“He still has two and a half gulps to go.”

More people and manners

• دستت درد نکنه

  dastet dard nakone

  “May your hand not hurt.”

  Thank you, for a meal, a favour or any effort someone has made for you.

• خسته نباشید

  khaste nabâshid

  “May you not be tired.”

  A greeting that acknowledges someone's work, said to shopkeepers, teachers or anyone at the end of an effort, whether or not they look tired.

• قابل نداره

  ghâbel nadâre

  “It isn't worthy of you.”

  Classic taarof: a shopkeeper or host politely waves away payment or thanks, and you are expected to insist.

• به روی چشم

  be ru-ye cheshm

  “On my eyes.”

  Gladly, consider it done. Even a simple cheshm, "eye", means "yes, will do".