Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

taarof

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 0.00 in modern English

Syllables: taarof
IPA

9

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

1

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The intricate Persian system of etiquette and good manners, emphasising extreme deference, humility, and respect, especially in politely declining to do something (quote a price on something one is selling, eat more food, etc) so that another person can talk one into it.

Uncountable

noun

A cultural communication style of indirect competitive flattery, generally of Middle Eastern origin.

Uncountable

Etymology

From Iranian Persian تعارف (ta'ârof), from Classical Persian تعارف (ta'āruf).

Usage

Uncountable

Inflected Forms

ta'arof (alternative) tarof (alternative)

Questions

What does taarof mean?: The intricate Persian system of etiquette and good manners, emphasising extreme deference, humility, and respect, especially in politely declining to do something (quote a price on something one is selling, eat more food, etc) so that another person can talk one into it.
Where does taarof come from?: From Iranian Persian تعارف (ta'ârof), from Classical Persian تعارف (ta'āruf).

How to pronounce taarof

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “taarof”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “taarof”.
Repeat and practice — Say “taarof” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.