Learn Farsi: آیا این اتاق روشن است یا تاریک؟

In Farsi, the verb usually goes at the very end of the sentence. However, when you use yâ (or) to offer a choice between two options, it is very common to put the verb right after the first option. So, rowshan ast yâ târik? literally translates to "bright is or dark?". This sounds very natural, though putting ast at the very end is also grammatically correct.

Since this isn't a simple "yes/no" question, why do we start with âyâ?

âyâ is a formal marker that simply tells the listener a question is coming. While it is most famous for "yes/no" questions, you can also use it for "either/or" questions like this one. In everyday spoken Farsi, people often drop âyâ completely and just use a questioning tone of voice.

Does the word rowshan only mean "bright" as in sunlight?

rowshan means "bright" or "light", but it is also the everyday word used for "turned on" (like a lightbulb, a TV, or a car engine). Depending on the context, this sentence could also be asking if the lights in the room are turned on!

Why is it in otâq (this room) without the connecting sound "e" (the ezafe) between them?

Words like in (this) and ân (that) point things out, and they always sit directly in front of the noun without needing the "ezafe" link. You only use the "ezafe" sound when adding a describing adjective or showing possession, like otâq-e bozorg for "big room".