Persian Reported Speech: Saying 'He said that...' (نقلقول غیرمستقیم)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'که' (ke) to connect a reporting verb to the reported statement, often shifting the verb tense to match the past.
- Use 'که' as the connector: او گفت که خسته است (He said that he is tired).
- Shift the tense: If the reporting verb is past, the reported verb often shifts to past or subjunctive.
- Pronoun adjustment: Change 'I' to 'he/she' based on the speaker.
Overview
Reported speech, known as نقلقول غیرمستقیم (naql-e qol-e ghayr-e mostaqim) in Persian, is a fundamental grammatical structure that allows you to convey what someone else has said without directly quoting them. It is essential for sharing information, relaying messages, and participating in more complex conversations. Unlike English, which often requires backshifting tenses (e.g., changing 'is' to 'was') in reported speech, Persian largely preserves the original tense of the reported utterance.
This linguistic feature simplifies the process for learners, as the primary challenge lies in correct pronoun and adverbial adjustments, along with the consistent use of the linker که (ke).
For B1-level learners, mastering reported speech is crucial because it enables you to move beyond simple statements and engage in nuanced communication. You will be able to recount events, summarize discussions, and accurately convey the perspectives of others. The underlying linguistic principle is the use of که as a complementizer, a particle that introduces a dependent clause functioning as the object of a verb like 'to say' or 'to ask'.
This structure reflects a logical flow of information: who said what, and then the content of their message, maintaining a clear separation between the reporting act and the reported content.
How This Grammar Works
Main Clause + Linker + Reported Clause structure. The main clause identifies the original speaker and the act of reporting, while the reported clause contains the content of what was said. The key to understanding its mechanics lies in two primary aspects: tense preservation and pronoun/adverbial adjustments.گفت - goft, 'said') is in the past. This is because Persian’s verb system, in this context, does not require a grammatical mechanism to shift the temporal reference.من گرسنهام (man gorosneh-am, 'I am hungry'), you report this as او گفت که گرسنه است (oo goft ke gorosne ast, 'He said that he is hungry'), not او گفت که گرسنه بود (oo goft ke gorosne bood, 'He said that he was hungry'), unless the hunger was a past state no longer true.من (man, 'I'), the reporter must change this to او (oo, 'he/she') or آنها (ānhā, 'they') to accurately convey who the original 'I' referred to. Similarly, تو (to, 'you') would become او or آنها.امروز (emrooz, 'today') or اینجا (injā, 'here') might need to be adjusted to آن روز (ān rooz, 'that day') or آنجا (ānjā, 'there') if the act of reporting happens at a different time or place. However, this adjustment is less rigid than in English and often implied by context or explicitly stated if ambiguity exists. For instance, علی گفت که من فردا میآیم (Ali goft ke man fardā mi-āyam) means 'Ali said that I (the reporter) will come tomorrow,' while علی گفت که او فردا میآید (Ali goft ke oo fardā mi-āyad) means 'Ali said that he will come tomorrow.' The clarity of these pronoun shifts is paramount to avoiding misunderstanding.گفتن (goftan, 'to say/to tell'). Its past stem گفت (goft) is widely used in everyday speech. Other verbs include پرسیدن (porsidan, 'to ask'), اظهار کردن (ezhār kardan, 'to express/state' - more formal), بیان کردن (bayān kardan, 'to express/state'), and توضیح دادن (towzih dādan, 'to explain').خواستن (khāstan, 'to want/ask for') or دستور دادن (dastoor dādan, 'to order/command') can be used, although گفتن often suffices. In highly formal or respectful contexts, especially when reporting the words of an elder or a respected figure, فرمودن (farmoodan, 'to state/command respectfully') is used. It carries a strong connotation of politeness and deference.معلم فرمود که دانشآموزان کتابهایشان را باز کنند (mo'allem farmood ke dānesh-āmouzān ketābhāy-eshān rā bāz konand) means 'The teacher respectfully stated that the students should open their books.' Understanding the nuance of these reporting verbs adds sophistication to your reported speech.Word Order Rules
