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A1 pronoun #800 mais comum 9 min de leitura

ایشان

ishan Top 800

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas ایشان em 30 segundos

Explicação ایشان in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'ishān' as a polite way to say 'he' or 'she.' While you will mostly use 'u' (he/she) for your classmates and friends, 'ishān' is what you use for your teacher. It is important to remember just one simple rule: when you use 'ishān,' the verb at the end of the sentence must end with '-and.' For example, instead of 'u hast' (he/she is), you say 'ishān hastand' (he/she is - polite). This level focuses on basic introductions and identifying people in a classroom or family setting. You might hear your teacher say 'Ishān dāneshju-ye jadid hastand' (He/She is a new student) to introduce someone respectfully. Don't worry about the complex history of the word yet; just think of it as the 'polite version' of he/she. It's like the difference between saying 'that guy' and 'that gentleman' in English, but it's built right into the grammar of the sentence.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'ishān' in more varied contexts, such as describing your family members to others or talking about people in professional roles like doctors or shopkeepers. You should be comfortable using 'ishān' with the object marker 'rā' (ishān rā) and in possessive structures (e.g., 'khāne-ye ishān' - his/her house). You will also notice that in spoken Persian, people often say 'ishun' instead of 'ishān.' At this stage, you should practice switching between 'u' and 'ishān' depending on who you are talking about. If you are talking about a child, use 'u.' If you are talking about your grandfather, use 'ishān.' This shows you are starting to understand Persian social norms. You will also encounter 'ishān' as a plural pronoun meaning 'they' in formal texts, though you will still primarily use 'anhā' for 'they' in your own speaking.

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By B1, you should have a firm grasp of the 'pluralis reverentiae' (royal plural) concept. You understand that 'ishān' is not just a word but a reflection of the speaker's relationship with the subject. You should be able to use 'ishān' consistently in formal letters, emails to professors, or during a job interview. At this level, you should also start to recognize 'ishān' in media, such as news reports or interviews. You will notice that when an interviewer speaks to a guest, they refer to a third person of high status using 'ishān.' You should also be able to handle complex sentences where 'ishān' is the subject of multiple verbs, ensuring all verbs are correctly conjugated in the plural. This is also the stage where you learn to avoid 'ishān' for objects, a common mistake for intermediate learners who over-generalize formality.

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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'ishān' with nuance. You can use it to set a specific tone in your writing—perhaps to show irony or to maintain a professional distance in a debate. You should be familiar with the use of 'ishān' in classical and modern literature, where it might be used more frequently as a simple plural 'they.' You will also learn about the 'Ezafe' constructions involving 'ishān' in more complex ways, such as 'az jānib-e ishān' (on his/her behalf). Your speaking should flow naturally, using 'ishun' in colloquial but respectful settings and 'ishān' in formal presentations. You are also becoming aware of 'Ta'arof' and how 'ishān' fits into the broader system of Persian etiquette, including how it pairs with other honorifics like 'Jenāb-e āli' or 'Hazrat-e.'

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At the C1 level, your use of 'ishān' is indistinguishable from a native speaker's in formal contexts. You understand the subtle social cues that dictate when 'ishān' is mandatory and when it might be perceived as 'too much.' You can analyze the use of 'ishān' in political discourse, noting how it is used to show alignment or respect toward certain figures. You are also comfortable with the archaic and literary uses of 'ishān' found in the Shahnameh or the works of Rumi, where the pronoun might follow different syntactic rules. You can participate in high-level academic or professional discussions in Persian, using 'ishān' to refer to authors, theorists, or colleagues with the appropriate level of deference. You also understand the use of 'ishān' in legal and administrative Persian, where it serves as a precise third-person reference.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the pronoun's history, from its Old Persian roots to its modern sociolinguistic functions. You can discuss the evolution of the third-person plural as a polite singular in the context of Indo-European linguistics. You are capable of producing high-level literary or academic prose where 'ishān' is used to create a specific atmosphere or to adhere to the most rigorous standards of formal Persian. You can also detect and use the subtle sarcasm that can be conveyed by using 'ishān' in an inappropriately informal context. Your understanding of 'ishān' is no longer just about grammar; it is about a deep, intuitive grasp of the Persian world-view, where every word choice is a reflection of social harmony and respect.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

ایشان em 30 segundos

A polite third-person pronoun used for 'he', 'she', or 'they'.
Requires plural verb agreement (-and) even for a single person.
Essential for showing respect (Ta'arof) in formal Persian settings.
Commonly heard as 'ishun' in colloquial spoken Persian.

