آب رفته به جوی باز نمیگردد
ab rfth bh goy baz nmygrdd
Water that has flowed cannot return to the stream.
Significado
Past events cannot be undone or reversed; what's done is done.
Contexto cultural
Water is a sacred element in Iranian culture, dating back to Zoroastrianism. Wasting water or 'muddying' water is seen as a sin. This proverb reflects the deep respect and observation of water's behavior. In rural Iran, the distribution of water from qanats was managed by a person called a 'Mirab'. This proverb was a literal reality for farmers who missed their turn. Classical poets like Rumi and Saadi often use the metaphor of a river to describe the soul's journey and the fleeting nature of life. Today, the phrase is used frequently in Iranian cinema and TV dramas to emphasize the 'point of no return' in family conflicts.
Sound like a Sage
Use this phrase with a slight sigh and a nod. It’s a 'wisdom' phrase, so delivery matters more than perfect grammar.
Don't be a Robot
Don't use this for every mistake. If you use it too much, you'll sound like you don't care about anything.
Significado
Past events cannot be undone or reversed; what's done is done.
Sound like a Sage
Use this phrase with a slight sigh and a nod. It’s a 'wisdom' phrase, so delivery matters more than perfect grammar.
Don't be a Robot
Don't use this for every mistake. If you use it too much, you'll sound like you don't care about anything.
The 'Ab' Connection
Iranians love water metaphors. If you learn 5 idioms with 'Ab', you can survive half of all Persian conversations!
Teste-se
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
آب رفته به ....... باز .......
The standard form is 'juy' (stream) and 'nemigardad' (does not return).
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
Situation: Your friend is crying because they accidentally deleted an important email that cannot be recovered.
This is a classic case of an irreversible mistake where the proverb offers a pragmatic perspective.
What is the figurative meaning of this phrase?
معنی کنایهای این ضربالمثل چیست؟
The phrase means 'The past cannot be changed.'
Complete the dialogue naturally.
علی: 'خیلی پشیمانم که آن خانه را فروختم.' رضا: 'حالا دیگر پشیمانی سودی ندارد، .......'
'Ab-e rafte...' is the perfect response to someone expressing regret over a past sale.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosآب رفته به ....... باز .......
The standard form is 'juy' (stream) and 'nemigardad' (does not return).
Situation: Your friend is crying because they accidentally deleted an important email that cannot be recovered.
This is a classic case of an irreversible mistake where the proverb offers a pragmatic perspective.
معنی کنایهای این ضربالمثل چیست؟
The phrase means 'The past cannot be changed.'
علی: 'خیلی پشیمانم که آن خانه را فروختم.' رضا: 'حالا دیگر پشیمانی سودی ندارد، .......'
'Ab-e rafte...' is the perfect response to someone expressing regret over a past sale.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNot at all. While it's an old proverb, it's used daily by people of all ages, including on social media.
Yes, if you are discussing a failed project or a decision that cannot be reversed. It adds a professional, philosophical touch.
Grammatically, 'nemigardad' means 'does not return' and 'nemiyayad' means 'does not come'. In this proverb, they are interchangeable.
People sometimes just say 'آب رفته...' and let the listener finish the sentence in their head.
It depends on the tone. If said with empathy, it's comforting. If said sharply, it can sound like 'Shut up and move on.'
Usually no. It's almost always used for things we regret or wish we could change.
It rhymes with the English word 'boy', but starts with a 'j' sound. /dʒuːj/
Yes, it is a common proverb across the entire Persian-speaking world, including Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
That's fine! 'Ab-e rikhte' (spilled water) is just as common and means the same thing.
It is 'Neutral-Formal'. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Frases relacionadas
آب ریخته جمعشدنی نیست
synonymSpilled water cannot be gathered.
آب از سر گذشتن
similarWater has passed over the head.
گذشتهها گذشته
synonymThe past is the past.
آب در هاون کوبیدن
contrastTo pound water in a mortar.
