از هر دست بدهی، از همان دست میگیری
az har dast bedahi, az hamân dast migiri
What goes around, comes around
Meaning
You will receive back what you give to others, good or bad.
Cultural Background
In Iran, this proverb is often linked to the concept of 'Kheyr-o-Barakat.' People believe that giving to others doesn't decrease your wealth but increases the 'blessing' in it. In Dari-speaking regions, the proverb is used with the same frequency and meaning, often emphasizing hospitality toward strangers. Tajik speakers use this to reinforce community bonds in 'Mahallas' (neighborhoods), where mutual aid is essential. In the diaspora (LA, London, Toronto), this phrase is a way for parents to pass on traditional Iranian ethics to children growing up in Western cultures.
Use it for gratitude
It's a very polite and 'deep' way to thank someone for a favor, implying they will be rewarded by fate.
Don't be too literal
Remember it's about actions, not just physical objects being handed over.
Meaning
You will receive back what you give to others, good or bad.
Use it for gratitude
It's a very polite and 'deep' way to thank someone for a favor, implying they will be rewarded by fate.
Don't be too literal
Remember it's about actions, not just physical objects being handed over.
The 'Hand' Metaphor
In Persian, the 'hand' is the symbol of one's power and generosity. Keep this in mind to feel the weight of the proverb.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct verb.
از هر دست بدهی، از همان دست ________.
The standard proverb uses 'میگیری' (you take/receive) to balance 'بدهی' (you give).
Which situation best fits this proverb?
Sara helped her brother with homework, and the next day her brother cleaned her room.
This situation shows positive reciprocity, which is the core meaning of the proverb.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: من همیشه به فقرا کمک میکنم. Speaker B: ________
Speaker B is encouraging Speaker A by reminding them that their charity will be rewarded.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesاز هر دست بدهی، از همان دست ________.
The standard proverb uses 'میگیری' (you take/receive) to balance 'بدهی' (you give).
Sara helped her brother with homework, and the next day her brother cleaned her room.
This situation shows positive reciprocity, which is the core meaning of the proverb.
Speaker A: من همیشه به فقرا کمک میکنم. Speaker B: ________
Speaker B is encouraging Speaker A by reminding them that their charity will be rewarded.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsWhile it aligns with Islamic and Zoroastrian values of reciprocity, it is considered a secular cultural proverb used by everyone.
Yes, you can say it to yourself or a friend as a way of saying 'they will get what they deserve eventually.'
It is the standard subjunctive form. In very casual speech, it might become 'bedi', but 'bedahi' is better for learners.
Not at all! It applies to smiles, help, insults, time, and any human interaction.
The closest is 'What goes around comes around.'
Only if the meeting is about corporate social responsibility or ethics. Otherwise, it's a bit too informal/poetic.
Yes, though they might use slightly different verb endings in their dialect, the proverb is well-known.
The concept is A1, but the grammar (subjunctive) is usually taught at A2/B1. However, as a fixed phrase, A1 students can memorize it easily.
It implies the action originates 'from' your agency and the reward comes 'from' the same source of justice.
Sometimes people just say 'از هر دست بدهی...' and let the listener finish the thought.
Related Phrases
هر چه کنی به خود کنی
synonymWhatever you do, you do to yourself.
گندم از گندم بروید، جو ز جو
similarWheat grows from wheat, barley from barley.
کوه به کوه نمیرسد، آدم به آدم میرسد
builds onMountains don't meet, but people do.
نیکی و پرسش؟
specialized formDoing good without asking?
