لقمان را گفتند ادب از که آموختی؟ گفت از بیادبان.
Loqman ra goftand adab az ke amukhti? goft az bi-adaban.
I learned manners from the ill-mannered.
Meaning
One can learn what not to do by observing the bad behavior of others.
Cultural Background
In Iran, 'Adab' is considered the highest form of social capital. A person without 'Adab' is often socially marginalized, regardless of their wealth or education. Sufi practitioners often use this proverb to explain 'Tazkiyah' (purification of the self). They believe the ego is best tamed by seeing its ugliness reflected in others. This proverb is a staple in Iranian primary education. It is used to teach children critical thinking and moral autonomy. Iranians often use this proverb sarcastically to deal with 'cyber-bullying' or 'trolling,' suggesting that the bullies are just 'teachers' of how not to behave.
Use it for self-defense
When someone is being rude to you, saying this to yourself (or a friend) helps you stay calm and feel superior in a good way.
Don't over-modernize
Keep the 'ra' and 'amoukhti'. If you say 'yad gereftam,' it loses its classical charm.
Meaning
One can learn what not to do by observing the bad behavior of others.
Use it for self-defense
When someone is being rude to you, saying this to yourself (or a friend) helps you stay calm and feel superior in a good way.
Don't over-modernize
Keep the 'ra' and 'amoukhti'. If you say 'yad gereftam,' it loses its classical charm.
The power of 'Adab'
Remember that 'Adab' is more than 'manners'; it's your entire public persona and character.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
لقمان را گفتند ادب از که آموختی؟ گفت از ________.
The proverb states that Luqman learned manners from the 'ill-mannered' (بیادبان).
What is the main message of this proverb?
مفهوم اصلی این ضربالمثل چیست؟
The proverb is about using negative examples as a guide for self-improvement.
Choose the best response for Speaker B using the proverb.
Speaker A: 'I'm so tired of my neighbor's constant complaining!' Speaker B: '_________________'
Speaker B is encouraging Speaker A to use the neighbor's bad behavior as a lesson in patience.
Match the word to its meaning in the context of the proverb.
Match the following:
These are the core components of the proverb's vocabulary.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesلقمان را گفتند ادب از که آموختی؟ گفت از ________.
The proverb states that Luqman learned manners from the 'ill-mannered' (بیادبان).
مفهوم اصلی این ضربالمثل چیست؟
The proverb is about using negative examples as a guide for self-improvement.
Speaker A: 'I'm so tired of my neighbor's constant complaining!' Speaker B: '_________________'
Speaker B is encouraging Speaker A to use the neighbor's bad behavior as a lesson in patience.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core components of the proverb's vocabulary.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsLuqman was a legendary sage in Islamic tradition, known for his wisdom and his advice to his son.
Yes, it is extremely common in both formal writing and daily conversation.
In this classical context, it means 'to'. 'To Luqman they said...'
Yes, if asked about how you handle difficult people, it shows great maturity and cultural knowledge.
Yes, it is a direct insult. Use the proverb to talk about 'bi-adaban' in general, not a specific person present.
The opposite is 'ba-adab' (with manners/polite).
Yes, people often just say 'ادب از بیادبان' (Adab az bi-adaban).
No, it means you should observe them from a distance or use unavoidable encounters as lessons.
'-an' is the classical plural for human beings, which fits the literary style of the proverb.
No, it is from Saadi's Gulistan, though Luqman himself is a Quranic figure.
Related Phrases
ادب مرد به ز دولت اوست
similarA man's manners are better than his wealth.
بیادب محروم ماند از لطف رب
builds onThe ill-mannered is deprived of God's grace.
آینه چون نقش تو بنمود راست / خود شکن آینه شکستن خطاست
similarIf the mirror shows your faults truly, break yourself, not the mirror.
عبرت گرفتن
specialized formTo take a lesson from a negative example.
