Meaning
To offer a small sum of money as a gratuity for service.
Cultural Background
In Iran, tipping is often called 'Pool-e chāyi' (tea money). It is common in restaurants, but you must be prepared for the waiter to refuse once or twice due to 'Ta'arof'. In Tajikistan, tipping is less formalized than in Iran but is becoming common in Dushanbe's modern cafes. The word 'Bakhshish' is frequently used. In Afghanistan, 'An'am' is understood, but 'In'am' (with the 'i' sound) is more common in formal Dari. Tipping is expected for porters and drivers in urban centers. In cities like Los Angeles (Tehrangeles), Iranians follow American tipping standards (18-25%) but still use the phrase 'An'am dādan' when speaking Persian at home.
The Ta'arof Rule
If someone refuses your tip, insist at least twice. It's expected!
No Tips for Cops
Never offer 'An'am' to a police officer; it will be seen as a bribe.
Meaning
To offer a small sum of money as a gratuity for service.
The Ta'arof Rule
If someone refuses your tip, insist at least twice. It's expected!
No Tips for Cops
Never offer 'An'am' to a police officer; it will be seen as a bribe.
Small Bills
Always keep small bills (10,000 or 20,000 Toman) handy for tips to porters and drivers.
App Tipping
On Snapp (Iranian Uber), you can tip digitally after the ride ends.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'انعام دادن'.
دیروز در رستوران، من به پیشخدمت ده هزار تومان ... .
The sentence starts with 'دیروز' (yesterday), so we need the past tense first-person singular.
Which sentence is culturally appropriate in a government office?
در اداره دولتی چه میگویید؟
Tipping government employees is considered bribery.
Complete the dialogue between a passenger and a taxi driver.
مسافر: آقا ممنون، بقیه پول را نگه دارید. راننده: نه خواهش میکنم، این زیاد است. مسافر: نه، این ... .
The passenger is telling the driver to keep the change as a tip.
Match the term with its meaning.
Terms: 1. انعام دادن, 2. رشوه دادن, 3. شاباش دادن
An'am is for service, Rashveh is a bribe, Shabash is for weddings.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to give An'am
Services
- • Restaurant
- • Taxi
- • Hotel
- • Barber
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدیروز در رستوران، من به پیشخدمت ده هزار تومان ... .
The sentence starts with 'دیروز' (yesterday), so we need the past tense first-person singular.
در اداره دولتی چه میگویید؟
Tipping government employees is considered bribery.
مسافر: آقا ممنون، بقیه پول را نگه دارید. راننده: نه خواهش میکنم، این زیاد است. مسافر: نه، این ... .
The passenger is telling the driver to keep the change as a tip.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
An'am is for service, Rashveh is a bribe, Shabash is for weddings.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is not mandatory like in the US, but it is highly appreciated and becoming standard in big cities.
Usually 10% to 15% of the bill is considered a very good tip.
Yes, 'Tip dādan' is very common among young people in Tehran.
In modern Iran, An'am is for tips. Bakhsheesh usually means 'forgiveness' or a large 'gift/grant'.
It is common to round up the fare or leave an extra 5,000-10,000 Toman.
It is neutral. It's used in both daily speech and newspapers.
You can say 'Bāghi-ash barāye khodet' (The rest is for you).
Usually no, unless there is a tip jar (sandogh-e an'am).
No, it's not rude, but tipping marks you as a generous and 'classy' guest.
Then it is perfectly acceptable not to give any 'An'am'.
Related Phrases
پول چایی
similarTea money
شاباش
specialized formWedding money
شیرینی
similarSweets/Celebratory gift
دستخوش
synonymReward/Bravo
حقالزحمه
contrastWages/Fee
