The Persian Connector `که`: Saying 'I think that...'
که (ke) is the essential connector that turns a full sentence into the object of verbs like 'think', 'say', or 'hope'.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'که' (ke) to connect a main clause to a subordinate clause, functioning exactly like the English 'that'.
- Use 'که' after verbs of thinking, saying, or feeling: من فکر میکنم که او میآید (I think that he is coming).
- It acts as a bridge between two ideas: میدانم که تو خستهای (I know that you are tired).
- In informal speech, 'که' is often dropped or attached to the previous word: میدونم خستهای (I know [that] you're tired).
Overview
Mastering the Persian connector که (ke) is crucial for transitioning from simple sentence structures to more complex, nuanced expressions. This particle primarily functions as a subordinating conjunction, akin to the English "that," introducing a complement clause. These complement clauses act as the object or complement of a preceding verb, often one of cognition, communication, or emotion.
Essentially, که allows you to report thoughts, relay speech, or express feelings about a complete idea or event.
Consider the sentence من میدانم (man midânam - I know). What do you know? You can follow this with a direct object, like حقیقت (haghighat - the truth).
However, if what you know is a full statement, such as او میآید (u miâyad - he is coming), که forms the bridge: من میدانم که او میآید. (I know that he is coming). Here, the entire clause که او میآید functions as the object of میدانم. This structure is fundamental for expressing intricate ideas and moving beyond basic communication in Persian.
How This Grammar Works
که in this context introduces a declarative complement clause. This clause functions as a grammatical argument of the main verb, typically as a direct object. The main verb, known as a clause-embedding verb, governs the relationship between the main statement and the embedded clause.که.که introduces a complement clause, the clause it introduces acts as the direct object of the main verb. For example, in او گفت که باران میآید. (u goft ke bâran miâyad - He said that it is raining.), باران میآید (it is raining) is the specific content of what he said. This structure is pervasive in Persian, appearing across all communicative registers, from casual conversation to formal written discourse.که clause is determined by the nature of the main verb. Generally, verbs of reporting, cognition, and perception (e.g., گفتن - to say, فکر کردن - to think, دانستن - to know, دیدن - to see) are followed by a که clause with an indicative verb. This signifies that the content of the که clause is presented as a fact or a perceived reality.ما شنیدیم که او برنده شد. (mâ shenidim ke u barande shod - We heard that he won.) uses the indicative شد (shod - he became).خواستن - to want, امیدوار بودن - to hope, پیشنهاد کردن - to suggest, ترسیدن - to fear, لازم بودن - to be necessary) typically require the verb in the که clause to be in the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive reflects uncertainty, possibility, non-factuality, or a desired outcome. For instance, امیدوارم که او بیاید. (omidvâram ke u biâyad - I hope that he comes.) uses the subjunctive بیاید (biâyad - he comes/may come), reflecting the hope rather than a certainty of his arrival.Formation Pattern
که as a complementizer follows a consistent structure: Main Clause + که + Complement Clause. The main clause establishes the speaker's action, thought, or emotion, while the complement clause provides the content. The specific conjugation of the verb in the complement clause depends on the main verb's semantic category.
من میدانم (I know) | او میخواهد (He wants) |
که | که | که |
شما مشغول هستید (you are busy) | شما مشغول باشید (you be busy) |
من میدانم که شما مشغول هستید. | او میخواهد که شما مشغول باشید. |
که Clause:
که clause will reflect the actual time of the action or state.
گفتن (to say), اعلام کردن (to announce), توضیح دادن (to explain), خبر دادن (to inform).
پدرم گفت که دیر میآید. (pedaram goft ke dir miâyad - My father said that he is coming late.)
مدیر اعلام کرد که جلسه فردا لغو شد. (modir e'lâm kard ke jalase fardâ laghv shod - The manager announced that tomorrow's meeting was canceled.)
فکر کردن (to think), دانستن (to know), باور کردن (to believe), متوجه شدن (to realize).
من فکر میکنم که هوا سرد است. (man fekr mikonam ke havâ sard ast - I think that the weather is cold.)
