What it means
مهمانخانه (mehmânkhâne) is a pure Persian compound built from two familiar roots: mehmân (مهمان, guest) and khâne (خانه, house). Together they name a guesthouse or inn, typically a small, family-run place to stay that sits a step below a hotel in size and formality. A close synonym is مسافرخانه (mosâferkhâne), literally “travelers’ house,” which tends to refer to the most basic budget lodgings, while مهمانخانه carries a slightly warmer, more welcoming tone.
How to use it
- یه مهمانخانه ارزون نزدیک بازار هست؟ (ye mehmânkhâne arzun nazdike bâzâr hast?) “Is there a cheap guesthouse near the bazaar?”
- امشب تو مهمانخانه میمونیم. (emshab tu mehmânkhâne mimoonim.) “We’re staying at the guesthouse tonight.”
- اتاقهای مهمانخانه خیلی ساده بودن. (otâqhâye mehmânkhâne kheyli sâde budan.) “The guesthouse rooms were very simple.”
- صاحب مهمانخانه خیلی مهربون بود. (sâhebe mehmânkhâne kheyli mehrabun bud.) “The guesthouse owner was very kind.”
Cultural note
Iran has a long tradition of roadside lodging for travelers and pilgrims, and the مهمانخانه was the standard stop along trade and pilgrimage routes for centuries. Today the word coexists with هتل (hotel) and اقامتگاه بومگردی (eco-lodge), but مهمانخانه still signals affordable, unpretentious accommodation. In smaller cities and along mountain routes, these guesthouses often serve as the only lodging option available.