واژه
Vâzhe is the Pure Persian alternative to kalame, meaning “word.” Preferred in linguistics, dictionaries, and Indigenous-Persian-leaning writing. A2 vocabulary for learners interested in register.
Glossary
بدرود
Bedrud is the Pure Persian alternative to khodahafez, meaning “goodbye.” Used in formal writing, broadcast Farsi, and by speakers favoring Indigenous Persian over Arabic-origin terms. B1 vocabulary.
ایران
Irân is the country’s name in Persian, derived from “land of the Aryans.” Officially adopted internationally in 1935, replacing the older exonym Persia. Foundation A1 vocabulary.
مشهد
Mash-had is Iran’s second-largest city and its holiest, home to the shrine of Imam Reza. Around 20 million pilgrims visit each year. A2 vocabulary for Iranian geography and religious life.
شیراز
Shirâz is a major city in southern Iran, the birthplace of poets Hafez and Saadi, and the capital of Fars Province. Famous for gardens, poetry, and Persepolis nearby. Foundation A1 vocabulary.
اصفهان
Esfahân is Iran’s third-largest city and former Safavid capital, famous for Naqsh-e Jahan Square, blue-tiled mosques, and the saying “Isfahan is half the world.” Foundation A1 place-name vocabulary.
تهران
Tehrân is the capital of Iran and its largest city, with roughly 9 million in the city proper and 16 million in the metro area. Foundation A1 place-name vocabulary.
خانم
Khânom is the standard feminine honorific in Persian, meaning “madam,” “Mrs.,” or “Ms.” Used before names, with strangers, and across everyday formal speech. Foundation A1 vocabulary.
آقا
Âghâ means “sir” or “Mr.” in Persian, the standard masculine honorific. Used before names, with strangers, and in everyday polite address across all registers. Foundation A1 vocabulary.
جناب
Jenâb is a high-formality honorific meaning “sir” or “your honor.” Reserved for lawyers, professors, judges, official letters, and ceremonial address. A2 vocabulary for formal Persian.