Meaning
To be extremely frustrated, exhausted, or at the limit of one's patience.
Cultural Background
In classical poetry, this phrase is often used to describe the 'pain of love'. The lover is so desperate to see the beloved that their soul is about to leave their body. It is the 'national idiom' for Tehran traffic. You will hear it on the radio, in taxis, and in family gatherings daily. Using this phrase can be a way to 'complain politely'. It focuses on your own internal suffering rather than directly attacking the other person.
Use 'Joon'
In 90% of conversations, use 'Joon' instead of 'Jan' to sound more natural.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for every small thing, people might think you are too negative.
Meaning
To be extremely frustrated, exhausted, or at the limit of one's patience.
Use 'Joon'
In 90% of conversations, use 'Joon' instead of 'Jan' to sound more natural.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for every small thing, people might think you are too negative.
The Transitive Trick
Use 'resāndan' to blame someone else: 'Jānam-o be labam resāndi!' (You drove me crazy!)
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
یک ساعت در صف نانوایی بودم و ________ به لبم رسید.
The idiom is 'Jan be lab residan'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'Jan be lab residan'?
When would you say this?
The idiom expresses frustration and impatience.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چرا اینقدر عصبانی هستی؟ B: چون این ترافیک ________.
The causative form 'Jan-am ra be lab-am rasande' means 'it has driven me to my limit'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesیک ساعت در صف نانوایی بودم و ________ به لبم رسید.
The idiom is 'Jan be lab residan'.
When would you say this?
The idiom expresses frustration and impatience.
A: چرا اینقدر عصبانی هستی؟ B: چون این ترافیک ________.
The causative form 'Jan-am ra be lab-am rasande' means 'it has driven me to my limit'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is a strong expression of complaint. Use it with friends, family, or equals.
Yes, if the pain is long-lasting and making you lose your patience.
'Jan' is formal/written, 'Joon' is informal/spoken. Both are correct.
Related Phrases
به تنگ آمدن
synonymTo be fed up
صبر لبریز شدن
similarPatience overflowing
کارد به استخوان رسیدن
builds onThe knife reached the bone
خسته شدن
similarTo get tired
