Signification
Used to introduce a well-known proverb or common expression.
Contexte culturel
Proverbs are often used to avoid direct confrontation. Using 'به قول معروف' allows the speaker to hide behind the 'wisdom of the ages' rather than taking personal responsibility for a harsh truth. In modern Tehran, young people sometimes use this phrase ironically to introduce 'modern proverbs' or memes from social media. In Dari Persian, the phrase is equally common, though the proverbs that follow might differ slightly in wording. The respect for oral tradition is identical. Tajik speakers use 'با گپِ معروف' (Ba gap-e ma'ruf) as a local variation, where 'gap' replaces 'ghowl'.
The 'Attribution' Trick
If you forget a proverb, you can just say 'به قول معروف...' and then explain the idea. People will assume there's a proverb for it even if you don't know the exact words!
Don't 'Ke' It
Avoid saying 'به قول معروف که...'. Just pause and say the proverb directly. It sounds much more native.
Signification
Used to introduce a well-known proverb or common expression.
The 'Attribution' Trick
If you forget a proverb, you can just say 'به قول معروف...' and then explain the idea. People will assume there's a proverb for it even if you don't know the exact words!
Don't 'Ke' It
Avoid saying 'به قول معروف که...'. Just pause and say the proverb directly. It sounds much more native.
Softening Criticism
Use this phrase when you need to tell someone they are wrong. It shifts the blame from you to 'the famous saying'.
Pairing with Poets
For a B2+ level, try saying 'به قولِ حافظ' or 'به قولِ سعدی'. It shows you are highly educated.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
________، وقت طلاست.
The standard idiom is 'به قول معروف'.
Which situation is best for using 'به قول معروف'?
You want to tell your friend that 'haste makes waste'.
It acts as an introduction to the proverb.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: I'm so tired of this project. B: Don't give up! ________، نابرده رنج گنج میسر نمیشود.
The second part of the sentence is a famous proverb, so 'به قول معروف' is the correct marker.
Match the proverb with the situation using 'به قول معروف'.
Situation: Someone is being very hypocritical.
This proverb specifically critiques hypocrisy.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formality Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercices________، وقت طلاست.
The standard idiom is 'به قول معروف'.
You want to tell your friend that 'haste makes waste'.
It acts as an introduction to the proverb.
A: I'm so tired of this project. B: Don't give up! ________، نابرده رنج گنج میسر نمیشود.
The second part of the sentence is a famous proverb, so 'به قول معروف' is the correct marker.
Situation: Someone is being very hypocritical.
This proverb specifically critiques hypocrisy.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandmother, or your best friend.
Yes, but use it sparingly. In very formal academic writing, 'به گفتهی معروف' is slightly better.
No, it is a fixed phrase. It never changes.
If you use this phrase, you are *claiming* it is famous. It's a way to give your words authority.
Yes, 'Ghowl' can mean promise, but in this context, it specifically means 'saying' or 'word'.
No, adding the 'i' (indefinite) at the end makes it sound wrong. Keep it as 'Ma'ruf'.
You would say 'به قولِ انگلیسیها'.
Modern poetry, yes. Classical poetry usually uses more complex ways to quote others.
Not by itself, but it can be used sarcastically to point out a cliché.
Yes, if the movie line has become a 'famous saying' in culture.
Expressions liées
به عبارت دیگر
similarIn other words
خلاصه کلام
builds onIn short / The bottom line
به قولِ تو
specialized formAccording to you
نقل قول
similarA quotation
ضربالمثل
builds onProverb
