هر کسی نان خود خورد، فرمان خود برد
har kasi nan-e khod khord, farman-e khod bord
Whoever earns his bread, rules himself
Significado
Independence and self-sufficiency come from earning one's own living.
Contexto cultural
While Iranians are famous for hospitality, there is a deep-seated fear of 'Mennat' (being beholden). This proverb is the linguistic 'escape hatch' from the pressures of Ta'arof and social obligation. Most Iranians, even those without formal education, know lines from Saadi's Gulistan. Using this proverb shows you are not just speaking Persian, but you are tapped into the 'moral DNA' of the culture. The traditional Bazaar was a place of fierce independence. Merchants often used this proverb to explain why they wouldn't take loans from the government or banks, preferring to 'eat their own bread.' For the modern generation, this proverb is often used in the context of 'Zist-e Mostaghel' (Independent Living), which is a growing trend in urban centers like Tehran.
Use it for Dignity
Use this when you want to sound dignified and principled. It's not just about money; it's about character.
Don't Modernize
Never say 'Mikhore' instead of 'Khorad'. It's like saying 'To be or not to be' as 'Being or not being'.
Significado
Independence and self-sufficiency come from earning one's own living.
Use it for Dignity
Use this when you want to sound dignified and principled. It's not just about money; it's about character.
Don't Modernize
Never say 'Mikhore' instead of 'Khorad'. It's like saying 'To be or not to be' as 'Being or not being'.
The 'Mennat' Factor
Remember that 'Mennat' is a huge deal in Iran. This proverb is your best defense against unwanted favors.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the correct classical verb forms.
هر کسی نان خود _______، فرمان خود _______.
The proverb uses the classical third-person singular forms 'Khorad' and 'Borad' to maintain the rhyme.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
A young entrepreneur refuses a government grant because they want to keep their company's vision pure.
The proverb celebrates the link between self-funding and the freedom to make decisions.
What does 'Farman bordan' mean in this context?
In the phrase 'Farman-e khod borad', the word 'borad' means:
'Farman bordan' is a fixed idiom meaning to obey or carry out a command. Here, it means you obey *your own* commands.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'چرا اینقدر سخت کار میکنی؟ بیا از پدرت پول بگیر.' Speaker B: 'نه، ترجیح میدهم خودم پول دربیاورم، چون...'
This is the perfect context for asserting financial independence.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosهر کسی نان خود _______، فرمان خود _______.
The proverb uses the classical third-person singular forms 'Khorad' and 'Borad' to maintain the rhyme.
A young entrepreneur refuses a government grant because they want to keep their company's vision pure.
The proverb celebrates the link between self-funding and the freedom to make decisions.
In the phrase 'Farman-e khod borad', the word 'borad' means:
'Farman bordan' is a fixed idiom meaning to obey or carry out a command. Here, it means you obey *your own* commands.
Speaker A: 'چرا اینقدر سخت کار میکنی؟ بیا از پدرت پول بگیر.' Speaker B: 'نه، ترجیح میدهم خودم پول دربیاورم، چون...'
This is the perfect context for asserting financial independence.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, especially in the context of the 'gig economy' and entrepreneurship. It's seen as a cool, classic way to express modern independence.
Absolutely. Persian pronouns and proverbs are gender-neutral. 'Har kasi' means 'anyone'.
A related negative concept is 'Nan-khor-e bigāne budan' (being a dependent of a stranger/outsider).
Yes, if you are discussing why your company values its independence or why you are rejecting a restrictive partnership.
In Persian culture, 'Nan' (bread) is the symbol of all food and life. It represents the most basic necessity.
No. While 'Bordan' can mean 'to win', in the phrase 'Farman bordan', it means to carry out or obey.
No, it is from the Gulistan of Saadi, though Saadi's works are deeply influenced by Islamic ethics.
Only in a very formal or literary context. It might be too 'heavy' for a quick work email.
That is also correct and actually sounds even more literary and classical.
People sometimes just say the first half 'هر کسی نان خود خورد...' and let the listener finish the rest in their head.
Frases relacionadas
روی پای خود ایستادن
similarTo stand on one's own feet.
دستش به جیبش میرسد
similarHis hand reaches his pocket.
زیر بار منت نرفتن
builds onTo not go under the burden of obligation.
آقا بالا سر داشتن
contrastTo have a master/boss over one's head.
نانخورِ کسی بودن
contrastTo be someone's dependent.
