Breakdown of چند ماه است که ما تفاهم داریم.
است
is
ما
we
چندchand
how many / several / a few
داشتنdâshtan
to have
Questions & Answers about چند ماه است که ما تفاهم داریم.
Why is the present tense verb dârim used here when the English translation says "we have had"?
This is the key structure for this lesson! When an action or state started in the past and is still true now, Farsi uses the pattern: [Time phrase] + ast ke + [Present tense verb]. While English uses the present perfect ("have had"), Farsi literally says "It is several months that we have [it]".
Does tafâhom always need to be used with dâshtan (to have)?
Yes, tafâhom dâshtan is a very common compound verb. Tafâhom means "mutual understanding" or "agreement." To say two people "get along" or "understand each other," you say they "have mutual understanding" using the verb dâshtan.
Is it strictly necessary to include the word mâ (we) after ke?
No, it is optional. The verb dârim already has the "we" ending attached to it. Including mâ here just softens the rhythm of the sentence or adds slight emphasis to the fact that "we" are the ones who share this understanding.
How would a native speaker pronounce the ast ke part in casual conversation?
In everyday speech, the word ast is almost always shortened. Native speakers will connect it to the previous word and say chand mâh-e ke instead of chand mâh ast ke.