Kermanshah sits at the cultural crossroads of Persian and Kurdish Iran, so you'll hear both Farsi and Southern Kurdish (with some Sorani touches) on the streets, in the Grand Bazaar, and at sites like Taq-e Bostan. Persian is the official written and working language and is understood almost everywhere, while Kurdish dominates casual conversation and is essential for warmth in smaller shops, teahouses, and rural villages around the Zagros foothills.
Outside larger hotels and tourist offices, English proficiency is limited and signage uses Persian script read right-to-left. Phrase cards and a few written Farsi words are therefore more useful here than in many Iranian cities. Because Islamic customs shape daily interactions, polite forms and etiquette phrases matter as much as transactional ones — the cards below are grouped by real travel moments so you sound natural and respectful in Kermanshah.
Use Salaam / Salaam aleikum in Farsi, or 'Roj bash' in Kurdish for 'hello/good day.' 'Moteshakeram' (motesh-akker-am) means 'thank you'; 'Bebakhshid' (be-bakhshid) is 'excuse me/sorry.' Pronouns follow gendered forms but 'shoma' (formal 'you') is the safe choice for tourists.
Everyday
For a shared taxi (savari), say 'Migei ... ?' (Does it go to ...?) and name the destination slowly. 'Kam konid' means 'slow down,' 'inja ist konid' means 'stop here.' Bus tickets and terminals use 'belit' (ticket) and 'terminal.' Always confirm fare before boarding — drivers rarely speak English.
Transit
Start with 'Salaam, cheghadr-e?' (How much?). Polite push-back: 'Gheirati dare' (it's expensive), 'Tafavot kone' (give me a discount), or 'Akharin gheymat?' (final price?). Kurdish shopkeepers may also recognize 'baha chiye?' Avoid haggling over kilims and antiques at Taq-e Bostan-area stalls unless invited to.
Shopping
Use 'Menu darid?' (Do you have a menu?) and 'Man ... mikhâm' (I want ...). Useful items: dandeh kebab, kabab-e tabeh, khoresh mast, ash-e rehan, ash-e mast, naan-e Kermanshawi. 'Bî namak' = unsalted, 'bî adi' = without spice. Tea is 'chai' — accepting it is part of hospitality etiquette.
Dining
Pair 'Lotfan' (lot-fan, please) and 'Mamnonam / Moteshakeram' (thank you). When offered food or tea, a polite 'Nemitunâm' before accepting matches local custom of initial refusal. 'Hagh-bar to' literally 'I owe you' is a warm reply to thanks. Always greet the eldest or shopkeeper first.
Cultural
Memorize 'Komak!' (Help!), 'Bimârestân kojâ?' (Where is the hospital?), 'Polic' (Police — say 'polis' locally), 'Doctores!', and 'Gom shodam' (I'm lost). For English-speaking help, ask your hotel to call ahead. Carry your hotel address written in Persian script for taxi drivers.
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