که, which then introduces the reported clause (the content of the speech). There is no complex inversion or reordering within the reported clause itself; it largely retains the word order of the original direct speech, with the necessary pronoun and adverbial adjustments.مدیر گفت (modir goft, 'The manager said'), or دوستم به من گفت (dustam be man goft, 'My friend told me'). The reporting verb (گفتن, پرسیدن, etc.) will always be the final element of this introductory clause.که: The particle که (ke) is invariably placed immediately after the reporting verb. It functions as a conjunctive element, similar to 'that' in English, signifying the beginning of the subordinate clause containing the reported content. Its position is fixed and critical for grammatical correctness.او گفت که... (oo goft ke..., 'He said that...'). Omitting که in formal writing or when clarity is essential can lead to ambiguity, though it is common in casual spoken Persian.من امروز میروم (man emrooz mi-ravam, 'I am going today'), the reported speech would be او گفت که او امروز میرود (oo goft ke oo emrooz mi-ravad, 'He said that he is going today'). The subject, any objects, time/place adverbs, and the main verb of the reported action will appear in their typical Persian order.چه - che, 'what'; کجا - kojā, 'where'; چرا - cherā, 'why'; کی - key, 'when'; چگونه - chegooneh, 'how') remains in its natural position within the reported clause. For yes/no questions, آیا (āyā, 'whether') can be used in formal contexts at the beginning of the reported clause, often paired with یا نه (yā na, 'or not') at the end, though a simple که is often sufficient, relying on the reporting verb پرسیدن (porsidan, 'to ask') to convey it is a question. For example, او پرسید که آیا میآیی؟ (oo porsid ke āyā mi-āy-i?, 'He asked if you are coming?') is a formal construction.او پرسید که میآیی؟ (oo porsid ke mi-āy-i?, 'He asked if you are coming?'), with the rising intonation and پرسیدن indicating the question.Main Clause + که + Subjunctive Reported Clause. For instance, if the direct command is بیا! (biyā!, 'Come!'), the reported command becomes او گفت که من بیایم (oo goft ke man biyāyam, 'He said that I should come').Formation Pattern
سارا گفت (Sārā goft, 'Sara said')
آنها پرسیدند (ānhā porsidand, 'They asked')
که: Place که immediately after the reporting verb. This is non-negotiable in formal and standard informal contexts.
سارا گفت که (Sārā goft ke, 'Sara said that')
آنها پرسیدند که (ānhā porsidand ke, 'They asked that/whether')
من خستهام. (I am tired.) | من -> او | او خسته است. (He/she is tired.) | سارا گفت که او خسته است. (Sara said that he/she is tired.) |
ما میآییم. (We are coming.) | ما -> آنها | آنها میآیند. (They are coming.) | سارا گفت که آنها میآیند. (Sara said that they are coming.) |
تو رفته بودی. (You had gone.) | تو -> او | او رفته بود. (He/she had gone.) | سارا گفت که او رفته بود. (Sara said that he/she had gone.) |
پرسیدن (porsidan) as the reporting verb. For yes/no questions, که can be followed by the question, optionally with آیا (āyā). For Wh- questions, the interrogative word remains within the clause.
امروز میآیی؟ (Are you coming today?) | آیا او امروز میآید؟ (Is he/she coming today?) | آنها پرسیدند که آیا او امروز میآید؟ (They asked if he/she is coming today.) |
کجا میروی؟ (Where are you going?) | کجا میرود؟ (Where is he/she going?) | آنها پرسیدند که کجا میرود؟ (They asked where he/she is going.) |
برو! (Go!) | او برود. (He/she should go.) | سارا گفت که او برود. (Sara said that he/she should go.) |
کتابها را بخوانید! (Read the books!) | آنها کتابها را بخوانند. (They should read the books.) | معلم فرمود که آنها کتابها را بخوانند. (The teacher respectfully stated that they should read the books.) |
When To Use It
