آنچه عوض دارد، گله ندارد
an'che 'avaz darad, geleh nadarad
What has exchange, has no complaint
Meaning
If you get something in return, you shouldn't complain.
Cultural Background
In traditional markets, 'Barter' (Pāyāpāy) was common. This proverb protected the social peace by ensuring that once a swap was agreed upon, the deal was final and complaints were socially discouraged. Young Iranians use this proverb in a 'savage' or 'snarky' way on platforms like Twitter/X to respond to people who are complaining about consequences they brought upon themselves. Parents often use this to settle disputes between siblings. If one child takes a toy because the other took theirs, the parent uses this to end the argument quickly.
Use the Short Form
If you want to sound like a native, say 'Chizi ke avaz dāre, gele nadāre.' It flows better in casual talk.
Tone Matters
If you say this with a smile, it's friendly. If you say it with a frown, it's a sharp rebuke. Be careful with your body language!
Meaning
If you get something in return, you shouldn't complain.
Use the Short Form
If you want to sound like a native, say 'Chizi ke avaz dāre, gele nadāre.' It flows better in casual talk.
Tone Matters
If you say this with a smile, it's friendly. If you say it with a frown, it's a sharp rebuke. Be careful with your body language!
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
آنچه عوض دارد، ____ ندارد.
'Gele' means complaint, which is the core of this proverb.
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
Situation: You and your friend swap video games for a week.
The proverb justifies a fair and balanced exchange.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'Why did you take my seat?' Speaker B: 'Because you took mine earlier! ...'
This is a classic 'tit for tat' scenario where the proverb fits perfectly.
Match the Persian word to its English meaning in the proverb.
1. آنچه, 2. عوض, 3. گله
Understanding the components helps in memorizing the whole phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesآنچه عوض دارد، ____ ندارد.
'Gele' means complaint, which is the core of this proverb.
Situation: You and your friend swap video games for a week.
The proverb justifies a fair and balanced exchange.
Speaker A: 'Why did you take my seat?' Speaker B: 'Because you took mine earlier! ...'
This is a classic 'tit for tat' scenario where the proverb fits perfectly.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the components helps in memorizing the whole phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNot inherently. It's a statement of fact about fairness. However, using it to dismiss someone's feelings can be seen as blunt.
Yes, if you are discussing a fair trade-off or a compromise where both sides give something up.
'Gele' is a personal complaint or grumble, often between friends. 'Shekayat' is a more formal complaint or a legal accusation.
Related Phrases
این به آن در
similarThis for that door (They cancel each other out).
کلوخانداز را پاداش سنگ است
similarThe one who throws a clod of earth will be rewarded with a stone.
هر چه کنی به خود کنی
builds onWhatever you do, you do to yourself.
