Persian, also known as Farsi, is an Indo-Iranian language predominantly spoken in Iran, Afghanistan (where it’s called Dari), and Tajikistan (where it’s called Tajiki). It’s known for its rich literary tradition and poetic contributions. Learning Persian can open up a window to a vibrant culture and history. This lesson covers essential conversational phrases and questions in Persian, including transliterations for pronunciation help, to facilitate various social interactions.

Greetings

• Hello/Hi – “سلام” (Salam)
• Good morning – “صبح بخیر” (Sobh bekheir)
• Good afternoon – “ظهر بخیر” (Zohr bekheir)
• Good evening – “عصر بخیر” (Asr bekheir)
• Goodbye – “خداحافظ” (Khodahafez)

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “اسم من [name] است” (Esm-e man [name] ast)
• This is [name]. – “این [name] است” (In [name] ast)
• I am from [country]. – “من از [country] هستم” (Man az [country] hastam)
• I live in [city/place]. – “من در [city/place] زندگی می‌کنم” (Man dar [city/place] zendegi mikonam)

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “[Place] کجاست؟” ([Place] kojast?)
• How do I get to [place]? – “چطور می‌توانم به [place] بروم؟” (Chetor mitavanam be [place] beravam?)
• Is this the way to [place]? – “آیا این راه به [place] می‌رود؟” (Aya in rah be [place] miravad?)
• Can you show me on the map? – “می‌توانید روی نقشه نشانم دهید؟” (Mitavanid roye naghshe neshanam dahid?)

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “ببخشید، من متوجه نشدم” (Bebakhshid, man motavajeh nashodam)
• Can you please repeat that? – “لطفاً آن را تکرار کنید؟” (Lotfan an ra takrar konid?)
• I mean… – “منظور من این است که…” (Manzur-e man in ast ke…)
• What does [word] mean? – “[Word] به چه معناست؟” ([Word] be che ma’nast?)

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “بعداً می‌بینمت” (Ba’dan mibinamet)
• Take care – “مواظب خودت باش” (Mavazeb khodet bash)
• Have a good day – “روز خوبی داشته باش” (Rooz khubi dashte bash)

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “می‌خواهم یک اتاق رزرو کنم” (Mikhaham yek otagh rezerv konam)
• Can I see the menu, please? – “می‌توانم منو را ببینم؟” (Mitavanam menu ra bebinam?)
• I am vegetarian. – “من گیاهخوار هستم” (Man giyahkhar hastam)
• The bill, please. – “لطفاً صورتحساب” (Lotfan sorathesab)

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “قیمت این چند است؟” (Gheymat-e in chand ast?)
• Do you have this in another size? – “این را در سایز دیگری دارید؟” (In ra dar sayz-e digari darid?)
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “فقط نگاه می‌کنم، متشکرم” (Faghat negah mikonam, moteshakeram)
• Can I pay by card? – “می‌توانم با کارت پرداخت کنم؟” (Mitavanam ba kart pardakht konam?)

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “تو زیبا هستی” (To ziba hasti) / “تو خوش تیپ هستی” (To khosh tip hasti)
• I miss you. – “دلم برایت تنگ شده” (Delam barayat tang shode)
• I love you. – “دوستت دارم” (Doostet daram)
• Would you like to go out with me? – “دوست داری با من بیرون بروی؟” (Doost dari ba man biroon beravi?)

Emergencies

• Help! – “کمک!” (Komak!)
• Call the police! – “پلیس را خبر کن!” (Polis ra khabar kon!)
• I need a doctor. – “به دکتر نیاز دارم” (Be doktor niaz daram)
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “نزدیک‌ترین بیمارستان کجاست؟” (Nazdiktarin bimarestan kojast?)

These phrases provide a foundation for basic communication in Persian. Practice speaking and listening regularly, engage with Persian media, and don’t hesitate to converse with native speakers. Remember, language learning is a journey—embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to explore the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of the Persian language.