او باور نمیکند که من این کار را کردم. (u bâvar nemikonad ke man in kâr râ kardam - He doesn't believe that I did this.)
دیدن (to see), شنیدن (to hear), حس کردن (to feel).
ما دیدیم که آنها به پارک رفتند. (mâ didim ke ânhâ be park raftand - We saw that they went to the park.)
که Clause:
بـ (be-) prefix to the present stem of the verb (except for بودن - to be, which uses باشـ - bâsh-).
خواستن (to want), ترجیح دادن (to prefer), آرزو کردن (to wish).
من میخواهم که او موفق شود. (man mikhâham ke u movaffaq shavad - I want him to succeed.)
او ترجیح میدهد که ما بمانیم. (u tarjih midahad ke mâ bemânim - He prefers that we stay.)
امیدوار بودن (to hope), نگران بودن (to be worried), ترسیدن (to fear), خوشحال بودن (to be happy, sometimes).
امیدوارم که همه خوب باشند. (omidvâram ke hame khub bâshand - I hope that everyone is well.)
نگران هستم که دیر برسیم. (negarân hastam ke dir beresim - I am worried that we arrive late.)
پیشنهاد کردن (to suggest), دستور دادن (to order), لازم بودن (to be necessary).
دکتر پیشنهاد کرد که او استراحت کند. (doktor pishnahâd kard ke u esterâhat konad - The doctor suggested that he rest.)
لازم است که شما بروید. (lâzem ast ke shomâ beravid - It is necessary that you go.)
When To Use It
که is a workhorse in Persian, indispensable for constructing grammatically complete and logically flowing sentences. You will encounter and use it extensively in a variety of contexts:- Reporting Speech and Thoughts: This is perhaps the most frequent application. When you relay what someone else has said, thought, or communicated,
کهintroduces the direct content of their utterance or mental state. علی گفت که فردا نمیتواند بیاید.(ali goft ke fardâ nemitavânad biâyad - Ali said that he cannot come tomorrow.)من فکر میکنم که ایدهی خوبی است.(man fekr mikonam ke ideye khubi ast - I think that it is a good idea.)- Notice how the verb in the
کهclause maintains its own tense and aspect, independent of the main verb's tense, unless a subjunctive is required.
- Expressing Beliefs, Opinions, and Knowledge: When you state a personal belief, an opinion, or a piece of information you know to be true,
کهframes this knowledge as the complement of your cognitive verb. ما معتقدیم که عدالت مهمترین اصل است.(mâ mo'taghedim ke edâlat mohem-tarin asl ast - We believe that justice is the most important principle.)او میدانست که امسال برف زیادی میبارد.(u midânest ke emsâl barf-e ziyâdi mibârad - He knew that it would snow a lot this year.)
- Conveying Hopes, Wishes, Fears, and Desires: This category almost always mandates the subjunctive mood in the
کهclause, as it deals with non-factual or aspirational situations. امیدوارم که سفرتان امن باشد.(omidvâram ke safaretân amn bâshad - I hope that your trip is safe.)من میخواهم که آنها به توافق برسند.(man mikhâham ke ânhâ be tavâfoq beresand - I want them to reach an agreement.)مادرم نگران است که سرما بخورم.(mâdaram negarân ast ke sarmâ bokhoram - My mother is worried that I might catch a cold.)
- After Adjectives or Nouns Expressing Emotion or Certainty: Certain adjectival constructions or abstract nouns can also take a
کهclause to specify the cause or content of the emotion/certainty. من خوشحالم که شما به من اعتماد دارید.(man khoshhâlam ke shomâ be man e'temâd dârid - I am happy that you trust me.)مطمئن هستم که او موفق خواهد شد.(motma'en hastam ke u movaffaq khâhad shod - I am certain that he will succeed.)
- When Expressing Necessity or Obligation: Impersonal expressions of necessity often use
کهwith a subjunctive clause. لازم است که همه حاضر باشند.(lâzem ast ke hame hâzer bâshand - It is necessary that everyone be present.)باید که این کار را انجام دهیم.(bâyad ke in kâr râ anjâm dahim - We must do this work.)
