A1 Prepositions & Postpositions 15 min read Easy

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

Drop the formal 'dar' in daily speech and use 'tu', 'ru', and 'zir' with the Ezafe connector.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Persian uses 'postpositions' that attach to the end of nouns to describe location: 'In', 'On', and 'Under'.

  • Use 'dar' (in) before the noun: 'dar ketab' (in the book).
  • Use 'ru-ye' (on) after the noun: 'miz-e ru-ye' (on the table).
  • Use 'zir-e' (under) after the noun: 'sandali-e zir-e' (under the chair).
dar + Noun | Noun + ru-ye | Noun + zir-e

Overview

Mastering prepositions is fundamental to describing spatial relationships in any language. In Persian, three core prepositions allow you to express location: dar (در), ru-ye (روی), and zir-e (زیر). While dar formally means "in" or "at," its usage is predominantly confined to written or highly formal contexts.

For everyday spoken Persian, learners must internalize tu (تو) as the primary equivalent for "in." The prepositions ru-ye signify "on" or "upon," implying direct contact with a surface, while zir-e conveys "under" or "beneath." Understanding these distinctions and their appropriate contexts is crucial for A1 learners to form basic sentences and effectively navigate daily interactions in Persian-speaking environments.

This guide will provide a structured approach to comprehending these essential spatial indicators. We will delve into their precise formation rules, explore their practical applications in modern Persian, highlight common pitfalls for learners, and demonstrate their use in authentic conversational scenarios. By focusing on both the grammatical mechanics and the idiomatic preferences of native speakers, you will gain the confidence to express where things are with clarity and natural fluency.

How This Grammar Works

Persian prepositions function differently from their English counterparts, particularly in their connection to the following noun. Unlike languages with complex case systems that modify nouns, Persian utilizes a unique grammatical particle known as the Ezafe (اضافه). The Ezafe acts as a connective sound, linking a modifying word (like a preposition) to the word it modifies (the noun).
Think of it as a linguistic bridge, ensuring a smooth and grammatically correct flow between elements.
For most prepositions, including ru (رو) and zir (زیر), the Ezafe is essential. Its form depends on the sound ending the preceding word:
  • If the preposition ends in a consonant (e.g., zir زیر), the Ezafe is represented by an -e (ـِ) sound.
  • If the preposition ends in a vowel (e.g., ru رو), the Ezafe is represented by a -ye (ـیه) sound.
This Ezafe principle applies rigorously to ru-ye and zir-e. For example, zir (under) combines with the Ezafe to form zir-e (زیرِ), as seen in zir-e miz (زیرِ میز - under the table). Similarly, ru (on), ending in the vowel u (و), takes the -ye Ezafe, becoming ru-ye (روی), as in ru-ye divar (روی دیوار - on the wall).
However, the preposition for "in" presents a significant formal-informal distinction. The formal dar (در) usually stands alone, directly preceding the noun without an Ezafe. For instance, dar keshvar (در کشور - in the country) is grammatically correct in formal Persian.
Conversely, its colloquial counterpart, tu (تو), almost always employs the Ezafe. Since tu (تو) ends in a vowel (u), it typically takes the -ye Ezafe, forming tu-ye (توی). This distinction between dar and tu-ye reflects a broader pattern in Persian where formal written language often differs from everyday speech.
Mastering this specific variation is key to sounding natural and avoiding an overly stiff or archaic tone in conversation.

