Essential Persian Phrases for Beginners

The Persian greeting 'Salam' means 'hello'. It's a gateway to polite conversation. Interestingly, ancient Persians were among the first to use formal greetings to show respect and good intentions.

'Mamnoon' or 'Moteshakeram' means 'thank you'. Gratitude is pivotal in Persian culture, deeply rooted in the historical practice of Taarof, an etiquette of humility and courtesy.

'Khodahafez', meaning 'God protect you', is the common farewell in Persian. It reflects the historical influence of religion on everyday language, dating back to pre-Islamic Zoroastrianism.

'Ghashang' means 'beautiful'. Compliments in Persian often involve Taarof, which may include hyperbolic language as a sign of politeness, not necessarily literal praise.

'Esme shoma chie?' means 'What's your name?'. Names in Persian often have poetic meanings and can reflect a family's hopes for their child's character or life.

'Asheghetam' translates to 'I love you'. Love in Persian poetry is a central theme, showcasing the language's rich literary heritage that champions emotional expression.

'Ghaza che torie?' means 'How is the food?'. Persian cuisine is a tapestry of flavors, and discussing food is both a social ritual and a nod to Iran's culinary history.