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. Persia (also known as Iran) is land of history and culture, if you go there once you want to return many times.
Step 1
Use "SALAAM" (or "Dorood") for "hello" and "Khoda Negahdar" (khoda_negahdar) for "goodbye."
Step 2
Introduce yourself by saying "man [Your name] hastam" (Like "man Jack hastam") .
Step 3
Use "khaheshan" and "mamnoon" or "sepas" to say "please" and "thank you."
Step 4
Say "baleh" for "yes," and "na" for "no." Or just nod or shake your head.
Step 5
Say "Koja" , which means "where," if you're looking for something.
Step 6
Say "chand misheh" for "How much it costs".
Step 7
Say "Kay" (Like the English "okay" without the first "o" sound) for "when"
Step 8
Say "Chetori" for "How are you"
Step 9
Use "Man" for "I" ,"Toh" (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" or "Oonha" for "They"
Step 10
Say "mikham" when you want something for example "Ab mikham" means i want water.
Step 11
Say "Khoobi" are you ok?
Tips
- For goodbye you can also use "BYE".
- Use the power of body language: Pointing, drawing, gesturing and pantomiming will all help you get your point across.
- Iranians are warm people and they will help you to speak correctly.
- Iranians 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.
- Social Customs
- In general, Iranians 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.
- When visiting an Iranian 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.
- 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 9:00 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.
- Business Etiquette
- Along with the social customs, certain additional business etiquettes should be realized prior to interaction with Iranian businessmen.
- It is important to note that most officials will not shake hands with a member of the opposite sex, especially in public. It is highly recommended not to create an awkward situation by extending one's hand. The same is true for private citizens who are particularly religious.
- Iranian officials are extremely sensitive to references to the Persian Gulf. It is highly recommended to avoid using "the Gulf" and especially "the Arabian Gulf" when addressing this body of water.