The Persian word ایشان (pronounced 'ishān') is a cornerstone of Persian social etiquette and grammar. At its most basic level, it serves as the third-person plural pronoun, meaning 'they.' However, its most significant and frequent use in modern Persian is as a highly polite or formal third-person singular pronoun, equivalent to 'he' or 'she' when referring to someone with respect. This dual nature is essential for any learner to grasp, as it reflects the deep-seated cultural value of Ta'arof (Persian ritual politeness). When you use this word, you are not just identifying a person; you are acknowledging their status, age, or the professional distance between you. It is the linguistic equivalent of a respectful nod or a formal title.

The Plural Root: Historically, 'ishān' was simply the plural form of 'u' (he/she). In classical literature, you will find it used consistently to refer to groups of people. While 'anhā' (آن‌ها) is the more common way to say 'they' in modern spoken Persian for objects or general groups, 'ishān' remains the standard for groups of people in formal writing and respectful speech.
The Honorific Singular: In modern usage, referring to a single person (like a teacher, a boss, or an elder) as 'u' can sometimes feel too direct or even slightly disrespectful in formal settings. By using 'ishān,' you elevate the person. It is vital to remember that when 'ishān' is used for one person, the verb must also be conjugated in the third-person plural form to maintain grammatical harmony.
Social Context: You will encounter this word in news broadcasts, academic lectures, and formal introductions. If you are introduced to a professor, the host might say, 'Ishān ostād-e man hastand' (They/He is my professor). Using it correctly shows a high level of cultural competence and respect for Persian social hierarchies.

آیا ایشان را می‌شناسید؟ (Do you know him/her? - very polite)

Example of 'ishān' used as a polite singular pronoun.

Furthermore, the word 'ishān' is often used in the possessive sense. Instead of saying 'ketāb-e u' (his/her book), a polite speaker would say 'ketāb-e ishān' (their/his/her book). This extends the umbrella of respect to the person's belongings and associations. In the Iranian parliament or during diplomatic meetings, 'ishān' is the only acceptable way to refer to a third party. It bridges the gap between mere identification and social acknowledgement. Understanding 'ishān' is your first major step into the complex and beautiful world of Persian honorifics, where grammar and social standing are inextricably linked.

ایشان تشریف آوردند. (He/She has arrived - highly formal)

Using ایشان correctly requires a shift in how you think about subject-verb agreement. In English, we distinguish strictly between singular and plural. In Persian, 'ishān' forces the verb into the plural form, even if the subject is one person. This is known as 'pluralis reverentiae' or the royal plural, though in Persian, it is used for anyone deserving of respect, not just royalty.

Subject-Verb Agreement: When 'ishān' is the subject, the verb must end in '-and' (the third-person plural suffix). For example: 'Ishān goftand' (He/She/They said). If you use the singular 'goft,' it sounds grammatically clashing and defeats the purpose of being polite.
Possessive Construction (Ezafe): To say 'his' or 'her' politely, attach 'ishān' to the noun using the Ezafe (the short 'e' sound). Example: 'Pedar-e ishān' (His/Her father). This is much more formal than 'pedar-ash' or 'pedar-e u.'
Object Marker 'rā': When 'ishān' is the direct object, it is followed by 'rā.' Example: 'Ishān rā didam' (I saw him/her/them). In spoken Persian, this often contracts to 'ishun-o,' but in formal writing, it remains 'ishān rā.'

نامه را به ایشان دادم. (I gave the letter to him/her/them.)

In complex sentences, 'ishān' maintains its plural agreement throughout. If you have a relative clause, the verbs within that clause should also reflect the plural status. For instance, 'Ishān kesi hastand ke hamishe komak mikonand' (He/She is someone who always helps). Notice how both 'hastand' (are) and 'mikonand' (do) are plural. This consistency is what makes formal Persian sound rhythmic and dignified. As you practice, try replacing 'u' with 'ishān' when talking about your parents or teachers to build the habit of respectful speech.

