To express exclusive restriction like "only" or "except" in Farsi, we use a negative structure.
The Exception Rule: جز and به جز
In English, we might say "Only employees are allowed." In Farsi, we convey this by saying that nobody is allowed except the employees.
| except / only | جزjoz |
To build this structure, use a negative pronoun like هیچکس (nobody) or کسی (anyone) along with جز or به جز (except), and conclude the sentence with a negative verb.
| Nobody except the employees is authorized. | هیچکس جز کارمندان مجاز نیست.hichkas joz kârmandân mojâz nist. |
The Velvet Rope
When facing a bodyguard at a crowded queue, you will often hear this grammar used to dictate who can enter.
| The bodyguard lets nobody in except the guests. | بادیگارد هیچکس را جز مهمانها راه نمیدهد.bâdigârd hich-kas râ joz mehmân-hâ râh nemidahad. |
| When the queue is crowded, nobody goes inside except the actors. | وقتی که صف شلوغه، کسی جز بازیگرا داخل نمیره.vaghti ke saf shologhe, kasi joz bâzigarâ dâkhel nemire. |
If you are trying to get past the door, make sure your companion is on the guest list!
| Look at the list, and let nobody in except my companion! | به لیست نگاه کن و کسی را جز همراه من راه نده!be list negâh kon va kasi râ joz hamrâh-e man râh nade! |
Exclusive Areas
High-profile venues often feature an exclusive section where entry is tightly controlled. Notice how the exception structure works with objects and locations as well.
| In this exclusive section, nobody except the manager has entry permission. | در این بخش اختصاصی، هیچکس جز مدیر اجازهی ورود ندارد.dar in bakhsh-e ekhtesâsi, hich-kas joz modir ejâze-ye vorud nadârad. |
| Celebrities stand in no queue except this queue. | سلبریتیها در هیچ صفی جز این صف نمیایستند.selebriti-hâ dar hich safi joz in saf nemi-istand. |
| They let nobody into the room except an important individual. | آنها هیچکس را به جز یک فرد مهم به اتاق راه ندادند.ânhâ hich-kas râ be joz yek fard mohem be otâq râh nadâdand. |