گنجشک با گنجشک، باز با باز
gondjeshk ba gondjeshk, bâz ba bâz
Birds of a feather flock together
Meaning
People of similar interests, backgrounds, or character tend to associate with each other.
Cultural Background
In Iranian marriage culture, the concept of 'Kof' (being a match) is central. Families often use this proverb to justify why they prefer a suitor from a similar background. In Dari-speaking regions, the 'Kabutar' (pigeon) version is extremely popular and is often used in folk songs to describe lovers who are perfectly matched. Tajik Persian preserves the more poetic forms of this proverb, often linking it back to the works of Rumi in educational settings. The contrast between the 'Baz' (royal hawk) and 'Ganjeshk' (common sparrow) reflects the historical class structure of the Persian Empire, where social mixing was rare.
Use it for validation
Use this when you want to agree that a certain friendship or partnership makes perfect sense.
Don't be elitist
Be careful using this about wealth, as it can sound like you support social segregation.
Meaning
People of similar interests, backgrounds, or character tend to associate with each other.
Use it for validation
Use this when you want to agree that a certain friendship or partnership makes perfect sense.
Don't be elitist
Be careful using this about wealth, as it can sound like you support social segregation.
The 'Pigeon' swap
If you want to sound more like a local in Tehran, use 'Kabutar' (pigeon) instead of 'Ganjeshk'.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct bird names.
_______ با گنجشک، _______ با باز.
The standard form of the proverb uses 'Ganjeshk' (sparrow) and 'Baz' (hawk).
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
Two very different people become best friends.
The proverb 'Ganjeshk ba ganjeshk' is used to describe similarity, not difference.
Match the Persian bird to its English translation.
Match the following:
These are the birds commonly used in this proverb and its variations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: علی و رضا هر دو مهندس هستند و همیشه با هم کار میکنند. B: بله، _________________.
The proverb fits perfectly as a comment on two similar people working together.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises_______ با گنجشک، _______ با باز.
The standard form of the proverb uses 'Ganjeshk' (sparrow) and 'Baz' (hawk).
Two very different people become best friends.
The proverb 'Ganjeshk ba ganjeshk' is used to describe similarity, not difference.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the birds commonly used in this proverb and its variations.
A: علی و رضا هر دو مهندس هستند و همیشه با هم کار میکنند. B: بله، _________________.
The proverb fits perfectly as a comment on two similar people working together.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsUsually no, it's a neutral observation. However, if used to exclude someone, it can be seen as slightly cold.
No, it is almost exclusively used for people and their social behaviors.
The version with 'Kabutar' (pigeon) is slightly more common in daily speech than 'Ganjeshk'.
No, it means the exact opposite: 'likes attract'.
Grammatically, the verb 'to be' or 'to fly' is implied, but it is never spoken.
Related Phrases
کبوتر با کبوتر، باز با باز
synonymPigeon with pigeon, hawk with hawk.
کند همجنس با همجنس پرواز
formal versionThe same species flies with its own kind.
نوری با نوری، ناری با ناری
specialized formLight with light, fire with fire.
خلایق هر چه لایق
similarPeople get what they deserve.