Common Mistakes
که as a complementizer. Recognizing these pitfalls is the first step towards avoiding them.که in Formal or Ambiguous Contexts:که can be omitted in very casual spoken Persian, particularly after common verbs like فکر کردن (to think) or گفتن (to say), this practice can lead to ambiguity or sound ungrammatical in more formal or written settings. For intermediate learners, it is always safer and clearer to include که.- Incorrect (or overly casual):
او گفت میاد.(u goft miyâd - He said he's coming.) - Correct and Clear:
او گفت که میآید.(u goft ke miâyad - He said that he is coming.) - Why it's a mistake: Without
که, the relationship between the two clauses is less explicit. While context often clarifies it in speech, in writing, or when the clauses are more complex, its absence can cause confusion.
که Clause:- Error (Subjunctive required):
من میخواهم که او میرود.(man mikhâham ke u miravad - I want that he goes.) (Incorrect indicative) - Correction:
من میخواهم که او برود.(man mikhâham ke u beravad - I want him to go.) (Correct subjunctive) - Why it's a mistake: The verb
خواستن(to want) expresses a desire, not a fact. Therefore, the outcome (رفتن- to go) is non-factual or desired, necessitating the subjunctive mood. Using the indicative implies you know he is going, rather than wanting him to go.
- Error (Indicative required):
او گفت که من بروم.(u goft ke man beravam - He said that I go.) (Incorrect subjunctive for reported speech) - Correction:
او گفت که من میروم.(u goft ke man miravam - He said that I am going.) (Correct indicative) - Why it's a mistake:
گفتن(to say) reports a statement. If the original statement wasمن میروم(I am going), reporting it requires the indicative, not the subjunctive. The subjunctive here would imply a command or suggestion, changing the meaning to "He told me to go."
که with Relative Pronoun که:که for two distinct grammatical functions, leading to significant confusion. While both connect clauses, they do so in fundamentally different ways.- Conjunction
که(Complementizer): Connects a main verb (likeگفتن,فکر کردن) to an entire clause that functions as the object of that verb. - Structure: Main Clause (Verb) +
که+ Complement Clause - Example:
من میدانم که او در خانه است.(man midânam ke u dar khâne ast - I know that he is at home.) - Test: Can you replace the
کهclause with a simple noun? (من میدانم حقیقت را.- I know the truth.) If yes, it's a complementizer.
- Relative Pronoun
که: Connects a noun to a clause that modifies or describes that noun. It functions like
Structure of 'که' Clauses
| Main Clause | Connector | Subordinate Clause |
|---|---|---|
|
من فکر میکنم
|
که
|
او میآید
|
|
او گفت
|
که
|
کار تمام است
|
|
میدانم
|
که
|
تو خستهای
|
|
او میخواهد
|
که
|
ما برویم
|
|
شنیدم
|
که
|
باران میبارد
|
|
آیا میدانی
|
که
|
او کجاست؟
|
Common Colloquial Contractions
| Formal | Informal/Spoken |
|---|---|
|
فکر میکنم که او میآید
|
فکر میکنم او میاد
|
|
میدانم که تو خستهای
|
میدونم خستهای
|
|
او گفت که میرود
|
گفت میره
|
Meanings
The particle 'که' is a subordinating conjunction used to introduce a subordinate clause, serving as the equivalent of the English 'that'.
Complementizer
Connecting a verb of cognition or communication to its object clause.
“فکر میکنم که باران میبارد”
“شنیدم که او رفته است”
Relative Clause Marker
Introducing a relative clause describing a noun.
“این کتابی است که خریدم”
“آن مردی که دیدی برادر من است”
Exclamatory/Emphasis
Used to add emotional weight to a statement.
“که اینطور!”
