Family is central to Persian culture, and knowing how to talk about relatives is crucial for meaningful conversations. Whether you're meeting new in-laws or describing your own family tree, this guide covers the key terms and phrases you’ll need.
Basic Family Terms
- Mother: mādar (informally māmān)
- Father: pedar (informally bābā)
- Brother: barādar
- Sister: khāhar
Extended Family
Persian distinguishes between maternal and paternal relatives, which can be confusing at first. Here’s a breakdown:
| Relation | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paternal uncle | amoo | Often used affectionately for older male friends too |
| Maternal uncle | dāee | Less formal than amoo |
| Grandmother | mādarbozorg | Literally 'big mother' |
| Grandfather | pedarbozorg | Literally 'big father' |
khāleh
/xɒːˈle/“Maternal aunt”
The term for a mother’s sister. Unlike in English, Persian distinguishes between maternal and paternal aunts.
ammeh
/æˈme/“Paternal aunt”
The term for a father’s sister. Often holds a more formal role in family gatherings.
Home Life Vocabulary
Beyond relatives, here are some useful terms for describing home life:
- Home: khāneh
- Family: khānevādeh
- Living room: hāli (short for hālneshin)
- Kitchen: āshpazkhāneh
Persian families often gather in the hāli for meals and conversations. It’s the heart of the home.
Common Phrases
- “Khānevādet chand nafar hast?” – How many people are in your family?
- “Man do barādar dāram.” – I have two brothers.
- “Pedaram dar khāneh nist.” – My father isn’t home.
For more on Persian etiquette, check out our guide on apologising in Persian.
