هر کسی نمد خود را میبافد
har kasi namad-e khod ra mibafad
Everyone weaves their own felt
Meaning
Everyone looks out for their own interests first.
Cultural Background
Felt-making (Namad-māli) is a traditional craft in regions like Semnan and Mazandaran. It requires intense physical labor, often done in silence, which contributes to the 'solitary' feel of the proverb. While classical poetry often praises 'Javanmardi' (chivalry and selflessness), proverbs like this act as a counter-balance, reflecting the survivalist wisdom of the common people. In big cities like Tehran, this phrase is often used to lament the loss of old neighborhood 'community' feelings, where people used to help each other more. In the Iranian 'Bazaar' context, this proverb is a warning to be careful: don't expect your competitors to look out for you.
Use it for 'The System'
It's very effective when criticizing a system or a company rather than a specific person to avoid being too rude.
Don't use for 'Independence'
If you want to praise someone for being independent, use 'روی پای خود ایستادن' (standing on one's own feet) instead.
Meaning
Everyone looks out for their own interests first.
Use it for 'The System'
It's very effective when criticizing a system or a company rather than a specific person to avoid being too rude.
Don't use for 'Independence'
If you want to praise someone for being independent, use 'روی پای خود ایستادن' (standing on one's own feet) instead.
The 'Rā' Marker
Remember to include 'rā' after 'namad-e khod' in formal writing, but you can drop it or change it to 'o' in casual speech.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
در این اداره هیچکس به دیگری کمک نمیکند؛ هر کسی ___ خود را میبافد.
The correct word is 'namad' (felt), which is the traditional material mentioned in the proverb.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
A group of neighbors refuse to pay for a shared broken light in the hallway because they all have flashlights.
This situation shows individuals prioritizing their own solution over a collective one.
Choose the best response.
علی: 'چرا سارا در جلسه به تیم ما کمک نکرد و فقط از کارهای خودش تعریف کرد؟' رضا: 'خب، تعجبی ندارد، ________.'
The proverb explains Sara's self-centered behavior in the meeting.
What is the figurative meaning of this proverb?
معنی کنایی این ضربالمثل چیست؟
The proverb is a metaphor for self-interest.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدر این اداره هیچکس به دیگری کمک نمیکند؛ هر کسی ___ خود را میبافد.
The correct word is 'namad' (felt), which is the traditional material mentioned in the proverb.
A group of neighbors refuse to pay for a shared broken light in the hallway because they all have flashlights.
This situation shows individuals prioritizing their own solution over a collective one.
علی: 'چرا سارا در جلسه به تیم ما کمک نکرد و فقط از کارهای خودش تعریف کرد؟' رضا: 'خب، تعجبی ندارد، ________.'
The proverb explains Sara's self-centered behavior in the meeting.
معنی کنایی این ضربالمثل چیست؟
The proverb is a metaphor for self-interest.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's not 'vulgar,' but it is critical. It implies that the person or group is being selfish.
Yes, if you want to say 'I'm just minding my own business and staying out of trouble,' though it sounds a bit cynical.
It's non-woven felt made from sheep's wool. It's thick, waterproof, and very traditional in Iran.
Yes, 'bāftan' is the standard verb for weaving carpets, but in this specific proverb, you must use 'namad'.
Not really. Persian culture values 'Ham-yāri' (mutual help), so focusing only on oneself is usually seen as a flaw.
You would say 'Har ki be fekre khodeshe' (هر کی به فکر خودشه).
Yes, it's very common in political news to describe countries acting in their own interest.
Only if you are discussing social trends or challenges in the industry. Don't use it to describe your own work style!
Farsh is a knotted carpet; Namad is pressed felt. Namad is humbler and more individual.
Usually, yes, because it describes a general truth or a current habit.
Related Phrases
کلاه خود را سفت چسبیدن
similarTo mind one's own business and protect oneself.
هر که به فکر خویش است
synonymEveryone is thinking of themselves.
بنی آدم اعضای یکدیگرند
contrastHuman beings are members of a whole.
آشپز که دو تا شد، آش یا شور میشود یا بینمک
builds onToo many cooks spoil the broth.
