Persian Commands & Requests: Do this! (Imperatives)
be- for instant commands, switching to -id for polite, formal requests.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
To command in Persian, add the prefix 'be-' to the present stem and use the second-person ending.
- Affirmative: Add 'be-' to the present stem (e.g., 'be-ro' for go).
- Negative: Replace 'be-' with 'na-' (e.g., 'na-ro' for don't go).
- Politeness: Use the plural ending '-id' for formal or plural commands (e.g., 'beravid').
Overview
Mastering Persian imperatives is fundamental for expressing commands, making requests, and extending invitations. Unlike English, which often relies on intonation to distinguish a command from a statement, Persian employs distinct grammatical structures, primarily involving a unique present verb stem (بن مضارع, bon-e mozâre’) and a mandatory prefix. This grammatical feature is central to direct interaction and is a cornerstone of A2-level conversational fluency.
At its core, the Persian imperative builds upon the present stem, which serves as the base for all present tense conjugations. This stem is frequently irregular and requires memorization, forming the bedrock for conveying immediate or directed actions. It combines with the distinctive imperative prefix بـِـ (be-) to explicitly mark the verb as a command.
Furthermore, Persian imperatives differentiate between an informal singular form, used within intimate social circles, and a formal or plural form, essential for politeness with strangers, elders, or in professional settings. Understanding these distinctions is not merely about grammatical accuracy; it is vital for navigating the intricate social etiquette of تعارف (ta’ârof), where subtle linguistic choices convey respect and social standing.
How This Grammar Works
بن مضارع) of a verb. Every Persian verb possesses two primary stems: the infinitive stem (or past stem) and the present stem. The infinitive (مصدر, masdar) consistently ends in -دن (-dan) or -تن (-tan), indicating the verb's base form.رفتن (raftan, to go) has the present stem رو (rav), not رفت (raft).خوردن (khordan, to eat) has the present stem خور (khor). The present stem acts as the semantic core, representing the verb's action in its non-past, aspect-neutral form.بـِـ (be-). This prefix is rarely optional; its function is to explicitly signal the verb's imperative mood, directing or intensifying the action. Historically, this prefix, sometimes referred to as the subjunctive prefix, evolved from Old and Middle Persian forms that served to emphasize or mandate the verb's action.بُرُو (boru, go!) and the bare stem رَو (rav). While رَو conveys the action of going, بُرُو actively commands it, rendering رَو as an incomplete or dictionary-like entry rather than a functional directive.تو, to, you singular) or multiple people, or a single person formally (شما, shomâ, you plural/formal). The specific form you choose directly reflects your social relationship with the addressee and the required level of politeness. The informal singular form typically consists solely of the بـِـ prefix attached to the present stem (e.g., بُخور, bokhor, eat!-ید (-id) to the prefixed stem (e.g., بِخورید, bokhorid, eat! (to multiple people or an elder)).تعارف, allowing speakers to adjust their level of deference and respect purely through verb conjugation.بـِـ prefix frequently undergoes phonetic assimilation, modifying its pronunciation and sometimes its spelling to integrate smoothly with the initial sound of the present stem. This is not an arbitrary exception but a predictable phonological process for smoother articulation. For instance, if the present stem begins with a vowel sound like و (v/u) or اُ (o), the prefix بـِـ often shifts to بُـ (bo-).آ (â), بـِـ typically transforms into بیـ (bi-). These sound changes are crucial for achieving natural pronunciation and are integral to sounding like a native speaker, rather than being simple irregularities. For example, the infinitive آمدن (âmadan, to come) has the present stem آ (â), which results in بیــا (biâ, come!), avoiding the less fluid be-â.Formation Pattern
مصدر, masdar): This is the base form of any verb, ending in -دن (-dan) or -تن (-tan). For example, نوشتن (neveshtan, to write).
بن مضارع, bon-e mozâre’): This is the most critical step and often requires memorization. The present stem for نوشتن is نویس (nevis). For گفتن (goftan, to say/speak), it's گو (gu). Use a reliable Persian dictionary or a verb conjugator as an essential resource if you are unsure.
بـِـ (be-): For the vast majority of verbs, this prefix is mandatory to explicitly mark the command. Thus, نویس becomes بِنویس (benevis).
بِنویس! (benevis!, Write! (to one friend)). This form is appropriate for close relationships, children, or pets.
-ید (-id). For بِنویس, this becomes بِنویسید! (benevisid!, Write! (to multiple people or formally to one person)). This form is the default for politeness, respect, and when addressing more than one individual.
