Question 1

Why does this sentence use zamâni ke for "when" instead of vaqti ke or key?

Accepted Answer

Zamâni ke literally translates to "the time that". It is used exactly like vaqti ke to introduce a time clause, though it can sound slightly more literary or formal. Never use key here; key is strictly a question word used to ask "when?", not a conjunction connecting two clauses.

Question 2

What is the function of the -i suffix on the word zamân (time)?

Accepted Answer

This is the restrictive -i suffix. In Farsi, when you link a noun to a relative clause describing it (using ke, meaning "that"), you usually attach this -i to the noun as an anchor. So zamân (time) + -i + ke becomes "the time that" or "the specific time when".

Question 3

There are no pronouns like "you" or "I" in this sentence. Is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dropping subject pronouns is standard in Farsi because the verb endings already tell you who is doing the action. Âmadi ends in -i (you, singular), and budam ends in -am (I). Adding to (you) or man (I) would only be done if you needed extra emphasis.

Question 4

Why is the simple past used for both âmadi (you came) and budam (I was)? Don't we need a continuous tense here?

Accepted Answer

No, for states of being (like being at home), Farsi uses the simple past of the verb budan (to be) to mean "was" or "were". While an action verb might sometimes use the past continuous to show an ongoing background event, the verb "to be" naturally describes a state using just the simple past.

زمانی که آمدی، در خانه بودم.

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