What is a common greeting in Iran?

If you're wondering how to greet people you meet on the streets, start by learning basic Farsi greetings. To say “hello,” you would use “salaam alaykum” (may peace be upon you) or simply “salaam” (peace). If you're leaving, you can part ways by saying “khoda hafez,” which means, “may God protect you.”

How do you greet someone in Iran?

The Persian word “Salam” means “Hello”. Greetings may involve a handshake with the right hand only. Men and women generally will not shake hands unless the female outstretches her hand first and the man is willing to reciprocate the gesture.

What is Iranian etiquette?

Visiting. Iranians expect and appreciate punctuality. If your Iranian host is not wearing shoes, remove yours at the door. Greet any elders present first before individually greeting everyone with a handshake. Entertaining happens in the guest room, which is usually the most lavishly furnished.

What are some common gestures in Iran?

Can you hug in Iran?

What is known as an 'inappropriate behavior of couples in public', including kissing, hugging, etc., is severely restricted in Iran. In fact, holding hands and giving hugs are a less restricted in public than kissing. Moreover, greeting people can be different in different cultures.

Learn Persian - Persian in Three Minutes - Greetings

Is dating illegal in Iran?

Dating apps are popular in Iran, but from now on only Hamdam will be legal. Iranian law also criminalises consensual sexual relationships outside marriage. According to Hamdam's website, users will have to verify their identity and undergo a psychological test before they start searching for a partner.

Can you have a dog in Iran?

Under the bill on the "protection of public rights against dangerous and harmful animals," prepared by hard-line conservative lawmakers on November 17, Iranians would be barred from owning, breeding, and transporting dogs, cats, rabbits, and other common pets.

What does the middle finger mean in Iran?

And definitely don't give a thumbs up in the Middle East

However, in several countries in West Africa and the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the gesture has the connotation of "up yours!" It's used the same way the middle finger is in the US.

What is the finger in Iran?

In this gesture, the thumb sometimes touches the middle finger. The insult of this is equivalent to the finger. In Iranian culture, a similar gesture is used to represent "Dirt on your head", a verbal insult that is often used, suggesting the death and subsequent burial of the receiver.

What are the do's and don'ts in Iran?

1) Don't speak against the supreme leader or government, as there are harsh punishments if you do. 2) Don't bring alcohol or drugs in to the country, as the penalty is severe. 3) Don't display public signs of affection, as Iran is a muslim country.

What gifts are appropriate or inappropriate in Iran?

It is common to give monetary gifts to servants or others who have provided services during the year on No Ruz (The Iranian New Year). Money should be new bank notes or gold coins. If you are invited to an Iranian's house, bring flowers, or pastry to the hosts. When giving a gift, always apologize for its inadequacy.

What can I say instead of Hello?

Why do Iranians say Merci?

Due to France's influence on Iran, the French word 'merci', which means 'thank you', was also introduced into the Farsi language. Most of the French loanwords used in Farsi are for new concepts and new technologies as, at the time, Farsi had no word for them because they were new so they just used the French.

How do you say Hello in Iraq?

It is important to greet an Iraqi formally and respectfully when meeting them for the first time. Muslims, including Kurds and Arabs, use the common greeting “Asalaamu alaikum” in Arabic (Peace be upon you). The appropriate response is “Wa alaikum salaam” (And peace be upon you), which returns the well-wishing.

Is thumbs up a rude gesture in Iran?

Thumbs up

In many areas of the world a thumbs up signal is interpreted as meaning “Okay” or “I agree.” However, in Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria, South America, the Middle East and parts of Italy and Greece it is an obscene insult meaning “sit on it” which is their equivalent to holding a middle finger up.

What does flicking your thumb off your teeth mean?

Flicking your thumb from the back of your upper front teeth toward someone is seriously nasty in India and Pakistan and simply means “f*** you.” Very nice. This sign will likely get you ejected from any place of business and not welcomed back. The head-shake.

What does the V hand gesture mean?

The 'V' sign represents peace …

The 'V' sign, made by holding up the index and middle fingers, initially was used to signal victory by Allied nations during World War II. Anti-war activists later adopted it as a symbol of peace, and today the gesture is known as "the peace sign."

What country is it rude to give a thumbs up?

There are many cultures where a thumbs-up indicates that something is good or well done. In Italy, Greece, Iran, and Iraq, however, this is an insulting gesture.

What does the upside down ok mean?

The gesture in question was used during a photo with a black child at the park. The park employee formed an upside-down OK gesture with his fingers. The three fingers supposedly represent "w" for white and the OK circle for the top of "p" for power.

What does the Italian chin flick mean?

In Northern Italy, France, Belgium and Tunisia, the chin flick can be used to tell someone to get lost (in a little bit more aggressive language than this) [source: Heddleston]. And speaking of aggressive, if someone wants to be quite emphatic about their intended message, they will make the gesture quite forcefully.

What is the national animal of Iran?

Rather than a single national animal, Iran instead has a list of national symbols, which includes the Asiatic lion, Asiatic cheetah, Persian leopard, Persian cat, and Persian fallow deer.

What is outlawed in Iran?

Homosexual behaviour, adultery and sex outside of marriage are illegal under Iranian law and can carry the death penalty. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel. Women's magazines and DVDs or videos depicting sexual relations are forbidden. There are occasional clampdowns.

Can you walk a dog in Iran?

An Iranian woman walks her dogs in Tehran's wealthy Elahiyeh district in 2013. Dog-walking has reportedly been banned from public places in Iran's capital.

Can a woman divorce her husband in Iran?

In the law: Women also face discrimination in divorce. Females can only get a divorce in a court, while a man can get a divorce simply by declaring it verbally—and not even necessarily in her presence.

What age can you marry in Iran?

According to the Islamic Republic civil code1, the legal age of marriage in Iran is set at 13 for girls and 15 for boys. However, the same Act allows girls below 13 and boys below 15 to be wed but conditioned on the consent of their father and the permission of a court judge.