad ke girad dast-e dust / dar parishân-hâli va darmândegi
Literal: "A friend is one who takes a friend’s hand in troubled times and helplessness"
Meaning: True friends show up when things get hard.
English equivalent: "A friend in need is a friend indeed"
Usage: When someone comes through during a difficult time. From Sa’di.
16. از دوست یک اشاره، از ما به سر دویدن
Az dust yek eshâre, az mâ be sar davidan
Literal: "From a friend, one gesture; from us, running headfirst"
Meaning: For a true friend, the slightest hint is enough. we’ll go all out.
Usage: Expressing devotion and willingness to help.
17. هر که را طاووس خواهد، جور هندوستان کشد
Har ke râ tâvus khâhad, jour-e Hendustân keshad
Literal: "Whoever wants a peacock must endure the hardships of India"
Meaning: Beautiful things require sacrifice to obtain.
English equivalent: "Nothing worth having comes easy"
Usage: Relationship advice. Also career advice. Also life advice. Grandma was versatile.
18. با یک گل بهار نمیشه
Bâ yek gol bahâr nemishe
Literal: "With one flower, it doesn’t become spring"
Meaning: One good sign doesn’t mean everything is fixed.
English equivalent: "One swallow does not make a summer"
Usage: When someone gets excited too quickly about a small positive sign.
19. هر سخن جایی و هر نکته مقامی دارد
Har sokhan jâyi va har nokte maqâmi dârad
Literal: "Every word has a place and every point has a station"
Meaning: There’s a time and place for everything.
English equivalent: "There’s a time and place for everything"
Usage: Telling someone their comment was inappropriate for the setting.
20. زبان سرخ سر سبز میدهد بر باد
Zabân-e sorkh sar-e sabz midahad bar bâd
Literal: "A red tongue gives a green head to the wind"
Meaning: Careless words can cost you your life.
English equivalent: "Loose lips sink ships"
Usage: Warning someone to watch what they say. particularly relevant in Iranian political context.
21. سنگ بزرگ نشانه نزدنه
Sang-e bozorg neshâne nazadane
Literal: "A big stone is a sign of not throwing"
Meaning: Making grand promises usually means you won’t deliver.
English equivalent: "All talk and no action"
Usage: When someone makes oversized promises.
Food and Hospitality
22. مهمان حبیب خداست
Mehmân habib-e khodâst
Literal: "A guest is God’s beloved"
Meaning: Guests must be honored and treated with utmost respect.
Usage: The foundational proverb of Iranian hospitality. Used to justify absurd levels of generosity toward guests.
23. نمکشناس باش
Namak-shenâs bâsh
Literal: "Be salt-knowing"
Meaning: Be grateful to those who’ve fed and helped you.
Usage: Reminding someone to show loyalty and gratitude, especially to benefactors.
24. هر کی نون بده، فرمانده
Har ki nun bede, farmândehe
Literal: "Whoever gives bread is the commander"
Meaning: The one who feeds you has power over you.
English equivalent: "Don’t bite the hand that feeds you"
Usage: Explaining power dynamics in families and workplaces.
25. اشک تمساح
Ashk-e temsâh
Literal: "Crocodile tears"
Meaning: Fake crying or insincere sympathy.
English equivalent: "Crocodile tears" (same in English!)
Usage: Calling out someone who pretends to be sad but isn’t.
26. آشپز که دوتا شد، آش یا شوره یا بینمک
Âshpaz ke dotâ shod, âsh yâ shure yâ binamak
Literal: "When there are two cooks, the soup is either too salty or tasteless"
Meaning: Too many people in charge ruins the result.
English equivalent: "Too many cooks spoil the broth"
Usage: When a committee makes a mess of a project.
27. مرغ که خورد، آبشم بخور
Morgh ke khordi, âbesham bokhor
Literal: "You ate the chicken, now drink its broth too"
Meaning: Once you’ve started something, accept all the consequences.
English equivalent: "You made your bed, now lie in it"
Usage: When someone complains about consequences of their own choices.
Patience and Timing
28. صبر تلخ است ولی ثمرش شیرین
Sabr talkh ast vali samarash shirin
Literal: "Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet"
Meaning: Patience pays off.
