Question 1

Does har always take a singular noun like bār in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Just like in English where we say "every time" instead of "every times," the Farsi word har (every/each) must be followed by a singular noun. So we use the singular bār (time/instance), not its plural form.

Question 2

The translation says "I brush my teeth", but I don't see the words for "my" or "teeth" in the Farsi sentence. Why is that?

Accepted Answer

In Farsi, brushing your teeth is expressed using the compound verb mesvāk zadan, which literally means "to strike a toothbrush." Because this specific verb phrase already implies using a toothbrush on your own teeth, Farsi speakers don't need to add extra words for "my" or "teeth."

Question 3

Why does this sentence use bār for "time" instead of vaqt?

Accepted Answer

bār refers to an instance or an occurrence of an event, similar to saying "this time" or "three times" in English. Words like vaqt refer to the general concept of time (like the time on a clock or having free time). Since the sentence means "every instance," har bār is the correct phrase to use.

Question 4

Is the mi- prefix in mi-zanam used here because the action happens "every time"?

Accepted Answer

Exactly! The mi- prefix on a verb shows that the action is habitual or continuous. Because you do this action har bār (every time), it is a regular habit, making the present habitual form mi-zanam the perfect fit.

من هر بار مسواک می‌زنم.

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