آیا ایشان هنوز در دفتر هستند؟ (Is he/she still in the office?)

While 'ishān' is a formal word, it is far from being confined to dusty old books. It is a living part of the Persian language, heard daily in specific environments. Understanding these contexts will help you decide when to use it yourself.

News and Media: On channels like BBC Persian, Iran International, or IRIB, news anchors almost exclusively use 'ishān' when referring to political figures, diplomats, or interviewed experts. It maintains a professional distance and neutrality.
The Workplace: In an Iranian office, you would use 'ishān' to refer to your manager or a client when talking to someone else. For example, 'Ishān dar jalase hastand' (He/She is in a meeting). Using 'u' in this context might be seen as a lack of professional etiquette.
Family Gatherings: When talking about grandparents or elderly relatives, younger family members often use 'ishān' to show respect. It is a way of honoring the 'bozorgtar-hā' (the elders) of the family.

دکتر محمدی؟ بله، ایشان پزشک بسیار خوبی هستند. (Dr. Mohammadi? Yes, he is a very good doctor.)

You will also find 'ishān' in literature and poetry. From the classical works of Saadi and Hafez to modern novels, 'ishān' is used to create a specific tone. In religious contexts, it is frequently used to refer to prophets, imams, or respected clerics. If you are reading a biography of a famous Persian figure, expect to see 'ishān' used throughout to maintain a respectful narrative voice. By paying attention to who is being referred to as 'ishān,' you can quickly learn the social map of any Persian-speaking environment.

از ایشان بپرسید که چه زمانی وقت دارند. (Ask him/her when they have time.)

Even advanced learners sometimes stumble when integrating 'ishān' into their speech. Because it functions as both a plural and a polite singular, it creates several potential pitfalls.

Singular Verb Mismatch: The most common mistake is using 'ishān' with a singular verb. For example, saying 'Ishān goft' (He said - polite pronoun with informal verb). This sounds 'half-polite' and is grammatically incorrect. Always pair 'ishān' with the plural verb ending '-and.'
Using it for Inanimate Objects: Learners often think 'ishān' is just a formal version of 'anhā' (they) and use it for things. You cannot say 'ishān' for 'the books' or 'the cars.' Use 'anhā' or 'ān-hā' for objects. 'Ishān' is strictly for people.
Over-usage in Informal Settings: Using 'ishān' to refer to your younger brother or a close friend can sound sarcastic or mocking. It creates an artificial distance. Stick to 'u' or their name for peers and younger people.

❌ ایشان آمد. (Incorrect: Polite pronoun with singular verb)
✅ ایشان آمدند. (Correct: Polite pronoun with plural verb)

Another subtle mistake is failing to use 'ishān' when the social context demands it. If you are talking to a high-ranking official and refer to their spouse as 'u,' it might be perceived as a slight. Persian culture places a heavy emphasis on external signs of respect. When in doubt, it is always safer to be slightly too formal with 'ishān' than too informal with 'u.' Finally, remember that 'ishān' does not change based on gender; it is equally applicable to men and women, which simplifies things compared to languages like French or Spanish.

To truly master 'ishān,' you must understand how it compares to other third-person pronouns in Persian. The language offers a spectrum of formality.

Ishān vs. U (او): 'U' is the standard, neutral 'he/she.' It is used for friends, children, and in general descriptions where no specific respect is required. 'Ishān' is the formal upgrade. If 'u' is 'he,' 'ishān' is 'that esteemed gentleman/lady.'
Ishān vs. Anhā (آن‌ها): Both can mean 'they.' However, 'anhā' is neutral and can refer to people or objects. 'Ishān' is specifically for people and carries a formal tone. In modern speech, 'anhā' is much more common for 'they,' while 'ishān' is mostly used for the polite singular 'he/she.'
Ishān vs. In (این): Sometimes people use 'in' (this) to refer to someone standing right next to them. This can be very informal or even rude. 'Ishān' is the perfect way to refer to someone present in a respectful way, such as when introducing a guest.

