Other Persian Proverbs
other-farsi-idioms
Persian: A Language of Enchantment and Depth
The Persian language is a vast ocean enriched by expressions, proverbs, and sayings. To attempt categorizing all Persian proverbs into ten sections was truly “kâr-e hazrat-e fil” (“something that only His Majesty the Elephant can accomplish”)—a humorous Persian way of saying that the task is dauntingly difficult. As part of this endeavor, we opted to classify proverbs based on the frequency of their keywords, reserving the last category, “Others,” for proverbs with less common themes, such as numbers, sports, and parts of a house.
A Playful Approach to Numbers
Numbers, often confined to the realms of mathematics and business, take on lively and imaginative roles in Persian proverbs. For example, instead of simply stating that someone is perpetually poor, Iranians say: “Someone’s 8 is the gauge of their 9”—evoking the constant need for borrowing. Or, when describing someone overthinking a straightforward decision, one might say: “They are multiplying two by two.”
Sports Metaphors: Traditional and Modern
Iranian enthusiasm for creating metaphors extends seamlessly to sports. Centuries ago, poets like Rudaki, Sa’di, and Hafiz creatively used polo-related terms—such as the ball, field, and polo stick—to symbolize opportunities of youth, a beloved’s eyebrows, or even the stooped posture of old age. For example, Hafiz conveys that life is fleeting, urging us to seize every opportunity to enjoy it. He uses the polo ball as a metaphor for life’s chances and the polo stick to symbolize the curved posture of old age, famously expressing this sentiment in the following verse:
ای جوان سرو قامت گویی بزن / پیش از آن کز قامتت چوگان کنند
“Young man, strike the ball / before time bends your straight stature into the shape of a polo stick.”
In today’s world, the global embrace of football (soccer) has inspired fresh expressions. For instance, “gol beh xodi zadan” (“Score an own goal”) humorously illustrates how someone inadvertently worsens their own situation.
Expressions of Hope and Resilience
Languages often reflect the human experience of navigating uncertainties, and Persian provides profound ways to boost hope for the future. Consider poetic sayings like “pâyân-e šab-e siyah, sepid ast” (“The end of the dark night is bright”), reassuring us that light follows darkness. Similarly, “az in sotun be un sotun faraj-e” (“From this pillar to that one, there is respite”) encourages patience and faith in life’s transitions.
Learn Persian with FarsiMonde
Learning Persian sayings and proverbs enhances your ability to communicate profound concepts naturally. Beyond that, proverbs—rooted in cultural heritage—unveil the deep beliefs and philosophies of Persian speakers. By learning Persian at an advanced level, you gain access to a rich culture, enchanting poetry, and profound wisdom passed down through generations.
FarsiMonde offers Persian online classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced learners. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to deepen your understanding, our courses are tailored to help you succeed. Ready to explore the beauty of the Persian language and culture? Contact FarsiMonde today and let us guide you through this enriching experience!
