What Language Do They Speak in Iran?
Iran
Iran is a nation located in the Middle East, known for its rich cultural heritage and influence that spans thousands of years, dating back to ancient Persia. The country is geographically diverse, featuring mountain ranges, desert landscapes, and lush forests along the Caspian Sea. Over recent decades, Iran has been notable on the global stage for its dynamic socio-political landscape and its significant reserves of natural resources, particularly oil and gas.
Languages Spoken
Iran is a linguistically diverse country, where Persian (Farsi) is the official language and spoken by more than half of the population, accounting for 53%. Besides Persian, the country is home to several other languages, reflecting its rich cultural tapestry. Azerbaijani, spoken by around 16% of the population, is the most prominent minority language. Kurdish, accounting for 10%, is another significant language with various dialects across the country. Gilaki and Mazandarani are spoken in the northern provinces near the Caspian Sea and make up 7% of the language distribution. Other languages include Luri (6%), Balochi and Arabic (each 2%), and Turkmen and Qashqai (both 1%), illustrating the diverse ethnic mosaic and historical influences found within Iran's borders.
Different Languages Spoken in Iran
Language data last updated 2024 est. from World Population Review - Iran
| Language | Usage |
|---|---|
| Persian (Farsi) | 53% |
| Azerbaijani | 16% |
| Kurdish | 10% |
| Gilaki and Mazandarani | 7% |
| Luri | 6% |
| Balochi | 2% |
| Arabic | 2% |
| Turkmen | 1% |
| Qashqai | 1% |
Useful Persian (Farsi) Phrases
سلام
Hello
'Salam' is a simple and common greeting used throughout Iran.
شما چطور هستید؟
How are you?
A polite way to ask someone about their well-being, pronounced as 'Shoma chetour hastid?'.
این چنده؟
How much is this?
Useful when shopping or dining, pronounced 'In chande?'.
کجا هست؟
Where is...?
To ask for directions, use this phrase followed by the location, pronounced 'Koja hast?'.
لطفا و متشکرم
Please and thank you
Important polite expressions, pronounced 'Lotfan va Motashakkeram'.
Learn to speak Persian (Farsi)
Interested in speaking Persian (Farsi) in Iran? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.