In today’s interconnected global economy, understanding the language of your business partners can be a crucial asset. For English speakers doing business with Iranian companies, or working in regions where Persian is spoken, knowing some key business terms can be incredibly beneficial. This guide will introduce you to some essential Persian words used in business contexts, complete with phrases to help you use these terms like a pro.

Basic Business Terms

Shirkat (شرکت) translates directly to “company.” Understanding this word can help you navigate business documents and conversations more effectively. For instance, if someone says, “Shirkat-e mā dar Zamine-ye Naft fa’āliyat darad,” it means “Our company operates in the Oil sector.”

Tijarat (تجارت) means “trade” or “commerce.” It is a common term in discussions about business activities, especially those involving sales or exchange of goods and services across borders. A useful phrase could be, “Iran va Chīn dar zamine-ye tijarat hamkārī mikonand,” which translates to “Iran and China cooperate in the field of trade.”

Majles-e modīrīyat (مجلس مدیریت) refers to the “board of directors,” a critical component of corporate governance. You might hear, “Majles-e modīrīyat tasmīm gereft ke sarmāyeh-gozārī konad,” meaning “The board of directors decided to invest.”

Negotiation and Contracts

Mozākerāt (مذاکرات) means “negotiations,” a fundamental aspect of business dealings. In a sentence, “Mozākerāt bar saremī-ye bedehī-ye qarardād tākid dārand,” translates to “The negotiations emphasize the prompt payment of the contract.”

Qarardād (قرارداد) is the Persian word for “contract,” pivotal in any business transaction. You could encounter a phrase like, “Qarardād bayad be zabān-e Fārsī va Englīsī neveshte shavad,” meaning “The contract must be written in both Persian and English.”

Shartnāme (شرطنامه) is another term for a “contract” or “agreement,” often used interchangeably with Qarardād. An example usage is, “Shartnāme rā bar asās-e qavanīn-e jahānī tanzīm mikonīm,” which means “We draft the agreement based on international laws.”

Financial Terms

Molīat (مالیات) means “taxes,” an essential term in any business dictionary. For example, “Molīat bar arzesh-e afzūdeh dar Īrān vujūd dārad,” translates to “Value-added tax exists in Iran.”

Sarmāyeh (سرمایه) refers to “capital” or “investment.” It is crucial in discussions about funding and financial investment. You might hear, “Sarmāyeh-gozārī dar bāzār-e Īrān moqāvemat zīādī rā mī-talabād,” meaning “Investing in the Iranian market requires considerable resilience.”

Hesāb (حساب) which means “account,” is a term often used in financial and banking contexts. A typical sentence might be, “Lotfan hesāb-e bankī-ye sherkat rā barāye vārīz check konid,” which translates to “Please check the company’s bank account for the deposit.”

Meetings and Presentations

Jalase (جلسه) means “meeting.” It’s a word you’ll frequently encounter in a business context. For example, “Jalase-ye bādi rūz-e se-shanbe bār-gozār mī-shavad,” translates to “The next meeting will be held on Tuesday.”

Ezhar-e nazār (اظهار نظر) means “to express an opinion” or “make a statement.” This is commonly used during discussions and presentations. For instance, “Dar jalase, hame bāyad be ezhar-e nazār bapardāzand,” meaning “In the meeting, everyone should express their opinions.”

Pīshnīhād (پیشنهاد) translates to “proposal” or “suggestion.” It’s vital during brainstorming sessions or when presenting new ideas. A useful phrase could be, “Pīshnīhād mī-konam ke bāzār-e jadīdī rā barresī konim,” which means “I suggest that we explore a new market.”

Conclusion

Understanding these Persian business terms can enhance your interactions with Persian-speaking business partners, making communication smoother and more effective. Whether it’s negotiating a contract, discussing financial terms, or participating in meetings, these words and phrases will help you navigate the business landscape with confidence. Remember, learning a language is not just about memorizing words; it’s about understanding the culture and the context in which these words are used. By incorporating these Persian terms into your business vocabulary, you are not only preparing yourself for specific transactions but also showing respect and appreciation for Persian culture. This cultural sensitivity can go a long way in fostering stronger, more successful business relationships.