او برادرم است. (He is my brother - neutral)
ایشان استاد بنده هستند. (He is my professor - formal/humble)

In summary, 'ishān' sits at the top of the formality ladder for third-person pronouns. While 'u' is your daily workhorse and 'anhā' is your plural default, 'ishān' is your tool for showing respect, navigating professional environments, and honoring elders. Mastering the switch between 'u' and 'ishān' is a sign that you are moving beyond basic vocabulary and into the nuanced social reality of the Persian-speaking world.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The shift from 'they' to a 'polite he/she' mirrors the development of 'Vous' in French or 'Sie' in German, but it is applied to the third person rather than the second.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /iːˈʃɑːn/

US /iˈʃɑn/

The stress is on the second syllable: i-SHĀN.

Rima com

ایمان (Imān) پیمان (Peymān) باران (Bārān) ایران (Irān) آسان (Āsān) تابستان (Tābestān) داستان (Dāstān) قهرمان (Ghahremān)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'i' like the 'i' in 'it' (should be 'ee').
Pronouncing the 'ā' like the 'a' in 'cat' (should be deep like 'father').
Failing to stress the second syllable.
Pronouncing the final 'n' too weakly.
Confusing it with 'ishun' in formal writing.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, though it can be confused with 'they' or 'he/she'.

Escrita 3/5

Requires remembering the plural verb agreement.

Expressão oral 4/5

Hard to remember to use it instead of 'u' in the heat of conversation.

Audição 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but must recognize the 'ishun' variant.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

من (man) تو (to) او (u) ما (mā) شما (shomā)

Aprenda a seguir

تشریف داشتن (tashrif dāshtan) فرمودن (farmudan) جناب (jenāb) حضرت (hazrat) بنده (bande)

Avançado

مشارالیه (mushāralayh) معظم‌له (mo'azzam-on-lah) حضرت‌عالی (hazrat-e āli)

Gramática essencial

Pluralis Reverentiae

ایشان آمدند (He came - polite).

Ezafe for Possession

خانه ایشان (Their/His/Her house).

Object Marker Rā

ایشان را دیدم (I saw him/her).

Verb Suffix -and

ایشان می‌دانند (He/She knows).

Compound Verb Agreement

ایشان تشریف آوردند (He/She arrived).

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Exemplos por nível

ایشان معلم من هستند.

He/She is my teacher.

Notice the plural verb 'hastand' used for one person.

آیا ایشان را می‌شناسی؟

Do you know him/her?

'Rā' is the object marker.

ایشان در کتابخانه هستند.

He/She is in the library.

Plural verb for respect.

نام ایشان چیست؟

What is his/her name?

Possessive use with Ezafe.

ایشان ایرانی هستند.

He/She is Iranian.

Adjective agreement.

ایشان فردا می‌آیند.

He/She is coming tomorrow.

Future/Present continuous sense.

کتاب برای ایشان است.

The book is for him/her.

Prepositional phrase.

ایشان خیلی مهربان هستند.

He/She is very kind.

Plural verb for an elder.

ایشان پزشک خانواده ما هستند.

He/She is our family doctor.

Formal professional context.

من ایشان را در دانشگاه دیدم.

I saw him/her at the university.

Past tense with object marker.

ایشان به ما کمک کردند.

He/She helped us.

Compound verb 'komak kardan'.

پدر ایشان مهندس هستند.

His/Her father is an engineer.

Double respect (father and 'ishān').

ایشان هنوز نیامده‌اند.

He/She hasn't come yet.

Present perfect plural.

می‌توانید با ایشان صحبت کنید.

You can talk to him/her.

Modal verb construction.

ایشان در تهران زندگی می‌کنند.

He/She lives in Tehran.

Habitual present.

این هدیه از طرف ایشان است.

This gift is from him/her.

Formal 'from' construction.

ایشان معتقدند که آموزش بسیار مهم است.

He/She believes that education is very important.

Reporting an opinion.

باید نظر ایشان را هم بپرسیم.

We must also ask for his/her opinion.

Subjunctive mood.

ایشان نویسنده چندین کتاب مشهور هستند.

He/She is the author of several famous books.

Formal description.

متأسفانه ایشان امروز تشریف ندارند.