Formation Pattern

1
Constructing prepositional phrases in Persian with ru-ye, zir-e, and tu-ye follows a consistent pattern centered around the Ezafe connective. Understanding this structure allows you to confidently express locations. The general formula is [Preposition] + [Ezafe] + [Noun].
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Here's a detailed breakdown of how each preposition integrates into this pattern:
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1. zir-e (زیرِ) - Under / Beneath
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Core word: zir (زیر), meaning "under" or "bottom."
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Ezafe application: Since zir ends in a consonant (r), it takes the simple Ezafe -e (ـِ). The full form is zir-e (زیرِ).
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Usage: This form is highly stable and rarely drops the Ezafe in any context, formal or informal. Learners should always use zir-e.
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Examples:
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zir-e miz (زیرِ میز) - under the table
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zir-e patu (زیرِ پتو) - under the blanket
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zir-e barf (زیرِ برف) - under the snow
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2. ru-ye (روی) - On / Upon
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Core word: ru (رو), meaning "face," "surface," or "top."
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Ezafe application: Since ru ends in a vowel (u), it takes the Ezafe -ye (ـیه). The full form is ru-ye (روی).
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Usage: While ru-ye is the grammatically complete form, in fast, casual spoken Persian, the -ye Ezafe is frequently dropped, resulting in simply ru (رو) followed directly by the noun. Both ru-ye miz and ru miz are common for "on the table."
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Examples:
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Formal/Clear: ru-ye sandali (روی صندلی) - on the chair
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Informal/Casual: ru keshidan (رو کشیدن) - to pull on (e.g., a blanket)
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Standard: ru-ye zamin (روی زمین) - on the ground/floor
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3. tu-ye (توی) - In (Colloquial)
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Core word: tu (تو), meaning "inside" or "within." This is the ubiquitous informal replacement for dar.
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Ezafe application: tu ends in a vowel (u), so it typically takes the Ezafe -ye (ـیه). The full form is tu-ye (توی).
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Usage: Similar to ru-ye, the -ye Ezafe in tu-ye is often omitted in rapid, casual speech, especially when the noun is short or begins with a vowel. Both tu-ye otagh and tu otagh are widely used for "in the room."
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Examples:
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Standard: tu-ye mashin (توی ماشین) - in the car
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Casual: tu kif (تو کیف) - in the bag
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Standard: tu-ye internet (توی اینترنت) - in the internet
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4. dar (در) - In / At (Formal/Written)
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Core word: dar (در), meaning "in," "at," or "door."
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Ezafe application: dar does not typically take an Ezafe when used as a preposition. It directly precedes the noun.
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Usage: Reserve dar for formal writing, official documents, news broadcasts, or highly elevated speech. Using it in casual conversation often sounds unnatural or overly pedantic to native speakers.
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Examples:
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dar Tehran (در تهران) - in Tehran (formal context)
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dar ketab (در کتاب) - in the book (written reference)
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dar gozashte (در گذشته) - in the past (fixed formal expression)
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Here is a table summarizing the formation patterns:
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| Preposition (Core) | Ending Sound | Ezafe Form | Full Form (Standard) | Casual Spoken Option | Meaning |
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|:-------------------|:-------------|:-----------------|:---------------------|:---------------------|:----------|
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| zir (زیر) | Consonant | -e (ـِ) | zir-e (زیرِ) | zir-e (زیرِ) | under |
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| ru (رو) | Vowel | -ye (ـیه) | ru-ye (روی) | ru (رو) | on |
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| tu (تو) | Vowel | -ye (ـیه) | tu-ye (توی) | tu (تو) | in (informal) |
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| dar (در) | Consonant | None | dar (در) | N/A | in (formal) |
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When you apply this pattern, you are essentially building a descriptive phrase. Remember the Ezafe's role as a fundamental linker, and you will accurately construct these prepositional phrases.

