Iran: First Name or Title?

From ExecutivePlanet.com

Addressing others with respect

When meeting someone for the first time, stick to formalities. Once a relationship has been established, your Iranian counterpart will quickly start to address you with your first name.

Men are addressed with 'agha' preceding the surname. So, Alan Jones will be 'Agha-e Jones.'

With women you would use 'khanoom.'So, Samantha Jones will be 'khanoom-e Jones.'

Professionals with titles will be addressed similarly, for example, 'Doctor-e Jones.'

If meeting a religious scholar or government official with a religious function who wears a black turban, note that these people are descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. The title 'sayyid' would be used when addressing them.

A term you may hear is 'janab-e ali' which translates as 'most highly sir.'

Submit a Comment on this Article