English equivalent: "Patience is a virtue" (but the Persian version is more poetic)
Usage: Every Iranian grandmother’s response to impatience.
29. عجله کار شیطانه
Ajale kâr-e sheytâne
Literal: "Haste is the devil’s work"
Meaning: Rushing leads to mistakes.
English equivalent: "Haste makes waste"
Usage: Said to anyone making a rushed decision.
30. خواستن، توانستن است
Khâstan, tavânestan ast
Literal: "Wanting is being able"
Meaning: Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
English equivalent: "Where there’s a will, there’s a way"
Usage: Motivational. Usually delivered with a pointed look.
31. گذشتهها گذشته
Gozashte-hâ gozashte
Literal: "The past things have passed"
Meaning: Let bygones be bygones.
English equivalent: "Let bygones be bygones"
Usage: Ending arguments, moving on from grudges.
32. آب رفته به جوی باز نمیگرده
Âb rafte be juy bâz nemigarde
Literal: "Water that’s flowed in the stream doesn’t come back"
Meaning: What’s done is done. you can’t reverse it.
English equivalent: "No use crying over spilled milk"
Usage: When someone regrets a past decision.
33. هر چه بادا، باد
Har che bâdâ, bâd
Literal: "Whatever the wind brings, let it come"
Meaning: Come what may. accepting fate.
English equivalent: "Come what may" / "Que sera sera"
Usage: When taking a risk or facing an uncertain situation with acceptance.
Caution and Warning
34. از این ستون به اون ستون فرجه
Az in sotun be un sotun forjast
Literal: "From this pillar to that pillar, there’s relief"
Meaning: Things can change in an instant. hold on.
Usage: Offering hope during difficult times. Very common in Iranian households.
35. تا تنور داغه، نون رو بچسبون
Tâ tanur dâghe, nun ro bechasbon
Literal: "While the oven is hot, stick the bread"
Meaning: Strike while the iron is hot. seize the opportunity.
English equivalent: "Strike while the iron is hot"
Usage: Encouraging someone to act on a time-sensitive opportunity.
36. با یه تیر دو نشان زدن
Bâ ye tir do neshân zadan
Literal: "Hitting two targets with one arrow"
Meaning: Accomplishing two goals with one action.
English equivalent: "Killing two birds with one stone"
Usage: When a single action solves two problems.
37. جوجه رو آخر پاییز میشمرند
Juje ro âkhar-e pâyiz mishmorand
Literal: "They count the chicks at the end of autumn"
Meaning: Don’t count your blessings too early.
English equivalent: "Don’t count your chickens before they hatch"
Usage: Warning against premature celebration.
38. مار گزیده از ریسمان سیاه و سفید میترسه
Mâr gazide az rismân-e siâh o sefid mitarse
Literal: "Someone bitten by a snake fears a black and white rope"
Meaning: Once burned, twice shy.
English equivalent: "Once bitten, twice shy"
Usage: When someone is overly cautious due to past bad experiences.
39. آتش که گرفت، خشک و تر میسوزه
Âtash ke gereft, khoshk o tar misuze
Literal: "When fire takes, it burns both dry and wet"
Meaning: When disaster strikes, it affects everyone. innocent and guilty alike.
Usage: About collateral damage from conflicts or bad situations.
Character and Behavior
40. کبوتر با کبوتر، باز با باز
Kabutar bâ kabutar, bâz bâ bâz
Literal: "Pigeons with pigeons, hawks with hawks"
Meaning: Like attracts like; people associate with their own kind.
English equivalent: "Birds of a feather flock together"
Usage: Commentary on someone’s choice of friends (usually disapproving).
41. تره به تخمش میره
Tare be tokhmash mire
Literal: "A leek goes after its seed"
Meaning: Children take after their parents.
English equivalent: "The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree"
Usage: When a child behaves exactly like their parent (good or bad).
42. خربزه خوردی، حالا پای لرزش هم بشین
Kharboze khordi, hâlâ pâ-ye larzesh ham beshin
Literal: "You ate the melon, now sit through its shivering too"
Meaning: You enjoyed the benefit, now accept the consequences.
English equivalent: "Face the music"
Usage: When someone complains about the aftermath of a choice they willingly made.
