🗣️ Essential Persian Travel Phrases for Tourists with English Meanings
Visiting Iran? Master these easy and essential Persian (Farsi) phrases to communicate smoothly, make friends, and enjoy your journey hassle-free. From greetings to emergencies, this guide covers the most useful phrases every traveler should know!
📌 Basic Greetings & Polite Expressions
Persian (Farsi) | English Meaning | Pronunciation |
---|---|---|
سلام | Hello | Salaam |
خداحافظ | Goodbye | Khodaa haafez |
صبح بخیر | Good morning | Sobh bekheyr |
شب بخیر | Good night | Shab bekheyr |
حال شما چطوره؟ | How are you? | Haale shomaa chetore? |
خوبم، مرسی | I’m fine, thank you | Khoobam, mersi |
لطفاً | Please | Lotfan |
ممنون / متشکرم | Thank you | Mamnoon / Moteshakeram |
خواهش میکنم | You’re welcome | Khaahesh mikonam |
ببخشید | Excuse me / Sorry | Bebakhshid |
🚕 Getting Around: Transportation & Directions
Persian (Farsi) | English Meaning | Pronunciation |
---|---|---|
تاکسی لطفاً | A taxi, please | Taaxi lotfan |
اینجا کجاست؟ | Where is this? | Injaa kojaast? |
چطور برم به…؟ | How do I get to…? | Chetor beram be…? |
مستقیم | Straight ahead | Mostaghim |
ایستگاه مترو کجاست؟ | Where is the metro? | Istgaah-e metro kojaast? |
اتوبوس چه ساعتی حرکت میکنه؟ | What time does the bus leave? | Otooboos che sa’ati harekat mikoneh? |
ایستگاه قطار کجاست؟ | Where is the train station? | Istgaah-e ghatar kojaast? |
🏨 Hotels & Accommodation
Persian (Farsi) | English Meaning | Pronunciation |
---|---|---|
اتاق خالی دارید؟ | Do you have a room available? | Otaagh khaali darid? |
رزرو دارم | I have a reservation | Rezerv daaram |
قیمت هر شب چنده؟ | How much is one night? | Gheymat-e har shab chandeh? |
دستشویی کجاست؟ | Where is the bathroom? | Dastshooyi kojaast? |
صبحانه شامل میشه؟ | Is breakfast included? | Sobhaneh shaamel misheh? |
🍽️ At a Restaurant: Food & Drink
Persian (Farsi) | English Meaning | Pronunciation |
---|---|---|
منو دارید؟ | Do you have a menu? | Menu daarid? |
آب لطفاً | Water, please | Aab lotfan |
خوشمزه است! | It’s delicious! | Khoshmazeh ast! |
صورتحساب لطفاً | The bill, please | Soorat-hesab lotfan |
گوشت نمیخورم | I don’t eat meat | Goosht nemikhoram |
🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Persian (Farsi) | English Meaning | Pronunciation |
---|---|---|
این چنده؟ | How much is this? | In chandeh? |
گرونه | It’s expensive | Gerooneh |
تخفیف داره؟ | Is there a discount? | Takhfif dareh? |
قشنگه! | It’s beautiful! | Ghashangeh! |
نمیخوام | I don’t want it | Nemikhaam |
🏥 Health & Emergencies
Persian (Farsi) | English Meaning | Pronunciation |
---|---|---|
کمک! | Help! | Komak! |
گم شدم | I’m lost | Gom shodam |
مریضم | I’m sick | Marizam |
داروخانه کجاست؟ | Where is the pharmacy? | Daarookhaaneh kojaast? |
دکتر لازم دارم | I need a doctor | Doctor laazem daaram |
❤️ Social & Friendly Phrases
Persian (Farsi) | English Meaning | Pronunciation |
---|---|---|
ایران خیلی قشنگه | Iran is very beautiful | Iran kheili ghashangeh |
مردم ایران مهربونن | Iranians are kind | Mardome Iran mehraboonan |
دوست دارم ایران رو | I love Iran | Doost daaram Iran ro |
اهل کجایید؟ | Where are you from? | Ahle kojaaeed? |
خوشحالم دیدمتون | Nice to meet you | Khoshhaalam didametoon |
💡 Quick Tips for Using Persian Phrases
- Speak slowly and clearly — many locals appreciate the effort!
- Use simple words combined with gestures when stuck.
- Smile and be polite — politeness goes a long way in Iran!
- Practice common phrases daily before your trip to build confidence.
❓ FAQ: Persian for Travelers
🔸 Do people in Iran speak English?
In big cities and tourist areas, many people—especially youth—speak basic English. But in rural areas or lesser-known destinations, Farsi is essential.
🔸 Is it hard to learn Persian?
No! Farsi grammar is relatively simple, and pronunciation is smoother than many other languages. Learning 20–30 key words goes a long way.
🔸 What app can help me learn Persian phrases?
Try Google Translate, Drops, or Learn Farsi (Android/iOS). Carrying a small phrasebook also helps.
🔸 Can I use these phrases in all of Iran?
Yes! Standard Persian (Farsi) is understood nationwide, although some regions have local dialects like Gilaki, Azeri, or Kurdish.