An analysis of the compound verb system of Persian marks constructions euphemistically by producing an indirect order effect and by alternating different compound and simple forms that bear the same denotation but are governed by a rigorous code of ethics. What really carries the semantic reference in these cases is the process of construing polite phraseology. Data were drawn from the utterances of a native speaker of Persian over a period of 3 months. While Persian is a mechanically simple language, it has a rich cultural component that regulates its use for communication. A learner of Persian must also learn the differentiations produced by the use of compound verbs. Excerpts of the subject's speech that especially illustrate Persian euphemistic phraseology are appended. Contains 3 references. (MSE)