Unfortunately, he/she is not present today.

Polite verb 'tashrif dāshtan'.

ایشان همیشه با دقت به حرف‌های ما گوش می‌دهند.

He/She always listens carefully to our words.

Adverbial phrase.

ایشان در این زمینه تخصص دارند.

He/She has expertise in this field.

Formal expression of skill.

نامه ایشان به دست من رسید.

His/Her letter reached me.

Passive-like construction.

ایشان از ما دعوت کردند که به خانه‌شان برویم.

He/She invited us to go to their house.

Complex sentence with 'ke'.

ایشان با وجود بیماری، به کار خود ادامه دادند.

Despite the illness, he/she continued their work.

Concessive clause.

ایشان نقش مهمی در پیروزی تیم داشتند.

He/She had an important role in the team's victory.

Abstract subject.

ایشان تأکید کردند که پروژه باید به موقع تمام شود.

He/She emphasized that the project must be finished on time.

Reporting emphasis.

ایشان به عنوان مدیر جدید معرفی شدند.

He/She was introduced as the new manager.

Passive voice.

ایشان از هرگونه اظهار نظر خودداری کردند.

He/She refrained from making any comments.

Formal vocabulary 'khoddāri kardan'.

ایشان همواره مدافع حقوق بشر بوده‌اند.

He/She has always been a defender of human rights.

Present perfect continuous sense.

ایشان در سخنرانی خود به مسائل اقتصادی پرداختند.

In his/her speech, he/she addressed economic issues.

Formal verb 'pardākhtan'.

ایشان از این تصمیم بسیار خرسند به نظر می‌رسند.

He/She seems very pleased with this decision.

Formal adjective 'khorsand'.

ایشان با درایت خود، بحران را مدیریت کردند.

With his/her wisdom, he/she managed the crisis.

High-level vocabulary 'derāyat'.

ایشان بر این باورند که صلح تنها راه نجات است.

He/She is of the belief that peace is the only way of salvation.

Formal 'belief' construction.

ایشان در آثار خود به نقد مدرنیته می‌پردازند.

In his/her works, he/she addresses the critique of modernity.

Academic context.

ایشان از سوی دولت به این سمت منصوب گشتند.

He/She was appointed to this position by the government.

Archaic/Formal verb 'gashtan'.

ایشان همواره در پی کشف حقیقت بوده‌اند.

He/She has always been in pursuit of discovering the truth.

Philosophical tone.

ایشان با تواضع فراوان، جایزه را پذیرفتند.

With great humility, he/she accepted the award.

Adverbial phrase of manner.

ایشان از جمله چهره‌های ماندگار تاریخ هستند.

He/She is among the enduring figures of history.

Idiomatic 'among' construction.

ایشان در بیانیه خود، خواستار خویشتنداری شدند.

In his/her statement, he/she called for restraint.

Diplomatic language.

ایشان در زمره اندیشمندانی هستند که جهان را دگرگون ساختند.

He/She is among the thinkers who transformed the world.

Literary 'zomre' (category).

ایشان با نگاهی ژرف، به تحلیل پدیده‌ها می‌پردازند.

With a profound gaze, he/she addresses the analysis of phenomena.

Highly abstract vocabulary.

ایشان تجسم عینی اخلاق و انسانیت هستند.

He/She is the objective embodiment of ethics and humanity.

Metaphorical usage.

ایشان در طول حیات پربار خود، منشأ خدمات بسیاری بودند.

Throughout his/her fruitful life, he/she was the source of many services.

Eulogistic tone.

ایشان بر قله‌های رفیع دانش ایستاده‌اند.

He/She stands on the high peaks of knowledge.

Poetic imagery.

ایشان با سعه صدر، انتقادات را پذیرا شدند.

With magnanimity, he/she became receptive to criticisms.

Arabic-rooted formal term 'se'e-ye sadr'.

ایشان در مقام داوری، جانب عدل و انصاف را گرفتند.

In the position of judgment, he/she took the side of justice and fairness.

Legal/Ethical context.

ایشان را می‌توان پیشگام این جنبش نوین دانست.

One can consider him/her the pioneer of this modern movement.

Passive potentiality.

