The language of Iran is Persian NOT Farsi

Persian is the correct English name for the language of Iran, not Farsi. The term Farsi comes from an Arabicized form of Parsi, which itself means Persian. The language originated in the region of Pars in southern Iran. Because Arabic historically lacked the “P” sound, they referred to the language as Farsi, and its inaccurate usage began widespread in Iran. However, in English, Persian is already the correct and established term.

The word Persian carries with it 3000 years of Western recognition of Iranian achievements and culture as it has been used as the word for Iranians and the Iranian language since the Greek & Roman era. Farsi carries with it nothing.

When speaking of the 3 main Persian dialects they are referred to as Iranian Persian, Afghani Persian, and Tajiki Persian.

In line with the linguistic vision of the great poet Ferdowsi, using native Persian words in place of Arabic loanwords can enrich the language. Arabic loanwords, often introduced artificially, can limit the natural development and expansion of Persian vocabulary. In contrast, native Persian words allow for the creation of numerous derivations and word formations, supporting the language’s expressive capacity.

Below is a list of commonly used Arabic loanwords alongside their native Persian equivalents. These examples represent just a few of the most frequently used alternatives and can be incorporated freely into everyday language.

English > Arabic > Persian

Hello > Salam > Dorud

Thank you > Mamnun> Sepasgozaram

Stay Healthy > Salam'at > Tandorost

Good Bye > Khoda Hafez > Khoda Negahdar (Khoda is Persian)

--

Question > So'al > Porsesh

Answer > Javab > Pasokh

--

Before > Q'abl az > Pish az

After > Bad az > Pas az

--

First > A'valin > Nakhostin

Last > Akharin > Payanin

--

Strong > Gha'vi > Tavana

Weak > Za'if > Kamniru

--

Clean > Tameez > Paak

Dirty > Kaseef > Naapaaki

--

Old > Qadeem > Bastan

New > Jadeed > Nou

--

Angry > Asa'bani > Barashofte

Sad > Ghamgim > Andugim

Jealous > Hasudi > Rashgin

Embarrasement > Khejalati > Sharmsari

--

Entire > Tamam > Sarasar

Special > Mahsus > Vizhe

Respect > Ehteram > Arj

Hate > Ta'nafor > Bizar

Side > Taraf / Tarafdar > Su / Suyedar

Accident > Ta'sadof > Barkhor

Information > Etelat > Agahi

Government > Hukumat > Farmanravayi

Boss > Ra'is > Pishva

Organized > Monazam > Saamaan

Studies > Dars > Amuzeshi

School > Madras > Amuzeshgah

Teacher > Mo'alem > Amuzegar

--

Rest > Esterahat > Asayesh

Calmness > Rahat > Aramesh

--

Like/Similar > Mesle > Manande

Opposite > Bar aks > Varuneh

--

To think > Fekr kardan > Andishidan

To talk > Harf zadan > Gap zadan

To connect > Vasl kardan > Peyvastan

To use > Estefade kardan > Bekar bordan

To choose > Entekhab kardan > Barguzidan

To accept > Ghabul kardan > Paziroftan

To remember > Hefz kardan > Yad sepordan