عاقبت گرگ زاده، گرگ شود
aghabat gorg zadeh, gorg shavad
Eventually a wolf's offspring becomes a wolf
Meaning
People tend to inherit or develop characteristics similar to their parents or origin.
Cultural Background
This proverb is a cornerstone of Saadi's 'Gulistan,' which is taught in Iranian schools from a young age. Most Iranians can recite the full verse from memory. There is a strong cultural emphasis on 'Asalat' (nobility of origin). This proverb reinforces the idea that one's family background is a primary indicator of their future behavior. Film-farsi and modern dramas often use this trope, where a character cannot escape their criminal past or family lineage. The proverb is frequently used in political satire and social media to criticize the children of powerful figures who inherit their parents' controversial traits.
Be Careful with Insults
Calling someone a 'wolf-born' is a direct insult to their parents. Use it only when the person is not present.
Use the Full Verse
Reciting the second half ('Garche ba adami bozorg shavad') makes you sound much more fluent and educated.
Meaning
People tend to inherit or develop characteristics similar to their parents or origin.
Be Careful with Insults
Calling someone a 'wolf-born' is a direct insult to their parents. Use it only when the person is not present.
Use the Full Verse
Reciting the second half ('Garche ba adami bozorg shavad') makes you sound much more fluent and educated.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
عاقبت گرگزاده، _______ شود.
The proverb states that a wolf-born (gorg-zade) becomes a wolf (gorg).
Which situation best fits this proverb?
In which case would you say 'Aghebat gorg-zade gorg shavad'?
The proverb is used when someone inherits a negative trait or behavior from their family.
Match the parts of the verse.
Match the first half to the second half.
This is the complete distich from Saadi's Gulistan.
Complete the dialogue.
A: پسرِ اون کلاهبردار هم وارد بازار شده. B: آره، شنیدم سرِ چند نفر رو کلاه گذاشته. A: تعجبی نداره، ________.
The context of a fraudster's son committing fraud perfectly fits this proverb.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesعاقبت گرگزاده، _______ شود.
The proverb states that a wolf-born (gorg-zade) becomes a wolf (gorg).
In which case would you say 'Aghebat gorg-zade gorg shavad'?
The proverb is used when someone inherits a negative trait or behavior from their family.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
This is the complete distich from Saadi's Gulistan.
A: پسرِ اون کلاهبردار هم وارد بازار شده. B: آره، شنیدم سرِ چند نفر رو کلاه گذاشته. A: تعجبی نداره، ________.
The context of a fraudster's son committing fraud perfectly fits this proverb.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is very common in both formal writing and daily conversation in Iran.
Technically yes, but it usually carries a cynical or negative tone. For positive traits, 'Pesar koo nadarad neshan az pedar' is better.
It means 'born of' or 'child of.' It comes from the verb 'zadan' (to hit/to give birth in old contexts).
Related Phrases
پسر کو ندارد نشان از پدر
similarThe son who has no sign of his father.
گندم از گندم بروید جو ز جو
synonymWheat grows from wheat, barley from barley.
تربیت نااهل را چون گردکان بر گنبد است
builds onEducating the unworthy is like walnuts on a dome.