“عجب هوایی که امروز داریم!”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Main + که + Sub
|
میدانم که او میآید
|
|
Negative
|
Main + که + Sub(neg)
|
نمیدانم که او میآید
|
|
Question
|
Main + که + Sub?
|
آیا میدانی که او میآید؟
|
|
Relative
|
Noun + که + Clause
|
کتابی که خریدم
|
|
Subjunctive
|
Main + که + Sub(subj)
|
میخواهم که بروی
|
|
Past
|
Main + که + Sub(past)
|
گفت که رفت
|
Formality Spectrum
بنده تصور مینمایم که ایشان تشریف میآورند. (Expressing an opinion.)
من فکر میکنم که او میآید. (Expressing an opinion.)
فکر کنم داره میاد. (Expressing an opinion.)
فک کنم میاد. (Expressing an opinion.)
The Role of 'که'
Functions
- Complementizer Linking thoughts
- Relative Describing nouns
Registers
- Formal Always used
- Informal Often dropped
Examples by Level
من فکر میکنم که خوب است
I think that it is good
او گفت که میآید
He said that he is coming
میدانم که او اینجاست
I know that he is here
امیدوارم که خوش بگذرد
I hope that you have fun
نمیدانم که او کجا رفت
I don't know where he went
شنیدم که هوا سرد میشود
I heard that the weather is getting cold
او میخواهد که ما برویم
He wants us to go
به من بگو که چه کار کردی
Tell me what you did
مردی که دیروز دیدیم، معلم بود
The man who we saw yesterday was a teacher
این همان کتابی است که میخواستم
This is the same book that I wanted
فکر نمیکنم که او بتواند بیاید
I don't think that he can come
او اصرار داشت که ما بمانیم
He insisted that we stay
تعجب میکنم که چرا او هنوز نیامده است
I am surprised why he hasn't come yet
شرط میبندم که او فراموش کرده است
I bet that he has forgotten
لازم است که همه در جلسه باشند
It is necessary that everyone be in the meeting
او طوری رفتار کرد که انگار ما را نمیشناسد
He acted as if he doesn't know us
آنچنان که در گزارش آمده، وضعیت بحرانی است
As stated in the report, the situation is critical
او چنان با اشتیاق سخن میگفت که همه مجذوب شدند
He spoke with such enthusiasm that everyone was captivated
هر کسی که این را ببیند، حیرتزده میشود
Whoever sees this will be amazed
اینکه او نیامد، مایه تأسف است
The fact that he didn't come is a pity
که اینطور! پس تو هم در جریان بودی
Oh, I see! So you were in the loop too
او چنان در کار غرق بود که گذر زمان را حس نکرد
He was so absorbed in work that he didn't feel the passage of time
هرچند که تلاش کرد، موفق نشد
Although he tried, he didn't succeed
اینکه میگویند حقیقت تلخ است، بیراه نیست
What they say about the truth being bitter is not wrong
Easily Confused
Learners mix up 'that' and 'because'.
Learners mix up 'that' and 'if'.
Learners struggle with 'who/which'.
Common Mistakes
که من میدانم او میآید
من میدانم که او میآید
من فکر میکنم او میآید
من فکر میکنم که او میآید
او گفت که آمد
او گفت که میآید
من میدانم که او هست
من میدانم که او اینجاست
نمیدانم که او میآید یا نه
نمیدانم که آیا او میآید یا نه
او گفت که من میروم
او گفت که میرود
میخواهم که او آمد
میخواهم که او بیاید
مردی که او را دیدم
مردی که دیدم
این کتابی که خریدمش
این کتابی که خریدم
فکر میکنم که او بیاید
فکر میکنم که او میآید
آنچنان که او گفت بود
آنچنان که او گفته بود
هر کسی که میبیندش
هر کسی که او را میبیند
اینکه او آمد، خوب بود
اینکه او آمد، خوب بود
Sentence Patterns
من فکر میکنم که ___
او گفت که ___
این همان ___ است که خریدم
لازم است که ___
Real World Usage
فکر کنم میاد
عجب هوایی که امروز داریم!
فکر میکنم که برای این شغل مناسب هستم.
میخواهم که بلیط را رزرو کنم.
