You don’t need to be fluent in Persian language in travel to be able to enjoy your trip to Iran! however, when it comes to traveling to a foreign country, every tourist has similar worries. Traveling to Iran is no different. Every tourist who travels to Iran may wonder: How to get by in a foreign country if you can’t speak their language?
How can one communicate, if the simplest forms of the Persian language are alien to them? It doesn’t matter whether you have a tour guide by your side or not (although a guide can make your trip MUCH easier and more enjoyable), there are certain Persian phrases you will definitely find useful. Good news is, you can teach all these to yourself! Here‘s a full list of paid and free websites you can learn Persian with.
Although speaking a language you have never heard in your life may sound intimidating, the task is actually made much easier if you make a list of everything you think you will (and may) need in Iran. This list should include everything from the Persian language at restaurants to the airport and hotel guides.
You can find the full list of everything you will need to know in the Persian language while traveling to Iran down below. These phrases, words, and questions are the most common and frequent Persian phrases in travel to Iran. For better understanding, a vocal pronunciation of all sentences and phrases is also available.
Table of Contents:
After the flights land in Iran airports, the travelers go through standard checking-in procedure. What worries the visitors is finding their way in and out of the airport, finding their flight gate, and their luggage. The reason for this concern is, many people think that all signs are in Persian and Farsi language and navigating the airport (and all other buildings) will be confusing as a result.
That is simply wrong. Almost all signs in Iran including road signs, building signs, and guide signs are written in both Persian and English (and sometimes even Arabic). And so, travelers needn’t worry about navigating their way in the city or big buildings such as airport.
That being said, you still need to have some of the most useful Persian language in travel in your dictionary. And so, there are still many Persian terms any traveler needs to know before traveling to Iran. Here is a list of the most common ones:
Terminal | Terminal | ترمینال |
Gate | Geit | گیت |
Passport | Paas port | پاسپورت |
On time | Be Moogheh | به موقع |
Delayed | Ba Taa khir | با تاخیر |
Canceled | Cancel | کنسل |
Lost and Found | Ashiaa-e Gomshode | اشیا ی گمشده |
Security | entezamaat | انتظامات |
Luggage / Baggage | Chamedaan | چمدان |
Visa counter / visa check * | Baaje control-e viza / kiosk-e viza | باجه کنترل ویزا / کیوسک ویزا |
Travel insurance counter * | Baaje-ye bimeh / kiosk-e bime | باجه بیمه / کیوسک بیمه |
Bureau de charge / currency exchange | Tabdil-e arz | تبدیل ارز |
Upon arrival, tourists and visitors need to go through several counters in airport. One of them is the visa counter, in case they want an Iran visa on arrival. Getting visa in Iran is a rather simple task, and has different ways. the visa authorization code is e-mailed to the traveler before his or her flight date.
The code is then handed to the visa counter agents and after some security checks, confirmed and handed back to the visitors. But of course, getting an authorization code on your own can take from 10 to 20 days, while we can get it for you in less than 3 days! You can also check our Iran visa form to learn more about the information you need to provide.
While traveling to Iran, every visitor needs to get around the city with their own preferred transportation means. Some use public transportation, some opt for private transportation applications (similar to Uber), and some rent their own private cars.
