A2 Verb System 5 min read Easy

Persian Commands: Telling People What to Do (Imperatives)

Build commands with 'be-' + present stem, adding '-id' only for formal or plural situations.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

To give a command, use the verb stem plus the prefix 'be-' for affirmative or 'na-' for negative.

  • Add 'be-' to the stem for singular informal: 'برو' (Go!)
  • Add '-id' to the stem for plural/formal: 'بروید' (Go! - formal/plural)
  • Use 'na-' instead of 'be-' for negative commands: 'نرو' (Don't go!)
Prefix (be/na) + Verb Stem + Suffix (optional -id) = Command

Overview

Ever tried to tell a friend to 'look at this' on Instagram and realized you didn't know the verb? Commands are the heartbeat of daily life. They are how we order a latte, tell a friend to hurry up, or ask a driver to stop. In Persian, the imperative mood (commands) is surprisingly simple. You don't need to worry about complex tenses here. You just need the heart of the verb: the present stem. Whether you are texting a group chat or speaking to your boss, the structure stays mostly the same. The only thing that changes is the ending. It’s the difference between a casual 'Hey, look!' and a polite 'Please, have a look.' Mastering this makes you sound less like a textbook and more like a local. Plus, it’s the best way to make sure your food delivery actually arrives at the right door. Don't worry, we won't make you memorize a thousand endings—just two.

How This Grammar Works

Persian commands are built on the present stem of the verb. If you know how to say 'I go' (miravam), you already have the stem (rav). To make it a command, we add a prefix and sometimes an ending. Unlike English, where 'Go!' works for everyone, Persian distinguishes between one person (informal) and multiple people (or one person you want to be polite to). Think of it like a volume knob. For your best friend, the volume is casual. For your professor, you turn the politeness up. The coolest part? Negative commands are even easier. You just swap the prefix. It’s like a grammatical 'undo' button. If you can tell someone to 'eat,' you can just as easily tell them 'don't eat' when they reach for your fries.

Formation Pattern

1
Building a command is a three-step process. It’s like assembling a Lego set, but with fewer pieces to step on.
2
Identify the Present Stem: Take the infinitive (e.g., khordan - to eat), remove the -an, and find the present root (khor).
3
Add the Prefix: Attach be- to the start of the stem. If the stem starts with an 'o' sound, like khor, the prefix often shifts to bo- for easier pronunciation (bokhor). This is called vowel harmony, but you can just call it 'making it sound smooth.'
4
Add the Ending:
5
Singular/Informal: Add nothing. Just be- + stem. Example: be + nevis = benevis (Write!).
6
Plural/Formal: Add -id. Example: be + nevis + id = benevisid (Write!).
7
For Negative Commands, replace be- with na-. So, nakhor (Don't eat!) or nanevisid (Don't write!).
8
For Compound Verbs (like kar kardan - to work), the be- prefix is often dropped in modern speech. You’d just say kar kon instead of kar bokon. It’s the 'lazy' way, and everyone does it. Be the cool kid and drop the be- in compounds.

When To Use It

You’ll use commands more than you think. Use the Informal (To) version when:
  • Texting your friends or siblings.
  • Talking to children or pets (yes, your cat needs to know bia! - come!).
  • Posting a call-to-action on social media (e.g., 'Like this post!' - layk kon!).
Use the Formal/Plural (Shoma) version when:
  • Talking to anyone older than you.
  • Speaking to a stranger, like a shopkeeper or a waiter.
  • Addressing a group of people (even your best friends).
  • Writing a professional email or a work message on Slack.
Pro tip: If you aren't sure, go formal. It’s better to be 'too polite' than to accidentally insult your future mother-in-law. No one ever got in trouble for being too respectful, unless you're trying to be a rebel.

