Alphabet and Sound Basics
Persian uses a right-to-left script with 32 letters, shared with Arabic but with distinct sounds. Short vowels are often not written, so beginners may prefer to start with transliteration while they gradually learn the script. Key new sounds include kh (as in Scottish loch), gh (a voiced throat sound), and ch/sh (as in English chip/she).
You don’t need to master every letter on day one. Learn a few sounds, read simple words like salam (hello), ketab (book), and ab (water), and listen as you read. This builds sound–symbol mapping so Farsi words feel familiar faster.
- Start with high-frequency letters: alef, be, pe, te, jim.
- Practice pairs: s/sh, z/zh, k/g to train your ear.
- Read and listen together for 5–10 minutes daily.
- Use a free PDF alphabet chart to review shapes.
Sentence Order and the Verb 'to be'
Persian uses Subject–Object–Verb order: I book read = I read a book. Example: Man ketab mikhanam. In casual speech, the direct-object marker ra is often dropped; you can add it later (man ketab ra mikhanam) when you’re comfortable.
The verb “to be” (hastan) appears as hastam, hasti, hast, hastim, hastid, hastand, though in everyday speech the verb is often shortened or implied. Early on, just remember: noun/adjective + hast (is/are) works and is always clear.
- Pattern: Subject + Object + Verb.
- Example: Man chai mikhoram (I drink tea).
- To be: man khoshhal hastam (I am happy).
- Colloquial: man khoshhal-am (I’m happy) is common.
Verbs: Present, Past, and Negatives
The present tense usually takes mi- + stem + endings: -am, -i, -ad, -im, -id, -and. Example: raftan (to go) → miravam, miravi, miravad. The past simple uses the past stem + personal endings: raftam, rafti, raft.
Negatives are easy: add ne-/na- before the verb. In the present, it merges as nemi-: nemiram (I don’t go), nemikonam (I don’t do). Yes/no questions use rising intonation; question words go where you expect: koja (where), chi (what), ki (who), chetor (how), chand (how many).
- Present: mi- + stem + endings (mikhoram = I eat).
- Past: past stem + endings (khordam = I ate).
- Negative: nemi- + present (nemiram = I don’t go).
- Question: Chi mikhari? (What are you buying?)
Nouns, Adjectives, Plurals, and Ezafe
Persian has no words for the or a. Use ye to mean a/an: ye ketab (a book). Plurals are usually -ha: ketab-ha (books). For people, you’ll also see -an: mard-an (men), though -ha is common in modern speech.
Adjectives follow nouns and link with ezafe, a short -e/-ye sound: ketab-e bozorg (the big book), pesar-e khoob (the good boy). Learn this one pattern and you can describe almost anything with just a few words.
- No articles: ye = a/an; context = the.
- Plural: -ha (ketab-ha), often enough for beginners.
- Ezafe: noun-e adjective (gol-e ziba = beautiful flower).
- Stack descriptions: ketab-e bozorg-e jadid (the new big book).
Pronouns, Possessives, and Prepositions
Pronouns: man (I), to (you, sg), u/oo (he/she), ma (we), shoma (you, pl/polite), anha (they). Possessives attach to nouns: ketab-am (my book), ketab-et (your book), ketab-esh (his/her book).
Common prepositions: be (to), az (from), dar/tu (in), ba (with). A helpful extra is ra, marking a specific direct object; keep it optional early on and add it as your sentences get longer.
- Possessive endings: -am, -et, -esh, -eman, -etan, -eshan.
- Prepositions: be man (to me), az shahr (from the city).
- Questions: koja? (where?), ki? (who?), chi? (what?).
- Phrase: ba ye doost (with a friend).
A 15-Minute Study Plan and Free Resources
Consistency beats intensity. Spend 15 minutes daily: 5 on sounds and reading aloud, 5 on one grammar pattern, 5 on mini drills or speaking. Record yourself once a week to hear progress.
Gather all you need in a compact toolkit: a verb chart, an ezafe cheat sheet, and a quick list of pronouns and endings. Search for a free PDF starter pack from reputable language sites or make your own one-page summary.
- Day 1–2: Alphabet + 10 core words (salam, ketab, chai).
- Day 3: SOV order; make 5 sample sentences.
- Day 4: Present tense with mi-; drill I/you/he forms.
- Day 5: Plurals and ezafe; describe 5 objects.
- Day 6: Negatives and questions; practice dialogs.
- Day 7: Review with your free PDF cheat sheet.
FAQ
- Is Farsi the same as Persian?
- Yes. Farsi is the endonym used in Iran; Persian is the standard English name. For learners, Farsi and Persian refer to the same language and basics.
- Do I need the alphabet to start?
- You can begin with transliteration and learn the script in parallel. Even 5–10 minutes a day on letters plus audio will quickly pay off.
- How many minutes per day should beginners study?
- Aim for 15 focused minutes daily. Split it among sounds, one grammar point, and quick speaking drills. Small, steady sessions beat long cramming.
- Are there free PDF resources to learn Persian grammar?
- Yes. Many sites share free PDF alphabet charts, verb tables, and phrase sheets. Compile your favorite pages into one PDF so all essentials are together.
- Is Persian grammar hard for English speakers?
- It’s different, but beginner-friendly: regular verb endings, no gender, and simple plurals. The new script and ezafe take practice, but patterns are consistent.