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12 phrases · Persian with romanization, English and audio

  1. این چند است؟

    In chand ast?

    How much is this?

    Usage

    Essential phrase in the bazaar. "Chand" means "how many / how much".

    Grammar Note

    "Chand ast?" is the standard "how much?". Colloquially contracted to "chandeh?".

  2. گرونه

    Gerune

    It's too expensive

    Usage

    Used in price negotiation at the bazaar. Haggling (chane zadan) is a normal and expected custom in Iranian bazaars.

    Grammar Note

    "Gerun" is the colloquial form of "geran" (expensive). Bargaining is a cultural norm in bazaars — do not be shy.

  3. تخفیف می‌دید؟

    Takhfif midid?

    Can you give a discount?

    Usage

    The core haggling phrase. Even within ta'arof culture, price negotiation is acceptable and expected.

    Grammar Note

    "Takhfif dadan" = to give a discount. "Midid" = colloquial contraction of "midahid" (to give; formal written form). More direct: "arzun-tar nemishe?" (can't it be cheaper?).

  4. این را می‌برم

    In rā mibaram

    I'll take this

    Usage

    Declaring a purchase. "Ra" is Persian's direct object marker — a distinctive feature of the language.

    Grammar Note

    "Ra" marks definite direct objects — a distinctive Persian grammatical feature. "Mibaram" = I take/bring (first person present).

  5. فرش ایرانی

    Farsh-e irāni

    Persian carpet

    Usage

    Among the world's finest handcrafts. Famous production centers: Tabriz, Isfahan, Kashan. Check origin, material, and knot count.

    Grammar Note

    "Farsh" from Arabic covers floor coverings generally. Handwoven carpets are also called "ghali". Price varies greatly by knot density.

  6. زعفران

    Zaferān

    Saffron

    Usage

    Iran produces ~90% of world saffron. Used in cooking, cosmetics, and medicine. Check export limits at the airport.

    Grammar Note

    English "saffron" derives from Arabic "za'faran" which may trace back to Persian. Khorasan Province produces Iran's finest saffron.

  7. پسته

    Peste

    Pistachios

    Usage

    Iran is one of the world's largest pistachio producers. Kerman Province is famous for quality pistachios — perfect as a souvenir.

    Grammar Note

    English "pistachio" traces through Greek "pistakon" and Latin "pistacium" — ultimately from Persian "piste".

  8. فیروزه

    Firuze

    Turquoise

    Usage

    Persian turquoise from Nishapur is considered the world's finest. Popular as jewelry souvenirs.

    Grammar Note

    English "turquoise" = "Turkish stone" in French, but the gem actually came from Persia (Iran) to Europe via Turkey.

  9. مینیاتور ایرانی

    Miniātur-e irāni

    Persian miniature painting

    Usage

    UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Delicate paintings depicting poetic scenes and court life. Authentic works are expensive; authentication needed.

    Grammar Note

    "Miniatur" is borrowed from Italian "miniatura". The Persian painting tradition developed from the 13th century; the Isfahan school is particularly famous.

  10. کارت می‌پذیرید؟

    Kārt mipazirid?

    Do you accept cards?

    Usage

    International credit cards do NOT work in Iran. Iranian debit cards (Shaba) or cash only. Foreign visitors must bring cash.

    Grammar Note

    "Mipazirid" = formal present of "paziruftan" (to accept). Due to international sanctions, Visa/Mastercard don't work. Exchange cash upon arrival.

  11. رسید لطفاً

    Resid lotfan

    Receipt, please

    Usage

    Requesting a receipt. For expensive items (carpets, jewelry), receipts may be needed for customs declaration.

    Grammar Note

    "Resid" = noun from the stem of "rasidan" (to arrive) — "receipt". Keeping receipts helps avoid disputes later.

  12. رسید نمی‌خواهم

    Resid nemikhāham

    I don't need a receipt

    Usage

    Used to decline a receipt at checkout. "Resid" is the everyday word for a receipt.

    Grammar Note

    "Nemikhāham" is the present "mikhāham" (I want) from "khāstan" (to want) with the negative prefix "ne-". The object precedes the verb.

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