In each language, you will find that there are sayings which make absolutely no sense when translated into English. Some of them are quite humorous, which we found to be the case with some of our Persian sayings. Read through our list; you'll see that some of them make no sense at all, but have a good laugh anyhow!
1. khasté nabāshee
This saying, which means 'don't be tired,' is commonly used in Farsi. We often say it when someone has been working hard, and we want them to feel appreciated. It can also be used once a people finished their work for the day, or even as a conversation starter, by saying, "Salām! Khasté nabāshee!"
2. khar too kharé
This phrase translated means 'there's a donkey inside a donkey.' It is used to show chaos and disorganization. For example, if you're in a meeting, and the staff are late, the agenda hasn't yet been finalized, and nothing is organized, by saying 'khar too kharé,' this explains exactly what you mean.
3. saramō bordee
The literal meaning of this phrase is, 'you took away my head.' It is used when you need to show that someone has talked too much, as it signifies 'you talked my head off.'
4. na bābā
This saying is used to express that you disagree with something. It literally means, 'no father,' but is a general way of answering no.
5. pedar sag
This phrase means, 'your father is a dog,' and is used to express your dislike towards a person. It is considered an insult when used in Farsi.
6. shākh darāvordam
Shāk darāvordam is a Persian saying with the literal meaning 'I grew horns!' Similar phrases are used in other languages too, for instance, in Italian, it would mean that your wife cheated on you. For us, it just means 'I was incredibly surprised!' or 'I couldn't believe it!'
7. chashm
This word means 'eye' and is a way of saying yes.
8. damet garm
Damet garm is common phrase used in our culture meaning 'may your breath be warm.' We tend to use this once someone's said something which is seen as being particularly thoughtful and clever. By saying damet garm, it's like saying to the person you're speaking to, 'may you live for a long time!'
9. deltangam
The literal meaning of 'deltangam' is 'my heart is tight.' It is quite poetic, and we use it to show that we are longing for someone or something, as it means 'I am longing.'
10. doret begardam
Doret begardam means 'let me do circles around you,' and when we want to say things like 'I love you so much,' or 'I admire you,' and 'I would do anything for you.' Parents often use it when they talk to children.
11. dozāreet oftād
A dozaree is a coin which was used for public telephone booths in Iran. However, there were times when the phone booths would not take the coin, and it would simply drop out. So, one would need to try over and over again. Eventually, this expression was used as a metaphor for someone finally getting something. It can even be used when a person takes a while to get a joke and by saying 'dozāreet oftād,' means they finally got the joke.
1. khasté nabāshee
This saying, which means 'don't be tired,' is commonly used in Farsi. We often say it when someone has been working hard, and we want them to feel appreciated. It can also be used once a people finished their work for the day, or even as a conversation starter, by saying, "Salām! Khasté nabāshee!"
2. khar too kharé
This phrase translated means 'there's a donkey inside a donkey.' It is used to show chaos and disorganization. For example, if you're in a meeting, and the staff are late, the agenda hasn't yet been finalized, and nothing is organized, by saying 'khar too kharé,' this explains exactly what you mean.
3. saramō bordee
The literal meaning of this phrase is, 'you took away my head.' It is used when you need to show that someone has talked too much, as it signifies 'you talked my head off.'
4. na bābā
This saying is used to express that you disagree with something. It literally means, 'no father,' but is a general way of answering no.
5. pedar sag
This phrase means, 'your father is a dog,' and is used to express your dislike towards a person. It is considered an insult when used in Farsi.
6. shākh darāvordam
Shāk darāvordam is a Persian saying with the literal meaning 'I grew horns!' Similar phrases are used in other languages too, for instance, in Italian, it would mean that your wife cheated on you. For us, it just means 'I was incredibly surprised!' or 'I couldn't believe it!'
7. chashm
This word means 'eye' and is a way of saying yes.
8. damet garm
Damet garm is common phrase used in our culture meaning 'may your breath be warm.' We tend to use this once someone's said something which is seen as being particularly thoughtful and clever. By saying damet garm, it's like saying to the person you're speaking to, 'may you live for a long time!'
9. deltangam
The literal meaning of 'deltangam' is 'my heart is tight.' It is quite poetic, and we use it to show that we are longing for someone or something, as it means 'I am longing.'
10. doret begardam
Doret begardam means 'let me do circles around you,' and when we want to say things like 'I love you so much,' or 'I admire you,' and 'I would do anything for you.' Parents often use it when they talk to children.
11. dozāreet oftād
A dozaree is a coin which was used for public telephone booths in Iran. However, there were times when the phone booths would not take the coin, and it would simply drop out. So, one would need to try over and over again. Eventually, this expression was used as a metaphor for someone finally getting something. It can even be used when a person takes a while to get a joke and by saying 'dozāreet oftād,' means they finally got the joke.