Thomas van Welsenes
Founder of Learn Farsi
Thomas built Learn Farsi to make Persian language learning accessible and free for everyone. He writes about Farsi learning strategies, Persian culture, and language tips to help learners on their journey.
Articles by Thomas
Is Halloween Celebrated in Iran?
Is Halloween celebrated in Iran? Learn why it is not a traditional Iranian holiday, how some people celebrate it today, and which Persian festivals are different.
From Halloween to Yalda Night: How Cultures Celebrate Darkness
Compare Halloween and Yalda Night, two different autumn and winter traditions. Discover when they happen, how people celebrate, and what Yalda means in Iran.
How to Learn Farsi on Android: A 15 Minute Daily Study Plan
Learn Farsi on Android with a simple 15 minute daily plan. Study vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and the Persian alphabet from your phone.
How to Learn Farsi on iPhone: A Complete Beginner's Setup
Set up your iPhone for learning Farsi. Install the app, add a Persian keyboard, choose script or phonetic text, and follow a simple first week plan.
Learn Farsi in Your Browser for Free, No Download Required
Learn Farsi in your browser with free vocabulary, grammar, alphabet, audio, and daily practice. Start online without downloading an app.
Learn Farsi Is Now on Android
Learn Farsi on Android is live on Google Play. 174 vocabulary lessons, 93 grammar lessons, a full alphabet course, and your web progress syncs across devices.
Persian Diacritics and the Half-Space Explained
A simple guide to Persian diacritics: the short vowels, tashdid, hamze, and the half-space (ZWNJ). Learn the marks beyond the 32 letters and how to read them.
15 Beautiful Persian Words With No English Translation
15 beautiful Persian words with no English translation. Discover their meaning, feeling, and how to say them, then start learning Farsi for free.
Babbel Persian Alternative: Learn Farsi Free
Babbel has no Persian course. Here is the best Babbel Persian alternative to learn Farsi free, with lessons, the alphabet, grammar, and daily practice.
The Ezafe in Persian, Explained Simply
Learn Persian ezafe with clear rules, audio examples and a free 10-question practice. Connect nouns, adjectives and possessors, then check your understanding.
How to Write Your Name in Persian
Learn how to write your name in Persian step by step. Match English sounds to Farsi letters, handle vowels, and practice the Persian alphabet for free.
Rosetta Stone Persian Alternative: Learn Farsi Free
Looking for a Rosetta Stone Persian alternative? Learn Farsi free with the alphabet, grammar, vocabulary, and daily practice built only for Persian.
Best Free Ways to Learn Persian in 2026
The best free ways to learn Persian in 2026. Apps, the alphabet, podcasts, and daily practice that cost nothing, plus a simple plan to start Farsi today.
15 English Words That Come From Persian
15 English words that come from Persian, from paradise to pajama. See the surprising Farsi roots behind everyday words and start learning Persian free.
How to Introduce Yourself in Farsi
Learn how to introduce yourself in Farsi. Say your name, where you are from, and greet people politely, with simple phrases and free Persian practice.
Learn Dari, the Afghan Persian
Learn Dari, the Afghan Persian. See how Dari and Farsi compare, what makes them different, and how to start with free Persian lessons that work for both.
Persian Verb Conjugation for Beginners
Persian verb conjugation for beginners. Learn the present and past tense, personal endings, and to be, with clear examples and free Farsi practice.
Mango Languages Persian Alternative: Learn Farsi Free
A Mango Languages Persian alternative that is free. Learn Farsi with the alphabet, grammar, vocabulary, and daily practice built only for Persian.
10 Mistakes Beginners Make Learning Farsi
10 mistakes beginners make learning Farsi, and how to avoid them. Skip the traps, learn the alphabet the right way, and practice Persian for free.
How to Tell the Time in Farsi
Learn how to tell the time in Farsi. Ask the time, say hours and minutes, and use half and quarter, with clear examples and free Persian practice.
Best Persian Podcasts for Learners in 2026
The best Persian podcasts for learners in 2026. Train your ear with Farsi listening for every level, plus tips to learn faster and free lessons to start.
Persian Script and Phonetic Mode on Learn Farsi
Learn Persian your way with script and phonetic mode. Read the Farsi alphabet or use transliteration, then switch as you grow, all free on Learn Farsi.
Best Persian Movies to Learn Farsi
The best Persian movies to learn Farsi. Train your ear with acclaimed Iranian films, learn how to watch for language, and start free Persian lessons.
Learn Persian to Read Poetry
Learn Persian to read poetry in the original. Understand Rumi, Hafez, and Saadi as they wrote, with a simple path and free Farsi lessons to begin.
Best Persian Books for Beginners: 7 That Are Worth It
Seven Persian books for beginners, from a free university textbook to the best grammar workbook. What each one does, who it suits, and where to start.
Learn Farsi for Business
Learn Farsi for business. Build the greetings, polite phrases, and cultural know,how to work with Iranian partners, with free lessons to start today.
