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.
Thomas van Welsenes
Founder of Learn Farsi
Why Learn Some Farsi Before Visiting Iran
Iran is one of the most hospitable countries in the world. Iranians go out of their way to help travelers, even without a common language.
But knowing even basic Farsi transforms your experience. Shopkeepers light up when you greet them in their language. Taxi drivers become friendlier. Invitations to tea multiply.
You don't need fluency. A handful of key phrases and numbers will cover most travel situations. And Iranians will appreciate the effort more than you expect.
Start with the basics in our Farsi greetings guide and practice with our structured lessons.
Essential Travel Phrases
These phrases will get you through most daily interactions.
- سلام (salaam), Hello
- ممنون (mamnoon), Thank you
- لطفاً (lotfan), Please
- ببخشید (bebakhshid), Excuse me / Sorry
- بله (baleh), Yes
- نه (na), No
- چند؟ (chand?), How much?
- کجاست؟ (kojast?), Where is it?
- نمیفهمم (nemifahmam), I don't understand
- فارسی بلد نیستم (farsi balad nistam), I don't know Farsi
- انگلیسی صحبت میکنید؟ (engelisi sohbat mikonid?), Do you speak English?
For a more complete list, see our 50 common Farsi phrases.
Getting Around
Navigating Iranian cities is easier with a few direction words.
- راست (rast), Right
- چپ (chap), Left
- مستقیم (mostaghim), Straight ahead
- نزدیک (nazdik), Close / Nearby
- دور (door), Far
- ایستگاه مترو (istgah-e metro), Metro station
- فرودگاه (foroodgah), Airport
- هتل (hotel), Hotel
Taxis in Iran often don't use meters. Agree on a price before getting in. Knowing Farsi numbers helps you negotiate fares and understand prices at shops.
Food and Dining
Iranian food is incredible, and knowing some food vocabulary makes ordering much more enjoyable.
- رستوران (restooran), Restaurant
- منو (menu), Menu
- آب (ab), Water
- نان (nan), Bread
- چای (chai), Tea
- برنج (berenj), Rice
- کباب (kabab), Kebab
- خوشمزه بود (khoshmaze bood), It was delicious
- صورت حساب (soorat hesab), The bill
When your host serves food, they'll insist you eat more. This is taarof (Persian politeness) in action. Accept graciously and compliment the food.
Cultural Tips for Iran
A few cultural pointers will help you navigate social situations.
Dress code. Iran has a public dress code. Women should cover their hair and wear loose clothing. Men should avoid shorts in public.
Taarof. Iranians will refuse your money, insist you go first, and pile food on your plate. This is taarof, ritual politeness. When a shopkeeper says "it's free," insist on paying. When someone offers tea, accept.
Shoes off. Remove shoes when entering someone's home.
Hospitality. If invited to someone's home, bring a small gift, sweets or flowers are traditional.
Practice your travel phrases with daily practice sessions so they feel natural by the time you arrive.
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