The Rebel Verb: 'To Have' in Present Tense (No mi- prefix!)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Unlike most Persian verbs, 'dâshtan' (to have) does not take the 'mi-' prefix in the present tense.
- Drop the 'mi-' prefix: Use 'dâram' instead of 'midâram'.
- Conjugate based on the subject: 'dâram', 'dâri', 'dârad', etc.
- Negative form uses 'na-': 'nadâram' (I do not have).
Overview
In Persian, the verb داشتن (dāshtan) meaning “to have” or “to possess” stands as a notable exception within the present tense verbal system. While the vast majority of regular and many irregular verbs employ the prefix می- (mi-) to indicate the simple present or continuous aspect, dāshtan in its possessive sense conspicuously omits this prefix. This unique characteristic is not merely a quirk; it reflects a deep linguistic distinction and makes dāshtan a rebel verb in Persian grammar.
As a beginner (CEFR A1) learner, understanding this irregularity from the outset is crucial, as dāshtan is among the most frequently used verbs in daily conversation, enabling you to express ownership, states, and abstract concepts from your very first interactions.
This explanation will dissect the formation, usage, common pitfalls, and nuanced applications of dāshtan in the present tense. We will explore the underlying reasons for its irregular behavior and provide you with a comprehensive framework to master its use, ensuring you can confidently articulate possession and related concepts in both formal and colloquial Persian.
How This Grammar Works
dāshtan, you must first understand the standard construction of most present tense verbs in Persian. Generally, a present tense verb is formed by combining the present stem of the verb with the prefix می- (mi-) and then attaching the appropriate personal ending. For example, the infinitive رفتن (raftan) “to go” has the present stem رو (rav).میروم (mi-ravam). This می- prefix signals that an action is either habitually occurring, currently occurring, or will occur in the near future.dāshtan (دَشتَن) deviates from this pattern when it signifies possession. Its present stem is دار (dār). Instead of the expected میدارم (mi-dāram), which would conform to the standard rule, you simply use دارم (dāram) for “I have.” The می- prefix is entirely absent.می- in possessive dāshtan suggests a static state rather than a dynamic, ongoing action. Historically, verbs of possession and existence in many Indo-European languages often behave differently from verbs of action, and Persian reflects a similar phenomenon in this particular case.dāshtan here as expressing a state of being, of having, rather than an action of doing.- Regular Verb (Action):
دیدن(didan) – “to see” (present stemبین(bin)) - I see:
میبینم(mi-binam) - He sees:
میبیند(mi-binad) - Irregular Verb (Possession):
داشتن(dāshtan) – “to have” (present stemدار(dār)) - I have:
دارم(dāram) - He has:
دارد(dārad)
می- prefix is consistently present with دیدن but completely absent with داشتن. This fundamental difference is what makes داشتن unique and demands your careful attention. By understanding this core distinction, you lay a solid foundation for correctly using this essential verb.Formation Pattern
داشتن is remarkably straightforward precisely because it lacks the می- prefix. You simply take the present stem, دار (dār), and append the standard set of personal endings that you would use for any other present tense verb. These endings denote the subject performing or experiencing the verb. Mastery of these endings is fundamental to all Persian verb conjugations.
داشتن (dāshtan).
داشتن is دار (dār). This stem is often found by removing the -id or -ad from the third-person singular simple past, or by memorizing irregular stems like dār.
دار (dār).
ـَم (-am) – I
ـی (-i) – You (singular/informal)
ـَد (-ad) – He/She/It (formal)
ـیم (-im) – We
ـید (-id) – You (plural/formal)
ـَند (-and) – They
داشتن (To Have) – Present Tense:
man) | من دارم | man dāram | من دارم | man dāram | I have |
to) | تو داری | to dāri | تو داری | to dāri | You have (sg.) |
u) | او دارد | u dārad | اون داره | un dāre | He/She/It has |
mā) | ما داریم | mā dārim | ما داریم | mā dārim | We have |
shomā) | شما دارید | shomā dārid | شما دارین | shomā dārin | You have (pl.) |
ānhā) | آنها دارند | ānhā dārand | اونا دارن | unā dāran | They have |
ـَد (-ad) of دارد (dārad) often simplifies to ـه (-e), making it داره (dāre). Similarly, the final ـَند (-and) of دارند (dārand) often simplifies to ـَن (-an), resulting in دارن (dāran). The formal pronouns او (u) and آنها (ānhā) also commonly become اون (un) and اونا (unā) in colloquial speech. These colloquial forms are highly prevalent and essential for natural communication.