When To Use It

Selecting the correct preposition (tu-ye, ru-ye, zir-e, or dar) depends heavily on the specific spatial relationship you wish to convey and the context (formal vs. informal) of your communication. Each preposition carries distinct implications for the location and nature of the object.
1. tu-ye (توی) / tu (تو) - In, Inside, Within
tu-ye is the most versatile and commonly used preposition for "in" in spoken Persian. It is employed for:
  • Enclosed Spaces: Any area with clear boundaries or walls, whether physical or conceptual.
  • Man tu-ye otagh hastam. (من توی اتاق هستم.) - I am in the room.
  • Ketab tu-ye kif-am hast. (کتاب توی کیفم هست.) - The book is in my bag.
  • Vehicles: Persian conceptualizes most modes of transport (cars, trains, buses, planes) as enclosed spaces you enter.
  • Man tu-ye mashin-am. (من توی ماشینم.) - I am in the car.
  • Ma tu-ye ghetar be Esfahan raftim. (ما توی قطار به اصفهان رفتیم.) - We went to Isfahan on the train (literally, in the train).
  • Containers: Objects designed to hold other items.
  • Shir tu-ye yakhchal-e. (شیر توی یخچالِ.) - The milk is in the fridge.
  • Ghalam tu-ye jaqalami-ye. (قلم توی جا قلمیِ.) - The pen is in the pencil holder.
  • Abstract/Digital Spaces: Websites, social media, the internet, or even thoughts.
  • Ax-et-o tu-ye Instagram didam. (عکستو توی اینستاگرام دیدم.) - I saw your picture on Instagram (literally, in Instagram).
  • In khabar tu-ye internet montasher shod. (این خبر توی اینترنت منتشر شد.) - This news was published on the internet.
  • General Locations (Informal): Broader areas like cities, countries, or neighborhoods, especially in speech.
  • Un tu-ye Tehran zendegi mikoneh. (اون توی تهران زندگی می‌کنه.) - He/She lives in Tehran.
2. ru-ye (روی) / ru (رو) - On, Upon
ru-ye indicates physical contact with a surface. It implies an object is resting directly on another.
  • Flat, Horizontal Surfaces: The most common use, for items placed on tables, floors, shelves, etc.
  • Ghalam ru-ye miz-e. (قلم روی میزِ.) - The pen is on the table.
  • Kotab ru-ye raf-e. (کتاب روی رفِ.) - The book is on the shelf.
  • Vertical Surfaces (e.g., walls): For items attached to or displayed on walls.
  • Ax ru-ye divar ast. (عکس روی دیوار است.) - The picture is on the wall.
  • Saa't ru-ye divar nist. (ساعت روی دیوار نیست.) - The clock isn't on the wall.
  • Ground/Floor: For anything resting on the earth or a floor.
  • Bacheha ru-ye zamin bazi mikonand. (بچه‌ها روی زمین بازی می‌کنند.) - The children are playing on the ground.
  • As a topic (less common for A1): To discuss things "on" a subject, similar to "about" or "regarding."
  • Darbareh-ye in mozu' ru-ye sahbat kardim. (درباره‌ی این موضوع روی صحبت کردیم.) - We spoke on this topic. (More advanced usage)
3. zir-e (زیرِ) - Under, Beneath
zir-e denotes a position directly below something else, often implying concealment or coverage.
  • Directly Below: The most straightforward application.
  • Gorbeh zir-e miz khabideh. (گربه زیرِ میز خوابیده.) - The cat is sleeping under the table.
  • Kelid-am zir-e daftar-e. (کلیدم زیرِ دفترِ.) - My key is under the notebook.
  • Under Cover/Protection: When something is obscured or protected by what is above it.
  • Un zir-e patu-ye. (اون زیرِ پتوِ.) - He/She is under the blanket.
  • Golha zir-e barf pinhun shodeh-and. (گلها زیرِ برف پنهان شده‌اند.) - The flowers are hidden under the snow.
  • Subordinate/Inferior Position: Metaphorically, for being under someone's command or control.
  • Un zir-e dast-e modir kar mikoneh. (اون زیرِ دستِ مدیر کار می‌کنه.) - He/She works under the manager. (More nuanced, but an A1 learner might encounter this.)
4. dar (در) - In, At (Formal/Written)
As noted, dar is the formal counterpart to tu-ye. Its usage is specific:
  • Formal Writing: Academic papers, legal documents, official correspondence.
