Question 1

Why do we use az inke (از اینکه) here instead of just ke (که) for 'that'?

Accepted Answer

The compound verb ta'ajjob kardan (to be surprised) requires the preposition az (from). In Farsi, you cannot attach a preposition directly to a clause. You have to use in ke (this that) as a bridge. So you are literally saying 'We were surprised from this that it rained'.

Question 2

We learned that in ke often triggers the subjunctive. Why is barid in the past indicative?

Accepted Answer

We use the subjunctive when the action is uncertain, desired, or hypothetical. Here, 'it rained yesterday' is an established fact that already happened. When you express a reaction (like surprise) to a concrete, completed fact, you use the indicative mood.

Question 3

Why does the sentence say baran barid? Doesn't barid already mean 'it rained'?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but in Farsi, weather verbs are typically used with their corresponding nouns. You literally say 'rain rained' (baran barid) or 'snow snowed' (barf barid). While barid alone can sometimes be understood, baran barid is the standard, natural way to express it.

Question 4

Could we move the az inke clause to the end of the sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes! It is perfectly fine to say ma ta'ajjob kardim az inke diruz baran barid. The word order in the example (putting the object clause before the main verb) is very common and sounds slightly more structured, but putting the clause at the end is very natural, especially in spoken Farsi.

ما از اینکه دیروز باران بارید تعجب کردیم.

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