او یک کتاب دارد. (u yek ketāb dārad.) – “He has one book.”
اون یه کتاب داره. (un ye ketāb dāre.) – “He has a book.”
When To Use It
داشتن is a versatile verb with numerous applications beyond simple material possession. Its usage extends to abstract concepts, physical and mental states, relationships, and even certain types of obligations. Understanding these contexts is crucial for fluency.- 1Possession of Tangible Objects: This is the most straightforward and common use. It directly translates to “to have” in the sense of owning or possessing a physical item.
من یک ماشین دارم.(man yek māshin dāram.) – “I have a car.”آنها یک خانه بزرگ دارند.(ānhā yek khāne-ye bozorg dārand.) – “They have a big house.”تو قلم داری؟(to qalam dāri?) – “Do you have a pen?”
- 1Possession of Abstract Concepts:
داشتنis used to express the existence or possession of non-physical entities, qualities, or ideas.
ما وقت زیادی نداریم.(mā vaqt-e ziyādi nadārim.) – “We don't have much time.” (Note the negationنَـ)شما ایده خوبی دارید.(shomā ide-ye khubi dārid.) – “You have a good idea.”صبر و حوصله دارم.(sabr o howsele dāram.) – “I have patience.”
- 1Physical and Mental States/Sensations: This category is particularly important as Persian often expresses certain bodily sensations or conditions using
داشتنwhere English might use “to be.” However, be cautious, as not all states are expressed withداشتن(see Common Mistakes).
من سردرد دارم.(man sardard dāram.) – “I have a headache.” (Literally: “I have a head-pain.”)اون تب داره.(un tab dāre.) – “He has a fever.”من خواب دارم.(man khāb dāram.) – “I am sleepy.” (Literally: “I have sleep.”)او گرسنگی دارد.(u gorosnegi dārad.) – “He has hunger.” (Less common thanگُرسنه است(gorosne ast) “he is hungry”, but grammatically possible.)
- 1Relationships and Social Connections: Expressing family ties or acquaintances also utilizes
داشتن.
من یک خواهر دارم.(man yek khāhar dāram.) – “I have a sister.”آنها دوستان زیادی دارند.(ānhā dustān-e ziyādi dārand.) – “They have many friends.”ما همسایه خوبی داریم.(mā hamsāye-ye khubi dārim.) – “We have a good neighbor.”
- 1Obligation or Necessity (Implied): In certain contexts, especially when combined with nouns like
کار(kār) “work” orدرس(dars) “study,”داشتنcan imply an obligation or something that needs to be done.
کار دارم.(kār dāram.) – “I have work (to do).” (Implies: I am busy, I need to do work.)شما امتحان دارید؟(shomā emtehān dārid?) – “Do you have an exam (today)?”کلاس دارم.(kelās dāram.) – “I have a class (to attend).”
Common Mistakes
داشتن due to its unique formation and semantic overlap with other structures. Being aware of these pitfalls will help you avoid them.- 1The
می-Trap: This is the most prevalent error. Because theمی-prefix is so fundamental to most other present tense verbs, your brain will instinctively want to apply it toداشتن. Resist this urge. Usingمیدارم(mi-dāram),میداری(mi-dāri), etc., is grammatically incorrect for expressing possession and sounds unnatural to a native speaker. It immediately signals a non-native speaker.
- Incorrect:
من یک گوشی میدارم.(man yek gushi mi-dāram.) - Correct:
من یک گوشی دارم.(man yek gushi dāram.) – “I have a phone.”
- 1Incorrect Negation with
نیست(nist): Whileنیست(nist) is the negative form ofاست(ast) “is” (from the verbبودن(budan) “to be”), it is not used to negateداشتن. To negateداشتن, you simply add the negative prefixنَـ(na-) directly to the stemدار(dār) before the personal ending.
