Meaning
Persistence in searching or striving will eventually lead to discovery or success.
Cultural Background
The proverb is a distillation of Rumi's philosophy that the 'pain of seeking' is actually the 'joy of finding' in disguise. This phrase is often written on the walls of schools in Iran to encourage students to never give up on their studies. The proverb is equally popular in Afghanistan and Tajikistan, showing the shared heritage of the Persian-speaking world. In Sufism, the 'Juyande' is the 'Salik' (traveler) on the path to God. The proverb promises that the path always leads to the destination.
Use it for 'The Big Win'
Save this for moments that actually required grit. Using it for finding your car keys in 5 seconds sounds sarcastic.
The 'Bud' vs 'Ast' Trap
If you are writing an essay, always use 'bud'. If you are texting a friend, 'ast' is fine.
Meaning
Persistence in searching or striving will eventually lead to discovery or success.
Use it for 'The Big Win'
Save this for moments that actually required grit. Using it for finding your car keys in 5 seconds sounds sarcastic.
The 'Bud' vs 'Ast' Trap
If you are writing an essay, always use 'bud'. If you are texting a friend, 'ast' is fine.
Rumi Connection
Mentioning that this comes from Rumi (Molana) will instantly make you look like a very advanced and cultured speaker.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
عاقبت جوینده ........ بود.
'Yābande' (finder) is the correct counterpart to 'Juyande' (seeker).
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
A student studies for 3 years to pass a difficult medical exam and finally succeeds.
This situation describes a long-term 'search' for success through effort.
Choose the best response for Reza.
Ali: 'I've been looking for this rare book for months, and I finally found it in a small shop!' Reza: '_________'
This is the perfect idiomatic response to someone finding something after a long search.
Match the Persian word to its English meaning in the proverb.
1. Āqebat, 2. Juyande, 3. Yābande, 4. Bud
These are the literal translations of the components.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesعاقبت جوینده ........ بود.
'Yābande' (finder) is the correct counterpart to 'Juyande' (seeker).
A student studies for 3 years to pass a difficult medical exam and finally succeeds.
This situation describes a long-term 'search' for success through effort.
Ali: 'I've been looking for this rare book for months, and I finally found it in a small shop!' Reza: '_________'
This is the perfect idiomatic response to someone finding something after a long search.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the literal translations of the components.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsWhile it has mystical and spiritual roots in Sufism, it is used in a completely secular way today to mean 'hard work pays off'.
No, that would be incorrect. It specifically implies that you were looking (seeking) for it.
It's a remnant of classical Persian. It makes the proverb sound like an eternal truth that has always been true.
Yes, it's very professional and shows you have a high level of Persian culture.
Related Phrases
نابرده رنج، گنج میسر نمیشود
similarNo pain, no gain.
خواستن توانستن است
builds onWhere there's a will, there's a way.
جوجه را آخر پاییز میشمارند
contrastDon't count your chickens before they hatch.
طلب کردن
specialized formTo seek/demand.