مصدر) | Present Stem (بن مضارع) | Informal Imperative (تو) | Formal/Plural Imperative (شما) | Meaning |
رفتن (raftan) | رو (rav) | بُرُو (boru) | بِرَوید (beravid) | To go / Go! |
خوردن (khordan) | خور (khor) | بُخور (bokhor) | بِخورید (bokhorid) | To eat / Eat! |
نوشتن (neveshtan) | نویس (nevis) | بِنویس (benevis) | بِنویسید (benevisid) | To write / Write! |
آمدن (âmadan) | آ (â) | بیــا (biâ) | بیــایید (biâid) | To come / Come! |
دیدن (didan) | بین (bin) | بِبین (bebin) | بِبینید (bebinid) | To see / See! |
گفتن (goftan) | گو (gu) | بِگو (begu) | بِگویید (begu-yid) | To say / Say! |
کردن (kardan) | کُن (kon) | بُکُن (bokon) | بِکُنید (bokonid) | To do / Do! |
خواندن (khândan) | خوان (khân) | بِخوان (bekhân) | بِخوانید (bekhânid) | To read / Read! |
دادن (dâdan) | دِه (deh) | بِدِه (bede) | بِدَهید (bedahid) | To give / Give! |
شنیدن (shenidan) | شنو (shenav) | بِشنَو (beshnav) | بِشنَوید (beshnavid) | To hear / Hear! |
بـِـ (be-)
بـِـ is not always pronounced as be-; its form adapts to the initial sound of the present stem for natural speech flow. These are not true irregularities but consistent phonological rules:
بـِـ -> بُـ (bo-): This occurs when the present stem begins with sounds like رو (rav) from رفتن (to go), خو (khor) from خوردن (to eat), or شو (shav) from شدن (to become). Examples include بُرُو (boru), بُخور (bokhor), and بُشُو (bosho). This prevents awkward initial consonant clusters.
بـِـ -> بیـ (bi-): This shift is typically observed when the present stem begins with آ (â). For instance, آمدن (âmadan) has the present stem آ (â), which forms بیــا (biâ, come!). This vocalic assimilation simplifies pronunciation.
بـِـ (be-) Prefix:
بـِـ prefix in their imperative forms. The most prominent examples are داشتن (dâshtan, to have) and دانستن (dânestan, to know). Their present stems are دار (dâr) and دان (dân) respectively. You generally do not say بِدار or بِدان. For داشتن, possession in an imperative context is usually expressed through compound structures like داشته باش (dâshte bâsh, literally 'have it so that you exist,' meaning 'keep' or 'have'). For دانستن, direct imperatives are rare; instead, one might use phrases like آگاه باش (âgâh bâsh, be aware) or other phrasings to convey similar directives. This omission is rooted in semantic properties, as these verbs describe states rather than active commands in the typical sense.
-ید (-id) is frequently shortened. It can become simply -ید (-id) or even -ید if the stem already ends in a vowel. For instance, بِرَوید (beravid) is commonly pronounced بِرید (berid), and بِگویید (begu-yid) often becomes بِگید (begid). While these shortenings are pervasive in everyday conversation, it is generally advisable to use the full, written forms in formal contexts or until you have developed a nuanced understanding of their appropriate colloquial usage. The written standard generally retains the full forms.