- Incorrect:
من پول نیستم.(man pul nistam.) – (Literally: “I am not money.”) - Incorrect:
من پول ندارم نیست.(man pul nadāram nist.) - Correct:
من پول ندارم.(man pul nadāram.) – “I don’t have money.” - Correct (Conjugation):
- I don’t have:
نَدارَم(nadāram) - You don’t have (sg.):
نَداری(nadāri) - He/She/It doesn’t have:
نَدارَد(nadārad) /نَداره(nadāre)
- 1Confusing Possessive
داشتنwith Auxiliaryداشتن:داشتنcan also function as an auxiliary verb, indicating a progressive or continuous action, similar to “to be -ing” in English. When used as an auxiliary,داشتنdoes take theمی-prefix in its main verb slot, and the subsequent main verb takes its usualمی-prefix. This is distinct from the possessiveداشتنdiscussed here.
- Possessive
داشتن:من کتاب دارم.(man ketāb dāram.) – “I have a book.” (Noمی-) - Auxiliary
داشتن(Progressive):من دارم کتاب میخوانم.(man dāram ketāb mi-khānam.) – “I am reading a book.” (Here,دارمacts as a helper, andمیخوانمis the main verb. Thisدارمis essentially aمی-less form ofمیداشتم(mi-dāshtam) from a different tense, used here in a fixed auxiliary role, rather than a possessive present tense.) - Key takeaway: When
داشتنis the main verb meaning “to possess,” noمی-is used. When it is an auxiliary for continuous action, it appears without theمی-but is followed by a verb that does takeمی-.
- 1Word Order Misplacement: Persian is generally a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) language. Placing the object after the verb
داشتنcan sound unnatural or even change the emphasis. Always aim for the object to precede the verbداشتن.
- Incorrect:
دارم کتاب.(dāram ketāb.) - Correct:
کتاب دارم.(ketāb dāram.) – “I have a book.” - Correct:
پول دارید؟(pul dārid?) – “Do you have money?”
- 1Over-generalizing
داشتنfor all “having” concepts: English uses “to have” very broadly. Persian often uses different verbs or constructions for actions that involve “having” in English. For example:
- “To have breakfast/lunch/dinner”: Not
صبحانه داشتن(sobhāne dāshtan), butصبحانه خوردن(sobhāne khordan) – “to eat breakfast.” - “To have a cold”: Not
سرما داشتن(sarmā dāshtan), butسرما خوردن(sarmā khordan) – “to catch a cold.” - “To have fun”: Not
سرگرمی داشتن(sargarmi dāshtan), butخوش گذشتن(khosh gozashtan) – “to pass well (for time).” Orلذت بردن(lezzat bordan) – “to enjoy.”
Real Conversations
To truly master داشتن, you need to see it in authentic, modern conversational contexts. Pay attention to the subtle nuances between formal (written/very polite spoken) and colloquial (everyday spoken) usage, especially regarding pronouns and verb endings.
Scenario 1
- Ahmad (to waiter): ببخشید، شما شکر دارید؟ (bebakhshid, shomā shekar dārid?)
- Excuse me, do you have sugar? (Formal شما and دارید)
- Waiter (Colloquial): بله، داریم. الان براتون میارم. (bale, dārim. alān barātun mi-āram.)
- Yes, we do (have). I’ll bring it for you now. (Colloquial براتون from برای شما)
- Ahmad (Colloquial): ممنون، نیازی ندارم. (mamnun, niyāzi nadāram.)
- Thanks, I don't need it. (نیاز داشتن is another common idiom meaning “to need,” literally “to have need.”) Here, it's نیاز ندارم,
Present Tense Conjugation of 'Dâshtan'
| Pronoun | Persian | English |
|---|---|---|
|
Man
|
dâram
|
I have
|
|
To
|
dâri
|
You have
|
|
U
|
dârad
|
He/She has
|
|
Mâ
|
dârim
|
We have
|
|
Shomâ
|
dârid
|
You all have
|
|
Ânhâ
|
dârand
|
They have
|
Meanings
Used to express possession or ownership of objects, people, or abstract concepts.