  • Dar in keshvar, ghanun hay-e mokhtalefi vojoud darad. (در این کشور، قانون‌های مختلفی وجود دارد.) - In this country, different laws exist.
  • News and Media: Used in broadcasts, newspaper articles, and formal reports.
  • Akhbar dar rooznameh chap shod. (اخبار در روزنامه چاپ شد.) - The news was printed in the newspaper.
  • Fixed Formal Expressions: Some idiomatic phrases retain dar even in semi-formal speech.
  • dar har surat (در هر صورت) - in any case
  • dar natijeh (در نتیجه) - as a result
By carefully considering the context of your communication and the precise spatial relationship, you can choose the most appropriate preposition to convey your meaning accurately.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often encounter specific challenges when learning Persian prepositions, primarily due to direct translation from English and an incomplete understanding of the formal-informal divide. Avoiding these common errors will significantly improve your fluency and make you sound more natural.
1. Overusing dar in Spoken Persian:
This is perhaps the most prevalent mistake for A1 learners. Influenced by dictionaries or formal texts, learners tend to use dar (در) for "in" in all contexts. However, as discussed, dar is highly formal and sounds stiff or archaic in casual conversation. Using dar with friends or family would be akin to speaking in Shakespearean English in modern informal settings. Native speakers primarily use tu-ye (توی) or its shortened form tu (تو) for "in" in virtually all spoken situations.
  • Incorrect: Man dar mashin hastam. (من در ماشین هستم.) - (Sounds overly formal)
  • Correct: Man tu-ye mashin-am. (من توی ماشینم.) - I am in the car.
  • Correct (Casual): Man tu mashin-am. (من تو ماشینم.) - I am in the car.
2. Literal Translation for Digital Spaces:
English speakers say "on the internet" or "on social media." A direct translation would lead to ru-ye internet or ru-ye Instagram. This is incorrect in Persian. Persian conceptualizes digital platforms and the internet as enclosed environments, similar to a room or a bag. Therefore, the preposition tu-ye is used.
  • Incorrect: Un ax ru-ye Instagram-e. (اون عکس روی اینستاگرامِ.) - (Literally: That picture is on Instagram, as if Instagram is a physical surface.)
  • Correct: Un ax tu-ye Instagram-e. (اون عکس توی اینستاگرامِ.) - That picture is on Instagram.
3. Literal Translation for Public Transport:
Similar to digital spaces, English uses "on the bus," "on the train," or "on a plane." Persian, however, treats these vehicles as enclosed spaces one enters. Consequently, tu-ye is the appropriate preposition.
  • Incorrect: Man ru-ye otobus-am. (من روی اتوبوسم.) - (Literally: I am on top of the bus.)
  • Correct: Man tu-ye otobus-am. (من توی اتوبوسم.) - I am on the bus.
4. Incorrect Ezafe Usage for zir:
While tu-ye and ru-ye often drop their -ye Ezafe in casual speech, zir-e (زیرِ) almost always retains its -e. Omitting it makes the phrase sound incomplete or grammatically awkward to a native ear.
  • Incorrect: Gorbeh zir miz-e. (گربه زیر میزِ.) - (Sounds ungrammatical)
  • Correct: Gorbeh zir-e miz-e. (گربه زیرِ میزِ.) - The cat is under the table.
5. Confusing ru-ye with bala-ye:
A subtle but important distinction exists between ru-ye (روی) and bala-ye (بالای). ru-ye implies physical contact with a surface, whereas bala-ye (above) denotes a position vertically higher than an object, but without direct contact. For example, a lamp is bala-ye the table (above it, not touching), while a plate is ru-ye the table (on it, touching).
  • Incorrect: Cheragh ru-ye miz-e. (چراغ روی میزِ.) - (Implies the lamp is resting on the table's surface.)
  • Correct: Cheragh bala-ye miz-e. (چراغ بالای میزِ.) - The lamp is above the table.
By consciously observing these specific points, learners can avoid common pitfalls and integrate these prepositions into their Persian communication more accurately and naturally.

