Learn Farsi: آیا کلاس شما شلوغ است؟

No, it is not. In everyday spoken Farsi, you can just say kelâs-e shomâ shologh ast? with a rising tone at the end of the sentence, exactly like asking a question in English. The word âyâ acts as a signal that a yes/no question is coming, but it is mostly used in formal speech or writing.

I see the words for "class" (kelâs) and "you" (shomâ). How do they combine to mean "your class"?

They are connected by the Ezafe, which is a short "e" sound added to the end of the first word. Even though it is usually not written in the Persian alphabet, you pronounce it as kelâs-e shomâ. In Farsi, to show possession, you say the item first, add the Ezafe, and then state the owner.

Does the word shomâ mean "you" or "your"?

It means both! Farsi does not have separate words for subject pronouns (like "you" or "he") and possessive pronouns (like "your" or "his"). Because shomâ is linked to a noun via the Ezafe in this sentence, it automatically acts as the possessive "your".

Why is the verb ast ("is") placed at the very end of the question?

Unlike English, where we move the verb to the front to ask a question (like "Is your class..."), Farsi keeps its standard word order for questions. The verb almost always goes at the very end of the sentence. The question particle âyâ goes at the beginning, but the verb ast stays patiently at the end.