Learn Key Phrases in Persian

Even if you don't speak a word of Persian, it will only take a few minutes to learn some basic phrases that will help you communicate.

Persian, also known as either Farsi, Dari, or Tajiki, is spoken natively in Iran, Northern Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Learning the following will open your doors into an endless treasure trove of history, culture, soul, and civilization.

Steps

  1. Use "salaam" and "rooz bekheyr" for "hello" and "khodahafez" for "goodbye."
  2. Introduce yourself by saying "man [Your name] hastam" (Like "man Jack hastam") .
  3. Use "khaheshan" or "lotfan" and "merci" or "mamnon" to say "please" and "thank you."
  4. Say "baleh" or "areh" for "yes," and "na" for "no." Or just nod or shake your head.
  5. Say "Koja" , which means "where," if you're looking for something.
  6. Say "chand misheh"and "gheimat in chand?" for "How much it costs".
  7. Say "Kay" (Like the English "okay" without the first "o" sound) for "when"
  8. Say "Hale shoma chetore" for "How are you?"
  9. Use "Man" for "I" ,"To" (without saying the "h") for "You"(Only one person/informal),"Oo" for "He,She,It" ,"Ma" for "we","Shoma" for "You"(plural/formal), and "Anha" for "They"
  10. Say "mikham" when you want something for example "Ab mikham" means I want water
  11. Say "Khoob hastam" in answer to "are you okay?"
  12. If you want to say where are you from say "man (your country name)ee hastam " or " man ahle ( country name) hastam"

Tips

  • Persians like foreign people very much. in fact they do love them much more themselves and do their best for their convenience. It isn't something new, even historians have written about same behavior of Persians in thousands years ago. They love being hospitable.
  • In general, Persians are warm, friendly and generous individuals with a strong interest in foreigners and other cultures. In dealing with Iranians, the following tips relating to customs and etiquette may prove useful.
  • Meal times in Iran vary considerably from those in Europe and the US. Lunch can be served from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. and dinner is often eaten after 7:00 p.m. These and other social occasions in Iran are often long, drawn-out affairs conducted in a relatively relaxed tempo, often involving pastries, fruit and possibly nuts. As it is considered rude to refuse what is served, visitors should accept the items offered, even if they do not intend to consume them.
  • Persians are warm people and they will help you to speak correctly.
  • Iranian officials are extremely sensitive to references to the Persian Gulf. It is highly recommended to use the official name and avoid using "the Gulf" and especially "the Arabian Gulf" when addressing this body of water.
  • When visiting a Persian household for the first time or on a special occasion it is customary to bring a small gift. Flowers, sweets or pastries are popular gift choices.
  • Social Customs
  • Use the power of body language: Pointing, drawing, gesturing and pantomiming will all help you get your point across.
  • Business Etiquette
  • If you need help say "mishe komakam konid" most of the time Iranians are willing to help you.
  • Along with the social customs, certain additional business etiquette should be realized prior to interaction with Iranian businessmen.
  • For goodbye you can also use "rooz khosh" or "Khoda Hafez".
  • The majority of Persians/ Iranians do know basic English so if you are having trouble you could try to say what you need in simple English. Note that you should speak slowly because they are not as fluent as people who speak English everyday and may not understand if you speak too fast.
  • Say 'dooset daram' for I love you.
  • If you are in a situation where you need assistance in English, you can say "Aya shoma Englisi sohbat mikonid?" to ask if they speak English.

Warnings

  • Iranian government is highly sensitive about cultural affairs. So when you are there try to avoid doing things and wearing clothes that is banned by the government and Islamic laws. Otherwise you may end up in jail.
  • If you are in Afghanistan, keep it in mind that Dari only works in central and northern Afghanistan. So if you are in southern Afghanistan do not put yourself in trouble trying to speak in a language that is unfamiliar for both you and audience.

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