One thing these transportation options all have in common, is the need for communication. Persian language in travel includes some of the most useful words and sentences you need to recognize and speak, if the situation calls for it. The list reads:
I want to get to ___ | Mikhaam beram be address-e _____ | ____ میخوام برم به آدرس |
Can you take me to ___ | Mishe man ro be _____ bebarid? | میشه من رو به ______ ببرید؟ |
Where can I find a taxi? | Koja mitoonam taxi begiram? | کجا میتونم تاکسی بگیرم؟ |
Could you send a taxi to ___ | Lotfan yek taxi befrestid be ___ | ___ لطفا یک تاکسی بفرستین به |
Can you take the quickest route? | Mishe lotfan az nazdik tarin masir berin? | میشه لطفا از نزدیک ترین مسیر برین؟ |
How much is the fare please? | Keraye cheqaadr mishe? | کرایه چقدر میشه؟ |
Stop here please | Loftan Haminja negah daarid | لطفا همینجا نگه دارید |
Could you hail a taxi for me please? | Mishe lotfan yek taxi baraye man begirid? | میشه لطفا یک تاکسی برای من بگیرید؟ |
I’m in a hurry | Ajaalle daram | عجله دارم |
When getting to your hotel, you will need to find your room (if you have previously booked your room, that is) or get a room if there is any available. After checking in and moving in to your room, you might want to know if the hotel you’re staying at also has a gym. Or when will the room service finish. As accommodation is an important part of traveling, Persian language in travel also includes the most common terms, words, and sentences you will likely hear (or need to know) while you are in Iran. The list includes:
Do you have any rooms available for tonight? | Baraaye emshab otaq-e khali darin? | برای امشب اتاق خالی دارین؟ |
I have a reservation under the name ___ | Be esme ____ otaq rezerv kardaam | به اسم ___ اتاق رزرو کردم |
Room | Otaaq | اتاق |
Single | Yek takhte | یک تخته |
Double | Do takht-e joda | دو تخت جدا |
Twin | twin | تویین |
Do you have a ___? | ____ Darin? | ____ دارین؟ |
What time do I need to check out? | Kei baayad takhlie konaam? | کی باید اتاقو تخلیه کنم؟ |
Does the room have a ____ ? | Otaq ____ daare? | اتاق ___ داره؟ |
What time is the Breakfast / lunch / dinner served? | Sobhaaneh / Nahar / Shaam kei serv mishe? | صبحانه / نهار / شام کی سرو میشه؟ |
Is the wifi free? | Wi-fi raaigan-e? | وای فای رایگانه؟ |
What time does room service finish? | Room serviis kei tamoom mishe? | روم سرویس کی تموم میشه؟ |
Could you change my room please? | Mishe lotfan otaaqam ro avaz konid? | میشه لطفا اتاقم رو عوض کنید؟ |
Can I get a smoking room? | Man ye otaq-e sigar mikham | من یه اتاق سیگار میخوام |
Could you bring a couple of extra towels to my room, please? | Mishe chand ta hole-ye ezafe be otaqam biaarin? | میشه چند تا حوله اضافه به اتاقم بیارین؟ |
Extra bed | Takht-e ezafe | تخت اضافه |
Sleeping couch | Mobl-e Takht shoo | مبل تخت شو |
Bunk bed | Takht-e doo tabaqe | تخت دو طبقه |
Adult | Bozorgsaal | بزرگسال |
Child | Koodak | کودک |
Infant | Noozad | نوزاد |
Gym | Bash gaah | باشگاه |
Pool | Estaakhr | استخر |
Restaurant | Restooran | رستوران |
Motel | Motel | متل |
Hostel | Hostel | هاستل |
Apartment hotel | Hotel apartman | هتل آپارتمان |
If there is one thing that you must try while traveling to Iran, that’s the Persian food. Everyone knows Persian cuisine for its diversity in flavor, ingredients, and colors! Unlike what many people assume, Iran vegetarian food list is also long and amazingly tasty! aside from the must try foods you can learn the names of here, there are certain sentences and words you can never go to a foodie place without! The Persian language in travel, must include the foodie vocabulary for this very reason!
These are the most important phrases and vocabulary any traveler must know when grabbing a bite in a restaurant in Iran:
Can I see the menu please? | Mishe lotfan menoo ro biarid? | میشه لطفا منو رو بیارید؟ | |
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians? | In qaza monaaseb-e vegetarian ha hast? | این غذا مناسب وجترین ها هست؟ | |
I’m not ready to order yet | Hanooz baraye sefaresh daadan aamade nistam | هنوز برای سفارش دادن آماده نیستم | |
I’m ready to order now | Mishe sefaaresham ro begirin? | میشه سفارشم رو بگیرین؟ | |
I would like ___ | ____ ro mikham | … رو می خواهم | |
We would like ___ | ____ ro mikhaaim | … رو می خواهیم | |
I’m sorry but this is cold / not cold enough | Bebakhsid vali in saard-e / saard nist | ببخشید ولی این سرده / سرد نیست | |
I’m sorry but can I change my order ? | Bebakhsid , mishe sefaaresham ro avaz konam ? | ببخشید، میشه سفارشم رو عوض کنم؟ | |