Real Conversations

To truly grasp how these prepositions function, observing their application in everyday spoken Persian is invaluable. These examples demonstrate the natural, fluid use of tu-ye, ru-ye, and zir-e in various contexts, reflecting the common patterns and casual omissions discussed previously.

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Scenario 1

Locating an object (informal)

- A: Kelid-am kojast? Nemibinam-esh.

(کلیدم کجاست؟ نمی‌بینمش.)

- My key, where is it? I don't see it. (Lit: My key, where is it? I don't see it-it.)

- B: Fekr konam ru-ye mize, ya shayad zir-e ketab.

(فکر کنم روی میزه، یا شاید زیرِ کتاب.)

- I think it's on the table, or maybe under the book. (Note the standard ru-ye and zir-e usage).

- A: Ah, peyda-yesh kardam! Tu-ye jib-am bud!

(آه، پیدایش کردم! توی جیبم بود!)

- Ah, I found it! It was in my pocket! (Uses tu-ye for an enclosed space).

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Scenario 2

Making plans / location (casual)

- A: Salam! Kojas-i? Mishe ye kam dir-tar beresam.

(سلام! کجایی؟ میشه یه کم دیرتر برسم.)

- Hi! Where are you? I might arrive a bit later. (Lit: Where are you? It's possible I arrive a bit later.)

- B: Salam. Man alan tu kofe-am, montazer-et-am.

(سلام. من الان تو کافه‌ام، منتظرت‌ام.)

- Hi. I'm in the cafe right now, waiting for you. (Uses the casual tu without Ezafe).

- A: Ok, man tu-ye taxi-am, zud miresam.

(اوکی، من توی تاکسی‌ام، زود می‌رسم.)

- Okay, I'm in a taxi, I'll arrive soon. (Uses tu-ye for a vehicle).

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Scenario 3

Describing a picture / item placement (social media context)

- A: Vay, ax-e jaleb! Ino kojadid-i?

(وای، عکسِ جالب! اینو کجا دیدی؟)

- Wow, interesting photo! Where did you see this?

- B: Tu Instagram didam-esh. Kheyli bahaal bud!

(تو اینستاگرام دیدمش. خیلی باحال بود!)

- I saw it on Instagram. It was really cool! (Uses casual tu for digital space).

- A: Manam didam! Vali in ketab-e ke zir-e goshi-t-e chie?

(منم دیدم! ولی این کتابیه که زیرِ گوشیته چیه؟)

- I saw it too! But what's this book that's under your phone? (Uses zir-e for direct physical placement).

These dialogues demonstrate several key aspects: the prevalence of tu-ye (or tu) in spoken Persian for "in," the stable use of zir-e, and the slight variability of ru-ye (or ru). Pay attention to the verb endings and the attached personal pronouns, which often indicate the subject or possessor without explicit pronouns, a common feature of Persian speech that A1 learners should begin to notice.

Quick FAQ

This section addresses common questions A1 learners have regarding the usage of dar, ru-ye, and zir-e to reinforce key concepts and clarify potential points of confusion.
Q1: Is tu always interchangeable with dar?
A1: No. While tu (تو) is the informal, colloquial equivalent of dar (در) for "in," they are not always interchangeable. dar is reserved for formal written contexts, official speeches, or very specific fixed expressions.
Using dar in casual conversation will sound unnatural. Always prefer tu-ye or tu when speaking informally.
Q2: Should I always use the full tu-ye and ru-ye forms, or can I drop the -ye?
A2: In casual, fast-paced spoken Persian, the -ye Ezafe is very often dropped for both tu-ye and ru-ye, resulting in tu and ru. This is perfectly natural and common. For beginners, it's safe to start with the full tu-ye and ru-ye forms for clarity, then gradually incorporate the shortened versions as you gain more listening and speaking experience.
However, zir-e almost always retains its -e.
Q3: How do I distinguish between ru-ye (روی) and bala-ye (بالای)?
A3: ru-ye implies direct physical contact with a surface, meaning one object is resting on another (e.g., ghalam ru-ye miz - pen on the table). bala-ye means "above" or "over" and indicates a position higher than an object without physical contact (e.g., cheragh bala-ye miz - lamp above the table). This distinction is crucial for accurate spatial description.
Q4: Persian uses tu-ye for "in the car" or "on the bus," even though English uses "on." Why is this?
A4: Persian conceptualizes most vehicles as enclosed spaces that you enter, similar to a room. Therefore, the preposition tu-ye (in/inside) is used to reflect this understanding of being within the vehicle, rather than on top of it as English often implies. This reflects a different cultural and linguistic framing of spatial relationships.
Q5: What about "on the internet" or "on social media"? Do I use ru-ye or tu-ye?
A5: For digital or abstract spaces like the internet, websites, or social media platforms, Persian consistently uses tu-ye (or tu). These are considered virtual containers or environments that one is within, not physical surfaces one is on. So, you would say tu-ye internet (توی اینترنت) or tu-ye Instagram (توی اینستاگرام).
Q6: Does the Ezafe rule apply to all prepositions in Persian?
A6: The Ezafe is a fundamental grammatical connector, but its direct application with prepositions is specific to those that behave like postpositions, or where a noun is directly modified. dar is a notable exception that does not take Ezafe. Other prepositions might precede the Ezafe, or behave differently depending on their syntactic role.
For A1, focusing on tu-ye, ru-ye, and zir-e will cover the most common use cases and their Ezafe behavior.
Q7: Are there any gender rules I need to remember for these prepositions?
A7: No. Persian is a genderless language. Nouns do not have grammatical gender, and prepositions do not change form based on the gender of the noun they accompany. This simplifies learning significantly, as you do not need to worry about masculine, feminine, or neuter forms.

