Meaning
Someone who is willing to listen empathetically to others' problems or concerns.
Cultural Background
The concept is tied to 'Dard-e Del', where sharing emotional burdens is a key part of social bonding. A person without a 'listening ear' is seen as cold or 'bi-atefe' (without affection). In Dari Persian, the phrase is also common and carries a similar weight of hospitality and emotional support, often used in community 'Shuras' (councils). Tajik Persian uses this phrase in more formal, literary contexts, often appearing in state media to describe the government's relationship with the public. In mystical poetry, the 'hearing ear' is the one that can hear the 'Sout-e Sarmad' (the eternal sound) or the truth of God, contrasting with the 'deaf' ear of the ego.
Use it to thank people
It's much more heartfelt than a simple 'thank you'.
Don't use for music
You don't have a 'Gush-e Shanava' for a concert; you just 'listen' to it.
Meaning
Someone who is willing to listen empathetically to others' problems or concerns.
Use it to thank people
It's much more heartfelt than a simple 'thank you'.
Don't use for music
You don't have a 'Gush-e Shanava' for a concert; you just 'listen' to it.
The Negative Power
Using 'No listening ear' is a powerful way to describe a toxic relationship or a bad boss.
The 'Dard-e Del' connection
If someone starts a 'Dard-e Del', they are implicitly asking you to be their Gush-e Shanava.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
ممنون که همیشه برای دردهای من یک _______ هستی.
The context of 'pains' (dard-hā) and 'listening' requires 'Gush-e Shanava'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'He is a good listener'?
او ...
In Persian, you 'have' (dāshtan) a listening ear.
Complete the dialogue.
علی: خیلی دلم گرفته. مریم: بیا حرف بزنیم، من ...
'Gush-e shanavaye to hastam' means 'I am your listening ear'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesممنون که همیشه برای دردهای من یک _______ هستی.
The context of 'pains' (dard-hā) and 'listening' requires 'Gush-e Shanava'.
او ...
In Persian, you 'have' (dāshtan) a listening ear.
علی: خیلی دلم گرفته. مریم: بیا حرف بزنیم، من ...
'Gush-e shanavaye to hastam' means 'I am your listening ear'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your best friend or in a newspaper article.
Yes! 'Man gush-e shanava dāram' is a great way to show you are a supportive person.
There isn't a single idiom, but you can say 'Gush-ash bedehkar nist' (He doesn't listen).
Mostly, yes. It implies listening to something that requires empathy or attention.
No, the vowel is 'a' (Shanavā), not 'e'.
No, it specifically emphasizes the *listening* part, not the advice-giving.
Metaphorically, yes, if your dog 'listens' to your problems!
Yes, it's the Persian equivalent of being 'all ears' but with more emotional depth.
The 'v' and 'a' at the end of Shanava stay separate from the 'n'.
Extensively. It's a very 'poetic' way to describe a friend.
Related Phrases
شنونده خوب
synonymA good listener
گوش به زنگ
similarOn alert / Waiting for a signal
یک گوش در و یک گوش دروازه
contrastIn one ear and out the other
گوش دادن
builds onTo listen
درددل کردن
specialized formTo have a heart-to-heart