Colocações comuns

جناب ایشان

حضرت ایشان

از طرف ایشان

به نقل از ایشان

نظر ایشان

حضور ایشان

خدمت ایشان

همراه ایشان

موافقت ایشان

بیانات ایشان

Frases Comuns

ایشان کی هستند؟

— Who is he/she? (Polite)

ببخشید، ایشان کی هستند؟

سلام بنده را به ایشان برسانید.

— Give my regards to him/her.

اگر ایشان را دیدید، سلام بنده را برسانید.

ایشان تشریف ندارند.

— He/She is not here/available.

متأسفانه در حال حاضر ایشان تشریف ندارند.

هر چه ایشان بفرمایند.

— Whatever he/she says (I agree).

من تابع هستم، هر چه ایشان بفرمایند.

ایشان را می‌شناسید؟

— Do you know him/her?

آیا قبلاً ایشان را دیده‌اید؟

ایشان استاد ما هستند.

— He/She is our professor.

افتخار داریم که ایشان استاد ما هستند.

به ایشان بگویید...

— Tell him/her...

لطفاً به ایشان بگویید که من تماس گرفتم.

ایشان خیلی بزرگوارند.

— He/She is very noble/generous.

واقعاً ایشان خیلی بزرگوارند.

از ایشان بپرسید.

— Ask him/her.

من نمی‌دانم، از ایشان بپرسید.

ایشان در راه هستند.

— He/She is on the way.

نگران نباشید، ایشان در راه هستند.

Frequentemente confundido com

ایشان vs آن‌ها (Anhā)

Anhā is for 'they' (neutral), while Ishān is for 'they' (formal) or 'he/she' (polite).

ایشان vs شما (Shomā)

Shomā is 'you' (formal), while Ishān is 'he/she' (formal). Don't use Ishān to talk TO someone.

ایشان vs ایشان (Ishān) vs. ایشون (Ishun)

Ishun is the colloquial spoken version of Ishān.

Expressões idiomáticas

"ایشان را به خدا سپردیم"

— We left him/her in God's hands (often said after someone passes away or leaves for a long journey).

بعد از سال‌ها تلاش، ایشان را به خدا سپردیم.

Formal/Emotional

"ایشان خودشان می‌دانند و خدایشان"

— It's between them and God (I won't judge).

من دخالت نمی‌کنم، ایشان خودشان می‌دانند و خدایشان.

Common

"ایشان روی سر ما جا دارند"

— He/She is very dear to us (literally: has a place on our head).

بفرمایید تو، ایشان روی سر ما جا دارند.

Polite/Ta'arof

"ایشان از ما بهتران هستند"

— He/She is better than us (sometimes used sarcastically to refer to elites or even supernatural beings).

ما که نمی‌توانیم مثل ایشان باشیم، ایشان از ما بهتران هستند.

Colloquial/Sarcastic

"ایشان را روی تخم چشممان می‌گذاریم"

— We will treat him/her with the utmost respect (literally: put them on our eyeball).

مهمان شما، ایشان را روی تخم چشممان می‌گذاریم.

Highly Polite

"ایشان حرف اول و آخر را می‌زنند"

— He/She has the final say.

در این خانه، ایشان حرف اول و آخر را می‌زنند.

Common

"ایشان نانشان در روغن است"

— He/She is doing very well financially (literally: their bread is in oil).

با این شغل جدید، ایشان نانشان در روغن است.

Idiomatic

"ایشان یک پا استاد هستند"

— He/She is quite an expert (literally: one foot an expert).

در آشپزی، ایشان یک پا استاد هستند.

Colloquial

"ایشان از هفت دولت آزادند"

— He/She is free from all worries/responsibilities.

خوش به حالشان، ایشان از هفت دولت آزادند.

Literary/Idiomatic

"ایشان مایه افتخار ما هستند"

— He/She is our source of pride.

با این موفقیت، ایشان مایه افتخار ما هستند.

Formal

Fácil de confundir

ایشان vs ایشان

Dual meaning (singular/plural).

In modern Persian, it's 90% polite singular. In old texts, it's 100% plural.

ایشان (یک نفر) آمدند. vs ایشان (چند نفر) آمدند.

