Ordinal Numbers After the Noun
Farsi ordinal numbers typically follow the noun they modify. To form these ordinals, add the suffix ـم (like دوم for "second" or سوم for "third"). Since the ordinal acts as a modifier, connect it to the noun using an Ezafe.
| The fourth volume is being published tomorrow. | جلد چهارم فردا منتشر میشود.jeld-e chahârom fardâ montasher mishavad. |
| The preface of the third edition is very interesting. | مقدمهی چاپ سوم خیلی جالب است.moghaddame-ye châp-e sevvom kheyli jâleb ast. |
Emphatic Ordinals Before the Noun
You can also place the ordinal number before the noun for added emphasis. In this position, the suffix becomes ـمین (such as دومین or سومین). Because the number precedes the noun, do not use an Ezafe.
| This is the fifth title they are publishing. | این پنجمین عنوان است که آنها منتشر میکنند.in panjomin onvân ast ke ânhâ montasher mikonand. |
| He is the third editor of this translation. | او سومین ویراستار این ترجمه است.u sevomin virâstâr in tarjome ast. |
Comparing the Syntax
Both structures are interchangeable. Just remember to pair the correct suffix with its corresponding word order:
- Noun + Ezafe + Ordinal (ـم)
- Ordinal (ـمین) + Noun (no Ezafe)
Notice how the syntax shifts between the "third book" and "fourth book" in these examples:
| The print run of this author's third book is high. | تیراژ سومین کتاب این نویسنده بالا است.tirâzh-e sevvomin ketâb-e in nevisande bâlâ ast |
| The print run of the fourth book is very low. | تیراژ کتاب چهارم خیلی کم است.tirâzh-e ketâb-e chahârom kheyli kam ast. |
Using Ordinals as Direct Objects
Whether placed before or after the noun, the noun and its ordinal act as a single phrase. If that phrase is a specific direct object, the object marker را attaches to the very end of the completed phrase.
| Some critics gave this book fifth place. | بعضی از منتقدان رتبهی پنجم را به این کتاب دادند.ba'zi az montaqedân rotbe-ye panjom râ be in ketâb dâdand. |
| Some critics want you not to read the first preface. | بعضی از منتقدان میخواهند که شما اولین مقدمه را نخوانید.ba'zi az montaqedân mikhâhand ke shomâ avvalin moqaddame râ nakhânid. |