मतलब
To make a very slight effort, implying that only a small sign is needed.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
In Iran, being a 'good host' means anticipating needs before they are spoken. 'Lab tar kardan' is the verbal expression of this cultural value. Among young people in Tehran, this phrase is often shortened or used with 'Luti' accents to show 'gang' loyalty or deep brotherhood. Poets like Hafez use 'Lab' (lip) and 'Tar' (wet/fresh) to describe the spiritual thirst of the lover for the beloved. In Iranian 'Kolah-Makhmali' films of the 1960s, the hero often uses this phrase to show his readiness to fight for the weak.
The 'If' is Silent
You don't need to say 'Agar' (If). Just saying 'Lab tar koni...' automatically implies the condition.
Don't be too literal
If you use this while someone is actually drinking water, it might be taken as a joke about them spilling it.
मतलब
To make a very slight effort, implying that only a small sign is needed.
The 'If' is Silent
You don't need to say 'Agar' (If). Just saying 'Lab tar koni...' automatically implies the condition.
Don't be too literal
If you use this while someone is actually drinking water, it might be taken as a joke about them spilling it.
The Response
When someone says this to you, the most polite response is 'Ghorbanat' (May I be your sacrifice) or 'Mamnoon' (Thank you).
खुद को परखो
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
دوستم به من گفت: 'نگران پول نباش، تو فقط _______، من بهت قرض میدم.'
The sentence is an imperative/encouragement, so 'Lab tar kon' (You just wet your lips) is the correct form.
Which situation best fits the use of 'Lab tar kardan'?
In which scenario would you say 'Lab tar kon'?
The idiom is used for offering favors and showing loyalty to friends.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: 'خیلی دوست دارم گیتار یاد بگیرم ولی ساز ندارم.' علی: '_______، من گیتار اضافهام رو بهت میدم.'
'Lab tar kon' is the perfect response to someone expressing a wish that you can easily fulfill.
Match the phrase to the meaning.
Match 'لب تر نکرد' with its meaning in this sentence: 'او گرسنه بود ولی لب تر نکرد.'
In the negative, it means someone didn't even make a slight request, often due to pride.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formal vs Informal Requests
अभ्यास बैंक
4 अभ्यासدوستم به من گفت: 'نگران پول نباش، تو فقط _______، من بهت قرض میدم.'
The sentence is an imperative/encouragement, so 'Lab tar kon' (You just wet your lips) is the correct form.
In which scenario would you say 'Lab tar kon'?
The idiom is used for offering favors and showing loyalty to friends.
سارا: 'خیلی دوست دارم گیتار یاد بگیرم ولی ساز ندارم.' علی: '_______، من گیتار اضافهام رو بهت میدم.'
'Lab tar kon' is the perfect response to someone expressing a wish that you can easily fulfill.
Match 'لب تر نکرد' with its meaning in this sentence: 'او گرسنه بود ولی لب تر نکرد.'
In the negative, it means someone didn't even make a slight request, often due to pride.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
14 सवालIt depends on the boss. In a traditional Iranian office, it shows loyalty. In a modern international company, it might be too informal.
Usually no. It's almost always for favors, gifts, or help. You wouldn't say 'Wet your lips and I'll hit you.'
Yes, it is the closest English equivalent, but the Persian version feels slightly more intimate.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'Lab nadookhtan' (not sewing lips) or 'Zaban baz kardan' (opening the tongue) are related to speaking up.
Yes, in stories, novels, and informal letters, but not in formal reports.
Yes! It's a very sweet way to show your parents you are ready to help them.
Yes, in this idiom, we always use 'Lab' (singular), never 'Lab-ha' (plural).
Not necessarily. It implies the *request* is easy to make because the listener is so willing.
No, it's an idiom. It's informal but not 'street slang.'
Absolutely. It's very common in romantic lyrics.
You say 'Hatta lab tar nakard.'
Yes, it is understood and used throughout Iran and by Persian speakers in Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
Yes, it emphasizes that for the speaker, no favor is too big.
The imperative 'Lab tar kon' or the subjunctive 'Lab tar koni'.
संबंधित मुहावरे
اشاره کردن
similarTo point or hint
فرمان دادن
specialized formTo give an order
روی چشم
builds onOn my eyes (I will do it)
دندان روی جگر گذاشتن
contrastTo put teeth on the liver (to endure in silence)
حرف زدن
synonymTo talk
