C1 Prepositions & Postpositions 9 min read Hard

Persian Complex Prepositions: Beyond the Basics (be vasile-ye, dar barâbar-e)

Mastering complex prepositions elevates your Persian from basic communication to sophisticated, professional-grade expression through precise multi-word structures.
Mark as Learned
Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Complex prepositions in Persian use the Ezafe (-e) to link a noun or adverb to a prepositional function.

  • Always connect the base noun to the preposition with the Ezafe: 'به وسیله‌ی' (by means of).
  • These phrases function as a single unit to express complex relationships like 'in contrast to' or 'in spite of'.
  • The object of the preposition follows the phrase, often requiring the Ezafe link.
Noun + ـِ (Ezafe) + Preposition + Object

Overview

At the C1 level of Persian proficiency, moving beyond simple prepositions is crucial for expressing complex ideas with precision and nuance. While basic prepositions like az (از, from) or be (به, to) serve fundamental functions, complex prepositions, often multi-word phrases, act as sophisticated linguistic tools. They enable speakers and writers to articulate relationships between elements in a sentence that are causal, instrumental, oppositional, or comparative, with a degree of specificity unattainable with their simpler counterparts.

These structures are indispensable for formal discourse, academic writing, professional communication, and understanding the subtleties of native Persian speech, media, and literature. They are not merely stylistic alternatives but fundamental components for conveying advanced logical connections.

Complex prepositions are characterized by their multi-word nature, frequently involving a simple preposition, followed by a noun or adverb, and crucially, linked by the ezafe construction (کسره اضافه, _kasre-ye ezâfe_) to the object they govern. This modularity allows Persian to create a vast array of precise relational expressions from a relatively small set of core components. Mastering these structures signifies a significant step towards native-like fluency, enabling you to construct sentences that reflect advanced thought processes rather than relying on simpler, often less precise, phrasing.