Spatial Marker Formation

Preposition/Postposition Persian Usage Example
Preposition
در (dar)
In
در کیف (in the bag)
Postposition
روی (ru-ye)
On
میزِ روی (on the table)
Postposition
زیر (zir-e)
Under
صندلیِ زیر (under the chair)

Meanings

These particles define the spatial relationship between objects. 'Dar' is a preposition, while 'ru-ye' and 'zir-e' function as postpositions.

1

Physical Location

Describing where an object is physically located.

“گربه زیر میز است.”

“مداد در کیف است.”

2

Abstract/Metaphorical

Used in concepts like 'in the city' or 'on the list'.

“در تهران”

“روی لیست”

Reference Table

Reference table for Persian Prepositions: In, On, Under (dar, ru-ye, zir-e)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
dar + Noun
در خانه (in the house)
Affirmative
Noun + -e + ru-ye
میزِ روی (on the table)
Affirmative
Noun + -e + zir-e
تختِ زیر (under the bed)
Negative
dar + Noun + nist
در خانه نیست (not in the house)
Question
dar + Noun + ast?
در خانه است؟ (is it in the house?)
Pronoun
ru-ye + pronoun
روی آن (on it)

Formality Spectrum

Formal
گربه زیر میز است.

گربه زیر میز است. (Describing location)

Neutral
گربه زیر میزه.

گربه زیر میزه. (Describing location)

Informal
گربه زیر میزه.

گربه زیر میزه. (Describing location)

Slang
گربه زیر میزه دیگه.

گربه زیر میزه دیگه. (Describing location)

Spatial Relationships

Location

In

  • در dar

On

  • روی ru-ye

Under

  • زیر zir-e

Examples by Level

1

کتاب در کیف است.

The book is in the bag.

2

گربه روی صندلی است.

The cat is on the chair.

3

کفش زیر تخت است.

The shoe is under the bed.

4

مداد در جعبه است.

The pencil is in the box.

1

آیا کلید روی میز است؟

Is the key on the table?

2

تلفن در جیب من نیست.

The phone is not in my pocket.

3

گربه زیر ماشین است.

The cat is under the car.

4

او در خانه است.

He is in the house.

1

روی آن صندلی بنشین.

Sit on that chair.

2

در این شهر، هوا سرد است.

In this city, the weather is cold.

3

زیر آن درخت، سایه است.

Under that tree, it is shady.

4

روی لیست اسم تو هست.

Your name is on the list.

1

او در حال کار کردن است.

He is in the middle of working.

2

روی میزِ چوبی، گلدان است.

On the wooden table, there is a vase.

3

زیرِ فشارِ زیاد، او خسته شد.

Under a lot of pressure, he got tired.

4

در مورد این موضوع صحبت کنیم.

Let's talk about this subject.

1

در اعماقِ دریا، نور کم است.

In the depths of the sea, there is little light.

2

روی هم رفته، خوب بود.

All in all, it was good.

3

زیرِ نظرِ پلیس است.

He is under police surveillance.

4

در پیِ موفقیت بود.

He was in pursuit of success.

1

در سایه‌یِ درختانِ کهن، آرامش یافت.