43. هر کسی رو از کار و بارش میشناسن
Har kasi ro az kâr o bârash mishnâsan
Literal: "Everyone is known by their work and burden"
Meaning: You’re judged by your actions, not your words.
English equivalent: "Actions speak louder than words"
Usage: Encouraging someone to prove themselves through deeds.
44. آدم دو بار از یه سوراخ گزیده نمیشه
Âdam do bâr az ye surâkh gazide nemishe
Literal: "A person doesn’t get bitten from the same hole twice"
Meaning: Only a fool makes the same mistake twice.
English equivalent: "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me"
Usage: When someone’s about to repeat a past mistake.
45. خود کرده را تدبیر نیست
Khod karde râ tadbir nist
Literal: "For what one has done to oneself, there is no remedy"
Meaning: If you brought this on yourself, no one can fix it for you.
Usage: Harsh but common response to self-inflicted problems.
Wit and Irony
46. کلاغ خواست راه رفتن کبک رو یاد بگیره، راه رفتن خودشم یادش رفت
Kalâgh khâst râh raftan-e kabk ro yâd begire, râh raftan-e khodesham yâdesh raft
Literal: "The crow tried to learn the partridge’s walk and forgot its own"
Meaning: Imitating others makes you lose your identity.
English equivalent: "Be yourself; everyone else is taken"
Usage: About people who copy others and lose their own authenticity. Very applicable to diaspora identity.
47. کوه به کوه نمیرسه، آدم به آدم میرسه
Kuh be kuh nemirse, âdam be âdam mirese
Literal: "Mountain doesn’t reach mountain, but person reaches person"
Meaning: People cross paths again. be careful how you treat others.
English equivalent: "It’s a small world"
Usage: Warning someone not to burn bridges.
48. سری که درد نمیکنه، دستمال نمیبندن
Sari ke dard nemikone, dastmâl nemibandan
Literal: "A head that doesn’t hurt doesn’t get wrapped in a bandage"
Meaning: Don’t look for trouble or get involved unnecessarily.
English equivalent: "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it"
Usage: Telling someone to mind their own business.
49. ادب از که آموختی؟ از بیادبان
Adab az ke âmukhti? Az bi-adabân
Literal: "From whom did you learn manners? From the ill-mannered"
Meaning: Bad examples teach you what not to do.
Usage: When someone’s rudeness becomes an unintentional lesson.
50. ماهی رو هر وقت از آب بگیری تازهست
Mâhi ro har vaght az âb begiri tâze-st
Literal: "Whenever you take a fish out of water, it’s fresh"
Meaning: It’s never too late to start.
English equivalent: "Better late than never" / "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is now"
Usage: Encouraging someone who thinks they’ve missed their chance. The perfect proverb for anyone thinking "am I too old to learn Farsi?". no, you’re not. The fish is always fresh.
Using Proverbs Like an Iranian
Knowing these proverbs is one thing. Using them like an Iranian is another. Here are the rules:
Timing is everything. A proverb dropped at the right moment earns you respect. The same proverb at the wrong moment makes you sound like a fortune cookie.
Delivery matters. Iranians often say only the first half of a well-known proverb and let the listener complete it mentally. If you can do this, you sound deeply fluent.
Don’t overuse them. One per conversation is elegant. Five per conversation is annoying. Your grandma earned the right to stack proverbs; you haven’t yet.
Learn the context. Every proverb has a "right" situation. Using هر که بامش بیش to console someone who just lost their job would be tone-deaf. Context sensitivity is what separates memorization from mastery.
For more on the cultural expressions that season everyday Persian, check out the Persian idioms guide and the Persian fables and stories collection.
And if you want to understand the diaspora experience that keeps these proverbs alive across continents, visit the diaspora identity hub.
FAQ
What is a zarb-ol-masal in Persian?
Do Iranians still use these old proverbs in daily life?
How many proverbs should a Farsi learner know?
Where do Persian proverbs come from?
Are Persian proverbs the same as Persian idioms?
Proverbs are the keys to understanding how Iranians think. ZabanYar teaches you not just words but the cultural wisdom behind them. the kind of depth that makes your Farsi feel Iranian, not just technically correct.
Want to practice using these proverbs in context with a native speaker? I teach on Preply. bring your favorite proverb to the first session and we’ll build a conversation around it.