حرف تو دهن آدم نمیماند
harf-e to dahaneh adam nemimaneh
Words don't stay in one's mouth
Meaning
It's hard to keep a secret, as people tend to talk.
Cultural Background
In Iran, social life is often centered around large family gatherings where sharing news is a form of social bonding. Keeping a secret can sometimes be seen as 'keeping a distance' from the group. Because 'harf to dahan-e ādam nemimānad,' Iranians are often very careful about what they do in public. One's reputation (Āberoo) is constantly at risk from the 'mouths' of others. Traditional Iranian houses had thin walls and shared courtyards. This physical lack of privacy contributed to the cultural belief that secrets are impossible to keep. In modern Tehran, the phrase is often shortened or modified with slang like 'Dahan-laq' to describe the younger generation's view on 'oversharing' on social media.
Use 'Nemimūne' for extra fluency
If you want to sound like a local in Tehran, change 'nemimānad' to 'nemimūne'. It shows you understand the colloquial shift from 'ā' to 'ū'.
Don't use it for serious betrayals
If someone commits a major legal or ethical breach of trust, this proverb is too light. It's better for gossip and social secrets.
Meaning
It's hard to keep a secret, as people tend to talk.
Use 'Nemimūne' for extra fluency
If you want to sound like a local in Tehran, change 'nemimānad' to 'nemimūne'. It shows you understand the colloquial shift from 'ā' to 'ū'.
Don't use it for serious betrayals
If someone commits a major legal or ethical breach of trust, this proverb is too light. It's better for gossip and social secrets.
The 'Ādam' factor
Remember that 'Ādam' here means 'anyone' or 'people in general.' It's a way to make the criticism sound less personal and more like a law of nature.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.
به او اعتماد نکن، چون حرف تو دهنش ______.
The verb 'māndan' (to stay) is the only one used in this proverb.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Harf to dahan-e ādam nemimānad'?
In which scenario would you use this phrase?
The proverb refers to the inability to keep secrets and the speed of gossip.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: You told your brother you're getting a cat, and now your parents are calling to congratulate you.
This is the natural reaction when a secret is leaked by a family member.
Complete the dialogue.
شخص اول: چرا همه میدانند من استعفا دادهام؟ شخص دوم: خب، میدانی که توی این شرکت ______.
The context of rumors in a company perfectly fits this proverb.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesبه او اعتماد نکن، چون حرف تو دهنش ______.
The verb 'māndan' (to stay) is the only one used in this proverb.
In which scenario would you use this phrase?
The proverb refers to the inability to keep secrets and the speed of gossip.
Situation: You told your brother you're getting a cat, and now your parents are calling to congratulate you.
This is the natural reaction when a secret is leaked by a family member.
شخص اول: چرا همه میدانند من استعفا دادهام؟ شخص دوم: خب، میدانی که توی این شرکت ______.
The context of rumors in a company perfectly fits this proverb.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNot necessarily. It can be a neutral observation, though if said directly to someone, it implies they are a gossip.
Yes, but it will sound very formal and 'bookish.' Stick to 'to dahan' for a natural feel.
There isn't a direct proverb opposite, but you could say 'او مثل کوه رازدار است' (He is as secretive/reliable as a mountain).
Only in informal writing like text messages, novels with dialogue, or social media posts.
No, in Persian 'ādam' means 'human' or 'person' and is gender-neutral.
Yes! You can use it to jokingly admit that you are bad at keeping secrets.
Related Phrases
دهنلق
specialized formLoose-lipped; a person who gossips.
دیوار موش دارد، موش هم گوش دارد
similarWalls have ears.
راز نگه داشتن
contrastTo keep a secret.
خاله زنک
similarA person (usually derogatory) who indulges in petty gossip.
