Meaning
Business matters and financial dealings should be kept distinct from personal friendships.
Cultural Background
In the traditional bazaar, your word is your bond, but your ledger is your life. Merchants use this phrase to maintain 'Etebar' (credit). Young entrepreneurs use this phrase to distance themselves from the 'old way' of doing favors (Pārti-bāzi) and embrace meritocracy. The phrase is equally common in Afghanistan, often emphasizing the 'Kaka' (brother) aspect even more strongly in tribal contexts. In Tajik culture, the phrase is used but often with a more formal Russian-influenced business tone.
The 'Smile' Rule
Always say this with a warm smile. It's a boundary, not a weapon. The smile signals that the 'Refāqat' (friendship) is still very much alive.
Don't Overuse
If you say this for every 1000-Toman snack, you'll be labeled as 'Khasis' (stingy). Save it for meaningful amounts or professional tasks.
Meaning
Business matters and financial dealings should be kept distinct from personal friendships.
The 'Smile' Rule
Always say this with a warm smile. It's a boundary, not a weapon. The smile signals that the 'Refāqat' (friendship) is still very much alive.
Don't Overuse
If you say this for every 1000-Toman snack, you'll be labeled as 'Khasis' (stingy). Save it for meaningful amounts or professional tasks.
Kill the Ta'arof
If someone is doing too much Ta'arof and refusing your money, this phrase is your best tool to end the cycle politely.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
حساب حساب است، کاکا _______؛ حساب رفاقت جداست.
The full traditional version uses 'Kākā barādar' (Brother brother).
Which situation is the MOST appropriate for this proverb?
In which scenario should you say 'Hesāb-e refāqat jodāst'?
This involves a clear financial/logistical boundary where clarity is needed.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
علی: 'ممنون که به من قرض دادی. کی برگردونم؟' رضا: 'خواهش میکنم، ولی یادته که _______؛ تا سر ماه برگردون.'
This is the standard way to set a repayment expectation.
Match the phrase variation to its best context.
Match: 1. Hesāb-e refāqat jodāst | 2. Hesāb be dinār | 3. Qābel nadāre
Each phrase serves a different level of the social-financial spectrum.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Friendship vs. Business in Iran
Practice Bank
4 exercisesحساب حساب است، کاکا _______؛ حساب رفاقت جداست.
The full traditional version uses 'Kākā barādar' (Brother brother).
In which scenario should you say 'Hesāb-e refāqat jodāst'?
This involves a clear financial/logistical boundary where clarity is needed.
علی: 'ممنون که به من قرض دادی. کی برگردونم؟' رضا: 'خواهش میکنم، ولی یادته که _______؛ تا سر ماه برگردون.'
This is the standard way to set a repayment expectation.
Match: 1. Hesāb-e refāqat jodāst | 2. Hesāb be dinār | 3. Qābel nadāre
Each phrase serves a different level of the social-financial spectrum.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it's actually considered wise. It shows you value the friendship enough to not let money ruin it.
It's better to use 'Hesāb hesābe, kākā barādar' with family, but even then, it might sound a bit cold depending on the family dynamic.
'Hesāb' is the account/calculation itself. 'Daftar' is the physical ledger. You separate the 'Hesāb', not the 'Daftar'.
Mostly money and professional duties, but it can apply to time (e.g., a friend who is always late to work meetings).
Yes, people might say 'Hesāb dārim' (We have an account/deal) to imply the same thing more bluntly.
Related Phrases
حساب به دینار، بخشش به خروار
builds onCount by the penny, give by the ton.
تعارف اومد و نیومد داره
contrastTa'arof can be hit or miss (it can be dangerous).
دنگی حساب کردن
specialized formTo split the bill.
کلاهت را قاضی کن
similarLet your hat be the judge (be fair to yourself).
