Questions & Answers about دو سال است که ما این آشنایی را داریم.
Why is the verb dârim (we have) in the present tense when the English translation says "have had"?
In Farsi, when an action or state started in the past and is still continuing, you use the structure [time expression] ast ke followed by a present tense verb. While English uses the present perfect ("have had"), Farsi literally says "It is two years that we have this acquaintance."
Where does the word âshenâyi come from?
It is built from âshenâ, which means "familiar" or "an acquaintance" (a person). By adding the -i suffix, Farsi creates the abstract noun âshenâyi, meaning "acquaintance" (the state or relationship of knowing someone) or "familiarity".
Why do we need the word râ after âshenâyi?
The word râ marks the specific direct object of the sentence. The verb is dârim (we have), and the object being had is in âshenâyi (this acquaintance). Because the word in (this) makes the object specific, râ is grammatically required.
Could we use the verb for "to know" (shenâkhtan) instead of this phrasing?
Yes! A very common alternative is do sâl ast ke hamdigar râ mi-shenâsim (we have known each other for two years). Saying in âshenâyi râ dârim (we have this acquaintance) is just another natural, slightly more formal way to express an ongoing relationship.