How This Grammar Works

Persian complex prepositions derive their functionality from a grammatical principle pervasive throughout the language: the ezafe construction. Unlike many Indo-European languages that feature a broad inventory of single-word prepositions, Persian often constructs complex relational meanings by combining a simple preposition with a noun or adverbial element, which then takes the _ezafe_ particle to link it to the following noun or pronoun. This particle, typically pronounced as a short e (ـِ) or ye (ـِی) if the preceding word ends in a vowel, acts as a possessive or attributive connector, literally translating to something like “of” or “belonging to.”
The fundamental structure involves: [Simple Preposition] + [Noun/Adverb] + _ezafe_ + [Governed Noun/Pronoun]. For instance, in be vasile-ye (به‌وسیله‌ی, by means of), be is the simple preposition, vasile (وسیله, means/tool) is the noun, and -ye is the _ezafe_ linking it to the subsequent element that denotes the actual means or agent. This pattern effectively transforms a noun into a prepositional concept, allowing for highly specific semantic roles.
For example, be vasile-ye ketâb (به‌وسیله‌ی کتاب, by means of the book) indicates the book as the instrument. This system provides a flexible and productive mechanism for generating new prepositional phrases as needed, grounding complex relations in concrete lexical items.
Consider the contrast between bâ (با, with) and be vasile-ye. While bâ can indicate accompaniment or general instrumentality (e.g., bâ qalam nevaštam - با قلم نوشتم, I wrote with a pen), be vasile-ye specifically denotes the means or agency through which an action is performed, often implying a more deliberate or structured process. For example, be vasile-ye internet (به‌وسیله‌ی اینترنت, by means of the internet) precisely identifies the internet as the medium.
This distinction highlights the increased specificity and often formal register that complex prepositions bring to a sentence. Understanding this underlying _ezafe_ mechanism is key to both forming and interpreting these advanced structures, as it clarifies the internal logic of these multi-word units.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming Persian complex prepositions generally adheres to a predictable structure, often involving an initial simple preposition (be, dar, az), followed by a noun or an adverb, which is then connected to the object of the preposition via the ezafe (اضافه) particle. This modularity allows for precision and flexibility. The _ezafe_ particle is typically pronounced /e/ (written as _کسره_, ـِ) unless the preceding word ends in a vowel (آ, و, ی), in which case it becomes /ye/ (written as _ی_, ـی).
2
The Core Pattern:
3
[Simple Preposition (Optional)] + [Core Noun/Adverb] + _ezafe_ + [Governed Noun/Pronoun]
4
Let's break down the components:
5
Initial Simple Preposition: This sets the broad relational category. The most common are:
6
be (به): often indicates 'to,' 'by,' 'for,' or 'with regard to.'
7
dar (در): often indicates 'in,' 'at,' 'within,' or 'with regard to.'
8
az (از): often indicates 'from,' 'by,' 'of,' 'because of.'
9
Some complex prepositions do not begin with a simple preposition, functioning more as compound adverbs that take the _ezafe_ (e.g., pey-e - پیِ, after/in pursuit of).
10
Core Noun or Adverb: This is the semantic heart of the complex preposition, defining the specific relationship. Examples include:
11
vasile (وسیله): means, tool (as in be vasile-ye) → instrumental.
12
barâbar (برابر): equality, against (as in dar barâbar-e) → oppositional, comparative.
13
dalil (دلیل): reason (as in be dalil-e) → causal.
14
jehat (جهت): direction, purpose (as in az jehat-e, dar jehat-e) → directional, purposive.
15
_Ezafe_ Particle: This is the crucial link. It connects the core noun/adverb to the noun or pronoun it governs. Remember the rule:
16
If the core noun/adverb ends in a consonant: add ـِ (e.g., vasile + _ezafe_ = vasile-ye).
17
If the core noun/adverb ends in a vowel (excluding silent ه - _he-ye gheyr-e malfûz_): add ـی (e.g., jâ - جا, place + _ezafe_ = jâ-ye).
18
If the core noun/adverb ends in silent ه (e.g., khane - خانه, house): add ـ‌یِ (e.g., khane-ye).
19
Governed Noun/Pronoun: This is the element to which the complex preposition refers.
20
Example Table of Common Formations:
21
| Simple Prep | Core Noun/Adverb | Meaning of Core | _Ezafe_ | Complex Preposition | Translation | Example Sentence |
22
|:------------|:-----------------|:----------------|:--------|:--------------------|:----------------------------|:------------------------------------------------------|
23
| be | vasile (وسیله) | means, tool | -ye | be vasile-ye (به‌وسیله‌ی) | by means of, through | این کار به‌وسیله‌ی او انجام شد. (This was done by him.) |
24
| dar | barâbar (برابر) | equal, against | -e | dar barâbar-e (دربرابرِ) | against, in front of, compared to | دربرابرِ مشکلات ایستاد. (He stood against problems.) |
25
| az | lahâz (لحاظ) | respect, aspect | -e | az lahâz-e (از لحاظِ) | in terms of, from the perspective of | از لحاظِ فنی مشکلی نیست. (There is no technical problem.) |
26
| be | dalil (دلیل) | reason | -e | be dalil-e (به‌دلیلِ) | due to, because of | به‌دلیلِ باران، جلسه لغو شد. (Due to rain, the meeting was cancelled.) |
27
| be | jâ (جا) | place | -ye | be jâ-ye (به‌جایِ) | instead of | به‌جایِ من او آمد. (He came instead of me.) |
28
Some complex prepositions function as circumpositions, meaning they enclose the governed noun with both a preceding and a following element. A common example is dar rabte bâ (در رابطه با, in connection with), where dar precedes the noun, and bâ follows it:
29
dar + rabete (رابطه, connection) + _ezafe_ (-ye) + [Governed Noun] + bâ (با)
30
Example: dar rabete bâ in movzu (در رابطه با این موضوع, in connection with this topic). Here, in movzu (این موضوع, this topic) is sandwiched between dar rabete and bâ.