Physical Possession
Owning tangible items.
“من یک ماشین دارم.”
“او یک خودکار دارد.”
Abstract Possession
Having qualities, time, or ideas.
“من وقت ندارم.”
“او ایده خوبی دارد.”
Relational Possession
Having family or friends.
“من یک خواهر دارم.”
“او دو دوست دارد.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subject + Object + dâram
|
Man ketâb dâram
|
|
Negative
|
Subject + Object + nadâram
|
Man ketâb nadâram
|
|
Question
|
Subject + Object + dârid?
|
Shomâ ketâb dârid?
|
|
Short Answer
|
Yes/No + Verb
|
Bale, dâram / Na, nadâram
|
Formality Spectrum
من یک خودرو دارم. (Daily life)
من یک ماشین دارم. (Daily life)
یه ماشین دارم. (Daily life)
ماشین دارم دیگه. (Daily life)
Possession Map
Physical
- ماشین car
Abstract
- وقت time
Relational
- دوست friend
Examples by Level
من یک سیب دارم.
I have an apple.
تو یک ماشین داری.
You have a car.
او یک برادر دارد.
He has a brother.
ما وقت داریم.
We have time.
من پول ندارم.
I don't have money.
آیا شما سوال دارید؟
Do you have a question?
آنها خانه ندارند.
They don't have a house.
او کلید دارد.
She has the key.
من تجربه کافی برای این کار دارم.
I have enough experience for this job.
آیا شما برنامه خاصی برای تعطیلات دارید؟
Do you have any specific plans for the holidays?
ما هیچ مشکلی با این پیشنهاد نداریم.
We don't have any problems with this proposal.
او همیشه ایده های جالبی دارد.
He always has interesting ideas.
من داشتم کتاب میخواندم که او آمد.
I was reading a book when he arrived.
آیا شما مدرک معتبری دارید؟
Do you have a valid certificate?
آنها هیچ تردیدی در تصمیم خود ندارند.
They have no doubts about their decision.
ما باید درک درستی از شرایط داشته باشیم.
We must have a correct understanding of the conditions.
او چنان اعتماد به نفسی دارد که همه را تحت تأثیر قرار میدهد.
He has such self-confidence that he impresses everyone.
ما در حال حاضر هیچ گزینه دیگری نداریم.
We currently have no other options.
آیا شما شواهدی برای اثبات ادعای خود دارید؟
Do you have evidence to prove your claim?
او همیشه سعی میکند دیدگاه مثبتی داشته باشد.
He always tries to have a positive perspective.
او با داشتن دانش عمیق، به راحتی مسائل را حل میکند.
Possessing deep knowledge, he easily solves problems.
هیچکس حق ندارد آزادی دیگری را سلب کند.
No one has the right to take away another's freedom.
ما باید به تفاوتهای فرهنگی احترام داشته باشیم.
We must have respect for cultural differences.
او در تمام طول مسیر، لبخندی بر لب داشت.
He had a smile on his face the entire way.
Easily Confused
Learners mix 'to have' and 'to be'.
Confusing 'dâshtan' as a main verb vs auxiliary.
Adding 'mi-' to 'dâshtan'.
Common Mistakes
Man midâram
Man dâram
Man dâram na
Man nadâram
Man dârad
Man dâram
Man dâri
Man dâram
To midâri
To dâri
U nadârad
U nadârad
Mâ dârand
Mâ dârim
Shomâ midârid
Shomâ dârid
Ânhâ dârim
Ânhâ dârand
Man nadâram
Man nadâram
Man dâshte
Man dâram
Ânhâ dârad
Ânhâ dârand
Man midâshtam
Man dâshtam
Man nadâram
Man nadâram
Sentence Patterns
من ___ دارم.
آیا شما ___ دارید؟
او ___ ندارد.
ما باید ___ داشته باشیم.
Real World Usage
وقت داری؟
من تجربه دارم.
آب دارید؟
من ایده دارم.
من نقشه دارم.
من سوال دارم.
The Rebel Rule
Don't confuse with 'budan'
Negative form
Spoken Tehrani
Smart Tips
Stop yourself from adding 'mi-'.
