Meaning
Someone who is careful, organized, and precise in their actions.
Cultural Background
In the traditional bazaar, your word is your bond. Being 'ba hesab o ketab' meant you didn't need a lawyer to prove your debts; your ledger was a sacred document of your character. During 'Khastegari' (marriage proposal), the elders often look for this trait. It signals that the suitor can provide a stable life and won't squander the family's resources. In modern Iranian tech startups, this phrase is used to describe a good Project Manager or CFO. It has successfully transitioned from the old bazaar to the new digital economy. Sometimes, being 'ba hesab o ketab' is a way to politely decline a vague offer. By being precise, you avoid the 'traps' of excessive Ta'arof.
Use it in Interviews
If you want to sound professional in Persian, use this phrase to describe your work ethic. It sounds much more native than just saying 'I am organized.'
Don't over-pronounce the 'V'
Saying 'Hesab VA Ketab' sounds like a textbook. Say 'Hesab-o-Ketab' to sound like a local.
Meaning
Someone who is careful, organized, and precise in their actions.
Use it in Interviews
If you want to sound professional in Persian, use this phrase to describe your work ethic. It sounds much more native than just saying 'I am organized.'
Don't over-pronounce the 'V'
Saying 'Hesab VA Ketab' sounds like a textbook. Say 'Hesab-o-Ketab' to sound like a local.
The 'Bi' Version
Calling someone 'Bi hesab o ketab' is a serious criticism of their character, implying they are untrustworthy.
Gender Neutral
Remember that 'Adam' means person, so you can use this for men, women, and even organizations.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
علی همیشه پولهایش را پسانداز میکند، او خیلی آدم ... است.
Since Ali saves his money, he is an organized/methodical person (ba hesab o ketab).
Which situation best fits the description 'Adam ba hesab o ketab'?
کدام فرد «با حساب و کتاب» است؟
A person who has a plan for all their expenses is the definition of 'ba hesab o ketab.'
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
مادر: «آیا سهراب برای ازدواج مرد مناسبی است؟» پدر: «بله، چون ...»
In the context of marriage, being 'ba hesab o ketab' is a strong positive trait.
Match the phrase with its meaning.
Match the following:
Understanding the 'ba' (with) and 'bi' (without) prefix is key.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesعلی همیشه پولهایش را پسانداز میکند، او خیلی آدم ... است.
Since Ali saves his money, he is an organized/methodical person (ba hesab o ketab).
کدام فرد «با حساب و کتاب» است؟
A person who has a plan for all their expenses is the definition of 'ba hesab o ketab.'
مادر: «آیا سهراب برای ازدواج مرد مناسبی است؟» پدر: «بله، چون ...»
In the context of marriage, being 'ba hesab o ketab' is a strong positive trait.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the 'ba' (with) and 'bi' (without) prefix is key.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! 'Adam' in Persian is gender-neutral and means 'human' or 'person.' You can also say 'Zan-e ba hesab o ketab' (An organized woman).
Rarely. However, if said with a sarcastic tone, it might imply someone is too rigid or 'boring.' But 99% of the time, it's a compliment.
'Monazzam' just means organized (like a clean room). 'Ba hesab o ketab' implies a deeper reliability and financial prudence.
You use the negative version: 'او آدم بی حساب و کتابی است.'
Yes, it is very common in journalism, literature, and formal reports.
Yes, you can say 'این شرکت خیلی با حساب و کتاب است' to mean the company is well-managed.
No, in this idiom, it's a metaphorical 'book of life' or 'ledger.'
No, it's a standard idiom that is appropriate in almost all settings.
It's just the fixed order of the idiom. 'Hesab' (calculation) leads to the 'Ketab' (record).
You can, but it's less common and sounds incomplete compared to the full idiom.
Related Phrases
حسابگر
similarCalculating / Analytical
منظم
synonymOrganized
دست و دلباز
contrastGenerous / Open-handed
بی حساب و کتاب
contrastDisorganized / Chaotic
حسابش پاک است
builds onHis account is clean