When To Use It
کتاب را بِخوان. (Ketâb râ bekhân. - Read the book.) or سَریع بیــا اینجا. (Sari’ biâ injâ. - Come here quickly.) The informal singular (تو) form is commonly used with children, close friends, or in situations where urgency overrides strict politeness.شما) form for a direct command softens it, transforming it into a strong, polite request.لطفاً (lotfan, please) or through culturally ingrained politeness markers. An example is لطفاً دَر را بِبَندید. (Lotfan dar râ bebandid. - Please close the door.) (Formal/polite request). A quintessential Persian invitation is بِفَرمایید تو. (Befarmâid tu. - Please come in.), which is the imperative of فرمودن (farmudan, to order/command respectfully).تعارف, politely placing the guest in a position of authority by inviting them to 'command' their own entry. This demonstrates how imperatives can convey extreme politeness rather than just direct orders.مُستَقیم بِرَوید، بَعد به چَپ بِپیچید. (Mostaghim beravid, ba'd be chap bepichid. - Go straight, then turn left.) or اِبتِدا بَرنامه را باز کُن، سِپس اِطّلاعات را وارد کُن. (Ebtedâ barnâme râ bâz kon, sepas etelâ’ât râ vâred kon. - First, open the program, then enter the information.) In instructional settings, the choice between the تو and شما forms depends on the assumed relationship with the audience or user, often defaulting to شما for a general or respectful audience.بـِـ (be-) prefix with نَـ (na-). For example, نَرَو! (Naro! - Don't go!) or به مَن نَگو! (Be man nagu! - Don't tell me!).با تِلِفُن صُحبَت نَکُنید. (Bâ telefon sohbat nakonid. - Don't speak on the phone.) It is crucial to remember that نَـ and بـِـ never appear together; نَـ always takes precedence for negation, overriding any بـِـ prefix that would otherwise be present.خِیلی مُواظِب باش. (Kheyli movâzeb bâsh. - Be very careful.) or دِقَّت کُن. (Deghghat kon. - Pay attention.) Another typical piece of advice would be اَوَّل خوب فِکر کُن، بَعد تَصمیم بِگیر. (Avval khub fekr kon, ba'd tasmim begir. - First think well, then decide.) These uses emphasize caution or recommended actions.کردن (kardan, to do) to form compound verbs, which then readily become imperatives. For example, این پُست را لایک کُن! (In post râ lâik kon! - Like this post!) or کامِنت بِگُذارید. (Komment begozârid. - Leave a comment.) (using the formal for a general audience).صَفحِه ما را فالُو کُنید. (Safhe-ye mâ râ fâlo konid. - Follow our page.) This usage highlights the dynamic adaptability of Persian grammar, seamlessly incorporating new vocabulary into established imperative structures for modern communication.Common Mistakes
- Incorrect Present Stem Identification: This is arguably the most common and significant error. The present stem (
بن مضارع) is frequently irregular and cannot be reliably predicted from the infinitive (مصدر). Attempting to guess or apply an incorrect rule will lead to unintelligible or nonexistent verb forms. For instance, usingبِرفinstead ofبُرُو(boru*) for 'go!' is a fundamental error derived from mistaking the past stem for the present stem. Always verify the present stem through memorization or a reliable dictionary.
- Omitting the
بـِـ(be-) Prefix: For most verbs, theبـِـprefix is obligatory. Omitting it will make your command sound incomplete, grammatically bare, and unnatural to a native speaker. For example, sayingخور(khor) instead ofبُخور(bokhor) for 'eat!' sounds less like an imperative and more like a vocabulary entry. The prefix acts as a vital grammatical marker for the imperative mood.
- Using
بـِـ(be-) When Forbidden: Conversely, attempting to apply theبـِـprefix to verbs that intrinsically omit it, such asداشتن(dâshtan, to have) orدانستن(dânestan, to know), is incorrect. Sayingبِدارorبِدانis ungrammatical. Remember that these verbs, due to their semantic nature as states rather than active commands, require alternative phrasing or compound verb constructions (e.g.,داشته باش).
- Confusing Formal and Informal Forms: Inappropriate use of the
تو(informal singular) versusشما(formal/plural) forms can lead to social awkwardness or even unintentional offense. Using the informal form with an elder, a stranger, or in a professional context can be perceived as disrespectful, violating the principles ofتعارف. Conversely, using the formal form with a very close friend might sound overly stiff or distant. Always assess your relationship with the interlocutor and the social context before choosing.
- Incorrect Negation: A common error is attempting to combine the negative prefix
نَـ(na-) with the imperative prefixبـِـ(be-), resulting in forms likeنَبخور. This is incorrect. For negative imperatives, theنَـprefix always replaces, rather than accompanies, theبـِـprefix. The correct form isنَخور(nakhor*, don't eat!). Do not confuse this with the subjunctive mood whereنَـcan appear withoutبـِـfor negative forms.
- Over-reliance on Literal Translation for Politeness: Learners might directly translate English polite requests (e.g.,
Imperative Conjugation Table
| Person | Affirmative | Negative |
|---|---|---|
|
Singular (Informal)
|
بخوان (Bekhan)
|
نخوان (Nakhan)
|
|
Plural/Formal
|
بخوانید (Bekhanid)
|
نخوانید (Nakhanid)
|
Common Irregular Imperatives
| Verb | Stem | Imperative |
|---|---|---|
|
آمدن (To come)
|
آ (A)
|
بیا (Bia)
|
|
گفتن (To say)
|
گو (Go)
|
بگو (Bego)
|
Meanings
The imperative mood is used to give direct orders, requests, or advice to others.
Direct Command
A strong instruction to do something.
“بخور! (Eat!)”
“بنویس! (Write!)”
Polite Request
A respectful way to ask someone to do something.
“بفرمایید! (Please, go ahead/come in!)”
“بنشینید! (Please sit down!)”
