Significado
Someone who is modest, quiet, and avoids drawing attention.
Contexto cultural
In Iran, being 'sar be zir' is often linked to 'Nejabat' (decency). It is one of the highest compliments you can give to a young person's upbringing. In Dari Persian, 'sar be zir' is also widely used with the same meaning of modesty and being well-behaved, reflecting shared Persianate values. Tajik speakers use this phrase, though they might also use 'khoksor' (earth-like/humble) more frequently in formal literature. Second-generation Iranians in the West often hear this from their parents as an instruction to be respectful in the community.
Use it as a compliment
If you want to make an Iranian parent happy, describe their child as 'sar be zir'.
Not for objects
Remember, only people can be 'sar be zir'. Don't use it for your phone or car!
Significado
Someone who is modest, quiet, and avoids drawing attention.
Use it as a compliment
If you want to make an Iranian parent happy, describe their child as 'sar be zir'.
Not for objects
Remember, only people can be 'sar be zir'. Don't use it for your phone or car!
Combine with 'Khaki'
To describe the ultimate 'good guy', say: 'Ham sar be zire, ham khaki' (He's both modest and down-to-earth).
The Gaze
In Iran, keeping your head slightly down while listening to an elder is the physical version of this idiom.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
علی هیچوقت بلند حرف نمیزند، او خیلی ... است.
'Sar be zir' means modest and quiet, which fits the context of not speaking loudly.
Which situation is best described as 'sar be zir'?
A person who...
'Sar be zir' describes a modest and well-behaved personality.
Complete the dialogue.
مادر: پسرم در مدرسه چطور است؟ معلم: نگران نباشید، او دانشآموز خیلی ... است.
The teacher is reassuring the mother, so a positive trait like 'sar be zir' is needed.
Match the person to the description.
Match: 1. A humble billionaire, 2. A quiet student, 3. A respectful neighbor.
The idiom is versatile and applies to anyone showing modesty and decency.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Sar be Zir vs. Sar-afkandeh
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosعلی هیچوقت بلند حرف نمیزند، او خیلی ... است.
'Sar be zir' means modest and quiet, which fits the context of not speaking loudly.
A person who...
'Sar be zir' describes a modest and well-behaved personality.
مادر: پسرم در مدرسه چطور است؟ معلم: نگران نباشید، او دانشآموز خیلی ... است.
The teacher is reassuring the mother, so a positive trait like 'sar be zir' is needed.
Match: 1. A humble billionaire, 2. A quiet student, 3. A respectful neighbor.
The idiom is versatile and applies to anyone showing modesty and decency.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasNo, it is almost always a compliment. However, in very rare cases, it might imply someone is too passive, but 95% of the time it's positive.
Yes, it is completely gender-neutral. It is a very common compliment for both men and women.
The personality opposite is 'por-ru' (bold/cheeky) or 'maghrur' (proud).
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or in a semi-formal office setting.
It's close to 'shy', but 'sar be zir' is more about being 'well-behaved' and 'modest' rather than being afraid to talk.
It's better to let others say it about you. Saying 'I am sar be zir' might actually sound a bit boastful, which is ironic!
Yes, many classical poets use the image of the 'head down' to show humility before God or a lover.
The 'r' in Persian is slightly tapped, like the Spanish 'r' in 'pero'.
Yes! You can use it for a very quiet and well-behaved pet.
Yes, 'sar be hava' (head in the air) is the literal opposite and means someone who is clumsy or distracted.
To some younger people, it might sound a bit 'too' traditional, but it's still generally respected.
It's better to use 'motavaze' (humble) in a very formal business email, but 'sar be zir' is fine for a recommendation.
Frases relacionadas
خاکی
similarDown-to-earth
متواضع
synonymHumble
سر به هوا
contrastDistracted/Clumsy
پررو
contrastBold/Impudent
با حیا
similarModest/Bashful
