Specific Indefinite Objects: "A Certain" Something
You already know that the object marker را indicates a specific, definite direct object (like "the applicant"), while the suffix ی (or ای) marks an indefinite noun (like "an applicant").
But what if you use both? In Farsi, adding the indefinite suffix followed by the object marker creates a "specific indefinite" object. You use this when you have a specific thing or person in mind, but you aren't identifying them by name—often translated into English as "a certain [noun]."
| I want to hire a certain headhunter instead of you. | من میخواهم به جای تو، استعدادیابی را استخدام کنم.man mikhâham be jâye to, este'dâdyâbi râ estekhdâm konam. |
| He wrote a certain description for this position. | او شرحی را برای این موقعیت نوشت.u sharhi râ barâye in mowqe'iyyat nevesht |
Just like the regular indefinite suffix, if the noun ends in a vowel, the suffix is written as ای right before را.
| The headhunter invited a certain applicant for an interview. | استعدادیاب متقاضیای را برای مصاحبه دعوت کرد.este'dâdyâb motaqâzi-i râ barâye mosâhebe da'vat kard. |
Working with Adjectives
When your object is described by an adjective, the suffix ی or ای moves to the very end of the phrase. It attaches directly to the adjective, followed immediately by را.
| We created a certain unique position for him. | ما موقعیت منحصربهفردی را برای او ساختیم.mâ mowqe'iyate monhaser be fardi râ barâye u sâkhtim. |
| They want to recruit a certain competent applicant. | آنها میخواهند متقاضی شایستهای را جذب کنند.ânhâ mikhâhand moteqâzi-ye shâyeste'i râ jazb konand. |
Plural Nouns
This grammar pattern isn't just for singular nouns. You can use the exact same structure with plural nouns to express "certain [things]."
| We give certain benefits to the competent applicant. | ما مزایایی را به متقاضی شایسته میدهیم.mâ mazâyâyi râ be motaqâzi shâyeste midahim. |