Basic Words

1. بله

   bale

   Yes

   Usage

   The basic yes. Often enough on its own to keep a transaction moving

2. نه

   na

   No

   Usage

   The basic no. Pair it with a head shake to make refusal unmistakable

3. لطفاً

   lotfan

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request, including when you order by pointing at something

4. ممنون

   mamnun

   Thank you

   Usage

   For anything you receive or any help you get. The single most-used word of a trip

5. ببخشید

   bebakhshid

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger's or staff member's attention, or to squeeze past someone

6. متأسفم

   motaassefam

   Sorry

   Usage

   An actual apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake, not for getting attention

7. مشکلی نیست

   moshkeli nist

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Both "no harm done" when someone apologises and a soft "no thanks" to an offer

8. نمی‌فهمم

   nemifahmam

   I don't understand

   Usage

   When you did not follow what was said. It usually prompts the other person to rephrase

9. فهمیدم

   fahmidam

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms the explanation landed. Clearer than just nodding

10. تمام شد

    tamām shod

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals a meal, payment or procedure is complete — also used to have plates cleared

11. لطفاً صبر کنید

    lotfan sabr konid

    Please wait

    Usage

    To ask someone to hold on while you dig out luggage or paperwork

12. یک لحظه

    yek lahze

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A lighter, shorter hold-on for a brief pause at a till or before a photo

13. یک بزرگسال، لطفاً

    yek bozorgsāl, lotfan

    One adult, please

    Usage

    For ticket desks and entrances where adult and child prices differ

14. رزرو ندارم

    rezerv nadāram

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a restaurant or hotel without booking

15. رزرو دارم

    rezerv dāram

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it on arrival, then give your name to speed things up

16. لطفاً کمکم کنید

    lotfan komakam konid

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or an emergency. It is fine to say this loudly

17. لطفاً دوباره بگویید

    lotfan dobāre beguyid

    Once more, please

    Usage

    When you missed what was said — handy for prices and room numbers

18. لطفاً آهسته صحبت کنید

    lotfan āheste sohbat konid

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem. Works well combined with "once more"

19. کمی صحبت می‌کنم

    kami sohbat mikonam

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Sets expectations early so the other person switches to simpler wording

20. انگلیسی بلدید؟

    engelisi baladid?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when communication stalls. Usually works at hotels and airports

    Grammar Note

    Address strangers with the plural verb ending -ید; the singular -ی is for close friends.

21. این

    in

    This

    Usage

    Show this while pointing at an item; "in rā mikhāham" means "I want this one"

22. آن

    ān

    That

    Usage

    Points at something out of reach; Persian has only a two-way this/that split, and speech uses "اون" (un)

23. اینجا

    injā

    Here

    Usage

    Show this while pointing at a spot on a map or where you want to get out

24. آنجا

    ānjā

    There

    Usage

    For a place away from you; Persian makes only a here/there split, and speech uses "اونجا" (unjaa)

25. من

    man

    I / me

    Usage

    Point at yourself to show whose it is or who is going

26. شما

    shomā

    You (polite)

    Usage

    For addressing the other person; always use this with strangers and elders — "to" is only for close friends

27. با هم

    bā ham

    Together

    Usage

    Shows that you are with someone or want to go along together

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