آب که یک جا ماند، میگندد
ab ke yek ja mand, migandad
Water that stands still, rots; Stagnation is bad
Meaning
Suggests that lack of movement or change leads to decay, physical or metaphorical.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Ab-e Ravan' (flowing water) is sacred in Zoroastrianism and later Persian culture. Flowing water is seen as a purifier, while stagnant water is associated with 'Ahriman' (evil/decay). Sufi poets like Rumi used the 'river' as a symbol for the soul's journey toward God. To stop moving is to lose the spiritual path. In Tehran's tech scene, this proverb is often used to justify 'pivoting' a startup or changing business models. Teachers use this to tell students that if they don't practice their Persian, they will forget it. 'Language is like water...'
Use it for Motivation
If a friend is hesitant to start a new course or hobby, this is the perfect 'gentle push' proverb.
Avoid in Romance
Never use this to describe a long-term relationship unless you want to end it!
Meaning
Suggests that lack of movement or change leads to decay, physical or metaphorical.
Use it for Motivation
If a friend is hesitant to start a new course or hobby, this is the perfect 'gentle push' proverb.
Avoid in Romance
Never use this to describe a long-term relationship unless you want to end it!
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct verb.
آب که یک جا ماند، ________.
The verb 'میگندد' (migandad) means 'to rot' or 'to stink,' which is the core of the proverb.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
A friend has been working the same job for 10 years and feels bored and uninspired.
The proverb is used to encourage change when someone is stuck or stagnating.
Choose the best response using the proverb.
شخص الف: میترسم از این شهر برم، اینجا همه رو میشناسم. شخص ب: ________
The proverb is used to validate the decision to move and seek new experiences.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Flow vs. Stagnation
Practice Bank
3 exercisesآب که یک جا ماند، ________.
The verb 'میگندد' (migandad) means 'to rot' or 'to stink,' which is the core of the proverb.
A friend has been working the same job for 10 years and feels bored and uninspired.
The proverb is used to encourage change when someone is stuck or stagnating.
شخص الف: میترسم از این شهر برم، اینجا همه رو میشناسم. شخص ب: ________
The proverb is used to validate the decision to move and seek new experiences.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNot usually. It's seen as wise advice. However, the word 'migandad' (rots) is strong, so use it with people you know well.
Yes! If you haven't exercised in a month, you can say it to yourself as motivation.
Related Phrases
از این شاخه به آن شاخه پریدن
contrastTo jump from one thing to another without finishing.
در حرکت، برکت است
synonymThere is blessing in movement.
مرداب
specialized formSwamp/Dead water.