When To Use It

Complex prepositions are primarily employed to introduce precision, formality, and nuance into your Persian communication. While simple prepositions are sufficient for basic interactions, reaching for a complex form signals a higher register and a more refined articulation of ideas, essential for C1-level discourse.
  1. 1For Specificity and Instrumentality (be vasile-ye, az tariq-e):
When you need to specify the exact means, method, or channel through which an action occurs, be vasile-ye (به‌وسیله‌ی, by means of/by) or az tariq-e (از طریقِ, via/through) are preferred over a general bâ (با, with). Be vasile-ye emphasizes the tool or agent, while az tariq-e often refers to a channel or intermediary.
  • Example: این اطلاعات به‌وسیله‌ی ماهواره دریافت شد. (_in ettelâ'ât be vasile-ye mâhvare darjâft šod._ – This information was received by means of satellite.) – Here, mâhvare (ماهواره, satellite) is the instrument.
  • Example: می‌توانید از طریقِ وب‌سایت ثبت‌نام کنید. (_mi-tavânid az tariq-e web-sâyt sabt-nâm konid._ – You can register via the website.) – web-sâyt (وب‌سایت, website) is the channel.
  1. 1For Causal Relationships and Explanations (be dalil-e, ba elat-e):
To express reasons or causes in a formal or explicit manner, be dalil-e (به‌دلیلِ, due to/because of) or ba elat-e (به‌علتِ, owing to/on account of) are more appropriate than the simple conjunction chon (چون, because) or preposition az (از, from). These forms lend a more analytical and official tone.
  • Example: به‌دلیلِ آلودگی هوا، مدارس تعطیل شد. (_be dalil-e âludegi-ye havâ, madâres ta'til šod._ – Due to air pollution, schools were closed.)
  • Example: این موفقیت به‌علتِ تلاش بی‌وقفه به‌دست آمد. (_in movaffaqiyat ba elat-e talâš-e bi-vaqfe be dast âmad._ – This success was achieved owing to tireless effort.)
  1. 1For Opposition, Comparison, or Confrontation (dar barâbar-e, dar moqâbel-e):
When articulating concepts of opposition, comparison, or facing something, dar barâbar-e (دربرابرِ, against/in front of/in comparison to) and dar moqâbel-e (در مقابلِ, opposite/in front of/in exchange for) are invaluable. Dar barâbar-e often carries a sense of resistance or confrontation, or direct comparison, while dar moqâbel-e can be more literal (physically opposite) or refer to an exchange.
  • Example (Resistance): مردم دربرابرِ ظلم سکوت نکردند. (_mardom dar barâbar-e zolm sokut na-kardand._ – The people did not remain silent against oppression.)
  • Example (Comparison): عملکرد او دربرابرِ همکارانش بسیار بهتر بود. (_amalkard-e u dar barâbar-e hamkârân-aš besyâr behtar bud._ – His performance compared to his colleagues was much better.)
  • Example (Physical location): خانه‌ی ما در مقابلِ پارک است. (_xâne-ye mâ dar moqâbel-e park ast._ – Our house is opposite the park.)
  1. 1For Context and Reference (dar rabete bâ, az lahâz-e):
To provide context, reference, or perspective, structures like dar rabete bâ (در رابطه با, in connection with/regarding) and az lahâz-e (از لحاظِ, in terms of/from the perspective of) are essential for academic and professional discourse.
  • Example: در رابطه با پروژه‌ی جدید صحبت کردیم. (_dar rabete bâ prože-ye jadid sohbat kardim._ – We talked in connection with the new project.)
  • Example: از لحاظِ اقتصادی، وضعیت بهبود یافته است. (_az lahâz-e eqtesâdi, vaz'iyat behbud yâfte ast._ – In economic terms, the situation has improved.)
  1. 1For Substitution (be jâ-ye):
When indicating a substitution or alternative, be jâ-ye (به‌جایِ, instead of) is the standard and most precise form.
  • Example: به‌جایِ او، من شرکت کردم. (_be jâ-ye u, man šerkat kardam._ – Instead of him, I participated.)
In essence, these complex prepositions elevate your communicative ability by allowing you to articulate intricate logical relationships with greater clarity, formality, and rhetorical impact, moving beyond the functional but less specific expressions of basic grammar.

