Verb conjugation
Understanding Verb Conjugation
- Persian verbs are typically broken down into three types: regular, irregular and combined.
- Each of these verb types follows a unique set of conjugation rules.
- Conjugation is done based on tense, mood and voice, in addition to the person performing the action.
Regular Verbs
- Regular verbs in Persian are conjugated based on a stable stem.
- This stem is determined by taking the default present form of the verb and removing the 'mi' prefix.
- For instance, the verb 'to write' (to type) in its default form is 'minavisam'. The stem will be 'navis'.
Irregular Verbs
- Unlike regular verbs, irregular verbs in Persian do not follow regular conjugation patterns.
- Common examples include 'budan' (to be) and 'dashtan' (to have).
- These verbs will need to be memorised due to their inconsistency.
Combined Verbs
- Combined verbs consist of a noun or adjective plus a verb, typically the verb 'kardan' (to do).
- Conjugation for these verbs only involves the verb part.
- For instance, 'paziroftan' becomes 'paziroft' in the past tense.
Conjugating for Tense
- Persian verbs are conjugated differently depending on whether they are in the present simple, present continuous, past simple or past continuous tense.
- The present simple tense is often used to express general truths. In this tense, verbs are typically conjugated by adding the prefix 'mi' before the stem.
- Present continuous tense is used for ongoing actions. Like the present simple tense, the prefix 'mi' is added before the stem.
- The past simple tense is used for completed actions. The past simple tense of the verb is used.
- Past continuous tense is used for ongoing actions in the past. The verb in this tense is formed by adding the prefix 'mi' to the past simple tense of the verb.
Conjugating for Mood
- Persian verbs are also conjugated for different moods, which include the indicative, subjunctive, and imperative moods.
- The indicative mood is used for statements of fact.
- The subjunctive mood is used for hypothetical scenarios or wishes.
- The imperative mood is used for commands.
Conjugating for Voice
- Conjugation in Persian also takes into consideration the voice of the verb, whether it is active or passive.
- Active voice indicates the subject of the sentence performs the action.
- Passive voice indicates the subject of the sentence is acted upon.