یک دست صدا ندارد
yek dast seda nadarad
One hand alone makes no sound / Unity is strength
Meaning
Collaboration and cooperation are necessary to achieve significant results.
Cultural Background
In Iran, using proverbs is a sign of eloquence and wisdom. Even young people use this phrase to show they value their friends and family. Dari speakers in Afghanistan use the exact same proverb. It is often used in the context of 'Hashar'—a traditional community practice where villagers help each other with harvests or building houses. Tajik Persian also uses this proverb, often emphasizing the 'Ettehad' (unity) needed to maintain national strength. In modern Iranian startups, this proverb is frequently used in 'Slack' channels or 'WhatsApp' groups to celebrate a successful product launch.
Use it for Humility
If someone praises your solo work, say this to show you value the support you received from others. It makes you look very culturally sophisticated.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep it in the present tense. Changing it to past or future makes it lose its proverbial power.
Meaning
Collaboration and cooperation are necessary to achieve significant results.
Use it for Humility
If someone praises your solo work, say this to show you value the support you received from others. It makes you look very culturally sophisticated.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep it in the present tense. Changing it to past or future makes it lose its proverbial power.
The 'Clap' Gesture
When saying this, Iranians sometimes mimic a one-handed clap in the air to emphasize the point visually.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
یک دست ....... ندارد.
The proverb is 'Yek dast sedā nadārad' (One hand has no sound).
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
Ali is trying to move a heavy sofa by himself and is struggling.
The proverb is used to encourage or offer help in collaborative tasks.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: 'من نمیتوانم این همه کار را تا شب تمام کنم.' مریم: 'نگران نباش، من کمکت میکنم. .......'
Maryam is offering help, so the proverb about teamwork fits perfectly.
Match the meaning to the proverb.
What does 'Yek dast seda nadarad' imply about success?
The proverb emphasizes that 'sound' (success/impact) requires more than one person.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'One Hand'
Social
- • Parties
- • Charity
- • Sports
Professional
- • Deadlines
- • Meetings
- • Delegation
Practice Bank
4 exercisesیک دست ....... ندارد.
The proverb is 'Yek dast sedā nadārad' (One hand has no sound).
Ali is trying to move a heavy sofa by himself and is struggling.
The proverb is used to encourage or offer help in collaborative tasks.
سارا: 'من نمیتوانم این همه کار را تا شب تمام کنم.' مریم: 'نگران نباش، من کمکت میکنم. .......'
Maryam is offering help, so the proverb about teamwork fits perfectly.
What does 'Yek dast seda nadarad' imply about success?
The proverb emphasizes that 'sound' (success/impact) requires more than one person.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral to formal. You can use it with friends, but it's also perfectly fine in a business meeting or a speech.
No, it's specifically about the *effectiveness* of work and action, not about emotional loneliness.
The informal version is 'nadāre' (یک دست صدا نداره).
While it aligns with Islamic and Zoroastrian values of community, it is considered a secular folk proverb.
Technically yes, but no one says it. It's not a proverb. Stick to the negative form.
Yes, but 'It takes two to tango' often implies shared blame in a conflict, while 'Yek dast seda nadarad' is almost always positive/constructive.
Yek dast seda nadarad.
Yes, many poets have used this imagery to discuss the importance of social unity.
Yes, it's one of the first proverbs Iranian children learn.
It means both. In this context, it refers to the 'sound' of a clap.
Related Phrases
همدلی از همزبانی بهتر است
similarEmpathy is better than sharing the same language.
با یک گل بهار نمیشود
similarOne flower does not make a spring.
دست بالای دست بسیار است
builds onThere is always a hand above another hand.
همه برای یکی، یکی برای همه
synonymAll for one, one for all.
