6.8 Grammar: Definite and Indefinite article in Persian Language
Definite Article:
In Persian language the Definite article is used when we are talking about something that is identifiable or known to both listener and speaker. In definite cases the object is followed by a را ( in written form) or suffix -O ( in spoken form). Also “this/that “( این / آن) are used as markers of definite case. Look at the following examples:
| Explanation, Definite article | English translation | Persian |
| both speaker an listener know which flower and whom they are talking about. | Give the flower to her. | گل را به او بده |
| Both speaker and listener know which book. | This book is mine | این کتاب من است |
| Both speaker and listener know which car. | That car is dirty. | آن ماشین کثیف است |
Indefinite Article:
The Indefinite article is used when we are talking about some generic or not identifiable to both the speaker and/or listener. We use suffix /ی/ or یک with the object in these cases. look at the following examples:
| Explanation, Indefinite article | English translation | Persian |
| It is not clear what car! | buy a car! | یک ماشین بخر |
| It is not known to the speaker! | I saw a white dog. | من یک سگ سفیدی دیدم |
| It is not clear what kind of food! | I have some foods. | من مقداری غذا دارم |
Please Note
In English language a indefinite articles : a, an , some, any, makes the noun Generic/ non specific while the definite article the makes the noun/adjective identifiable/ known/ specific.
In persian language a transitive verb requires a direct object marker را.
| Explanation | English | Persian |
| what did you take? books( object)
Who took the book? I ( subject) |
I took the books to class . | کتاب ها را به کلاس بردم |
Test yourself
!سپاس
