هر چه بکاری، همان را درو خواهی کرد
hr chh bkary hman ra dro khoahy krd
As you sow, so shall you reap
Meaning
Your actions, good or bad, will determine your consequences.
Cultural Background
This proverb is a simplified version of many verses by Saadi and Rumi. In Persian culture, poetry is the primary source of moral education. The concept of 'Asha' (truth/order) implies that the universe has a moral order. Doing good naturally leads to good, a concept that predates the proverb but is perfectly expressed by it. Many Iranian social dramas (like those by Asghar Farhadi) revolve around a single small lie or action that 'grows' into a massive consequence, illustrating this proverb visually. It is one of the first proverbs children learn. It is used to instill a sense of 'Zat' (inner nature) and responsibility.
Use it for encouragement
While it can be a warning, using it to praise someone's hard work makes you sound very supportive and culturally fluent.
Avoid 'میکاری'
Remember to use the 'be-' prefix (subjunctive) to keep the proverb sounding authentic and timeless.
Meaning
Your actions, good or bad, will determine your consequences.
Use it for encouragement
While it can be a warning, using it to praise someone's hard work makes you sound very supportive and culturally fluent.
Avoid 'میکاری'
Remember to use the 'be-' prefix (subjunctive) to keep the proverb sounding authentic and timeless.
The 'Wheat and Barley' alternative
If you want to sound even more poetic, use 'Gandom az gandom beruyad, jow ze jow.' It's the 'pro' version of this proverb.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing agricultural verbs.
هر چه _______، همان را _______ خواهی کرد.
The proverb specifically uses 'بکاری' (plant) and 'درو' (reap).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
In which case would you say 'هر چه بکاری همان را درو خواهی کرد'?
The proverb is about the direct consequence of one's own actions/efforts.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: من خیلی برای این پروژه زحمت کشیدم. B: نگران نباش، __________________.
This proverb encourages someone that their hard work (sowing) will lead to success (reaping).
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesهر چه _______، همان را _______ خواهی کرد.
The proverb specifically uses 'بکاری' (plant) and 'درو' (reap).
In which case would you say 'هر چه بکاری همان را درو خواهی کرد'?
The proverb is about the direct consequence of one's own actions/efforts.
A: من خیلی برای این پروژه زحمت کشیدم. B: نگران نباش، __________________.
This proverb encourages someone that their hard work (sowing) will lead to success (reaping).
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsWhile it aligns with Islamic and Zoroastrian values, it is considered a secular piece of cultural wisdom used by everyone.
Yes, especially when discussing long-term strategy or the importance of quality control.
People often just say 'هر چه بکاری...' and let the listener finish the sentence in their head.
No! It is equally used for positive outcomes, like a student getting a scholarship after hard work.
'کاشتن' is the infinitive (to plant), while 'بکاری' is the 'you' form in the subjunctive mood, required for this proverb.
It can be. It's like saying 'It's your own fault.' Use it carefully with friends.
You can say: 'نتیجه کار خودته' (It's the result of your own work).
No, unless you are making a metaphorical point about climate change.
Yes, it's the standard word for harvesting crops like wheat or rice.
Because 'hamān' (that same thing) is the direct object of the verb 'harvest'.
Related Phrases
گندم از گندم بروید، جو ز جو
synonymWheat grows from wheat, barley from barley.
از ماست که بر ماست
similarIt is from us that it is upon us.
باد بکاری، طوفان درو میکنی
specialized formSow the wind, reap the whirlwind.
نابرده رنج، گنج میسر نمیشود
builds onWithout enduring pain, no treasure is attained.