Negative Prohibition
Telling someone not to do an action.
“نرو! (Don't go!)”
“نخور! (Don't eat!)”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
be- + stem
|
برو (Boro)
|
|
Negative
|
na- + stem
|
نرو (Naro)
|
|
Formal
|
be- + stem + id
|
بروید (Boravid)
|
|
Negative Formal
|
na- + stem + id
|
نروید (Naravid)
|
Formality Spectrum
لطفاً تشریف بیاورید. (Inviting someone)
لطفاً بیایید. (Inviting someone)
بیا اینجا. (Inviting someone)
بیا دیگه! (Inviting someone)
Imperative Logic
Affirmative
- بیا Come
Negative
- نیا Don't come
Examples by Level
برو!
Go!
بیا!
Come!
بخور!
Eat!
بنویس!
Write!
لطفاً بنشینید.
Please sit down.
نرو!
Don't go!
کتاب را بخوانید.
Read the book.
اینجا نایستید.
Don't stand here.
غذا را گرم کنید.
Heat the food.
به من زنگ بزن.
Call me.
سریعتر حرکت کنید.
Move faster.
درباره آن فکر کن.
Think about it.
لطفاً فرم را امضا بفرمایید.
Please sign the form.
هرگز این اشتباه را تکرار نکن.
Never repeat this mistake.
به حرفهای من گوش دهید.
Listen to my words.
سعی کنید آرام باشید.
Try to be calm.
بگذارید حقیقت را بگویم.
Let me tell the truth.
این فرصت را غنیمت شمار.
Seize this opportunity.
به یاد داشته باشید که...
Keep in mind that...
از این کار دست بکشید.
Cease this action.
بنگر که چگونه زمان میگذرد.
Behold how time passes.
این بار گران را بر دوش مگیر.
Do not take this heavy burden upon your shoulders.
خویشتن را دریاب.
Find yourself.
به نیکی رفتار کنید.
Act with kindness.
Easily Confused
Both use the 'be-' prefix.
Common Mistakes
رفتن
برو
ب-رو
برو
نروید
نرو
بگویید
بگویید
Sentence Patterns
لطفاً ___ کنید.
Real World Usage
بیا خونه.
یک چای بده.
بفرمایید.
بلیت را نشان بده.
لایک کن!
تحویل بگیر.
The 'be-' rule
Smart Tips
Always add 'lotfan' (please) before the verb.
Memorize the stem of the most common 10 verbs.
Ensure 'na-' is attached directly to the stem.
Always use the plural 'id' form.
Pronunciation
Stress
The stress usually falls on the 'be-' prefix.
Command
برو! ↘
Falling intonation indicates a firm command.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Be- for 'Be' doing it, Na- for 'No' doing it.
Visual Association
Imagine a 'B' shaped battery (Be-) powering a machine, and a 'N' shaped stop sign (Na-) blocking it.
Rhyme
Be- to do, Na- to stop, Persian commands are at the top!
Story
Ali tells his dog 'Bia' (Come). The dog runs to him. Then he says 'Nashin' (Don't sit). The dog stands up. Ali is happy.
Word Web
Challenge
Give 5 commands to your pet or a plant in Persian today.
Cultural Notes
Persians use 'Ta'arof' (politeness). Always use the plural 'id' for strangers.
Derived from Old Persian verb forms.
Conversation Starters
بیا اینجا!
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
___ (Go) به خانه.
Which is the formal command?
Find and fix the mistake:
نرفتن!
بیا -> ?
لطفاً (بنشینید) اینجا.
Formal command?
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Imperatives use the infinitive.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises___ (Go) به خانه.
Which is the formal command?
Find and fix the mistake:
نرفتن!
بیا -> ?
لطفاً (بنشینید) اینجا.
Formal command?
آمدن -> ?
Imperatives use the infinitive.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesPlease write your name.
نکن / در / باز / را
Match the pairs:
حقیقت را ___ (Tell).
Pick the casual one:
lotfan in-o bedi
Close the window.
این کار را ___ (Don't do).
Match the pairs:
Don't worry:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, always use the present stem.
Add the '-id' suffix.
Yes, for affirmative commands.
They have unique stems, like 'bia' for 'amadan'.
Yes, 'shoma' is often implied.
It's grammatically incorrect.
No, imperatives are for others.
Use the 'na-' prefix.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Imperativo
Prefix vs Suffix.
Impératif
Stem usage.
Imperativ
Prefix usage.
Te-form
Word order.
Amr
Morphological structure.
Verb only
Conjugation.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Connected Grammar
Present Tense
PrerequisiteYou need the stem.