In the shadow of the ancient trees, he found peace.

2

رویِ اصلِ مطلب تمرکز کن.

Focus on the essence of the matter.

3

زیرِ لوایِ قانون عمل کرد.

He acted under the banner of the law.

4

در قبالِ این کار، پاداش گرفت.

In return for this work, he received a reward.

Easily Confused

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

Learners mix up the formal 'dar' and informal 'tu'.

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

Both mean 'on' or 'above'.

Persian Prepositions: In, On, Under (dar, ru-ye, zir-e) vs zir-e vs. pa-in-e

Both mean 'under' or 'below'.

Common Mistakes

dar miz

miz-e ru-ye

Using 'dar' for 'on'.

ru-ye miz

miz-e ru-ye

Wrong word order.

zir miz

miz-e zir-e

Missing Ezafe.

dar-e miz

dar miz

Adding Ezafe to 'dar'.

ru-ye man

ru-ye-am

Incorrect pronoun attachment.

zir-e-ash

zir-e-ash

Spelling error.

dar-e-ash

dar-ash

Adding Ezafe to 'dar'.

ru-ye-e miz

ru-ye miz

Double Ezafe.

zir-e-ye

zir-e

Redundant suffix.

dar-e-ye

dar

Adding Ezafe to preposition.

dar-e-ash

dar-ash

Incorrect suffixation.

ru-ye-ash-e

ru-ye-ash

Redundant verb.

zir-e-ash-e

zir-e-ash

Redundant verb.

dar-e-miz

dar miz

Incorrect Ezafe usage.

Sentence Patterns

___ در ___ است.

___ روی ___ است.

___ زیر ___ است.

آیا ___ در ___ است؟

Real World Usage

Texting constant

کجایی؟ در کافه.

Travel very common

هتل در مرکز شهر است.

Food Delivery common

غذا روی میز است.

Job Interview occasional

در این شرکت کار می‌کنم.

Social Media common

در سفر هستم.

Directions very common

زیر پل برو.

💡

Use Sticky Notes

Label items in your house with 'ru-ye' and 'zir-e' to practice.
⚠️

Don't Forget Ezafe

Always add '-e' to the noun before 'ru-ye' or 'zir-e'.
🎯

Think in Pairs

Learn 'ru-ye' (on) and 'zir-e' (under) together as opposites.
💬

Spoken vs Written

Use 'tu' in speech and 'dar' in writing for 'in'.

Smart Tips

Always check if you need a preposition or postposition.

dar miz miz-e ru-ye

Attach the pronoun to the postposition.

ru-ye man ru-ye-am

Use 'dar' instead of 'tu'.

tu ketab dar ketab

Use 'tu' to sound like a local.

dar ketab tu ketab

Pronunciation

miz-e

Ezafe (-e)

Pronounced as a short 'eh' sound, like the 'e' in 'bed'.

Statement

کتاب روی میز است. ↘

Falling intonation for facts.

Question

کتاب روی میز است؟ ↗

Rising intonation for yes/no questions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Dar is a Door: You go IN the door. Ru-ye is Rooftop: You are ON the roof. Zir-e is Zero: You are UNDER the ground.

Visual Association

Imagine a cat. If it's in a box, it's 'dar'. If it's on the roof, it's 'ru-ye'. If it's under the bed, it's 'zir-e'.

Rhyme

In the box is dar, on the table is ru-ye, under the bed is zir-e, learning Persian is easy!

Story

My cat is in (dar) the kitchen. He jumps on (ru-ye) the counter. Then he hides under (zir-e) the chair.

Word Web

دررویزیرمیزصندلیکیفخانهاتاق

Challenge

Look around your room and say 5 sentences using these three words in 5 minutes.

Cultural Notes

In spoken Tehrani, 'dar' is often replaced by 'tu' or 'tuye'.

In writing, 'dar' is preferred over 'tu'.

Poets often use these markers to create rhythm.

These particles evolved from Old Persian spatial nouns.

Conversation Starters

کلید کجاست؟ (Where is the key?)

گربه کجاست؟ (Where is the cat?)

کتاب کجاست؟ (Where is the book?)

