Persian Slang Guide: 100 Essential Terms for Conversational Farsi Fluency

Persian—known as Farsi in Iran—has a rich linguistic history spanning centuries of poetry, philosophy, and cultural exchange. But what about the street-level expressions that locals in Tehran, Shiraz, or Esfahan might use among friends? That’s where slang comes in—a playful, ever-evolving world of words that can’t always be found in textbooks.

Whether you’re traveling to Iran, chatting online with Persian-speaking friends, or watching the latest Iranian dramas, learning slang will help you speak more naturally and make deeper connections. Below, you’ll find 100 essential Persian slang terms—complete with explanations and usage tips—to supercharge your conversational Farsi.

Why Learn Persian Slang?

1. Authentic Communication
Formal language can get you by, but slang words mirror how people really speak when relaxed or among friends. Dropping a well-timed “ageh babaaaa” can spark laughter and show you’re “in” on everyday culture.

2. Cultural Insight
Slang often carries inside jokes, references to pop culture, and shifts in generational attitudes. Understanding these terms gives you a peek into Iranian humor and worldview—something grammar rules alone can’t convey.

3. More Fun
From memes to comedic TV sketches, slang phrases pop up regularly in Iranian media. If you want to watch that popular Iranian show without missing the punchlines, learning slang is your ticket.

Fun Fact: According to a 2019 poll by BBC Persian, over 70% of Iranian youth regularly use slang expressions in daily chats—especially on social media.

Quick Tips for Using Persian Slang

1. Mind the Context: Some slang is perfectly fine among friends but not suitable for family gatherings or professional settings.
2. Tonal Nuances: While Persian isn’t tonal like Chinese, intonation still matters. Listen closely to how Iranians emphasize certain words.
3. Combine Politeness: Even while using slang, Iranians value politeness. Sprinkling a “khosh amadi” (you’re welcome) or “bebakhshid” (sorry/excuse me) helps maintain warmth.
4. Stay Current: Slang evolves, influenced by music, films, and social media. Keep an ear open for new phrases in Iranian pop culture.

Greetings & Everyday Expressions (1–10)

1. Salâm, chetori? (سلام، چطوری؟)
   • Meaning: “Hi, how are you?”—casual version of Salâm, khoobi?
   • Usage: Among friends: “Salâm, chetori? Ta’ze khabar chiye?”
2. Salâmati (سلامتی)
   • Meaning: “It’s all good,” literally “health.”
   • Usage: “Che khabar?” “Hichi, salâmati.” (“What’s up?” “Nothing, all good.”)
3. Eyval (ایول)
   • Meaning: “Awesome,” “Great,” an expression of approval.
   • Usage: “Eyval, in music jadidâli zabars! (Awesome, this new music is great!)”
4. Bâbâ (بابا)
   • Meaning: “Dude,” “Man,” or “C’mon,” literally “dad.”
   • Usage: “Bâbâ, tamiz kar inja ro! (Dude, clean this place up!)”
5. Ageh Babâ (اگه بابا)
   • Meaning: “Yeah, right!” or a sarcastic “As if!”
   • Usage: “Mikham beram fâze safar… Ageh Babâ!” (“I say I’ll go on a trip… yeah, right!”)
6. Aziz delam (عزیز دلم)
   • Meaning: “My dear,” “Sweetheart,” a friendly endearment.
   • Usage: “Aziz delam, ghâm nakhor (My dear, don’t worry).”
7. Baba chera injori? (بابا چرا اینجوری؟)
   • Meaning: “Man, why like this?” a playful complaint.
   • Usage: “Baba chera injori, harf nazad mesle adam!” (“Dude, why are you being like this? Speak properly!”)
8. Hâla cheshm (حالا چشم)
   • Meaning: “Alright, got it,” literally “now, eye,” meaning “OK, I’ll do it.”
   • Usage: “Beram noon bekharam? Hâla cheshm!” (“Should I go buy bread? Alright, on it!”)
9. Chakeram (چاکرم)
   • Meaning: “At your service,” often used as “thank you” or “I owe you one.”
   • Usage: “Mamnun az komaket—Chakeram!” (“Thanks for your help—much appreciated!”)
10. Damet garm (دمت گرم)
    • Meaning: “Kudos,” “Respect,” literally “May your breath be warm.”
    • Usage: “Damet garm, in kar ro dasti bala anjam dâdi.” (“Respect, you did this job really well.”)

