What is Taarof?
How can we translate this word to other languages?
If you are learning Persian but still do not know about Taarof, read this article to the end.
To know Taarof you should step Beyond Persian and dive deep into Persian culture.
Taarof is a cultural behavior among Iranians, it is first and foremost an indication of politeness among Iranians.
Many scholars around the world study Taarof among Iranians in Iran and in diaspora.
Although Taarof might not be practiced by everyone in Iran or out of Iran in the same form, almost all Iranians who were brought up in Persian culture can easily recognize this behavior.
In Iran, politeness and courtesy, known as “adab” in Persian, play a big role in shaping a person’s behavior. It’s considered the responsibility of parents to instill these values in their children. This means they not only teach politeness but also make sure their kids practice it. For example, at a Persian gathering, parents often remind their children to thank the host for any hospitality, gifts, or compliments.
In Persian culture, honorifics, which reflect politeness or “adab,” are a key aspect of Iranian cultural identity and reveal the social structure in which Iranians live. A common way to express honorifics in Persian is by using the second plural pronoun when addressing someone older. This simple linguistic choice is a strong indication of politeness. Additionally, within the broader society, younger individuals are expected to show respect—or “adab”—to older or socially superior people. This practice doesn’t just demonstrate respect; it also contributes to the positive reputation of the younger person and their family.
One of the most interesting examples of Taarof is rejecting an offer for at least three times even if you want to say a big “yes” to it.
During my first months of migration, I saw one of my colleagues eating a traditional Iranian cookie. I got super excited and asked him:
Where did you find this cookie?
The person who had given my colleague the cookie, heard me and brought the box of cookies out of his bag. He told me:
Do you want one?
Of course you can all guess my answer ”YES”!
However I never got that cookie!