Handy Persian Phrases for an Iran bound Tourist
Iran is one of those holiday destinations where conversing in English is extremely difficult if you go outside of the tourist districts. However, if you know Hindi or Urdu, the Persian language is not that difficult to learn. I was thankful to learn the similarity between these languages while I stayed with a local family and this also helped me in picking up some very helpful Farsi phrases that came in super handy during my backpacking trip in Iran and I hope you will find them handy too.
And remember, keep your ear open for many Hindi or Urdu words. If you listen carefully, you will understand the context. After all, we have had such a rich past, that both languages (Hindi and Persian) have borrowed a lot from each other.
And remember, keep your ear open for many Hindi or Urdu words. If you listen carefully, you will understand the context. After all, we have had such a rich past, that both languages (Hindi and Persian) have borrowed a lot from each other.
| Farsi (Persian) Phrase | English Equivalent |
| Salaam | Hello or simply a salutation! |
| Halet Chetohrey or Khoobay? or Chetohri? | How are you? |
| Man Khoobam! | I am good! |
| Merci or Mamnoon! | Thank you! |
| Kheyli Mamnoon! | Thank you very much! |
| Ahle Khojaeey? | Where are you from? |
| Balle or Arey | Yes |
| Nah Khair or Na | No |
| Beselamati | Cheers (to everyone’s good health) |
| Khahesh Mikonaam | You are welcome |
| Khoda Hafez | Good bye! |
| Bedoonay Goosht | Without Meat |
| Goosht | Meat |
| Sabzee | Vegetables |
| Bebaaksheet | Excuse me! |
| Agah | Sir |
| Khanoom | Madam |
| sefr | Zero |
| Yek | One |
| Do | Two |
| Se | Three |
| Chahar | Four |
| Panj | Five |
| Shesh | Six |
| Haft | Seven |
| Hasht | Eight |
| Noh | Nine |
| Dah | Ten |
| Sad | Hundred |
| Hezaar | Thousand |
| Sobh bekheir | Good Morning! |
| Shab Bekheir | Good Night! |
| Nooshe Jaan | Bon Apetit! |
| Be Salamat | Bon Voyage! |
| Man | I |
| Shoma | You |
| Doost | Friend |
| Haynd | India |
| Che Khabar? | Whats new? |
| Bozorg | Big |
| Khoocheek | Small |