People & Friendship (11–20)

11. Dude (دود)
    • Meaning: Borrowed “dude,” used in younger crowds.
    • Usage: “Hey dude, chetori man?” (“Hey dude, how are you, man?”)
12. Jigar (جگر)
    • Meaning: “Liver,” but used as “dear” or “buddy” in slang.
    • Usage: “Jigar, biyar injâ, ye chizi begam.” (“Bro, come here, let me tell you something.”)
13. Dash (داشت)
    • Meaning: “Bro,” from “dâshtan,” meaning “to have,” but used as “my guy.”
    • Usage: “Dash, man mikham beram berun, miyi?” (“Bro, I’m going out, you coming?”)
14. Bâ namak (با نمک)
    • Meaning: “Cute,” “charming,” literally “with salt.”
    • Usage: “In bache kheili bâ namake.” (“That kid is so cute.”)
15. Komak kon
    • Meaning: “Help me out,” used as a friendly request.
    • Usage: “Dude, komak kon in chizi haro jam konim.” (“Dude, help me clean this stuff up.”)
16. Ghadr danooneh
    • Meaning: “Knows their worth,” used for someone who’s grateful or respectful.
    • Usage: “Un dokhtar ghadr danooneh, vali barâ khodesh.” (“She’s appreciative, but in her own way.”)
17. Damet joz (دمت جز)
    • Meaning: Variation of “damet garm,” meaning “thanks, man,” or “good on you.”
    • Usage: “Damet joz, rafti noon kharidi?” (“Thanks, man, did you buy bread?”)
18. Bâ hal (با حال)
    • Meaning: “Cool,” “fun,” literally “with vibe.”
    • Usage: “In film kheyli bâ hal bud!” (“This film was really cool!”)
19. Khafan (خفن)
    • Meaning: “Awesome,” “sick,” or “lit.”
    • Usage: “Mashin jadidash kheyli khafan e.” (“His new car is badass.”)
20. Chang o mangan
    • Meaning: “Tight and close,” describing very close friends or “thick as thieves.”
    • Usage: “Ina do ta chizi nist, hamishe chang o mangan and!” (“Those two? They’re inseparable!”)

Expressing Emotions & Reactions (21–30)

21. Ey baba (ای بابا)

• Meaning: “Oh man,” “Geez,” used to express mild frustration.
• Usage: “Ey baba, forget it, let’s go home.”

22. Delet / Deletun

• Meaning: “Feel free,” literally “your heart,” used like “Go ahead, do it.”
• Usage: “Delet, if you want to stay, stay!” or “Delesh mikhad berah.”

23. Nervi

• Meaning: “Nervous,” “stressed,” from English “nervous.”
• Usage: “Emruz nervi shodam, boss yeki zad!” (“I got stressed out today; the boss scolded me.”)

24. Mola bar

• Meaning: “It’s none of your business,” literally “may your affairs be separate.”
• Usage: “In chizi mola bar, be to rabti nadâre.” (“This is none of your business.”)

25. Bebin chi shod

• Meaning: “Look what happened,” typically exclaimed in surprise or sarcasm.
• Usage: “Bebin chi shod, baâz harf nazad!” (“Look at that, he didn’t speak again!”)

26. Mordi?

• Meaning: “You dead or what?” used jokingly if someone is unresponsive or quiet.
• Usage: “Dude, mordi? Pa answer bede.” (“Man, are you dead? Answer me.”)

27. Rad shod

• Meaning: “Dismissed,” “passed,” or “skipped.”
• Usage: “Bastani bekhari? Na, rad shod.” (“Buying ice cream? Nah, skipping.”)

28. Dam saret garm

• Meaning: Variation of “damet garm,” “Kudos, man,” literally “warm your head.”
• Usage: “Dam saret garm, barâ komak.” (“Thank you so much for your help.”)

29. Inja kolâh bardâri nist

• Meaning: “No cheating or scamming here,” literally “No hat-stealing here.”
• Usage: “Meqdar pul ro bede, inja kolâh bardâri nist.” (“Pay the right price, no scamming here.”)

30. Mat maz

• Meaning: “Taste it yourself,” used ironically like “figure it out yourself.”
• Usage: “Mikhay cheghadr sakhte? mat maz! (Wanna see how hard it is? Figure it out yourself!)”

Food & Dining Slang (31–40)

31. Shomali

• Meaning: “Northern-style,” referencing North Iran’s tasty cuisine or vibes.
• Usage: “Restoran shomali kheyli leziz e—try their kebabs!”

32. Juje

• Meaning: “Chicken” or “cute chick,” colloquially can be “babe.”
• Usage: “Juje kabab mikhorim?” (“Shall we eat chicken kebab?”)

