دهن مردم را نمیتوان بست
dahan-e mardom ra nemitavan bast
You can't shut people's mouths; You can't please everyone
Signification
Acknowledges that criticism or gossip is inevitable and cannot be entirely stopped.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Aaberu' (reputation) is central. This proverb acts as a psychological defense against the 'collective eye' of the community. In Dari-speaking regions, the same proverb is used with similar weight, often in the context of family honor and tribal expectations. Tajik Persian speakers use this proverb to navigate the transition between traditional village life and modern urban living. Second-generation Iranians often use this phrase when discussing the clash between their Western lifestyle and their parents' traditional expectations.
Use it for comfort
This is best used as a supportive phrase. If you use it about yourself, it shows confidence. If you use it for others, it shows empathy.
Don't be too dismissive
If someone is genuinely hurt by a specific lie, saying this too quickly might seem like you don't care about their pain.
Signification
Acknowledges that criticism or gossip is inevitable and cannot be entirely stopped.
Use it for comfort
This is best used as a supportive phrase. If you use it about yourself, it shows confidence. If you use it for others, it shows empathy.
Don't be too dismissive
If someone is genuinely hurt by a specific lie, saying this too quickly might seem like you don't care about their pain.
The 'Gate' variation
Using the full 'Dar-e darvāze...' version makes you sound very fluent and culturally literate.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
دهن _______ را نمیتوان _______.
The standard proverb is 'دهن مردم را نمیتوان بست'.
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
Your friend is worried that the neighbors are talking about her new loud car.
The proverb is used to comfort someone who is bothered by gossip.
Which word is the formal version of 'دهن' (dahan)?
در متون رسمی به جای 'دهن' از چه واژهای استفاده میشود؟
'Dahān' is the formal/literary form of 'dahan'.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: میترسم اگر این کار را انجام دهم، همه پشتم حرف بزنند. علی: __________________________________
This is the most natural and supportive way to use the proverb in a conversation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesدهن _______ را نمیتوان _______.
The standard proverb is 'دهن مردم را نمیتوان بست'.
Your friend is worried that the neighbors are talking about her new loud car.
The proverb is used to comfort someone who is bothered by gossip.
در متون رسمی به جای 'دهن' از چه واژهای استفاده میشود؟
'Dahān' is the formal/literary form of 'dahan'.
سارا: میترسم اگر این کار را انجام دهم، همه پشتم حرف بزنند. علی: __________________________________
This is the most natural and supportive way to use the proverb in a conversation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, but it is less formal than 'dahān'. In this proverb, 'dahan' is the standard way people say it.
Only if you are discussing public relations or social media in a somewhat informal way. Otherwise, it might be too 'folksy'.
It marks 'dahan-e mardom' as the direct object. Without it, the sentence would be grammatically incomplete.
Yes, people often just say 'حرف مردم' (harf-e mardom) to imply the whole proverb.
No, it specifically refers to gossip and unproductive criticism, not helpful advice from friends.
Expressions liées
حرف مردم
similarPeople's talk / Public opinion
درِ دروازه را میشود بست
specialized formOne can close the city gates
هر چه کنی کشت، همان بدروی
contrastYou reap what you sow
زبان سرخ سر سبز میدهد بر باد
similarA red tongue gives the green head to the wind