مدیر گفت که جلسه فردا ساعت ۱۰ است. - modir goft ke jalese fardā sā'at-e 10 ast, 'The manager said that the meeting tomorrow is at 10.') or a summary of a friend's story, reported speech allows for concise and accurate conveyance.دوستم گفت که دیروز به اصفهان رفته است. (dustam goft ke dirooz be Esfahān rafte ast, 'My friend said that he/she went to Isfahan yesterday.').خبرنگار گزارش داد که مذاکرات به خوبی پیش میرود. (khabarnegār gozāresh dād ke mozākerāt be khoobi pish mi-ravad, 'The reporter reported that negotiations are progressing well.'). This maintains objectivity and clearly delineates between your statements and those of others.او معتقد است که باید بیشتر تلاش کنیم. (oo mo'taqed ast ke bāyad bishtar talāsh konim, 'He believes that we should try harder.'). This is vital for academic discourse, political commentary, and even everyday discussions where you might explain why someone holds a particular opinion.مادرم گفت که اتاقم را تمیز کنم. (mādar-am goft ke otāq-am rā tamiz konam, 'My mother told me to clean my room.'). This structure is particularly useful in professional environments for conveying delegated tasks or instructions.که linker is almost always used to ensure clarity and grammatical precision.که may be omitted. گفت میاد. (goft miyād, 'He said he's coming.') is a common spoken abbreviation. However, for learners, it is always safer and clearer to include که until you develop an intuitive feel for when its omission is natural and unambiguous.Common Mistakes
- 1Unnecessary Tense Backshifting: This is arguably the most pervasive mistake for English speakers learning Persian. Influenced by English grammar rules, learners often incorrectly change the tense of the reported verb. For example, if direct speech is
من اینجا هستم.(man injā hastam, 'I am here.'), a common error isاو گفت که او آنجا بود.(oo goft ke oo ānjā bood, 'He said that he was there.'). The correct form, preserving the original tense, isاو گفت که او اینجا است.(oo goft ke oo injā ast, 'He said that he is here.'). The rule is to maintain the original tense unless the reported fact is no longer true at the time of reporting. For instance, if Ali saidمن گرسنهام.yesterday, and he is no longer hungry today, thenعلی دیروز گفت که او گرسنه بود.(Ali dirooz goft ke oo gorosne bood, 'Ali said yesterday that he was hungry.') would be correct, but this is a contextual shift, not a grammatical backshift.
- 1Incorrect Pronoun Shifting: Failing to adjust pronouns to the reporter's perspective can lead to hilarious or confusing misunderstandings. If Sarah says
من کارم را تمام کردم.(man kār-am rā tamām kardam, 'I finished my work.'), an incorrect reported speech might beسارا گفت که من کارم را تمام کردم.(Sārā goft ke man kār-am rā tamām kardam, 'Sara said that I (the reporter) finished my work.'). This implies you, the reporter, finished your work, not Sarah. The correct shift isسارا گفت که او کارش را تمام کرده است.(Sārā goft ke oo kār-ash rā tamām karde ast, 'Sara said that she finished her work.'). Always mentally track who said what and adjustمنtoاو(he/she),توtoاو,ماtoآنها(they), etc., along with corresponding possessive pronouns (کتابم- ketāb-am, 'my book' ->کتابش- ketāb-ash, 'his/her book').
- 1Misplacing or Omitting
که: In formal writing and even in standard spoken Persian,کهmust follow the reporting verb immediately. Misplacing it (e.g.,که او گفت) or omitting it where clarity is needed (او گفت او میآید.) can sound awkward or be ambiguous. While casual speech permits its omission, particularly in short phrases, it's best to include it consistently until you have a strong intuitive grasp of natural usage.او گفت که فردا میآید.(oo goft ke fardā mi-āyad, 'He said that he is coming tomorrow.') is always safe and clear.
- 1Incorrect Subjunctive Usage for Commands: When reporting commands or requests, the verb in the reported clause must be in the subjunctive mood. A common error is using the indicative. If the direct command is
غذایت را بخور.(ghazāyat rā bokhor, 'Eat your food.'), an incorrect reported version would beمادرم گفت که او غذایش را میخورد.(mādar-am goft ke oo ghazāy-ash rā mi-khorad, 'My mother said that he/she eats his/her food.'), which turns a command into a statement about habitual action. The correct form, using the subjunctive, isمادرم گفت که او غذایش را بخورد.(mādar-am goft ke oo ghazāy-ash rā bokhorad, 'My mother told him/her to eat his/her food.'). Remember that the subjunctive verb reflects a desire, command, or possibility, not a definite action.
- 1Over-formalization or Under-formalization of Reporting Verbs: Using
فرمودن(farmoodan) for casual situations (دوستم فرمود که میآید.) makes you sound sarcastic or overly stiff. Conversely, usingگفتنin highly formal settings whereفرمودنorاظهار کردنwould be expected can be perceived as disrespectful or informal. Choose your reporting verb based on the relationship with the original speaker and the overall context.