33. Lazez

• Meaning: “Delicious,” widely used for tasty food.
• Usage: “In gheimeh lazez tareen ghazâye man e!” (“This stew is my favorite delicious dish!”)

34. Sobhoone (صبحونه)

• Meaning: “Breakfast,” casual form of “sobhané.”
• Usage: “Sobhoone bokhorim yâ oversleep?”

35. Adas

• Meaning: “Lentil,” used to call someone “basic” or “simple.”
• Usage: “Hey adas, don’t overcomplicate it.”

36. Kereme

• Meaning: “Generous,” “someone who is open-handed,” from “karim.”
• Usage: “He always pays for tea, kheili kereme.”

37. Zoori

• Meaning: “Force,” or “pressure,” used to say “Don’t push me.”
• Usage: “Nakhasti, zoori nist.” (“If you don’t want it, no one’s forcing you.”)

38. Bah bah

• Meaning: “Yum yum” or “Wow,” exclamation for tasty or impressive
• Usage: “Bah bah, in shekam par konande e.” (“Wow, this meal is so filling!”)

39. Mazh Mizh

• Meaning: “Snacky,” from the sound of munching, describing snack foods.
• Usage: “Mazh mizh tamiz kon, film mibinim!” (“Grab some snacks, we’re watching a movie!”)

40. Na3nâ

• Meaning: “Mint,” slang for something fresh or refreshing
• Usage: “In sharbat kheyli na3nâ e—fresh and cool.”

Internet & Tech Slang (41–50)

41. Tike

• Meaning: “Ticket,” used ironically for “reply quickly?” or “Check it now.”
• Usage: “Tike bede to chat, man montazeram.” (“Hit me up, I’m waiting in the chat.”)

42. Net nadâr

• Meaning: “No internet,” complaining of a slow or nonexistent connection.
• Usage: “Bebakhshid man net nadâr, can’t open that link now.”

43. Ragham bede

• Meaning: “Give me your number,” from “ragham” (number).
• Usage: “Kheili bahali, ragham bede, let’s keep in touch.”

44. Fwd kon

• Meaning: “Forward it,” from “forward.”
• Usage: “Fwd kon that pic to me, I love it.”

45. Onlineam

• Meaning: “I’m online,” used in texting.
• Usage: “Where are you? Onlineam, talk to me.”

46. Bache ye net

• Meaning: “Kid of the internet,” from “internet child,” meaning always online.
• Usage: “He’s bache ye net, never logs off.”

47. PM bede

• Meaning: “Send me a private message,” from “private message.”
• Usage: “If you want the link, PM bede.”

48. Tag kon

• Meaning: “Tag me,” from social media usage.
• Usage: “Tag kon in that group pic, ok?”

49. Screenshot begir

• Meaning: “Take a screenshot,” often used for capturing chat or posts.
• Usage: “Screenshot begir, I want proof.”

50. Like bezan

• Meaning: “Hit like,” from English “like.”
• Usage: “Like bezan ro aksam, it’s my new outfit.”

Love & Dating Slang (51–60)

51. Ashegh
    • Meaning: “In love,” from standard “I’m in love.”
    • Usage: “Man ashegh e in musician shodam!” (“I’m in love with this musician!”)
52. Del dadan
    • Meaning: “To give one’s heart,” i.e. to fall in love.
    • Usage: “Bebin, del dadeh be un dokhtar!” (“Look, he’s fallen for that girl!”)
53. Peyk (پیک)
    • Meaning: “Messenger,” but slang for hooking up or “making a move.”
    • Usage: “Peyk raft barash, present dâd?” (“He made a move? Gave her a present?”)
54. Gheirat
    • Meaning: “Protectiveness,” “jealousy,” in love or family contexts.
    • Usage: “Chera kheili gheirat mikoni? Aramesh dashte bash.”
55. Soor prit
    • Meaning: “Surprise treat,” from “surprise,” used in romance or birthdays.
    • Usage: “Bara friendam soor prit gereftam.”
56. Aasheqi
    • Meaning: “Romancing,” from “love,” used for heavy flirt or devoted courting.
    • Usage: “Un yeki aasheqi khoob balad e, har rooz gol miare.”
57. Alâfi
    • Meaning: “Loafer,” “someone with no aim,” can also be used for an uninterested partner.
    • Usage: “Man alâfi nemikham, I want a serious partner.”
58. Doodooli
    • Meaning: “Cutie,” cutesy for close partner.
    • Usage: “Ey doodooli, why so serious?”
59. Babamoo daravordi
    • Meaning: “You made me stressed,” literally “You took my father out,” comedic.
    • Usage: “Babamoo daravordi bâ in harfâ, enough please!”
60. Dilam tang shod
    • Meaning: “I miss you,” literally “My heart got tight.”
    • Usage: “Dilam tang shod barat, let’s meet soon!”

