Question 1

Why is the verb می‌کشد (kills) in the positive form if the sentence means 'does not kill'?

Accepted Answer

This is a key rule for the نه ... نه ... (neither ... nor ...) structure. Because the words نه already make the sentence negative, standard written Farsi requires the main verb to remain affirmative. Using a negative verb here would create a double negative.

Question 2

Is it normal for the verb می‌کشد to appear before the end of the sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes! While Farsi verbs usually go at the very end, sentences using نه ... نه ... often place the verb between the two items. Putting نه عقرب را (nor the scorpion) after the verb gives it emphasis and creates a nice rhythm. You could also put the verb at the end (نه مار و نه عقرب را می‌کشد), but splitting them is very common and natural.

Question 3

Why is the object marker را used twice here?

Accepted Answer

Both the snake (مار) and the scorpion (عقرب) are specific direct objects of the verb. Because the sentence splits them apart with the verb, you must repeat را after each noun so it remains perfectly clear that both are receiving the action of the sun.

Question 4

How does the word سوزان (scorching) relate to the verb for 'to burn'?

Accepted Answer

It is an adjective formed by taking the present stem of سوختن (to burn) and adding the suffix -ان. This suffix creates words that describe an ongoing state or action, so it literally means 'burning'. Remember to connect it to the sun with an invisible ezāfe: آفتاب سوزان (āftāb-e sūzān).

در بیابان، آفتاب سوزان نه مار را می‌کشد نه عقرب را.

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