آب در کوزه و ما تشنه لبان می گردیم
aab dar koozeh o maa teshneh labaan migardim
Water in jug, we wander thirsty
Meaning
Seeking something far away while it's readily available nearby.
Cultural Background
The 'koozeh' is a central symbol in Persian pottery and poetry. It represents the human form made from earth. Drinking from a koozeh is considered more 'natural' and cooling than a plastic bottle. The proverb is a core teaching of 'Erfan'. It suggests that the 'Great Search' for God ends when you look into your own heart. It is often used as a political or social critique regarding the 'brain drain' (farar-e maghz-ha), suggesting Iran has the talent but looks elsewhere for solutions. The proverb is part of a couplet. Most Iranians will know the second line: 'Yar dar khaneh va ma gerde jahan mi-gardim'.
The 'Trailing Off' Technique
You don't have to say the whole thing. Just say 'آب در کوزه...' and people will think you are very poetic and wise.
Poetry is Power
Iranians love poetry. Using this proverb in a meeting will gain you more respect than a PowerPoint slide.
Meaning
Seeking something far away while it's readily available nearby.
The 'Trailing Off' Technique
You don't have to say the whole thing. Just say 'آب در کوزه...' and people will think you are very poetic and wise.
Poetry is Power
Iranians love poetry. Using this proverb in a meeting will gain you more respect than a PowerPoint slide.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
آب در ....... و ما ....... لبان میگردیم.
The standard form uses 'koozeh' (jug) and 'teshneh' (thirsty).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
In which case would you say 'Ab dar koozeh...'?
The proverb is about searching for something you already have.
Choose the best response for Sara.
Ali: 'I've been looking for a good Persian teacher for months, but I can't find one.' Sara: 'But your uncle is a professor of Persian literature! _______'
Sara is pointing out that the solution (the teacher) is already in the family.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesآب در ....... و ما ....... لبان میگردیم.
The standard form uses 'koozeh' (jug) and 'teshneh' (thirsty).
In which case would you say 'Ab dar koozeh...'?
The proverb is about searching for something you already have.
Ali: 'I've been looking for a good Persian teacher for months, but I can't find one.' Sara: 'But your uncle is a professor of Persian literature! _______'
Sara is pointing out that the solution (the teacher) is already in the family.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot strictly, but it is heavily used in Sufi mysticism to describe the search for God within.
No, that would be very strange and potentially offensive. It's for objects, solutions, or abstract concepts like happiness.
It's a traditional Persian clay water jug, often with a narrow neck, used for centuries to keep water cool.
Only within this proverb. In normal life, you just say 'teshneh' (thirsty).
Related Phrases
یار در خانه و ما گرد جهان میگردیم
builds onThe Beloved is at home, but we wander the world.
مرغ همسایه غاز است
similarThe neighbor's chicken is a goose.
خود کرده را تدبیر نیست
contrastThere is no remedy for what you have done to yourself.