Farsi Grammar Cheat Sheet: Every Rule in One Place
The free Farsi grammar cheat sheet puts every rule, table, and example on one page. Search it, open any card, then practice with the matching free lesson.
Persian Numbers 0-9: The Digits ۰۱۲۳ and Their Names
Persian writes its own digits: ۰۱۲۳۴۵۶۷۸۹. What each glyph means, what it is called, why numbers run left to right inside right-to-left text, and how Persian digits differ from Arabic ones.
Learn Farsi vs Pimsleur, Mango & Rosetta for Persian
Learn Farsi vs Pimsleur, Mango, and Rosetta Stone for Persian. An honest, fair comparison of features, methods, and cost to help you pick the right app.
Farsi Grammar for Beginners: the Basics Made Simple
Farsi grammar for beginners made simple. Learn word order, the ezafe, the mi- prefix, the verb budan, and plurals with clear Persian examples on Learn Farsi.
Learn Farsi as a Heritage Speaker: Reconnect
Learn Farsi as a heritage speaker and reconnect with family. A warm, practical guide to reading, writing, and speaking Persian with confidence on Learn Farsi.
Farsi CEFR Levels Explained: A1 to C2 With Examples
Farsi CEFR levels from A1 to C2 explained with simple Persian example sentences. Find what each level means and where your Farsi sits today on Learn Farsi.
Learning Farsi: Your Complete Language Guide
Everything you need to know about learning the Farsi language. From the alphabet to grammar and conversation, a complete roadmap for every level.
Best Apps to Learn Farsi in 2026 (Free and Paid, Tested)
The best apps, courses and books for learning Farsi in 2026, tested and ranked. What each one does well, what it costs, and who it suits.
How to Say Thank You in Farsi (and Why Iranians Say Merci)
Mersi, mamnoon or tashakor, and which one fits the moment. Includes how to reply, and why Persian borrowed the French merci.
Farsi Days of the Week, Months & Seasons
Learn the days of the week, months, and seasons in Farsi. Complete list with pronunciation, the Persian calendar explained, and tips for remembering them.
100 Basic Farsi Words Every Beginner Should Know
The 100 most useful Farsi words for beginners. Greetings, numbers, food, family, and everyday vocabulary with pronunciation and examples.
Farsi Pronunciation Guide: How to Sound Natural
A clear guide to Farsi pronunciation. Learn vowels, consonants, tricky sounds, and tips to sound more natural when speaking Persian.
Farsi for Beginners: Where to Start
New to Farsi? This beginner's guide shows you exactly where to start, what to learn first, and how to build a study routine that works.
Farsi Grammar Basics: A Simple Guide for Beginners
Learn the core rules of Farsi grammar, from sentence structure and verb conjugation to the ezafe construction. A clear guide for beginners.
How to Learn Persian Online for Free
Discover the best free resources to learn Persian online. From structured lessons to podcasts and YouTube channels, here's how to start without spending a cent.
How to Learn Farsi Fast: Practical Tips That Work
Want to learn Farsi fast? These practical tips based on the 80/20 principle and rapid language acquisition will help you speak sooner, not later.
Nowruz Explained: Persian New Year & Its Meaning
Everything you need to know about Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Learn about its 3,000-year history, the Haft-seen table, traditions, and how it's celebrated worldwide.
How to Learn Farsi: A Beginner's Guide
Learn how to learn Farsi from scratch. This guide covers the alphabet, vocabulary, grammar basics, and tips for building a daily study habit.
Farsi vs Persian: What's the Difference?
Is Farsi the same as Persian? Learn the difference between Farsi and Persian, where each name comes from, and how Dari and Tajik fit in.
How Many Letters Are in the Persian Alphabet? All 32 Listed
The Persian alphabet has 32 letters: the 28 Arabic letters plus پ, چ, ژ and گ. See all 32 with their sounds, four written forms, and how they join in a word.
50 Common Farsi Phrases for Everyday Conversation
50 common Farsi phrases with Persian script and pronunciation, grouped by situation. Greetings, thanks, directions and goodbyes you will actually use.
The Best Way to Learn Farsi Online in 2026
Find the best way to learn Farsi online in 2026. Compare methods, free resources, and strategies for learning Persian from home.
Taarof: The Persian Art of Politeness
Learn about taarof, the Persian custom of ritual politeness. Understand how it works, common phrases, and how to navigate it as a Farsi learner.
Is Farsi Hard to Learn? An Honest Answer for Beginners
Farsi grammar is simpler than French or German, with no genders and no cases. The script is the real work. Here is what is hard and what is not.
Farsi Greetings: How to Say Hello in Farsi
Learn how to say hello in Farsi with this guide to Persian greetings. Covers formal, informal, and time-based greetings with pronunciation tips.
Farsi Numbers 1 to 100: Script, Digits and Pronunciation
Count from 1 to 100 in Farsi with Persian script, the digits ۰۱۲۳, and pronunciation. Includes how compound numbers like 21 and 99 are built.
Farsi vs Arabic: What's the Difference?
