Persian Phrases: The 100+ Most Common Expressions (with Farsi & IPA)

100+ essential Persian (Farsi) phrases with Persian script and IPA pronunciation – plus the Ta’arof expressions that generic phrasebooks always leave out.

Persian phrases are short expressions you’ll use every day: to greet, to thank, to apologise, to ask for help. They’re the difference between sounding like a textbook and sounding like someone who’s actually spent time in the language.

This is not another generic phrasebook. Below you’ll find the essentials with Persian script and IPA pronunciation, plus a section on Ta’arof – the uniquely Persian politeness expressions that generic apps never teach and that no conversation in Iran or the Iranian diaspora happens without.

Persian vs. Farsi – What Should I Call the Language?

Same language, two names. “Persian” is the English name; “Farsi” (فارسی) is what native speakers call it in Iran. Both are correct – academics and BBC use “Persian”, the Iranian diaspora and most Persian speakers online use “Farsi”. You’ll see both names in search results, on apps and in course titles. On this page we’ll use both interchangeably.

If your roots are in Afghanistan, you’re probably looking for Dari – closely related but with distinct pronunciation and vocabulary in some places.

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Ta’arof – The Persian Politeness Culture You Need to Know

Before you learn any other Persian phrases, understand this: Ta’arof (تعارف) is the ritual politeness system that structures Persian social interaction. Refusing an offer three times before accepting it, insisting on paying while the host insists you don’t, calling yourself someone’s “servant” as a term of endearment – all Ta’arof. Miss it and you’ll sound blunt to Persian ears; use it and doors open.

Here are the Ta’arof expressions that phrasebooks and apps almost never teach, but that every native speaker uses daily:

Note: Persian pronunciation and transliterations on this page are compiled from published resources and are being reviewed by a native Farsi speaker.

The single most useful rule to remember: if someone offers you something in Iran, refuse politely at least once before accepting. That’s Ta’arof in one sentence. And when the host insists again, saying `قابل نداره` (“it’s nothing worth your acceptance”), the correct response is to thank them and finally take it.

Persian Greetings

The basics – used in every conversation, formal and informal:

How are you? – and how to respond

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Want to go deeper? See the full Learn Persian guide.

Saying Goodbye in Persian

Introducing Yourself in Persian

Language spoken?

Sentences with “I am…” in Persian

Apologising in Persian

Useful Signs & Notices in Persian

Numbers 1 to 25 in Persian

Persian numerals: 1 = ۱, 2 = ۲, 3 = ۳, 4 = ۴, 5 = ۵, 6 = ۶, 7 = ۷, 8 = ۸, 9 = ۹, 0 = ۰.

Colours in Persian

Days, Months & Seasons in Persian

Note: modern Iran uses the Persian solar calendar (Farvardin, Ordibehesht, Khordad…) for official life. The names below are the Persian versions of the Western Gregorian months, used in international and business contexts.

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FAQ

Is Persian the same as Farsi?

Yes. Persian is the English name, Farsi (فارسی) is the native name. Both refer to the same language. Dari (spoken in Afghanistan) and Tajik (in Tajikistan) are closely related regional varieties.

What is Ta’arof and why does it matter for Persian phrases?

Ta’arof (تعارف) is the ritual politeness system central to Persian social interaction – think of it as verbal choreography: refusing offers before accepting, insisting on paying, calling yourself “your servant” as affection. If you only learn generic phrases and skip Ta’arof, you’ll sound blunt to Persian ears.

How do you say “thank you” in Persian?

The everyday word is ممنون (mamnun). More formal is متشکرم (moteshakkeram). To thank someone for effort, cooking or a favour, use دست شما درد نکنه (dast-e shomā dard nakone) – literally “may your hand not hurt”. For food specifically, نوش جان (nush-e jān).

How do you say “hello” in Persian?

سلام (salām) – used any time of day, formal or informal. Literally “peace”. It’s the standard greeting across Iran, Afghanistan and the diaspora.

Do I need to learn Persian script to use these phrases?

Not to speak them – the IPA pronunciation lets you say the phrases correctly without reading the script. But to read menus, signs, or messages in Iran, or to write to family, you’ll need the script eventually. It’s easier than most people expect: about two to three weeks of daily practice.

Are these phrases the same in Iran and Afghanistan?

Most greetings and courtesy phrases are mutually intelligible. Afghan Dari has some distinct vocabulary (for example تشکر / tashakkor for “thank you” is more common than ممنون in Afghanistan) and different pronunciation of certain letters. If you’re focused on Afghanistan, look up a dedicated Dari phrasebook.

More Persian on Learn-A-New-Language.eu:

• Learn Persian – the complete guide (pillar)
• Mondly Persian – honest app review

Helpful language learning tips:

• The different ways of learning languages
• Learning vocabulary successfully
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• Train your listening comprehension the easy way
• Learning languages quickly – is it possible?
• The different types of learners when learning languages