دوستی سر جای خود، حساب سر جای خود.
doosti sar-e jay-e khod, hesab sar-e jay-e khod.
Friendship in its place, accounts in their place.
मतलब
Friendship is important, but financial matters should be kept separate and clear.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
In the traditional Bazaar, your word is your bond, but every transaction is recorded in a 'Daftar' (ledger). This proverb balances the 'Luti' (generous/chivalrous) culture with the necessity of trade. Young entrepreneurs in Iran use this phrase to distance themselves from the 'old way' of doing business based only on favors, moving towards international standards of contracting. The phrase is equally common in Afghanistan, often used with the 'Kaka baradar' variation, reflecting shared Silk Road trading values. In Tajik culture, where hospitality is paramount, this phrase is a vital tool for protecting one's livelihood from over-extended social obligations.
The Smile Technique
Always say this with a friendly smile. It's a 'soft' proverb used to deliver 'hard' news.
Don't be a 'Chortke-andaz'
Don't use this for tiny things like a glass of water. You don't want to be known as someone who 'throws the abacus' (chortke-andaz) for every penny.
मतलब
Friendship is important, but financial matters should be kept separate and clear.
The Smile Technique
Always say this with a friendly smile. It's a 'soft' proverb used to deliver 'hard' news.
Don't be a 'Chortke-andaz'
Don't use this for tiny things like a glass of water. You don't want to be known as someone who 'throws the abacus' (chortke-andaz) for every penny.
Bypassing Ta'arof
If someone says 'Ghabeli nadarad' (It's nothing), this proverb is your best way to insist on paying without being rude.
Use with Family
It's especially useful with siblings to keep family gatherings stress-free.
खुद को परखो
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
دوستی سر جای خود، _______ سر جای خود.
The canonical word used in this proverb is 'hesab' (accounting/calculation).
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to use this phrase?
Which scenario fits the proverb?
Starting a business with a friend is the classic scenario where separating friendship from accounting is vital for long-term success.
Choose the best response to complete the dialogue.
علی: «بیا این پول رو از من نگیر، ما که با هم این حرفها رو نداریم!» رضا: «نه علی جان، ممنونم ولی...»
Reza wants to pay his debt to Ali despite Ali's 'Ta'arof'. The proverb is the perfect polite way to insist.
What is the main cultural purpose of this phrase in Iran?
Why do Iranians use this phrase?
The phrase acts as a socially acceptable way to stop being overly polite and start being practical about money.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Ta'arof vs. This Proverb
अभ्यास बैंक
4 अभ्यासدوستی سر جای خود، _______ سر جای خود.
The canonical word used in this proverb is 'hesab' (accounting/calculation).
Which scenario fits the proverb?
Starting a business with a friend is the classic scenario where separating friendship from accounting is vital for long-term success.
علی: «بیا این پول رو از من نگیر، ما که با هم این حرفها رو نداریم!» رضا: «نه علی جان، ممنونم ولی...»
Reza wants to pay his debt to Ali despite Ali's 'Ta'arof'. The proverb is the perfect polite way to insist.
Why do Iranians use this phrase?
The phrase acts as a socially acceptable way to stop being overly polite and start being practical about money.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
12 सवालNo, it's actually considered a sign of maturity. It shows you value the friendship enough to want to keep it clear of money stress.
Yes, if discussing salary or boundaries with a potential employer who is also an acquaintance.
The 'Kaka baradar' version is more colloquial and slightly firmer. 'Sar-e jaye khod' is more elegant and neutral.
No, in the proverb form, 'ast' is almost always omitted for rhythm.
Rarely. It's almost 95% used for financial or professional boundaries.
If they get offended, they might not understand the cultural value of 'khosh-hesabi'. You can follow up with: 'I just want us to stay friends forever.'
It's more of a spoken proverb, but it can be used in journalism or informal essays.
Say: 'Bia dāngemoon ro hesab konim, doosti sar-e jaye khod, hesab sar-e jaye khod.'
Very. Especially with the rise of 'dāngi' (splitting) culture in cafes.
It means 'accounting' or 'the bill/ledger' in this context.
Technically yes, but the standard order starts with 'Doosti' (Friendship) because you are prioritizing the relationship first.
Sometimes people just say 'Hesab hesabe...' and let the other person finish it.
संबंधित मुहावरे
حساب حساب است، کاکا برادر
synonymAccounting is accounting, [even if you are my] brother.
دنگ خود را دادن
builds onTo pay one's share.
تعارف آمد و رفت دارد
contrastTa'arof comes and goes (is mutual).
حساب به دینار، بخشش به خروار
similarCalculate by the penny, give by the ton.
رودربایستی داشتن
contrastTo feel compelled by politeness.
