Meaning
A common informal question about someone's well-being.
Cultural Background
Even when using 'Chetori?', expect the other person to say 'Ghorbanat' (I am your sacrifice) or 'Fadat' (I'm devoted to you) as a very warm, informal response. In Tehran, vowels are often softened. 'Chetori' might sound like it has a very short 'e' and a sharp 'i'. In Finglish (Persian written with Latin letters), this is almost always spelled 'Chetori?' or 'Slam chetori?'.
The 'Khubi' Combo
Most Iranians say 'Chetori? Khubi?' together. It sounds very natural.
Watch the 'i'
If you forget the 'i', you are just saying 'How', which sounds incomplete.
Meaning
A common informal question about someone's well-being.
The 'Khubi' Combo
Most Iranians say 'Chetori? Khubi?' together. It sounds very natural.
Watch the 'i'
If you forget the 'i', you are just saying 'How', which sounds incomplete.
Response is key
Always answer with 'Mersy' or 'Mamnun' before asking back.
Test Yourself
Which phrase is best for greeting your best friend?
Greeting: ________
Chetori is the informal version perfect for friends.
Complete the sentence to ask 'How are you?' informally.
سلام سارا، ______؟
The full phrase is 'Chetori'.
Match the phrase to the person.
Phrase: چطوری؟
Informal phrases are for family and friends.
What is the most natural response?
A: سلام، چطوری؟ B: ________
It's polite to say thanks and ask back.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal 'How are you?'
Common Responses
Positive
- • Khubam
- • Mersy
- • Aliam
Neutral
- • Bad nistam
- • Migzare
Polite
- • Mamnun
- • Ghorbanat
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGreeting: ________
Chetori is the informal version perfect for friends.
سلام سارا، ______؟
The full phrase is 'Chetori'.
Phrase: چطوری؟
Informal phrases are for family and friends.
A: سلام، چطوری؟ B: ________
It's polite to say thanks and ask back.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, Persian has no grammatical gender. You can use it for anyone.
Yes, if your relationship is casual, but many still prefer the formal 'Chetorid' for respect.
The most common reply is 'Khubam, mersy' (I'm good, thanks).
'Chetori' is 'How are you', while 'Che khabar' is 'What's up/What's the news'.
Only if you are very close with your colleagues. Otherwise, stay formal.
Adding 'to' (you) makes it more emphatic and friendly.
Related Phrases
خوبی؟
similarAre you good?
چه خبر؟
similarWhat's news?
چطورین؟
specialized formHow are you (plural)?