Common Mistakes

Advanced Persian learners frequently encounter specific pitfalls when employing complex prepositions, often stemming from over-generalization, direct translation from English, or insufficient attention to the _ezafe_ particle. Recognizing these common errors is critical for achieving C1-level accuracy.
  1. 1Omitting or Misplacing the _Ezafe_ Particle: This is arguably the most frequent error. The _ezafe_ (-e or -ye) is not optional; it is the grammatical glue that binds the core noun/adverb to the governed object. Forgetting it or applying it incorrectly breaks the structure.
  • Incorrect: به وسیله ماهواره (_be vasile mâhvare_) – Sounds incomplete, like

Complex Preposition Formation

Base Noun Ezafe Preposition Full Phrase
وسیله
ی
به
به وسیله‌ی
برابر
ِ
در
در برابرِ
کنار
ِ
در
در کنارِ
میان
ِ
در
در میانِ
جهت
ِ
در
در جهتِ
خاطر
ِ
به
به خاطرِ

Meanings

Complex prepositions are multi-word units that function as a single preposition to express nuanced spatial, logical, or causal relationships.

1

Instrumental

Indicating the means or method by which an action is performed.

“او به وسیله‌ی نامه خبر داد.”

“این کار به وسیله‌ی ربات انجام شد.”

2

Contrastive

Expressing opposition or comparison.

“در برابرِ این مشکل، ما ساکت نماندیم.”

“او در برابرِ سختی‌ها ایستادگی کرد.”

3

Locative/Relational

Describing relative position or state.

“در کنارِ خانه ایستاد.”

“در میانِ جمعیت گم شد.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Persian Complex Prepositions: Beyond the Basics (be vasile-ye, dar barâbar-e)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Noun + Ezafe + Prep + Object
به وسیله‌ی ماشین رفت.
Negative
Noun + Ezafe + Prep + Object + Neg
به وسیله‌ی ماشین نرفت.
Question
Aya + Noun + Ezafe + Prep + Object
آیا به وسیله‌ی ماشین رفت؟
Formal
Noun + Ezafe + Prep + Object
در برابرِ قانون برابرند.
Informal
Noun + Ezafe + Prep + Object
به خاطرِ تو آمدم.
Plural
Noun + Ezafe + Prep + Object
در میانِ دوستانم هستم.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
به وسیله‌ی این روش

به وسیله‌ی این روش (Methodology)

Neutral
با این روش

با این روش (Methodology)

Informal
با این کار

با این کار (Methodology)

Slang
با این

با این (Methodology)

Complex Preposition Anatomy

Complex Preposition

Instrumental

  • به وسیله‌ی by means of

Locative

  • در کنارِ next to

Contrastive

  • در برابرِ in front of/against
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

او در کنارِ من است.

He is next to me.

2

من به وسیله‌ی ماشین آمدم.

I came by car.

3

او در برابرِ من نشست.

He sat in front of me.

4

کتاب در میانِ میز است.

The book is in the middle of the table.

1

او به وسیله‌ی این نامه تشکر کرد.

He thanked by means of this letter.

2

در برابرِ این تصمیم چه می‌کنی؟

What will you do in the face of this decision?

3

او در جهتِ شمال حرکت کرد.

He moved in the direction of the north.

4

در کنارِ درس خواندن، کار هم می‌کنم.

Besides studying, I also work.

1

به وسیله‌ی تکنولوژی، دنیا کوچک‌تر شده است.