What is in this dish ? | Dakhel-e in qaza chi hast? | داخل این غذا چیه؟ | |
Could I have the check ? | Sorat hesab ro lotf mikoniid ? | صورت حساب رو لطف می کنید؟ | |
I am allergic to ___ | Man be ___ allergy daram | من به ___ آلرژی دارم | |
I don’t like the ___ | Man ___ ro doost nadaaram | من ___ رو دوست ندارم | |
I like the ___ | Man ___ ro doost daram | من ___ رو دوست دارم | |
My compliments to the chef! | Lotfan az aashpaz tashakkor konid | لطفا از آشپز تشکر کنید | |
Sweet | Shirin | شیرین | |
Bitter | Taalkh | تلخ | |
Salty | Shoor | شور | |
Seafood | Qazaye daryaii | غذای دریایی | |
Fast food | Fast food | فست فود | |
Pasta | pasta | پاستا | |
Bread | Naan | نان | |
Pastry | Shirinii | شیرینی | |
Coffee | Qahve | قهوه | |
Tea | Chai | چایی | |
Water | Aab | آب | |
Desert | Deser | دسر | |
Appetizer | Pish Qazaa | پیش غذا | |
Salad | Salad | سالاد | |
Drinks / beverages | Nooshidani | نوشیدنی | |
Snacks | Tanaqqolaat | تنقلات |
These are the phrases Iranian people use in their everyday life. Simple but useful terms people all around the world use daily that are among the essential parts of Persian phrases in travel to Iran! Here is the list:
I don’t understand Persian
I don’t speak Persian | Man Farsi motevajjeh nemisham
Man Farsi sohbat nemikonaam | من فارسی متوجه نمیشم
من فارسی صحبت نمیکنم |
I’m sorry
Excuse me | Bebakhshid
Bebakhshid | ببخشید
ببخشید |
Thank you
You’re welcome | Mersi / Mamnoon
Khaahesh mikonam | مرسی / ممنون
خواهش می کنم |
Hello / Hi
Goodbye / bye | Salaam
Khoda hafez / Khoda negahdar | سلام
خدا حافظ / خدا نگهدار |
Good morning
Good night
Good evening | Sobh bekheir
Shab bekheir
Asr bekheir | صبح بخیر
شب بخیر
عصر بخیر |
I’m staying at ___
I will be here for ___ days | Man dar ___ eqaamat daram
Man ___ rooz inja khaham bood | من در ___ اقامت دارم
من ___ روز اینجا خواهم بود |
I don’t understand
Can you speak slower? | Motevajjeh nemisham
Mishe aroom tar sohbat koniid ? | متوجه نمیشم
میشه آروم تر صحبت کنید؟ |
How are you doing?
How was your day? | Hale shomaa chetor-e?
Roze khoobi dashti? | حال شما چطوره؟
روز خوبی داشتی؟ |
I’m fine
I’m tired | Khoobam
Mariz am
Khaste am | خوبم
مریضم
خسته ام |
I’m thirsty
I’m hungry |
Teshne am
Goshne am / Goroosne am |
تشنه ام
گشنه ام / گرسنه ام |
I’m afraid | Mitarsam | می ترسم |
I’d be greatful | Mamnoon misham | ممنون میشم |
Do you like it? | Doosesh dari? | دوسش داری؟ |
I don’t like it
I like it | Doosesh nadaram
Doosesh daram | دوسش ندارم
دوسش دارم |
I have no idea | Nemidoonam | نمی دونم |
By the way.. | Rasti.. | راستی.. |
Why not? | Chera ke na | چرا که نه |
Are you sure? | Motma-enni? | مطمئنی؟ |
I’m not sure
I’m sure | Motma-ennam
Motma-en nistam | مطمئن ام
مطمئن نیستم |
I don’t mind | Eshkali nadare | اشکالی نداره |
It’s Okay | Okay-e | اوکی-ه |
I’m married
I’m in a relationship
I’m single
I have … kids! | Man ezdevaaj kardam
Man ba kesi dar rabete hastam
Man mojarrad hastam
Man … bache daram! | من ازدواج کردم
من با کسی در رابطه هستم
من مجرد هستم
من … بچه دارم! |
I’m cold / hot | Sardam-e / garmam-e | سردمه / گرممه |
What is your name?
My name is … | Esm-e shoma chie?
Esm-e man ….. | اسم شما چیه؟
اسم من … |
No way! | Na baba! | نه بابا! |
While it is not often that travelers need to use these words and sentences, it is still better to be on the safe side and have a basic knowledge about these unnecessary (but important) terms. If you are traveling with a guide, then you should count yourself trouble-free. Almost every part of the tourist’s needs is seen-to by his or her traveling guide, including the unprecedented emergencies.
Of course, having a credible tour guide by your side is only one of the advantages of traveling with an Iran travel agency. If you are traveling alone or without a native speaker to accompany you, then you it is important you learn or write down these Persian language terms somewhere:
I need help | Man be komak nyaaz daram | من به کمک نیاز دارم |
I need an ambulance | Man aambolaans nyaaz daram | من به آمبولانس نیاز دارم |
I need a doctor | Man doktoor nyaaz daram | من دکتر نیاز دارم |
I’m lost | Man gom shodaam | من گم شده ام |
Police Doctor Fire fighter | Polees Doctor Atash neshan | پلیس دکتر آتش نشان |
It’s nothing serious | Chize mohemmi nist | چیز مهمی نیست |
I’m in pain | Daard daram | درد دارم |
Pharmacy Drugs | Daroo khane Daroo | دارو خانه دارو |
While not all tourists in Iran are interested in shopping, many are. Persian souvenirs are hard to pass up, and so you will most probably be one of the many who DO go for shopping. Persian clothes are also loved among tourists for being unique, colorful, and comfortable!
