Persian script reads right to left
Persian uses a modified version of the Arabic script, written and read right to left, though numerals within the text are still written left to right — a detail that can look inconsistent to a first-time reader but is completely standard.
Persian is not a form of Arabic
Despite sharing a script and a fair amount of borrowed vocabulary, Persian (Farsi) and Arabic are unrelated languages with different grammar systems — the relationship is closer to how English borrowed heavily from French while remaining a fundamentally different language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Persian the same thing as Farsi?
Yes. "Farsi" is simply the Persian-language name for the Persian language itself; both terms refer to the same language, though "Persian" is more common in English academic and formal contexts.
Is Persian spoken only in Iran?
No. It is also an official language in Afghanistan (where it is called Dari) and Tajikistan (called Tajik), with some vocabulary and pronunciation differences among the three.