Meaning
A direct way to tell someone not to interfere or pretend not to have seen something.
Cultural Background
The proverb is deeply tied to the concept of 'Looti-gari' (chivalry). A 'Looti' is someone who is loyal to their friends and never betrays them to authorities, even if they see them doing something wrong. Persian speakers in Afghanistan (Dari) also use this phrase. It carries the same meaning of discretion and is often used in rural areas where community trust is paramount. In Tajikistan, while the phrase is known, it is sometimes replaced by more direct Russian-influenced expressions of silence, but the 'camel' remains a symbol of a secret that is 'too big to miss but must be ignored'. Iranians living abroad use this phrase as a humorous way to maintain their cultural identity and share 'insider' jokes about keeping secrets from the 'outside' world.
Use it for bonding
Using this phrase with a new Iranian friend is a great way to show you understand their social cues and are a 'trustworthy' person.
Don't be too serious
The phrase is often said with a wink or a smile. If you say it too seriously, it might sound like a threat.
Meaning
A direct way to tell someone not to interfere or pretend not to have seen something.
Use it for bonding
Using this phrase with a new Iranian friend is a great way to show you understand their social cues and are a 'trustworthy' person.
Don't be too serious
The phrase is often said with a wink or a smile. If you say it too seriously, it might sound like a threat.
The 'Na' response
If someone asks you 'Shotor didi?' (Did you see the camel?), the coolest response is just to say 'Na!' (No!) with a grin.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
شتر دیدی، _______؟
The proverb is 'Shotor didi, nadidi?' (You saw the camel? You didn't see it).
Which situation is best for using 'Shotor didi, nadidi'?
You see your friend eating a cookie that was meant for the party later.
The phrase is used to promise discretion about a minor secret or fault.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
سارا: 'وای! من دیدم که تو یواشکی از کلاس بیرون رفتی!' علی: 'خواهش میکنم به معلم نگو، _______.'
Ali is asking Sara to keep his secret of leaving the class secretly.
What is the literal meaning of 'Shotor'?
کلمه 'شتر' به چه معناست؟
'Shotor' is the Persian word for camel.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesشتر دیدی، _______؟
The proverb is 'Shotor didi, nadidi?' (You saw the camel? You didn't see it).
You see your friend eating a cookie that was meant for the party later.
The phrase is used to promise discretion about a minor secret or fault.
سارا: 'وای! من دیدم که تو یواشکی از کلاس بیرون رفتی!' علی: 'خواهش میکنم به معلم نگو، _______.'
Ali is asking Sara to keep his secret of leaving the class secretly.
کلمه 'شتر' به چه معناست؟
'Shotor' is the Persian word for camel.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on your relationship. If you have a friendly, informal relationship, it's okay. If the relationship is strictly professional, it's better to use more formal language.
Yes, but it will be a joke! People will laugh because you are using a famous idiom for a literal situation.
You wouldn't use this phrase. You might say 'من حتماً به همه میگویم' (I will definitely tell everyone).
Not exactly a formal 'proverb', but you can say 'لطفاً این موضوع بین خودمان بماند' (Please let this matter stay between us).
Yes, the idiom is fixed. You can't say 'Horse seen, not seen.' It has to be 'Shotor'.
Yes, in stories, informal emails, or text messages. It's rarely used in formal reports or academic writing.
Because camels were the most common and valuable large animals in the desert where these stories originated. Losing one was a big deal.
Absolutely! Children use it all the time when they are playing or hiding things from their parents.
Similar, but much less aggressive. 'Shotor didi, nadidi' is more about a friendly agreement to be discreet than a threat of violence.
Yes, even though it says 'seen', it is used for any kind of information you've acquired.
Related Phrases
زیرآبی رفتن
similarTo do something secretly or 'under the radar'.
دهنقرص
specialized formSomeone who is very good at keeping secrets.
چشمپوشی کردن
synonymTo overlook or ignore a fault.
لو دادن
contrastTo snitch or give someone away.
