هر سخن جایی و هر نکته مقامی دارد
har sokhan jayi va har nokteh maghami darad
Every word has its place, every point its context
Signification
It is important to speak appropriately for the situation.
Contexte culturel
In Iran, this proverb is a pillar of 'Ta'arof.' It teaches that social harmony is maintained by knowing when to withhold information or when to use a more formal register. In Dari-speaking regions, the proverb is equally popular and reflects the 'Pashtunwali' and Persian-influenced codes of honor and hospitality where speech is carefully weighed. Tajik culture, which shares the same literary heritage, uses this phrase to emphasize the 'Adab' (manners) of the Soviet-influenced but traditionally Persian social structure. Second-generation Iranians often hear this from their parents when they are perceived as being 'too direct' or 'too American' in their communication style.
The 'Ta'arof' Shield
If you accidentally say something awkward in Iran, immediately following it with 'البته میدانم هر سخن جایی دارد' (Of course I know every speech has its place) can save your reputation by showing you know the rule, even if you just broke it.
Don't Be a Robot
Using this phrase too often can make you sound like a boring moralist. Save it for when someone really crosses a line.
Signification
It is important to speak appropriately for the situation.
The 'Ta'arof' Shield
If you accidentally say something awkward in Iran, immediately following it with 'البته میدانم هر سخن جایی دارد' (Of course I know every speech has its place) can save your reputation by showing you know the rule, even if you just broke it.
Don't Be a Robot
Using this phrase too often can make you sound like a boring moralist. Save it for when someone really crosses a line.
The Power of Silence
In Persian culture, silence is often seen as a form of 'Sokhan' (speech). If there is no 'Jā' (place) for your words, silence is the most eloquent response.
Teste-toi
Which situation best fits the proverb 'هر سخن جایی و هر نکته مقامی دارد'?
A person starts complaining about their boss during the boss's birthday party.
This is a classic example of 'wrong place, wrong time' for that specific speech.
Complete the proverb.
هر سخن جایی و هر نکته _______ دارد.
The traditional word is 'Maqāmi' (station).
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'بیا وسط این مراسم رسمی در مورد قیمت پیاز بحث کنیم!' Speaker B: '...'
Speaker B is correctly identifying that a formal ceremony is not the place for trivial complaints.
What is the core message of this proverb?
The proverb emphasizes:
It's all about matching the 'Sokhan' to the 'Jā'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA person starts complaining about their boss during the boss's birthday party.
This is a classic example of 'wrong place, wrong time' for that specific speech.
هر سخن جایی و هر نکته _______ دارد.
The traditional word is 'Maqāmi' (station).
Speaker A: 'بیا وسط این مراسم رسمی در مورد قیمت پیاز بحث کنیم!' Speaker B: '...'
Speaker B is correctly identifying that a formal ceremony is not the place for trivial complaints.
The proverb emphasizes:
It's all about matching the 'Sokhan' to the 'Jā'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it is secular and literary, though it aligns with Islamic teachings on discretion and manners.
Yes, but usually in a joking way if they say something weird, or seriously if they are being genuinely inappropriate.
'Jā' is more about the physical or situational 'place,' while 'Maqām' implies the social 'rank' or 'station' of the context.
Yes, 'هر سخن جایی دارد' is a very common shorthand and everyone will understand the rest.
You can say 'زمان و مکان' (Zamān o Makān), but for speech, this proverb is the standard way to express that idea.
Expressions liées
زبان سرخ سر سبز میدهد بر باد
similarA red tongue (indiscreet speech) can cause the loss of a green head (life).
کم گوی و گزیده گوی چون در
builds onSpeak little, but let your words be choice like pearls.
سخنسنجی
specialized formThe art of measuring and weighing one's words.
بیگدار به آب نزن
similarDon't enter the water without knowing the ford.
