Meaning
A question to ask for the location of something further away.
Cultural Background
When asking for directions using 'آن کجاست؟', it is polite to start with 'ببخشید' (Bebakhshid - Excuse me). Iranians value politeness (Ta'arof) highly. In the capital, Tehran, the 'ā' sound in 'ān' often shifts to 'u'. This is a hallmark of the modern spoken accent. In Persian, the distinction between 'this' and 'that' is very sharp. Using 'this' for something far away sounds much more 'wrong' than it does in English.
The 'Un' Shortcut
If you want to sound like a native speaker immediately, always say 'Un' instead of 'An' in conversation.
Don't forget the 'st'
English speakers often say 'An koja?' but the 'st' (is) is grammatically required.
Meaning
A question to ask for the location of something further away.
The 'Un' Shortcut
If you want to sound like a native speaker immediately, always say 'Un' instead of 'An' in conversation.
Don't forget the 'st'
English speakers often say 'An koja?' but the 'st' (is) is grammatically required.
Test Yourself
Which word means 'that' in Persian?
... کجاست؟
'آن' (ān) means 'that'. 'این' (in) means 'this'.
Complete the question: 'Where is that book?'
آن کتاب ...؟
'کجاست' (kojāst) is the standard way to ask 'where is'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see a beautiful mosque in the distance and want to know where it is.
Use 'آن' for things in the distance.
Complete the dialogue.
A: آن هتل کجاست؟ B: آن ... است.
'آنجا' (ānjā) means 'there', which answers the 'where' question.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
This vs That in Persian
Practice Bank
4 exercises... کجاست؟
'آن' (ān) means 'that'. 'این' (in) means 'this'.
آن کتاب ...؟
'کجاست' (kojāst) is the standard way to ask 'where is'.
You see a beautiful mosque in the distance and want to know where it is.
Use 'آن' for things in the distance.
A: آن هتل کجاست؟ B: آن ... است.
'آنجا' (ānjā) means 'there', which answers the 'where' question.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsIt's better to use 'او کجاست؟' (U kojāst?) for people. Using 'آن' can sound like you are calling them 'that thing'.
'An' means 'that' (the object), while 'Anja' means 'there' (the place).
It is neutral. It is used in both formal writing and everyday speech.
Related Phrases
این کجاست؟
contrastWhere is this?
آنجاست
builds onIt is there.
کجایی؟
similarWhere are you?