Family & Daily Life (61–70)

61. Khanevadegi
    • Meaning: “Family stuff,” used to refer to private/family matters.
    • Usage: “Bebakhshid nemitunam biam, khanevadegi be doosh amade.”
62. Mâmâni (مامانی)
    • Meaning: “Mommy,” used endearingly for mother or an older female caretaker.
    • Usage: “Mâmâni, ashpazi behem yad bede!” (“Mommy, teach me cooking!”)
63. Pedari
    • Meaning: “Fatherly” or “like a dad,” can also be used ironically.
    • Usage: “Un dostam pedari sohbat mikone, as if I’m his kid.”
64. Bacheh soosk
    • Meaning: “Spoiled kid,” literally “cockroach kid,” comedic.
    • Usage: “Bacheh soosk in sorakh ro mishkane, always messing around.”
65. Ghab ghabi
    • Meaning: “Annoying chatter,” used for family arguments.
    • Usage: “Stop the ghab ghabi, let’s solve it calmly.”
66. Pashmam (پشمام)
    • Meaning: “I’m so freaked out,” literally “my hair,” from Iranian meme culture.
    • Usage: “Pashmam, baroon injuri mibaré? (OMG, it’s raining so hard!).”
67. Atash bazi
    • Meaning: “Fireworks,” or “heated argument” in a family fight.
    • Usage: “Dirooz atash bazi shod dar khane, dad nâraz bud.”
68. Gheyreh ghanooni
    • Meaning: “Illegal,” but slang for “not by the rules,” in a lighthearted sense.
    • Usage: “That’s gheyreh ghanooni? Chill, it’s just skipping chores.”
69. Geere dadan
    • Meaning: “Nitpicking,” from “to pick on someone.”
    • Usage: “Mâdar negare be har chizi geere mide, dadan.”
70. Sheytoon (شیطون)
    • Meaning: “Mischievous,” from “devilish.”
    • Usage: “In bache sheytoon e, let’s keep an eye on him.”

Negative Feelings & Frustrations (71–80)

71. Asabam khord shod
    • Meaning: “My nerves got messed up,” i.e. “I’m super annoyed.”
    • Usage: “Asabam khord shod az in traffic, man!”
72. Pookhidan
    • Meaning: “To get bored to death.”
    • Usage: “Dar in jashn pookhidam, it was so dull.”
73. Gooshe mo nabr
    • Meaning: “Don’t snip my ear,” i.e. “Stop bugging me.”
    • Usage: “Gooshe mo nabr with your negativity, man.”
74. Pas mishe?
    • Meaning: “Is that okay?” used in frustration or sarcasm.
    • Usage: “You skip your share, pas mishe? Not fair.”
75. Chooneh zad
    • Meaning: “They whined,” from “to moan about something.”
    • Usage: “Chooneh zad baraye hich, it was pointless complaining.”
76. Naq naqe
    • Meaning: “Nagging,”
    • Usage: “Bas kon in naq naqe ro, man tired shodam.”
77. Tahe sabr
    • Meaning: “End of patience,” “I’m at my limit.”
    • Usage: “Tahe sabram, another minute and I’ll explode.”
78. Kereshmeh
    • Meaning: “Flirtation,” but used ironically for showing off.
    • Usage: “Don’t try kereshmeh with me, I’m not in the mood.”
79. Nezam
    • Meaning: “System,” but slang for “strict order,” can be negative if overbearing.
    • Usage: “Dar in khane ye Nezam e gharib e, can’t do anything freely.”
80. Kharab kardan
    • Meaning: “To screw up,” literally “to break something.”
    • Usage: “Be careful, don’t kharab kardan this chance!”