Farsi and Arabic share a script but are completely different languages. Learn the key differences in grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and structure.
Learn Farsi for Travel to Iran
Essential Farsi phrases for traveling in Iran. Learn greetings, directions, food ordering, shopping, and cultural tips to make your trip smoother.
Love in Farsi: Eshgham, Azizam and Dooset Daram Meaning
Eshgham means "my love", azizam is "my dear", and dooset daram is "I love you". 20+ Persian love words with script, pronunciation and when Iranians actually use each one.
Persian Poetry: A Beginner's Guide to Rumi, Hafez and Saadi
An encouraging beginner's guide to Persian poetry. Famous lines from Rumi, Hafez and Saadi, with phonetics, English meaning, and what they reveal about Iranian culture.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Farsi?
Find out how long it takes to learn Farsi. Realistic timelines for conversational fluency, reading ability, and full proficiency based on study habits.
The Haft-seen Table: 7 Items & Their Meaning
Learn about the Haft-seen, the symbolic table at the heart of every Nowruz celebration. Discover what each of the seven items means and why they matter.
How to Add a Farsi Keyboard: iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows
Turn on Persian typing in under two minutes. Exact steps for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and Windows, plus how to switch layouts and type ی and ک correctly.
How to Add a Persian (Farsi) Keyboard on iPhone and iPad
Turn on the Persian keyboard on iPhone or iPad in under a minute. The exact Settings path, how to switch between Farsi and English, and how to type ی and ک correctly.
How to Add a Persian (Farsi) Keyboard on Mac
Add a Farsi keyboard on macOS in under two minutes. The exact System Settings path, how to switch layouts, the Keyboard Viewer trick, and typing ی and ک correctly.
Persian Terms of Endearment: What Iranians Actually Call Each Other
Azizam, joonam, eshgham, nafasam and more — what each Persian term of endearment means, how strong it is, and who you can say it to without it landing wrong.
How to Add a Persian (Farsi) Keyboard on Android
Add a Persian (Farsi) keyboard on Android in minutes. Simple Gboard and Samsung setup, plus phonetic typing and fixes for common Farsi typing issues.
How to Add a Persian (Farsi) Keyboard on Windows
Add a Persian (Farsi) keyboard on Windows 10 and 11 in minutes. Simple setup, a phonetic option, and fixes for common Farsi typing issues on your PC.
How to Learn Farsi on Your Computer (Windows & Mac)
Learn Farsi on your computer with a simple setup. Use the web app, add a Persian keyboard, and build a daily routine on Windows or Mac that actually sticks.
How to Learn Farsi on Any Device: Phone, Tablet, Laptop
Learn Farsi on any device. A simple setup for iPhone, Android, tablet, and computer, plus how to type Persian and keep one routine across all of them.
How to Memorize the Persian Alphabet in 7 Days
Memorize the Persian alphabet in 7 days with a simple daily plan. Learn all 32 letters, their shapes, and pronunciation with this beginner friendly schedule.
Colors in Farsi: All 20 You Need to Know
Learn the 20 main colors in Farsi with Persian script, phonetic spelling, and example sentences. A beginner friendly guide to colors in the Persian language.
Farsi Family Words: Mother, Father & 30 More
Learn 30+ Farsi family words including mother, father, brother, sister, and extended family. Persian script, phonetics, and example sentences for beginners.
Learn Farsi Is Now on iPhone
Learn Farsi on iPhone. 170+ vocabulary lessons, native audio, spaced repetition, and your web progress syncs to iOS. Free first lesson, 7,day Pro trial.
Best Farsi Apps for iPhone in 2026
The best Farsi apps for iPhone in 2026, ranked. Honest takes on Learn Farsi, Drops, Pimsleur, Mango, and Memrise, with what works and what doesn't.
Iran vs Egypt: A Rare Clash of Football Giants
Iran vs Egypt is a rare meeting of an Asian and an African football giant. The history, the stars, and what to expect when Team Melli faces the Pharaohs.
History of Iran's Football Team: From Asian Kings to World Cup Stage
The story of Team Melli, Iran's football team, from its founding in 1920 to the 2026 World Cup. Asian Cup glory, World Cup runs, and the players who built a footballing nation.
Iran at the 2026 World Cup: The Team, the Players, the Plan
Iran's squad for the 2026 World Cup. Meet the goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards of Team Melli, the head coach Amir Ghalenoei, and how Iran plays.
Iran at the FIFA World Cup: A Simple History
Iran at the FIFA World Cup explained simply. Every Iran World Cup appearance, their best results, the 1998 win over the USA, and the road to 2026.
Thank You, Team Melli: Heart and Passion at the World Cup
A thank you to Team Melli for their heart, passion, and fighting spirit at the 2026 World Cup. Iran's players gave everything and will be remembered.
Belgium vs Iran: The Football History Behind Their 2026 World Cup Clash
Belgium and Iran meet at the 2026 World Cup. A simple guide to their past meetings, current squads, and what to expect when the Red Devils face Team Melli.