Common Mistakes

The biggest trap? Using the Past Stem instead of the Present Stem. If you say beraft instead of boro, you’re basically saying 'He went!' while pointing at the door. It’s confusing for everyone. Another classic is forgetting the be- prefix on simple verbs. While you can drop it in compound verbs, simple verbs like khordan or neveshtan really need it to sound right. Also, watch out for irregulars! The verb 'to go' (raftan) doesn't become berav. It becomes boro. It’s the rebel of the Persian verb family. Finally, don't forget the 'vowel harmony.' Saying bekhor isn't 'wrong,' but bokhor sounds much more natural. It’s the difference between saying 'an apple' and 'a apple'—one just flows better.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Commands look almost identical to the Subjunctive. In fact, benevisid can mean 'Write!' or '(that) you write.' The only difference is the context and your tone of voice. If you shout it, it’s a command. If it follows a verb like 'I want you to...', it’s subjunctive. Another similar pattern is the Polite Request using lotfan (please). While begir (take) is a direct command, lotfan begirid is a request. You can also use the future tense or 'can you' (mitavani...) to soften the blow. Commands are like a hammer—useful, but sometimes you need a feather. Use lotfan to turn your hammer into a feather.

Quick FAQ

Q

Is boro really the only way to say 'Go'?

For friends, yes! For others, use beravid.

Q

Can I use commands in a text message?

Absolutely. It’s the standard way to tell someone zang bezan (call me).

Q

What about 'Let's go'?

That’s a different form called the adhortative (berim), but commands are the building blocks for it.

Q

Do I always use be-?

Mostly, but in compound verbs like telefon kardan, we usually just say telefon kon.

Q

Is it rude to use informal commands?

Only if you use them with someone you don't know well. With friends, it's totally normal!

2. Negative Imperative

Verb Informal Negative Formal Negative
رفتن
نرو
نروید
آمدن
نیا
نیایید
خوردن
نخور
نخورید

Imperative Conjugation Table

Verb Stem Informal (Singular) Formal (Plural)
رفتن
رو
برو
بروید
آمدن
آ
بیا
بیایید
خوردن
خور
بخور
بخورید
نوشتن
نویس
بنویس
بنویسید
خواندن
خوان
بخوان
بخوانید
دیدن
بین
ببین
ببینید
گفتن
گو
بگو
بگویید
نشستن
نشین
بنشین
بنشینید

Meanings

The imperative mood is used to give direct orders, make requests, or provide instructions.

1

Direct Command

A strong order given to someone.

“بخوان!”

“بنویس!”

2

Polite Request

A command softened by 'لطفاً' (please).

“لطفاً بیا.”

“لطفاً این را بخوانید.”

3

Negative Command

Prohibiting an action.

“نرو!”

“نخور!”

Reference Table

Reference table for Persian Commands: Telling People What to Do (Imperatives)
Infinitive Present Stem Informal (Singular) Formal (Plural)
Khordan (Eat)
khor
Bokhor!
Bokhorid!
Neveshtan (Write)
nevis
Benevis!
Benevisid!
Khandan (Read)
khan
Bekhan!
Bekhanid!
Amadan (Come)
āy
Biā!
Biāyid!
Raftan (Go)
rav
Boro!
Beravid!
Didan (See)
bin
Bebin!
Bebinid!
Kardan (Do)
kon
Bokon!
Bokonid!

Formality Spectrum

Formal
بیایید اینجا.

بیایید اینجا. (Asking someone to approach.)

Neutral
بیا اینجا.

بیا اینجا. (Asking someone to approach.)

Informal
بیا اینجا.

بیا اینجا. (Asking someone to approach.)

Slang
بیا دیگه!

بیا دیگه! (Asking someone to approach.)

The Anatomy of a Persian Command

Imperative

Prefixes

  • be- / bo- Positive
  • na- / ma- Negative

Endings

  • (None) Singular/Informal
  • -id Plural/Formal

Social Context: To vs. Shoma

Informal (To)
Bokhor! Eat! (Friend)
Boro! Go! (Sibling)
Formal (Shoma)
Bokhorid! Eat! (Boss/Group)
Beravid! Go! (Stranger)

How to Build the Verb

1

Is it a compound verb (e.g. Kar kardan)?

YES
Drop 'be-', use stem 'kon'
NO
Keep 'be-'
2

Is it for a friend?

YES
No ending
NO ↓

Common Irregular Commands

🚶

Movement

  • • Boro (Go)
  • • Biā (Come)
🗣️

Speech

  • • Begoo (Say)
  • • Bepors (Ask)
✨

Existence

  • • Bāsh (Be)
  • • Dāšte bāsh (Have)
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Examples by Level

1

برو!

Go!

2

بیا!