By means of technology, the world has become smaller.

2

او در برابرِ مشکلات تسلیم نشد.

He did not give up in the face of problems.

3

در میانِ همه‌ی گزینه‌ها، این بهتر است.

Among all the options, this is better.

4

در جهتِ بهبودِ کیفیت، تلاش می‌کنیم.

In the direction of improving quality, we are trying.

1

این پروژه به وسیله‌ی تیمِ متخصص اجرا می‌شود.

This project is executed by means of a specialized team.

2

در برابرِ استدلالِ او، پاسخی نداشتم.

In the face of his argument, I had no answer.

3

در کنارِ مزایا، معایبی هم وجود دارد.

Along with the advantages, there are also disadvantages.

4

در جهتِ منافعِ ملی، باید همکاری کنیم.

In the direction of national interests, we must cooperate.

1

به وسیله‌ی تحلیلِ داده‌ها، به نتایجِ جدیدی رسیدیم.

By means of data analysis, we reached new results.

2

در برابرِ هجمه‌ی انتقادات، او سکوت کرد.

In the face of the barrage of criticism, he remained silent.

3

در میانِ هیاهوی شهر، آرامش یافتم.

Amidst the city's hustle, I found peace.

4

در جهتِ تحققِ اهداف، گام‌های مؤثری برداشتیم.

In the direction of realizing the goals, we took effective steps.

1

به وسیله‌ی این ابزارِ بلاغی، او مخاطب را مسحور کرد.

By means of this rhetorical device, he captivated the audience.

2

در برابرِ عظمتِ کوه، انسان ناچیز است.

In the face of the mountain's grandeur, man is insignificant.

3

در میانِ سطورِ این کتاب، حقیقتی نهفته است.

Between the lines of this book, a truth is hidden.

4

در جهتِ اعتلای فرهنگ، باید کوشید.

In the direction of cultural elevation, one must strive.

Easily Confused

Persian Complex Prepositions: Beyond the Basics (be vasile-ye, dar barâbar-e) vs Simple vs. Complex Prepositions

Learners often use simple prepositions where complex ones are needed for formal tone.

Persian Complex Prepositions: Beyond the Basics (be vasile-ye, dar barâbar-e) vs Ezafe vs. No Ezafe

Learners forget the Ezafe link.

Persian Complex Prepositions: Beyond the Basics (be vasile-ye, dar barâbar-e) vs Prepositional Phrases vs. Adverbial Phrases

They look similar but function differently.

Common Mistakes

✗

وسیله به

✓

به وسیله‌ی

Missing the Ezafe link.
✗

در برابر

✓

در برابرِ

Missing the Ezafe.
✗

به خاطر

✓

به خاطرِ

Missing the Ezafe.
✗

در کنار

✓

در کنارِ

Missing the Ezafe.
✗

به وسیله‌یِ ماشین

✓

به وسیله‌ی ماشین

Double Ezafe is redundant.
✗

در جهتِ به شمال

✓

در جهتِ شمال

Unnecessary preposition.
✗

در میانِ از مردم

✓

در میانِ مردم

Redundant preposition.
✗

به وسیله‌ی که او گفت

✓

به وسیله‌ی آنچه او گفت

Incorrect relative clause structure.
✗

در برابرِ به مشکلات

✓

در برابرِ مشکلات

Redundant preposition.
✗

در کنارِ از آن

✓

در کنارِ آن

Redundant preposition.
✗

به وسیله‌یِ آنکه

✓

به وسیله‌ی آنچه

Stylistic error in formal writing.
✗

در برابرِ به این

✓

در برابرِ این

Grammatical redundancy.
✗

در جهتِ به سوی

✓

در جهتِ

Redundant prepositional phrase.
✗

در میانِ در خانه

✓

در میانِ خانه

Redundant preposition.

Sentence Patterns

___ به وسیله‌ی ___ انجام شد.

او در برابرِ ___ ایستادگی کرد.

