Meaning
One faces results of actions.
Cultural Background
Gujarati traders often use this proverb to emphasize 'Naitikta' (ethics). They believe that if you cheat a customer, you will eventually lose your wealth. The proverb is a secular way of expressing the religious law of Karma, which is central to life in Gujarat. It suggests that no action is ever lost. Parents use this phrase as a primary tool for moral education, teaching children that they are responsible for their own happiness or sadness. Many Gujarati folk tales end with the villain suffering a fate that mirrors their crime, followed by the narrator saying this proverb.
Use it for closure
When a long story of someone's actions finally ends in a logical result, use this phrase to provide a satisfying conclusion.
Don't sound arrogant
If you use it when someone fails, make sure you don't sound like you are happy about their failure.
Meaning
One faces results of actions.
Use it for closure
When a long story of someone's actions finally ends in a logical result, use this phrase to provide a satisfying conclusion.
Don't sound arrogant
If you use it when someone fails, make sure you don't sound like you are happy about their failure.
The 'Je... Te' Rule
Remember that this is a shortened version of 'Je kare te paame'. Knowing the full version helps you understand other Gujarati proverbs.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
કરે તેવું _______.
The standard form of the proverb is 'કરે તેવું પામે'.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the proverb.
Situation: A student who didn't study fails the test.
The failure is a direct result of the action (not studying), making this proverb perfect.
What would the mother say in this dialogue?
Child: 'I helped my friend and today he shared his lunch with me!' Mother: '_______'
The mother is reinforcing the idea that the child's good deed led to a good result.
Which sentence uses the proverb correctly in a formal context?
Choose the best sentence:
The first sentence correctly links a specific action (hard work) to a result (success).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesકરે તેવું _______.
The standard form of the proverb is 'કરે તેવું પામે'.
Situation: A student who didn't study fails the test.
The failure is a direct result of the action (not studying), making this proverb perfect.
Child: 'I helped my friend and today he shared his lunch with me!' Mother: '_______'
The mother is reinforcing the idea that the child's good deed led to a good result.
Choose the best sentence:
The first sentence correctly links a specific action (hard work) to a result (success).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsWhile it has roots in religious philosophy (Karma), it is used as a secular moral proverb by everyone in Gujarat, regardless of religion.
Yes! If someone works hard and succeeds, you can say 'Kare tevu paame' to acknowledge their effort.
Only if you are discussing a general principle or someone else. Saying it directly to a boss about their own actions might be seen as too bold or critical.
'Paame' implies attaining something through a process or as a result of effort, while 'Male' is just a general word for getting/finding.
Related Phrases
જેવું વાવો તેવું લણો
synonymAs you sow, so shall you reap.
કરણી તેવી પાર ઉતરણી
similarYour deeds determine your salvation.
ખાડો ખોદે તે પડે
specialized formHe who digs a pit falls into it.
સેવા કરે તે મેવા પામે
builds onOne who serves gets the fruit (reward).