Come!

3

بخوان!

Read!

4

بنویس!

Write!

1

لطفاً بنشینید.

Please sit down.

2

نرو!

Don't go!

3

این را بخورید.

Eat this.

4

در را ببند.

Close the door.

1

لطفاً به من کمک کنید.

Please help me.

2

ننویسید.

Do not write.

3

کتاب را باز کنید.

Open the book.

4

سریع‌تر راه بروید.

Walk faster.

1

هرگز این حرف را نزن.

Never say this.

2

لطفاً مدارک را امضا کنید.

Please sign the documents.

3

به حرف‌های من گوش دهید.

Listen to my words.

4

این کار را انجام ندهید.

Do not do this.

1

با دقت نگاه کنید و تصمیم بگیرید.

Look carefully and decide.

2

هرگز تسلیم نشوید.

Never give up.

3

لطفاً در اسرع وقت پاسخ دهید.

Please respond as soon as possible.

4

به هیچ‌کس اعتماد نکن.

Do not trust anyone.

1

خویشتن‌دار باشید و با متانت رفتار کنید.

Be self-restrained and behave with dignity.

2

از این پس، این قانون را رعایت کنید.

From now on, observe this rule.

3

هرگز از حقیقت روی برنگردان.

Never turn away from the truth.

4

با دقت این متن را تحلیل کنید.

Analyze this text carefully.

Easily Confused

Persian Commands: Telling People What to Do (Imperatives) vs Subjunctive vs Imperative

Both use the present stem.

Persian Commands: Telling People What to Do (Imperatives) vs Informal vs Formal

Learners mix them up.

Persian Commands: Telling People What to Do (Imperatives) vs Negative vs Positive

Prefix confusion.

Common Mistakes

✗

رو

✓

برو

Missing the 'be-' prefix.
✗

نروید (informal)

✓

نرو

Using formal for informal.
✗

بیا (formal)

✓

بیایید

Using informal for formal.
✗

بـنرو

✓

نرو

Combining prefixes.
✗

لطفاً برو

✓

لطفاً بروید

Politeness requires formal.
✗

بـنوشید

✓

بنویسید

Stem error.
✗

نـبـرو

✓

نرو

Double prefixing.
✗

باید برو

✓

باید بروی

Subjunctive needed after 'bāyad'.
✗

نـکنید

✓

نکنید

Spelling error.
✗

بـگویید

✓

بگویید

Stem confusion.
✗

بـروید (archaic)

✓

بروید

Incorrect prefix usage.
✗

نـکن

✓

نکن

Spelling.
✗

بـبینید

✓

ببینید

Stem error.
✗

نـروید

✓

نروید

Spelling.

Sentence Patterns

لطفاً ___ کنید.

___ نکن!

لطفاً به من ___ بدهید.

___ و ___!

Real World Usage

Restaurant constant

لطفاً منو را بیاورید.

Texting very common

بیا خونه!

Job Interview common

لطفاً رزومه را بررسی کنید.

Travel common

لطفاً تاکسی بگیرید.

Food Delivery common

لطفاً غذا را سریع بیاورید.

Social Media common

این پست را لایک کنید!

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🎯

The 'Compound' Shortcut

In modern Persian, almost all verbs are compound (Verb + Kardan/Zadan). You almost never use 'be-' with these. 'Kar bokon' sounds like a 13th-century poem; just say 'Kar kon'!
⚠️

Don't 'Boro' Your Boss

Using singular commands with elders or superiors is a major social faux pas. When in doubt, always add that '-id' ending.
💬

Tarof and Commands

Iranians use commands for hospitality. If someone says 'Bokhor!' (Eat!) ten times, they aren't being bossy; they're being a good host!

Smart Tips

Use 'لطفاً' + formal verb.

کمک کن. → لطفاً کمک کنید.

Use the formal '-id' suffix.

برو راست. → بروید راست.

Always use 'na-'.

بـنرو. → نرو.

Use informal forms.

بفرمایید بنشینید. → بنشین.

Pronunciation

be-ROO

Prefix stress

The 'be-' prefix is usually unstressed.

Command

برو! ↘

Falling intonation for directness.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember 'BE' for 'BE-gin' (affirmative) and 'NA' for 'NA-y' (negative).