Pop Culture & Media (81–90)

81. Film-Farsi
    • Meaning: “Old Iranian melodramas,” but used ironically for over-dramatic real-life situations.
    • Usage: “Stop the film-Farsi crying, just talk calmly.”
82. Band-bazi
    • Meaning: “Network hooking,” using connections to get ahead.
    • Usage: “He got that job with band-bazi, not skill.”
83. Haraj mashti
    • Meaning: “Grand sale,” referencing big discounts or big deals.
    • Usage: “Haraj mashti dar un foroushgâh rahe!” (“That store is having a big sale!”)
84. Rap Farsi
    • Meaning: The Iranian rap scene, used to talk about local rap music.
    • Usage: “Rap Farsi ro dust dari? Rapperaye Tehran kheyli bahalan.”
85. Range bâr (رنگ بار)
    • Meaning: “Colorful style,” used in youth culture for flashy looks.
    • Usage: “Range bâr un dokhtar ro didi? So stylish.”
86. Eshgh tamâm
    • Meaning: “All love,” a phrase to show total love or support for someone.
    • Usage: “Ba doostam eshgh tamâm—always got each other’s back.”
87. Ghâchar
    • Meaning: “Vintage,” referencing old style from Qajar era, but used ironically for old-fashioned.
    • Usage: “This phone is so ghâchar, get a new one, man.”
88. Mosalsal
    • Meaning: “Series,” but also slang for a story that never ends.
    • Usage: “Gheseh eshgh in do nafar mosalsale, tamoom nemishe!”
89. Paeez vibe
    • Meaning: “Autumn vibe,” using English “vibe,” referencing fall aesthetic.
    • Usage: “Paeez vibe bazi daram—sweater, coffee, reading books.”
90. Andaroon
    • Meaning: “Inside,” old Persian for the internal side, referencing behind-the-scenes.
    • Usage: “Show me andaroon e production, how they make that show.”

Additional 10 Slang Gems (91–100)

91. Harfe del
    • Meaning: “Words of the heart,” i.e. heartfelt talk or confession
    • Usage: “Bia harfe del ro begim—time to speak from the heart.”
92. Chert o pert
    • Meaning: “Nonsense,” “gibberish”
    • Usage: “Talk nazan chert o pert, be real.”
93. Gered kon
    • Meaning: “Wrap it up,” “Finish your story or point,” from “gather it.”
    • Usage: “Ok, gered kon, we gotta go.”
94. Dam-e âdam
    • Meaning: “At a person’s door,” meaning “on their case” or “closely chasing them.”
    • Usage: “Don’t be dam-e âdam for that debt, give them space.”
95. Mesle tu speed
    • Meaning: “Like your speed,” i.e. “We vibe or we have the same tempo,” borrowed from English “speed.”
    • Usage: “Her jam mesle tu speed e, so no arguments.”
96. Bâ ham “rendezvous”
    • Meaning: “Let’s meet,” from French “rendezvous.”
    • Usage: “Bâ ham rendezvous konim Baroon Café, 5 PM?”
97. Bebin, hall e
    • Meaning: “Look, it’s in the zone,” or “Look, it’s a mood.”
    • Usage: “Bebin, hall e—chill and vibe it out.”
98. Nimja (نیمجا)
    • Meaning: “Halfway,” or “partially done.”
    • Usage: “Man nimja khaabam, can’t talk properly.”
99. Bale, bale
    • Meaning: Repeated “yes, yes,” but ironically meaning “Sure, whatever.”
    • Usage: “Bale, bale, I heard you, no need to push.”
100. Az inja be bad

• Meaning: “From now on,” used to say a new approach or shift in plan
• Usage: “Az inja be bad, man bas konam bazi haro. Enough games!”

Conclusion: Ready to Chat Like a True Tehrani?

Mobarake! You’ve just leveled up your Persian slang knowledge by 100 essential terms—from endearing greetings (Baba, chetori?) to comedic exclamations (Ey baba!). Slang is your gateway to a more authentic experience in Tehran’s busy streets, cozy cafes in Shiraz, or beachside gatherings in the Caspian region.

Final Tips:

• Start Small: Don’t overuse new terms. A few well-placed slang words can make you sound natural instead of forced.
• Watch Iranian Media: Local YouTubers, Instagrammers, and Iranian movies or series can demonstrate how these slang expressions flow in real speech.
• Ask Friends: If you’re unsure about a phrase, just ask a Persian friend whether it’s appropriate. Iranians are generally warm and happy to help.

Call to Action

Which slang term do you find most intriguing or plan to use first? Share your favorite in the comments below! If you enjoyed this article, spread the word with fellow language learners or on social platforms. And don’t forget to subscribe for more insider tips on language, culture, and travel.

Now rafigh (friend), step out and enjoy your new, lively Persian interactions—vay be, you’re on your way to sounding like a real Tehrani insider!

See Also: Turkish Slang Guide: 100 Essential Terms to Speak Like an Istanbul Insider