در جهتِ ___ باید تلاش کرد.

در میانِ ___، او بهترین بود.

Real World Usage

Academic Report constant

به وسیله‌ی تحلیلِ داده‌ها...

Job Interview very common

در برابرِ چالش‌ها...

News Article very common

در جهتِ صلح...

Texting occasional

به خاطرِ تو...

Travel Instructions common

در جهتِ شمال...

Food Delivery App rare

در کنارِ غذا...

Sign up free to see all examples
💡

Use Ezafe

Always check for the Ezafe link. It is the most important part of the phrase.
⚠️

Avoid Redundancy

Don't add extra prepositions after the phrase.
🎯

Formal Tone

Use these to sound more professional in writing.
💬

Register Matters

Don't use these in very casual settings.

Smart Tips

Use 'به وسیله‌ی' instead of 'با' to sound more professional.

این کار با ربات انجام شد. → این کار به وسیله‌ی ربات انجام شد.

Use 'در برابرِ' to clearly contrast them.

این ایده با آن ایده فرق دارد. → در برابرِ این ایده، آن ایده ضعیف است.

Use 'در کنارِ' for precision.

او کنارِ من است. → او در کنارِ من ایستاده است.

Use 'در جهتِ' to show direction.

ما برای موفقیت تلاش می‌کنیم. → ما در جهتِ موفقیت تلاش می‌کنیم.

Pronunciation

be-vasile-ye

Ezafe Link

The Ezafe is a short 'e' or 'ye' sound that links the noun to the preposition.

Emphasis

به وسیله‌ی ↗ ماشین

Emphasizing the instrument.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember 'Ezafe' is the glue. Without it, the preposition and noun won't stick together.

Visual Association

Imagine a tiny 'E' shaped bridge connecting a noun block to a preposition block.

Rhyme

Noun plus Ezafe, then the preposition, makes the phrase a perfect mission.

Story

Ali wanted to go to the city. He chose a car (the noun). He added the glue (Ezafe). He used the preposition (be). Now he has 'be vasile-ye' to describe his journey.

Word Web

به وسیله‌یدر برابرِدر کنارِدر میانِدر جهتِبه خاطرِ

Challenge

Write three sentences about your day using a different complex preposition in each.

Cultural Notes

In spoken Tehrani, complex prepositions are often simplified to basic ones.

In academic Persian, these are used extensively to maintain a formal, objective tone.

Poets use these to create rhythm and maintain the meter.

These constructions evolved from classical Persian where nouns were linked to prepositions to specify spatial or logical relations.

Conversation Starters

“

به وسیله‌ی چه چیزی به اینجا آمدید؟

“

در برابرِ مشکلاتِ کاری چه واکنشی نشان می‌دهید؟

“

در جهتِ رسیدن به اهدافِ خود چه برنامه‌ای دارید؟

“

به نظرِ شما در میانِ روش‌های آموزشی، کدام بهتر است؟

Journal Prompts

Describe your daily commute using 'به وسیله‌ی'.
Write about a challenge you faced and how you handled it using 'در برابرِ'.
Discuss your future career goals using 'در جهتِ'.
Analyze a current event using 'در میانِ' and 'به وسیله‌ی'.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct Ezafe.

او ___ وسیله‌ی ماشین آمد.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: بِ
The Ezafe is needed.
Choose the correct phrase. Multiple Choice

___ مشکلات ایستادگی کرد.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: در برابرِ
Needs both preposition and Ezafe.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

او به وسیله ماشین رفت.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: او به وسیله‌ی ماشین رفت.
Missing Ezafe.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: او به وسیله‌ی ماشین آمد.
Correct word order.
Translate to Persian. Translation

He stood in front of the house.