Whether it is a new pair of Persian leather gloves you want or one of Iran’s famous sweets like Gaz or Yazdi cake, these are the Persian terms and phrases you need to know before shopping in Iran:
How much is this? | Chandeh? | چنده؟ |
Does this come in other colors?
Does this come in ….? | Rang-e digeh ham dareh?
Rang-e … ham dare? | رنگ دیگه هم داره؟
رنگ … هم داره؟ |
This is too big
This is too small | Kheili koochik-e
Kheili bozoorg-e | خیلی کوچیکه
خیلی بزرگه |
Can I have a size smaller / size bigger? | Mishe ye saaiz koochik tar / ye saaiz bozoorg tar bedin? | میشه یه سایز کوچیک تر / یه سایز بزرگ تر بدین؟ |
It’s too expensive! | Kheili geroon-e | خیلی گرونه |
Could you help me please? | Mishe be man komak konid? | میشه بمن کمک کنید؟ |
I’m looking for a … | Man dobale … hastam | من دنبال … هستم |
Do you have a refund policy? | Pas migirin? | پس می گیرین؟ |
Fitting room | Otaq-e porov | اتاق پرو |
Men’s clothing
Women’s clothing | Lebas-e mardaaneh
Lebas-e zanaaneh | لباس مردانه
لباس زنانه |
Trolley
Basket | Charkh-e kharid
Sabad | چرخ خرید
سبد |
Online shop | Forooshgah-e online | فروشگاه آنلاین |
Asking for directions and finding an address has always been a challenge for travelers all over the world. Iran is no exception! Finding the street or the building you are looking for is the simplest example. Asking for directions to your hotel in case you get a little confused finding your way back, or asking the locals for the best foodie places near your hotel are more common examples. Persian language is expressive and detailed, and so you will need to know at least a couple terms and phrases about address and directions in Iran before traveling to this country.
Where can I find a restaurant? Where can I find a grocery store? | Restooran kojaast? Forooshgah kojaast? | رستوران کجاست؟ فروشگاه کجاست؟ |
Where is the bank? Where is the hospital? | Baank kojast? Bimaarestan kojast? | بانک کجاست؟ بیمارستان کجاست؟ |
Where is the …? | … Kojast ? | … کجاست؟ |
How can I get to a coffee shop? | Chetor mitoonam beram cafe? | چطور می تونم برم کافه؟ |
How can I get to… ? | Chetor mitonam beram … ? | چطور می تونم برم .. ؟ |
North South East West | Shomaal Jonoob Sharq Qarb | شمال جنوب شرق غرب |
Left Right | Chap Rast | چپ راست |
Street Alley Number | Khiaboon Kooche Pelaak | خیابون کوچه پلاک |
Highway Freeway Road | Bozorg raah Azad raah jaadde | بزرگ راه آزاد راه جاده |
Bus Subway Taxi | Otoboos Metro Taxi | اتوبوس مترو تاکسی |
How can I get a subway ticket? I need a subway ticket. | Chetor mitonam bilite metro bekharam? Yek bilite metro mikham | چطور می تونم بلیط مترو بخرم؟ یه بلیط مترو می خوام |
How can I get to … station? | Chetor mitonam be istgaah-e … beram? | چطور می تونم به ایستگاه … برم؟ |
Where is the nearest bus station? Nazdik tarin istgahe metro kojast? | Nazdik tarin istgah-e otoboos kojast? Where is the nearest subway station? | نزدیک ترین ایستگاه اتوبوس کجاست؟ نزدیک ترین ایستگاه مترو کجاست؟ |
Last but not least, you will need to recognize Persian numbers. The Persian language is unique in many aspects, and numbers are among them. It is especially important for you to learn these numbers in case you were required to submit a number (your passport number, your phone number, etc.) in Persian, and not English.
1 | yek | 1 |
2 | doo | 2 |
3 | se | 3 |
4 | chahaar | 4 |
5 | panj | 5 |
6 | shesh | 6 |
7 | haft | 7 |
8 | hasht | 8 |
9 | noh | 9 |