- 1Confusion with Relative Clauses: The particle
کهis also used to introduce relative clauses (e.g.,کتابی که خواندم- ketāb-i ke khāndam, 'the book that I read'). Learners sometimes confuse its function in reported speech with its function in relative clauses. In reported speech,کهintroduces a noun clause that acts as the object of the reporting verb (e.g., 'said that X'). In relative clauses,کهintroduces an adjective clause that modifies a preceding noun (e.g., 'the book which X'). Understanding this grammatical distinction is crucial to avoid misinterpreting sentences. For instance,پسر گفت که آمد.(pesar goft ke āmad, 'The boy said that he came.') vs.پسری که آمد.(pesar-i ke āmad, 'The boy who came.'). The difference in the preceding word (a verb for reported speech, a noun for relative clause) and the overall sentence function clearly separates the two.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
که.که (ke) after reporting verb. | No linker; often introduced by گفت (goft) + `Reporting Verb Tense Shifts
| Direct Speech | Indirect Speech (Past Reporting) |
|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
Past Simple
|
|
Present Continuous
|
Past Continuous
|
|
Past Simple
|
Past Perfect
|
|
Future
|
Future-in-the-past (would)
|
Meanings
Indirect speech is used to report what someone else has said without using their exact words. It acts as a bridge between the reporter and the original statement.
Reporting Statements
Relaying information or facts stated by another person.
“او گفت که کارش تمام شده است.”
“مادرم گفت که شام آماده است.”
Reporting Questions
Reporting an inquiry made by someone else.
“او پرسید که آیا من میآیم.”
“او از من پرسید که ساعت چند است.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subject + گفت + که + Clause
|
او گفت که میآید.
|
|
Negative
|
Subject + گفت + که + منفی Clause
|
او گفت که نمیآید.
|
|
Question
|
Subject + پرسید + که + سوال
|
او پرسید که کجا میروی.
|
|
Modal
|
Subject + گفت + که + باید/توانست
|
او گفت که باید برود.
|
|
Past
|
Subject + گفت + که + گذشته
|
او گفت که رفته بود.
|
|
Subjunctive
|
Subject + گفت + که + التزامی
|
او گفت که بخواهد بیاید.
|
Formality Spectrum
ایشان اظهار داشتند که تشریف میآورند. (Reporting arrival)
او گفت که میآید. (Reporting arrival)
گفت داره میاد. (Reporting arrival)
گفت داره میاد. (Reporting arrival)
Indirect Speech Components
Connector
- که that
Reporting Verbs
- گفتن to say
- پرسیدن to ask
Examples by Level
او گفت که خوب است.
He said that he is fine.
مادر گفت که غذا آماده است.
Mother said that the food is ready.
علی گفت که خسته است.
Ali said that he is tired.
او گفت که میرود.
He said that he is going.
او گفت که نمیتواند بیاید.
He said that he cannot come.
او پرسید که ساعت چند است.
He asked what time it is.
دوستم گفت که امتحان سخت بود.
My friend said that the exam was hard.
او گفت که فردا کار دارد.
He said that he has work tomorrow.
او گفت که اگر وقت داشته باشد، میآید.
He said that if he has time, he will come.
مدیر گفت که باید زودتر بیاییم.
The manager said that we must come earlier.
او ادعا کرد که حقیقت را میداند.
He claimed that he knows the truth.
او پرسید که آیا من آنجا بودم.
He asked whether I was there.
او تأکید کرد که این موضوع بسیار مهم است.
He emphasized that this issue is very important.
آنها گفتند که اگر میدانستند، کمک میکردند.
They said that if they had known, they would have helped.
او پیشنهاد کرد که با هم برویم.
He suggested that we go together.
او گفت که کاش زودتر گفته بود.
He said that he wished he had said it sooner.
او اظهار داشت که هیچگونه دخالتی نداشته است.
He stated that he had no involvement whatsoever.
او متذکر شد که زمان رو به اتمام است.
He noted that time is running out.
او ابراز امیدواری کرد که وضعیت بهتر شود.
He expressed hope that the situation would improve.
او گفت که گویی هیچ اتفاقی نیفتاده است.
He said as if nothing had happened.
وی تصریح کرد که مفاد قرارداد باید بازنگری شود.
He clarified that the contract terms must be reviewed.
او اذعان داشت که در محاسبات اشتباه کرده است.
He admitted that he had made a mistake in the calculations.
او مدعی شد که این نظریه کاملاً بیاساس است.
He claimed that this theory is completely baseless.
او خاطرنشان کرد که این امر مستلزم بررسی دقیق است.
He pointed out that this matter requires careful examination.
Easily Confused
Learners often mix the two by using quotes with indirect structures.
Learners often use direct question word order in indirect questions.
Learners often keep the original tense even when the reporting verb is past.