ایشان vs وی

Both are formal.

Vey is for writing/news and isn't necessarily 'polite', just formal. Ishān is specifically respectful.

وی درگذشت. (News) vs ایشان تشریف بردند. (Polite)

ایشان vs او

Both mean he/she.

U is neutral. Ishān is respectful.

او برادرم است. vs ایشان پدرم هستند.

ایشان vs آن‌ها

Both can mean 'they'.

Anhā is for objects and people. Ishān is only for people.

آن‌ها (کتاب‌ها). vs ایشان (استادان).

ایشان vs این

Referring to someone nearby.

In is 'this' (can be rude). Ishān is 'this person' (polite).

این کیه؟ (Rude) vs ایشان کی هستند؟ (Polite)

Padrões de frases

ایشان [Noun] هستند.

ایشان پزشک هستند.

ایشان را در [Place] دیدم.

ایشان را در پارک دیدم.

ایشان می‌فرمایند که [Clause].

ایشان می‌فرمایند که فردا بیایید.

با توجه به نظر ایشان، [Clause].

با توجه به نظر ایشان، طرح را تغییر دادیم.

ایشان از جمله کسانی هستند که [Clause].

ایشان از جمله کسانی هستند که به محیط زیست اهمیت می‌دهند.

ایشان در مقام [Title]، [Action].

ایشان در مقام ریاست، دستورات لازم را صادر کردند.

ایشان به ما اجازه دادند که [Verb].

ایشان به ما اجازه دادند که برویم.

این کتابِ ایشان است.

Família de palavras

Relacionado

او (u)

آن‌ها (anhā)

ایشانان (ishānān - archaic plural)

خویش (khish - self)

وی (vey)

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Como usar

frequency

Extremely high in formal speech, news, and respectful conversation.

Erros comuns

Ishān goft. → Ishān goftand.
You used a singular verb with a polite pronoun. Always use the plural verb ending '-and'.
Using 'ishān' for a car. → Ānhā (for plural) or Ān (for singular).
'Ishān' is only for people. Objects do not receive honorific pronouns.
Referring to yourself as 'ishān'. → Man or Bande.
You cannot use honorifics for yourself. It sounds extremely boastful.
Ishān rā (in casual speech). → Ishun-o.
While 'ishān rā' is correct, in casual Tehrani Persian, it sounds too stiff. Use the contracted form.
Mixing 'u' and 'ishān' for the same person. → Pick one and stay consistent.
Switching back and forth in the same conversation makes your level of respect seem unstable.

Dicas

Verb Agreement

Always pair 'ishān' with a plural verb. Even if you are talking about one person, the verb must end in '-and'. This is the most important rule.

When in Doubt, Use It

If you aren't sure if someone deserves 'ishān' or 'u', go with 'ishān'. It's better to be too polite than to accidentally offend someone.

Colloquial Shift

In casual conversation, 'ishān' becomes 'ishun'. Practice saying 'ishun' to sound more like a native speaker in informal settings.

Formal Letters

In any formal correspondence, 'ishān' is the standard. Using 'u' can make your writing seem unprofessional or childish.

Context Clues

If you hear 'ishān' but only see one person, don't be confused. The speaker is just being polite. Look at the person's age or status for clues.

Avoid Objects

Never use 'ishān' for things. If you are talking about 'those chairs', use 'anhā'. 'Ishān' is reserved for the dignity of human beings.

Ta'arof

Understand that 'ishān' is part of a larger system of politeness. It often goes hand-in-hand with verbs like 'farmudan' (to say) and 'tashrif dāshtan' (to be present).

The Long 'Ā'

Make sure the 'ā' in 'ishān' is deep and long. It should sound like the 'a' in 'father', not the 'a' in 'apple'.

Elders

Always use 'ishān' for grandparents and elderly relatives. It is a key way to show 'ehterām' (respect) in a Persian family.

Sarcasm Detection

Be aware that using 'ishān' for a peer can sometimes be sarcastic. If a friend says 'Ishān che farmudand?' about another friend, they might be joking.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Ishān' as 'He's-on' a pedestal. When someone is on a pedestal, you use the respectful 'Ishān'.