میخواهم که غذا را زودتر بیاورید.
نتایج نشان میدهد که این فرضیه درست است.
Don't overthink it
Watch the word order
Listen for the elision
Formal vs Informal
Smart Tips
Try dropping 'که' in simple sentences.
Always include 'که' for clarity.
Use 'که' to connect them.
Remember to use the subjunctive in the second clause.
Pronunciation
The 'e' sound
The 'e' in 'که' is short and light, like the 'e' in 'bed'.
Elision
In fast speech, 'که' often merges with the next word.
Declarative
من فکر میکنم که او میآید ↘
Falling intonation at the end of the sentence.
Interrogative
آیا فکر میکنی که او میآید؟ ↗
Rising intonation at the end of the sentence.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'که' as a 'Key' that unlocks the second part of your sentence.
Visual Association
Imagine a bridge connecting two islands. The bridge is labeled 'که'. One island is your 'Main Thought', the other is the 'Detail'.
Rhyme
Use 'که' to connect, don't neglect, it's the bridge you must select!
Story
Ali wanted to tell his friend a secret. He started with 'I know' (من میدانم). He realized he needed a bridge to get to the secret, so he placed 'که' (ke) in the middle. Then he finished with 'the secret is safe' (راز امن است).
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences today using 'که' to connect your thoughts about your daily activities.
Cultural Notes
In Tehran, 'که' is very frequently dropped in casual speech, making sentences sound more direct.
In formal writing, 'که' is never dropped and is essential for maintaining the structure of complex sentences.
In poetry, 'که' is often used for rhythm and emphasis, sometimes placed in non-standard positions.
Derived from Middle Persian 'kē', which functioned similarly as a relative pronoun and complementizer.
Conversation Starters
فکر میکنی که فردا باران میبارد؟
شنیدی که امتحان لغو شد؟
به نظر تو، آیا لازم است که ما زودتر برویم؟
آیا فکر میکنی که تکنولوژی زندگی ما را بهتر کرده است؟
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
من فکر میکنم ___ او میآید.
Find and fix the mistake:
که من میدانم او میآید.
Which is correct?
من میدانم. او خسته است.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
که / میدانم / او / میآید
میخواهم که او ___.
این همان کتابی است ___ خریدم.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesمن فکر میکنم ___ او میآید.
Find and fix the mistake:
که من میدانم او میآید.
Which is correct?
من میدانم. او خسته است.
Match: 'او گفت' with...
که / میدانم / او / میآید
میخواهم که او ___.
این همان کتابی است ___ خریدم.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercisesشنیدم ___ یک آپارتمان جدید خریدهای.
آیا میدانستی تهران پایتخت ایران است؟
نمیتونه / گفت / که / او / بیاد
She believes that this is the best way.
Select the right option.
Match the pairs.
او پیشنهاد کرد که ما به سینما ___.
یادم رفت که در را قفل میکنم.
Which option correctly states 'It's important that you study'?
I don't know if (that) he will come.
که / خوشحالم / اینجا / هستی
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
In speech, yes, often. In formal writing, no, you should keep it.
No, the verb tense depends on the meaning of the subordinate clause, not the connector.
It can function as a relative pronoun like 'who' or 'which', but it's not a direct translation of the interrogative 'who' (which is 'چه کسی').
'اینکه' is 'این' (this) + 'که' (that). It is used to refer to a whole clause as a subject.
Only in specific exclamatory or poetic contexts, not in standard prose.
It is 'که'. The pronunciation is short.
That would be redundant and incorrect. Use one or the other.
Some dialects might use different particles, but 'که' is universal in standard Persian.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
que
Spanish requires subjunctive more strictly after 'que' in specific cases.
que
French 'que' elides before vowels (qu'), whereas Persian 'که' does not.
dass
Persian does not change word order after 'که'.
to
Japanese 'to' follows the verb, while Persian 'که' precedes the subordinate clause.
anna
Arabic 'anna' requires specific case endings on the following noun.
说 (shuo)
Chinese lacks a dedicated particle like 'که' that functions universally.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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