Answer starts with: او ...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: او در برابرِ خانه ایستاد.
Correct complex preposition.
Match the phrase to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: by means of
Correct meaning.
Choose the correct preposition. Multiple Choice

___ جهتِ شمال حرکت کرد.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: در
Correct preposition for this phrase.
Fill in the blank.

او ___ میانِ جمعیت گم شد.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: در
Correct preposition.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct Ezafe.

او ___ وسیله‌ی ماشین آمد.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: بِ
The Ezafe is needed.
Choose the correct phrase. Multiple Choice

___ مشکلات ایستادگی کرد.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: در برابرِ
Needs both preposition and Ezafe.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

او به وسیله ماشین رفت.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: او به وسیله‌ی ماشین رفت.
Missing Ezafe.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

ماشین / به / وسیله‌ی / آمد / او

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: او به وسیله‌ی ماشین آمد.
Correct word order.
Translate to Persian. Translation

He stood in front of the house.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: او در برابرِ خانه ایستاد.
Correct complex preposition.
Match the phrase to its meaning. Match Pairs

به وسیله‌ی

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: by means of
Correct meaning.
Choose the correct preposition. Multiple Choice

___ جهتِ شمال حرکت کرد.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: در
Correct preposition for this phrase.
Fill in the blank.

او ___ میانِ جمعیت گم شد.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: در
Correct preposition.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

6 exercises
Reorder to say: 'I exercised instead of sleeping.' Sentence Reorder

خوابیدن / ورزش / به جای / کردم / من

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: من به جای خوابیدن ورزش کردم
Translate to Persian: 'Regarding the interview...' Translation

Regarding the interview...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: در رابطه با مصاحبه...
Match the preposition to its English meaning. Match Pairs

Match them up:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: be vasile-ye: by means of, dar barâbar-e: against, az tariq-e: via, be dalil-e: due to
Choose the best fit for 'against the enemy'. Fill in the Blank

سربازان ___ دشمن جنگیدند.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: در برابر
Correct the usage: 'I went by car.' Error Correction

من توسط ماشین رفتم.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: من به وسیله ماشین رفتم.
Which one is more formal? Multiple Choice

Which sentence sounds like a news broadcast?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: قیمت‌ها به دلیل تورم افزایش یافت.

Score: /6

FAQ (8)

It is a linking sound (-e or -ye) that connects a noun to its modifier or a preposition.

Usually no, they are too formal. Use simple prepositions instead.

It is more precise and formal, suitable for professional contexts.

No, you must add the Ezafe: 'در برابرِ'.

Yes, there are several common ones used in daily life and academic writing.

No, Persian does not have grammatical gender for these.

Yes, but the phrase itself remains the same.

Yes, poets use them to maintain rhythm.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish high

por medio de

Spanish uses 'por' instead of 'be'.

French high

au moyen de

French uses 'au' and 'de'.

German moderate

mittels

German is a single word.

Japanese moderate

〜によって

Japanese is a suffix.

Arabic high

بواسطة

Arabic is often a single word.

Chinese moderate

通过

Chinese is a verb.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Expressing 'Although' & 'Despite' (agarche, bâ vojude inke)

Related Grammar Rules

B1

Persian Prepositions: To vs. For (be vs. barāye)

Overview Persian prepositions are fundamental to constructing coherent sentences, establishing relationships between wor...
A1

Persian Prepositions: In, On, Under (dar, ru-ye, zir-e)

Overview Mastering prepositions is fundamental to describing spatial relationships in any language. In Persian, three co...
A1

The Preposition 'with' (bā) - Connecting People & Things

Overview The Persian preposition `bā` (با) is one of the most fundamental and versatile words you will learn. At its co...
A1

Persian Direction Prepositions: To and From (be, az)

Overview Mastering the prepositions of direction is fundamental for any Persian learner, especially at the A1 level. The...
A1

The Persian 'For': Using barā-ye (برای)

Overview In Persian, the preposition `barā-ye` (برای) is a fundamental component for expressing the concept of “for.” It...
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!