Visual Association

Imagine a traffic light: Green 'BE-' light says 'Go!', Red 'NA-' light says 'Stop!'

Rhyme

For positive say 'be', for negative say 'na', that's how you command in Persian, ha!

Story

Ali tells his friend 'بیا' (Come). Then he tells his boss 'بیایید' (Come - formal). Finally, he tells his dog 'نیا' (Don't come).

Word Web

بروبیابخوربنویسبخوانبنشین

Challenge

Write 5 commands you would give to a friend in 5 minutes.

Cultural Notes

In Tehran, the 'be-' prefix is often dropped in very casual speech.

Always use the formal '-id' suffix when speaking to elders.

Imperatives are often used in poetry for dramatic effect.

The Persian imperative stems from Middle Persian forms.

Conversation Starters

“

بیا اینجا.

“

لطفاً این را بخوانید.

“

چرا به من گوش نمی‌دهید؟

“

لطفاً در این مورد تصمیم بگیرید.

Journal Prompts

Write a list of 5 things you tell your friend to do.
Write a polite email to a teacher asking for help.
Describe a time you had to give a strong order.
Write a persuasive speech using imperatives.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Complete the informal command for 'to read' (khandan -> khan).

کتاب را ___! (Read the book!)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: بخوان
For an informal singular command, we use 'be-' + the present stem 'khan' with no ending.
Which is the correct formal way to say 'Come'? Multiple Choice

Choose the formal command:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: بیایید
The present stem of 'āmadan' is 'āy'. Adding 'be-' (which becomes 'bi-') and the ending '-id' gives 'biāyid'.
Fix the mistake in this informal command for 'to go'. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

بروید به خانه! (Go home! - spoken to one friend)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: برو به خانه!
'Beravid' is formal/plural. For one friend, use the irregular singular form 'boro'.

Score: /3

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

___ (Go) به خانه!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Informal imperative.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

Which is formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Formal uses -id.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

بیا (to boss)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Formal needed.
Reorder. Sentence Reorder

لطفاً / کنید / کمک / به / من

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct word order.
Translate. Translation

Don't go!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Negative informal.
Conjugate. Conjugation Drill

خوردن (formal)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Formal affirmative.
Match. Match Pairs

بنویس - بنویسید

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct mapping.
Complete. Dialogue Completion

A: کمک! B: ___ (Come)!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Logical response.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Translate to Persian (informal): 'Don't write!' Translation

Don't write!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ننویس
Reorder the words to say 'Please sit down' (formal). Sentence Reorder

بنشینید / لطفاً / اینجا

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: لطفاً اینجا بنشینید
Match the infinitive to its informal command. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Khardian:Bekhar
Turn 'kardan' into a formal negative command. Fill in the Blank

این کار را ___! (Don't do this work!)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: نکنید
How do you say 'Listen!' to a group of friends? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct form:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: گوش کنید
Correct the verb: 'Lotfan beman komak bokon.' Error Correction

لطفاً به من کمک بکن.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: لطفاً به من کمک کنید
Note: Use the singular form. Fill in the Blank

صبر ___! (Have patience!)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: داشته باش
Translate: 'Stop the car!' (to a driver) Translation

Stop the car!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: نگه دارید
Which command is used for 'Open the door' (informal)? Multiple Choice

Open the door:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: در را باز کن
Order the words: 'Look at the photo.' (informal) Sentence Reorder

عکس / ببین / را

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: عکس را ببین

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

In very casual speech, yes, but avoid it in writing.

Yes, for all negative commands.

Use 'لطفاً' and the formal '-id' suffix.

Yes, like 'آمدن' -> 'بیا'.

No, it's for second person.

Use the formal '-id' form.

Yes, some dialects drop prefixes.

With strangers, elders, and bosses.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Imperativo

Spanish uses different verb endings.

French moderate

Impératif

French doesn't use prefixes.

German low

Imperativ

German is more rigid.

Japanese low

Meireikei

Japanese is highly contextual.

Arabic moderate

Amr

Arabic is gendered.

Chinese none

Imperative

Chinese has no conjugation.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
The Ra Marker: Tagging Specific Objects (را)
Next
The 4 Key Verb Prefixes (mi, be, na, nemi)

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