Breakdown of ما ایشان را میشناسیم.
ما
we
ایشان
they (formal)
راrâ
definite direct object marker
شناختنshenâkhtan
to know (someone) / to recognize
Questions & Answers about ما ایشان را میشناسیم.
Why do we use the word را after ایشان?
In Farsi, the word را is used to mark a specific direct object. Since we are saying we know 'them' (a specific group of people), ایشان is the direct object receiving the action of the verb, so it must be followed by را.
I thought the word for 'they' or 'them' was آنها. Why are we using ایشان here?
Both words mean 'they' or 'them', but they have slightly different uses. آنها is the standard word for groups of people or things. ایشان is only used for people and carries a tone of respect. It can also be used as a polite singular 'him' or 'her' when talking about someone you respect.
How can I tell who is doing the action in the verb میشناسیم?
The verb ends with -یم, which is the personal ending for ما (we). Even if you dropped the word ما from the beginning of the sentence, the ending of میشناسیم already tells you that 'we' are the ones who know them.
Can I use this same verb if I want to say 'We know Farsi' or 'We know the answer'?
No, you would use a different verb! The verb used here, شناختن, means to be familiar with or acquainted with a person, place, or thing. If you want to say you know a fact, a skill, or a language, you use the verb دانستن.