Significado
Reminds one that no matter how skilled or powerful you are, there's always someone superior.
Contexto cultural
The proverb is often linked to the concept of 'Charkh-e Falak' (The Wheel of Fortune), suggesting that those on top today will be on the bottom tomorrow. In Tajik Persian, the proverb remains identical and is used frequently in formal literature and state-level speeches to encourage national humility. Dari speakers use this proverb to emphasize social justice, reminding powerful 'warlords' or leaders that they are not invincible. Sufis use this to describe the spiritual ladder, where each 'Maqam' (station) has a higher one above it, leading ultimately to God.
Use 'ziāde' for friends
If you are with friends, use 'Dast balaye dast ziade' to sound more natural and less like a textbook.
Don't use for height
Never use this to say someone is taller than someone else. It's strictly for power, skill, or status.
Significado
Reminds one that no matter how skilled or powerful you are, there's always someone superior.
Use 'ziāde' for friends
If you are with friends, use 'Dast balaye dast ziade' to sound more natural and less like a textbook.
Don't use for height
Never use this to say someone is taller than someone else. It's strictly for power, skill, or status.
The Saadi connection
Mentioning that you know this is from Saadi will greatly impress native Persian speakers.
Teste-se
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
دست بالای دست ....... است.
The standard form of the proverb uses 'besyār' (many/much).
Which situation best fits this proverb?
A billionaire bragging about his wealth meets a trillionaire.
This proverb is used when someone's power or status is eclipsed by another.
Choose the best response for Reza.
Ali: 'I am the best programmer in the world!' Reza: '........'
This is the natural way to humble someone who is bragging.
Which word is the colloquial equivalent of 'besyār ast' in this proverb?
دست بالای دست .......
In spoken Persian, 'besyār ast' is commonly replaced by 'ziāde'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosدست بالای دست ....... است.
The standard form of the proverb uses 'besyār' (many/much).
A billionaire bragging about his wealth meets a trillionaire.
This proverb is used when someone's power or status is eclipsed by another.
Ali: 'I am the best programmer in the world!' Reza: '........'
This is the natural way to humble someone who is bragging.
دست بالای دست .......
In spoken Persian, 'besyār ast' is commonly replaced by 'ziāde'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt can be if used to belittle someone's achievement. However, it is generally seen as a wise piece of advice or a neutral observation.
Yes, especially when discussing competitors or market risks. It shows you have a strategic and humble perspective.
'Besyār' is formal and literary. 'Ziād' is common and colloquial. Both mean 'many' or 'much'.
While not strictly religious, it aligns with Islamic and Sufi values of humility before God.
This proverb is the exact equivalent. You don't need to translate the 'fish' part literally.
It is 'Dast bālā-ye dast' (Hand above the hand). 'Dast-e bālā' means 'the upper hand' (advantage).
Yes, it's a very common way to teach children not to be 'show-offs'.
There isn't a direct 'opposite' proverb, but the concept of 'Ghodrat-e motlagh' (absolute power) is what it opposes.
Yes, many traditional and even some modern pop songs use it to talk about the ups and downs of life.
In Persian culture, the hand is a symbol of agency and power. Stacking hands is a visual way to show hierarchy.
Frases relacionadas
فوق کل ذی علم علیم
synonymAbove every learned person is one more learned.
مغرور نشو
similarDon't be arrogant.
دوری و دوستی
contrastDistance brings friendship.
قدرت مطلق
contrastAbsolute power.