تلفن کجاست؟ (Where is the phone?)

Journal Prompts

Describe your room using 'in', 'on', and 'under'.
Where do you keep your important things?
Write a short story about a lost item.
Describe a busy cafe scene.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.

کتاب ___ میز است.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: روی
The book is on the table.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: گربه روی میز است
Cat is on the table.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

کتاب در میز است.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: کتاب روی میز است
Use 'ru-ye' for 'on'.
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: کتاب روی میز است
Subject + location + verb.
Translate to Persian. Translation

The cat is under the chair.

Answer starts with: گرب...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: گربه زیر صندلی است
Under = zir-e.
Match the words. Match Pairs

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: در, روی, زیر
Correct translations.
Choose the correct preposition. Multiple Choice

مداد ___ کیف است.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: در
In = dar.
Fill in the blank.

کفش ___ تخت است.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: زیر
Under = zir-e.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.

کتاب ___ میز است.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: روی
The book is on the table.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: گربه روی میز است
Cat is on the table.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

کتاب در میز است.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: کتاب روی میز است
Use 'ru-ye' for 'on'.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

میز / روی / کتاب / است

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: کتاب روی میز است
Subject + location + verb.
Translate to Persian. Translation

The cat is under the chair.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: گربه زیر صندلی است
Under = zir-e.
Match the words. Match Pairs

Match: In, On, Under

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: در, روی, زیر
Correct translations.
Choose the correct preposition. Multiple Choice

مداد ___ کیف است.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: در
In = dar.
Fill in the blank.

کفش ___ تخت است.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: زیر
Under = zir-e.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition for 'in' (formal). Fill in the Blank

Lotfan ketab ra ___ keshuy-e miz bogzarid. (Please put the book in the desk drawer).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: dar
Reorder the words to say: 'My keys are on the table.' Sentence Reorder

miz / ru-ye / kelid-am / ast

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: kelid-am ru-ye miz ast
Translate this sentence naturally to casual Persian: 'I saw it on TV.' Translation

I saw it on TV.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tu televezyon didam.
Fix the mistake with the preposition. Error Correction

Man dar otobus am. (I am on the bus - casual chat).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Man tu otobus am.
Which sentence means 'The cat is hiding under the car'? Multiple Choice

Choose the right option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Gorbe zir-e mashin ast.
Complete the casual phrase: 'on the carpet'. Fill in the Blank

Bia beshin ___ farsh. (Come sit on the carpet).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ru-ye
Match the English preposition to its casual Persian equivalent. Match Pairs

Match the words:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: in -> tu
Form the sentence: 'I am waiting in the street.' Sentence Reorder

khiyabun / montazer-am / tu

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tu khiyabun montazer-am
How do you say 'under the blanket'? Translation

under the blanket (patu)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: zir-e patu
Fix the missing connection sound. Error Correction

Kafsh-ha zir sandali ast. (The shoes are under the chair).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Kafsh-ha zir-e sandali ast.
Select the most natural way to say 'It's on the table' in fast speech. Multiple Choice

Choose the shortcut option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ru miz-e.
Fill in the blank for digital locations. Fill in the Blank

Aks-et ro ___ inesta didam. (I saw your photo on Instagram).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tu

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

It's a preposition, so it comes before the noun. The others are postpositions.

Yes, it connects the noun to the postposition.

Yes, in casual conversation.

The Ezafe becomes '-ye'.

It's two words: 'ru' (surface) and 'ye' (Ezafe).

Yes, like 'kenar-e' (next to).

Because 'ru-ye' is a postposition.

Use 'ru-ye-ash'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

en, sobre, debajo de

Persian word order is inverted for postpositions.

French moderate

dans, sur, sous

Persian uses Ezafe to connect nouns to postpositions.

German moderate

in, auf, unter

German changes articles; Persian changes word order.

Japanese high

ni, no ue ni, no shita ni

Japanese is strictly postpositional.

Arabic moderate

fi, 'ala, tahta

Arabic is strictly prepositional.

Chinese high

zai...li, zai...shang, zai...xia

Chinese uses 'zai' as a base.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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