Meaning
To not have any hope or expectation for something to happen.
Cultural Background
In Iranian social etiquette (Ta'arof), people might not directly say 'No' to a request. Instead, they might use idioms like this to signal that they don't think something is possible without being rude. This phrase is a hallmark of 'Tehrani' cool. Using it correctly shows you understand the cynical, fast-paced humor of the capital. While understood, Afghans might more commonly use 'باورم نمیشود' or 'گمان نکنم.' The 'eye drinking water' imagery is more specific to Iranian Persian. The 'eye' in Persian culture is the 'window to the soul.' If the eye is 'dry,' it means the soul is not convinced. This connects to centuries of Sufi poetry where the 'eye of the heart' must be open.
Add 'یکی' for emphasis
Saying 'چشم من یکی آب نمیخوره' makes you sound like a native. It means 'I, for one, definitely don't think so.'
Don't use for physical thirst
If you are thirsty, say 'Teshne-am' (I am thirsty). Using this idiom will make people think you are doubting a plan!
Meaning
To not have any hope or expectation for something to happen.
Add 'یکی' for emphasis
Saying 'چشم من یکی آب نمیخوره' makes you sound like a native. It means 'I, for one, definitely don't think so.'
Don't use for physical thirst
If you are thirsty, say 'Teshne-am' (I am thirsty). Using this idiom will make people think you are doubting a plan!
The 'Az' Preposition
Always use 'az' when doubting a specific thing: 'Cheshmam AZ in kar ab nemikhore.'
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
دوستم قول داده بیاد، ولی من _________ (my eye doesn't drink water).
Since the speaker is 'من' (I), the possessive suffix must be '-am' (my).
Which situation best fits the use of this idiom?
When would you say 'چشمم آب نمیخوره'?
The idiom is used for skepticism and lack of hope.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'میگن قراره قیمت خونه ارزون بشه.' Speaker B: '_________'
Speaker B is expressing doubt about the news of prices dropping.
Match the Persian phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the standard equivalents in different registers.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدوستم قول داده بیاد، ولی من _________ (my eye doesn't drink water).
Since the speaker is 'من' (I), the possessive suffix must be '-am' (my).
When would you say 'چشمم آب نمیخوره'?
The idiom is used for skepticism and lack of hope.
Speaker A: 'میگن قراره قیمت خونه ارزون بشه.' Speaker B: '_________'
Speaker B is expressing doubt about the news of prices dropping.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard equivalents in different registers.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. It's informal and honest. It's better than calling someone a liar directly.
Better not. Use 'بعید میدانم' (I find it unlikely) to sound more professional.
No, you can use it for weather, machines, projects, or any future event.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but you could say 'خیلی امیدوارم' (I am very hopeful).
Water represents life and validity in Persian culture. If the eye doesn't 'drink' it, the situation is 'dead' or 'dry.'
Yes: 'چشمم آب نمیخورد' (I didn't think it would happen).
Rarely in classical poetry, but very common in modern lyrics and prose.
No, the idiom always uses the singular 'eye' (cheshm).
'Nemikhorad' is written/formal; 'nemikhore' is how everyone actually says it.
No, it's for future expectations or ongoing situations where the result is unknown.
Related Phrases
دلش شور زدن
similarTo be anxious/worried.
ماستمالی کردن
builds onTo whitewash or cover up a mistake.
خواب دیدن
contrastTo dream (often used sarcastically for someone being too optimistic).
حساب باز کردن
contrastTo count on someone/something.
