Word
آیا این دانشجو باهوش است یا تنبل؟
Meaning
Is this student smart or lazy?
Part of speech
sentence
Pronunciation
Course
Breakdown of آیا این دانشجو باهوش است یا تنبل؟
است
is
این
this
دانشجوdâneshju
university student
آیاâyâ
whether (question particle)
Questions & Answers about آیا این دانشجو باهوش است یا تنبل؟
Why is the verb ast (is) before the word yâ (or) instead of at the very end of the sentence?
Usually, Farsi verbs go at the very end of the sentence. However, when you give two choices connected by yâ (or), it is very common and natural to put the verb after the first choice. You could also say bâ-hush yâ tanbal ast, but placing the verb in the middle is often preferred.
Is yâ used exactly like 'or' in English?
Yes! yâ is a simple coordinating conjunction that links two choices. Just like in English, you do not need to repeat the subject or the verb for the second option. You just say the alternative, like tanbal (lazy).
What does bâ-hush literally mean?
The word bâ-hush is made of two parts: bâ (with) and hush (intelligence). So it literally means 'with intelligence', which is the standard way to say 'smart' in Farsi.
Do I always need to use âyâ to ask an 'or' question?
No, you do not. âyâ is a slightly formal word used to clearly signal the start of a question. In everyday spoken Farsi, people usually drop it entirely and just rely on a rising tone of voice to show they are asking a question.