Common Mistakes
او گفت من میآیم
او گفت که میآید
او گفت که من خسته است
او گفت که او خسته است
او گفت که میآیم
او گفت که میآید
او گفت که خسته بودم
او گفت که خسته است
او پرسید که آیا من میآیم؟
او پرسید که آیا میآیم
او گفت که نمیتوانم بیایم
او گفت که نمیتواند بیاید
او گفت که فردا میآمد
او گفت که فردا میآید
او گفت که اگر وقت داشت میآمد
او گفت که اگر وقت داشته باشد میآید
او گفت که باید میرفتم
او گفت که باید بروم
او گفت که کاش میرفتم
او گفت که کاش میرفت
او اظهار داشت که هیچ دخالتی نداشتم
او اظهار داشت که هیچ دخالتی نداشته است
او مدعی شد که این نظریه غلط بود
او مدعی شد که این نظریه غلط است
Sentence Patterns
___ گفت که ___
___ پرسید که ___
او تأکید کرد که ___
او ادعا کرد که ___
Real World Usage
گفت که نمیتونه بیاد.
مدیر گفت که این مهارت لازم است.
او گفت که از این فیلم خوشش آمده.
آنها گفتند که هتل رزرو شده است.
پیک گفت که سفارش آماده است.
سخنگو گفت که توافق حاصل شد.
Pronoun Check
Don't Forget 'که'
Tense Consistency
Spoken vs Written
Smart Tips
Use the subjunctive mood after 'که'.
You can keep the present tense.
Use 'آیا' or the question word after 'که'.
Ensure the negative prefix 'ن' is on the reported verb.
Pronunciation
Intonation
The 'که' is usually unstressed and connects directly to the following verb.
Statement
او گفت که میآید ↓
Falling intonation at the end of the sentence.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember 'K-E' for 'K-onnector E-verywhere'.
Visual Association
Imagine a telephone wire connecting two people. The word 'که' is the wire carrying the message.
Rhyme
When you report what they say, use 'که' along the way.
Story
Ali told me he was hungry. I told my mom: 'Ali said that he is hungry.' My mom then said that she would cook.
Word Web
Challenge
Report three things your friends told you today in Persian.
Cultural Notes
In spoken Tehrani, 'که' is often dropped or merged into the previous word.
In formal writing, 'که' is always included and the verb is conjugated precisely.
Literary Persian often uses more complex reporting verbs like 'اذعان نمودن'.
The structure is derived from the classical Persian use of 'که' as a subordinating conjunction.
Conversation Starters
دوستت دیروز چی گفت؟
مدیر در جلسه چه گفت؟
به نظرت چرا او گفت که نمیآید؟
در اخبار چه گفتند؟
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
او گفت ___ فردا میآید.
او گفت که ___ خسته است.
Find and fix the mistake:
او گفت که من میآیم.
او گفت: «من کار دارم»
علی: «من خستهام» -> او گفت که ___.
که / گفت / او / میآید
Which is a reporting verb?
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesاو گفت ___ فردا میآید.
او گفت که ___ خسته است.
Find and fix the mistake:
او گفت که من میآیم.
او گفت: «من کار دارم»
علی: «من خستهام» -> او گفت که ___.
که / گفت / او / میآید
Which is a reporting verb?
«من میروم» -> ?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesMom said that the food is ready.
Which sentence is more respectful?
او پرسید که کلید ___ است.
Arrange these words:
پدرم گفت که به خانه بروی. (Wait, the report is about ME)
Match these:
رضا ___ میاد.
Choose the best report:
Arrange these words:
They said that they are late.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
In formal writing, yes. In casual speech, it is sometimes omitted.
Yes, 'پرسیدن' (ask), 'تأکید کردن' (emphasize), and 'ادعا کردن' (claim) are common.
If you are reporting yourself, you keep 'من'.
Use 'پرسیدن' + 'که' + question word or 'آیا'.
It depends on whether the fact is still true. If it's a permanent fact, you can keep the present tense.
Check your pronoun agreement. It's the most common mistake.
Yes, it is very common in professional emails.
Yes, spoken Tehrani often shortens the structure.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Que
Spanish requires subjunctive mood more strictly in indirect speech.
Que
French has more complex tense sequence rules.
Dass
German word order changes significantly.
To
The particle comes after the verb, not before.
Anna
Arabic grammar is highly inflectional.
Shuo
Chinese lacks a direct equivalent to 'که'.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
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