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