Attach 'na-' directly to the verb.
Drop the final 'd' in 'dârad'.
Ask: 'Do I own it?' If yes, use 'dâshtan'.
Pronunciation
Dâr-
The 'â' is a long vowel, like 'a' in 'father'.
Question
Dârid? ↑
Rising pitch at the end indicates a question.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Dâshtan is a rebel, it hates the 'mi' prefix! Just say 'dâram' and you're free.
Visual Association
Imagine a rebel teenager wearing a jacket that says 'NO MI' on the back, holding a giant bag of items. Every time he says 'I have', he points to his 'NO MI' jacket.
Rhyme
Don't use 'mi', it's a sin, just use 'dâram' for 'to have' in.
Story
Ali is a rebel. He refuses to follow the rules of the other verbs. While they all wear 'mi' hats, Ali wears a plain hat. He walks around saying 'Man dâram' to everyone he meets.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about things you have in your room using 'dâram'.
Cultural Notes
In spoken Tehrani, the final 'd' in 'dârad' is often dropped.
Derived from Middle Persian 'dâštan'.
Conversation Starters
شما چه چیزی دارید؟ (What do you have?)
آیا شما وقت دارید؟ (Do you have time?)
شما چه تجربهای دارید؟ (What experience do you have?)
آیا شما ایده جدیدی دارید؟ (Do you have a new idea?)
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
من یک کتاب ___.
Find and fix the mistake:
او میدارد یک ماشین.
من ___.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Do you have time?
Answer starts with: شما...
ما ___ (to have).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use 'nadârand' and 'پول'.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesمن یک کتاب ___.
Find and fix the mistake:
او میدارد یک ماشین.
من ___.
دارم / من / ماشین / یک
Do you have time?
ما ___ (to have).
Match: To - ?
Use 'nadârand' and 'پول'.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesMā ye ide-ye khub ___ (We have a good idea).
Shomā vaqt ___? (Do you (pl) have time?)
How do you say 'I do not have'?
Which is the spoken/casual version of 'dārad'?
Dāram man ye gorb-e (I have a cat).
Ānhā khāne midārand.
dāri / to / chayi / ?
pul / nadāram / man / emruz
Match the correct pairs.
I have a question.
Hosele nadāram.
If you want to say 'I have a headache', which do you use?
Unā mashin ___ (They have a car - casual).
Score: /13
FAQ (8)
It is a stative verb, which historically does not take the 'mi-' prefix in Persian.
Yes, you can say 'Man ehsâs dâram' (I have a feeling).
Mostly yes, but it is used more broadly in Persian.
Just add 'na-' to the beginning of the verb.
Native speakers will understand, but it will sound like a beginner error.
The conjugation is the same, but pronunciation changes slightly.
Yes, but the conjugation changes to 'dâshtam'.
Yes, but 'dâshtan' is the most common one.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Tener
Persian 'dâshtan' is stative and lacks 'mi-' prefix.
Avoir
French 'avoir' is also an auxiliary for perfect tenses.
Haben
German 'haben' is regular.
Motsu
Persian uses 'dâshtan' for abstract concepts too.
Inda
Persian uses a direct verb.
You
Chinese 'you' does not conjugate.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Formal Future Tense: I will go (khāham raft)
Overview The formal future tense in Persian, known as `زمان آینده مطلق` (`zamān-e āyande-ye motlaq`) or `زمان آینده ساده...
The 'Past before the Past' (Past Perfect / گذشته بعید)
Overview The Persian Past Perfect tense, known as **گذشته بعید (gozashteh-ye ba'id)**, is a compound tense essential fo...
Persian Ongoing Actions: The 'Having' Auxiliary (dāštan)
Overview The Persian verb system distinguishes between habitual actions and actions in progress. While the ubiquitous pr...
Persian Subjunctive: Doubt & Desire (مضارع التزامی)
Overview The Persian Subjunctive Mood, known as `مضارع التزامی` (`mozāre'-e eltezāmi`), is a cornerstone of advanced Per...
Past Continuous: "I was doing..." (dāshtam miraftam)
Overview To effectively narrate events in Persian, particularly to describe ongoing actions in the past, understanding...
