Question 1

Both ta'mir-kâr and khedmat-kâr end in the -kâr suffix. How does this work to form these words?

Accepted Answer

The suffix -kâr means 'doer' or 'worker'. It attaches to nouns to form professions. Ta'mir means 'repair', so ta'mir-kâr is someone who does repairs. Khedmat means 'service', so khedmat-kâr is someone who provides a service, like a maid or servant.

Question 2

Why do we need the preposition be before khedmat-kâr?

Accepted Answer

In Farsi, the verb goftan (to say or tell) requires the preposition be (to) to show who is receiving the information. You literally say 'said to the maid' (be khedmat-kâr goft) rather than 'told the maid'.

Question 3

The main verb goft is in the past tense, so why does the second part of the sentence use the present tense ast (is)?

Accepted Answer

When reporting speech with ke (that), Farsi usually keeps the exact tense of the original quote. The repairman's original words were 'The pipe is broken' (lule kharâb ast). Even though the first half of the sentence is in the past tense, the reported part stays in the present tense, exactly as he spoke it.

Question 4

Is kharâb the standard word for 'broken' when talking about something like a pipe?

Accepted Answer

Kharâb is extremely versatile. While English might use 'broken', 'out of order', or 'ruined' depending on the object, Farsi uses kharâb for almost all of them. It works perfectly for pipes, cars, electronics, and even spoiled food.

تعمیرکار به خدمتکار گفت که لوله خراب است.

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