Associação visual

Imagine a person wearing a crown or a graduation cap. That person is 'Ishān'.

Word Web

Respect Third Person Formal Plural Verb Teacher Parent Boss Ta'arof

Desafio

Try to use 'ishān' three times today when talking about someone you respect, and make sure your verb ends in '-and'!

Origem da palavra

Derived from Middle Persian 'išān', which was the plural form of the third-person pronoun. It has roots in Old Persian 'avaišām'.

Significado original: Strictly 'they' (plural).

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> Persian.

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to use 'ishān' for animals or objects, as it can sound absurd or like you are mocking the object.

English lost its formal 'thou/you' distinction, and never really had a formal third-person singular like 'ishān'. The closest equivalent is using 'They' as a singular pronoun, but for respect rather than gender-neutrality.

Used extensively in the 'Shahnameh' to refer to groups of warriors. Common in the speeches of Ayatollah Khomeini and Khamenei. Heard in every episode of formal Iranian talk shows like 'Khandevaneh' when introducing guests.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Introducing a guest

ایشان آقای دکتر ... هستند.
خوشحالیم که ایشان اینجا هستند.
ایشان از راه دوری آمده‌اند.
معرفی می‌کنم، ایشان ...

Talking about a teacher

ایشان خیلی خوب درس می‌دهند.
کتاب ایشان را خوانده‌اید؟
ایشان فردا امتحان می‌گیرند.
از ایشان سوال بپرسید.

At the doctor's office

ایشان پزشک حاذقی هستند.
نسخه را ایشان نوشتند.
باید با ایشان مشورت کنم.
ایشان چه ساعتی می‌آیند؟

Formal Emails

پیرو صحبت‌های ایشان...
طبق نظر ایشان...
نامه ایشان پیوست شده است.
منتظر پاسخ ایشان هستیم.

Family Talk (Elders)

ایشان بزرگتر ما هستند.
هر چه ایشان بگویند همان است.
سلام مرا به ایشان برسان.
ایشان حالشان چطور است؟

Iniciadores de conversa

"آیا ایشان را قبلاً در جایی دیده‌اید؟"

"نظر شما درباره سخنان اخیر ایشان چیست؟"

"می‌دانید ایشان در کدام دانشگاه تدریس می‌کنند؟"

"آیا ایشان هم در این جلسه حضور خواهند داشت؟"

"چگونه می‌توانم با ایشان تماس بگیرم؟"

Temas para diário

درباره کسی که به او احترام می‌گذارید بنویسید و از کلمه ایشان استفاده کنید.

یک مکالمه خیالی بین خودتان و یک استاد دانشگاه بنویسید.

چرا در فرهنگ ایرانی استفاده از ایشان مهم است؟

تفاوت بین او و ایشان را با مثال توضیح دهید.

خاطره‌ای از اولین باری که کلمه ایشان را شنیدید بنویسید.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Generally, no. 'Ishān' is for humans. However, if you are being very affectionate or personifying your pet in a humorous way, you might hear it, but it's not standard.

Yes, like all Persian pronouns, 'ishān' does not distinguish between male and female. It can mean 'he' or 'she' depending on the context.

This is a sign of respect. By using the plural, you are linguistically 'enlarging' the person, a common feature in many languages (like the French 'Vous' or German 'Sie').

It's better to stick to 'ishān' in a very formal interview. 'Ishun' is fine for a friendly office environment, but 'ishān' is safer for first impressions.

Technically yes, but 'anhā' is much more common for children. 'Ishān' for children would sound like you are treating them like little adults.

'Vey' is used in journalism and literature to avoid repeating 'u'. It is formal but not 'respectful' in the way 'ishān' is. You wouldn't use 'vey' for your grandmother.

You say 'ketāb-e ishān'. This uses the Ezafe to connect the noun to the polite pronoun.

No! That would be extremely arrogant. To refer to yourself humbly, use 'bande' (this servant).

Yes, in Dari (Afghan Persian), 'ishān' is used, though 'anhā' or 'eshān' (with a slightly different vowel) are also common.

Only when followed by 'rā' (ishān rā) or in the colloquial 'ishun'. Otherwise, it remains 'ishān'.

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