Meaning
The quality of something is usually proportional to its price.
Cultural Background
In the traditional bazaar, this proverb is a fundamental rule. Merchants use it to defend their prices, and customers use it to remind themselves why they shouldn't always go for the cheapest option. In Tehran, the phrase is often shortened to 'هر چی پول بدی همونقدر آش میخوری' in fast speech, emphasizing the 'exactness' of the trade. The proverb is also widely used in Afghanistan with the same meaning, showing the shared linguistic heritage of the Persian-speaking world. Second-generation Iranians in the West often hear this from their parents when they complain about a cheap purchase failing, serving as a piece of 'inherited wisdom'.
Use 'Chi' instead of 'Che'
In daily conversation, say 'Har chi' instead of 'Har che' to sound more like a native speaker.
Don't be rude
Be careful using this if someone is sad about losing money. It can sound like you are blaming them for being cheap.
Meaning
The quality of something is usually proportional to its price.
Use 'Chi' instead of 'Che'
In daily conversation, say 'Har chi' instead of 'Har che' to sound more like a native speaker.
Don't be rude
Be careful using this if someone is sad about losing money. It can sound like you are blaming them for being cheap.
The 'I told you so' tool
This is the perfect phrase to use when a friend ignores your advice to buy a better product and their cheap one breaks.
The Bazaar Rule
If a merchant says this to you, it's a sign they won't lower the price any further without lowering the quality.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
هر چه ____ بدهی، ____ میخوری.
The standard proverb uses 'Pool' (money) and 'Ash' (soup).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
You bought a $10 pair of headphones and they stopped working after two days.
This proverb is used when quality is low because the price was low.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
شخص الف: این هتل خیلی کثیف است! شخص ب: خب، خیلی ارزان بود. ________.
Person B is explaining that the dirtiness is expected given the low price.
What is the figurative meaning of this proverb?
معنی کنایهای این ضربالمثل چیست؟
It means the quality of everything depends on its price.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The Ash Scale
Practice Bank
4 exercisesهر چه ____ بدهی، ____ میخوری.
The standard proverb uses 'Pool' (money) and 'Ash' (soup).
You bought a $10 pair of headphones and they stopped working after two days.
This proverb is used when quality is low because the price was low.
شخص الف: این هتل خیلی کثیف است! شخص ب: خب، خیلی ارزان بود. ________.
Person B is explaining that the dirtiness is expected given the low price.
معنی کنایهای این ضربالمثل چیست؟
It means the quality of everything depends on its price.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, and in most business settings, but not in a formal speech to a president.
Yes! You can use it for education, work effort, or even relationships. If you put in little effort, you get little result.
Ash is a thick Persian soup made with herbs, beans, and noodles. It's a very important part of Iranian food culture.
Yes, people sometimes just say 'هر چی پول بدی...' and let the listener finish the sentence.
Exactly the same. It's the 100% equivalent in meaning and usage.
Because the amount of money is not fixed; it's a hypothetical condition (If/Whatever you give).
No, that's not the proverb. You must use 'Ash' for it to be recognized as a proverb.
Yes, it is one of the most common proverbs used in daily life, especially with high inflation and price variations.
Only if you are discussing salary and want to politely imply that high-quality work requires a fair salary, but be careful—it's quite bold!
Then this proverb doesn't apply. You would say 'Saram kola gozashtand' (They put a hat on my head / They scammed me).
Related Phrases
هیچ ارزانی بیعلت نیست
similarNo cheapness is without a reason.
پولش را میگیرد، کارش را هم انجام میدهد
builds onHe takes the money, and he does the work.
ارزان خری، انبان خری
synonymBuying cheap is buying waste.
نابرده رنج، گنج میسر نمیشود
similarNo pain, no gain.
