Bedeutung
Evaluate your words before saying them.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The concept of 'Zaban ki mithaas' (sweetness of tongue) is highly valued. Speaking harshly is seen as a lack of upbringing ('Tarbiyat'). Sufis believe that silence is a form of worship. They teach that one should only speak if their words are more beautiful than silence. In professional settings in cities like Karachi or Islamabad, this proverb is used to encourage 'Professionalism' and 'Emotional Intelligence'. Lucknow is famous for its extremely polite and measured Urdu. Here, 'weighing words' is not just a proverb but a lifestyle.
The 3-Second Rule
If you find it hard to 'weigh' your words, just wait 3 seconds before responding. That is the physical version of this proverb.
Don't be a Robot
If you weigh your words TOO much, you might stop talking altogether! Balance is key.
Bedeutung
Evaluate your words before saying them.
The 3-Second Rule
If you find it hard to 'weigh' your words, just wait 3 seconds before responding. That is the physical version of this proverb.
Don't be a Robot
If you weigh your words TOO much, you might stop talking altogether! Balance is key.
Tehzeeb
Using this proverb in a conversation shows you have a deep respect for Urdu culture and manners.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
پہلے _______ پھر _______۔
The standard form is 'Pehle Tolo Phir Bolo'.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
Your friend is about to post an angry comment on a celebrity's Instagram.
The proverb is a warning to think before speaking (or typing) in emotional moments.
Choose the best response to complete the dialogue.
احمد: میں نے اسے بہت برا بھلا کہہ دیا، اب وہ مجھ سے بات نہیں کر رہی۔ سارہ: میں نے تمہیں کہا تھا کہ _______۔
Both proverbs fit: 'Pehle Tolo...' was the advice he ignored, and 'Ab pachtaye...' means there's no use crying over spilled milk.
What does 'Tolo' literally mean in this context?
لفظ 'تولو' کا لفظی مطلب کیا ہے؟
'Tolna' means to weigh on a scale.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgabenپہلے _______ پھر _______۔
The standard form is 'Pehle Tolo Phir Bolo'.
Your friend is about to post an angry comment on a celebrity's Instagram.
The proverb is a warning to think before speaking (or typing) in emotional moments.
احمد: میں نے اسے بہت برا بھلا کہہ دیا، اب وہ مجھ سے بات نہیں کر رہی۔ سارہ: میں نے تمہیں کہا تھا کہ _______۔
Both proverbs fit: 'Pehle Tolo...' was the advice he ignored, and 'Ab pachtaye...' means there's no use crying over spilled milk.
لفظ 'تولو' کا لفظی مطلب کیا ہے؟
'Tolna' means to weigh on a scale.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it's for any situation where words matter, including giving advice, business deals, or public speaking.
Yes, but be careful. Saying it TO your boss might sound like you are lecturing them. It's better to say 'I am trying to follow this rule' rather than telling them to do it.
The phrase 'Munh میں جو آئے کہہ دینا' (Saying whatever comes to the mouth) is the opposite behavior.
Yes, it's the standard verb for weighing. You'll hear it at fruit stalls and grocery stores.
In Hindi, it's the same. In English, 'Think before you speak' doesn't rhyme, but it's equally catchy.
While the sentiment aligns with Islamic teachings, it is a cultural proverb, not a direct verse.
Absolutely. It's a great way to conclude a piece on communication or ethics.
You would say: 'Main ne pehle tola phir bola.'
Yes, it can be seen as disrespectful to give advice to an elder using a proverb unless you are very close.
You can say 'Socho' (Think), and people will still understand you, but it won't be the proverb.
Verwandte Redewendungen
سوچ سمجھ کر بولنا
synonymTo speak with thought and understanding.
زبان سنبھالنا
similarTo hold/control one's tongue.
کم بولو، سچ بولو
builds onSpeak less, speak the truth.
بغیر سوچے سمجھے
contrastWithout thinking or understanding.
