Bedeutung
Insignificant efforts or wishes won't change major outcomes.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Cats in Iran have a dual status. They are common pets and respected for cleanliness, but in proverbs, they often represent selfishness or smallness compared to the 'Lion' (Shir) which represents power. The concept of 'Mostajab-od-do'ā' (one whose prayers are always answered) is very important. This proverb is the opposite—it describes someone whose prayers are 'rejected' by default. The obsession with rain in Persian proverbs stems from the arid climate of the Iranian plateau. Rain is synonymous with 'Rahmat' (mercy). The proverb subtly reinforces a social hierarchy where the 'breath' (Nafas) of some people is considered more powerful than others.
Use for Confidence
This is a great phrase to show you are confident and not easily bothered by others' opinions.
Don't be too rude
Calling someone a 'cat' in this context is a subtle insult. Use it only when the other person has been negative first.
Bedeutung
Insignificant efforts or wishes won't change major outcomes.
Use for Confidence
This is a great phrase to show you are confident and not easily bothered by others' opinions.
Don't be too rude
Calling someone a 'cat' in this context is a subtle insult. Use it only when the other person has been negative first.
Add 'Siyah' for flavor
Saying 'Gorbe Siyah' (Black Cat) makes you sound more like a native speaker who knows the superstitious variations.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
به دعای ....... باران .......
The standard proverb uses 'gorbe' (cat) and the negative verb 'nemi-āyad' (doesn't come).
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
Someone is jealous of your new car and says, 'I hope you get a flat tire!'
The proverb is used to dismiss ill-wishes from others.
What is the figurative meaning of 'rain' in this proverb?
In the phrase 'rain doesn't come,' what does rain represent?
Rain represents the outcome or the 'blessing' that the cat (the insignificant person) is trying to trigger with their prayer.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'احمد میگه تو حتماً توی مسابقه میبازی.' Speaker B: '.......'
Speaker B should use the proverb to dismiss Ahmad's negative prediction.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgabenبه دعای ....... باران .......
The standard proverb uses 'gorbe' (cat) and the negative verb 'nemi-āyad' (doesn't come).
Someone is jealous of your new car and says, 'I hope you get a flat tire!'
The proverb is used to dismiss ill-wishes from others.
In the phrase 'rain doesn't come,' what does rain represent?
Rain represents the outcome or the 'blessing' that the cat (the insignificant person) is trying to trigger with their prayer.
Speaker A: 'احمد میگه تو حتماً توی مسابقه میبازی.' Speaker B: '.......'
Speaker B should use the proverb to dismiss Ahmad's negative prediction.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt can be dismissive. You are essentially calling the other person's wishes as insignificant as a cat's. Use it with caution.
No, it is strictly for negative wishes or insignificant demands. You wouldn't use it if someone wishes you good luck.
In folklore, cats are often seen as creatures with small, selfish desires, unlike humans whose prayers are thought to reach the heavens.
Both are correct, but 'nemi-āyad' (doesn't come) is much more common in everyday conversation.
Probably not. It's too informal and could be seen as unprofessional or aggressive.
It doesn't matter! The proverb is about the 'prayer,' not a literal dislike of cats.
No, 'gorbe' (cat) is enough, but 'gorbe siyah' (black cat) is a very common variation.
Sometimes people just say 'به دعای گربه...' and let the listener finish the sentence.
It means they are ignoring you. You can either stop being negative or try a different approach!
Yes, it is widely understood in Dari and Tajik as well, with minor dialectal variations.
Verwandte Redewendungen
سگ لاید و کاروان گذرد
similarThe dog barks and the caravan passes.
گربه دستش به گوشت نمیرسه میگه بو میده
builds onThe cat can't reach the meat, so it says it smells bad (Sour grapes).
آب در هاون کوبیدن
similarTo pound water in a mortar.
نفرین گیرا نیست
synonymThe curse doesn't take hold.
