Question 1

Since the current lesson is about using hich for absolute negation, could we say hich az nur tohi nist to mean 'completely devoid of light'?

Accepted Answer

No, because adding hich and making the verb negative (nist) would actually mean 'it is not at all devoid of light'. To express absolute emptiness here, the sentence pairs a positive verb (ast) with the adverb kâmelan (completely) and the inherently negative adjective tohi (empty). To use the lesson's grammar, you would have to rephrase the sentence entirely, such as in makhzan hich nuri nadârad (this tank has no light at all).

Question 2

Why is the word order az nur tohi rather than tohi az nur?

Accepted Answer

In Farsi, prepositional phrases that complement an adjective usually come directly before that adjective. Since tohi (empty/devoid) is paired with the preposition az (from/of), the standard, natural word order is az nur tohi (literally 'from light empty').

Question 3

Could I just use the word khâli instead of tohi to mean 'empty' here?

Accepted Answer

You could, but it changes the tone. While both mean 'empty', tohi is a more formal, literary word often used for absolute or abstract emptiness, such as being completely devoid of an element, emotion, or meaning. khâli is the everyday word you would use for a physically empty box, glass, or room.

Question 4

How is the adverb kâmelan (کاملاً) formed, and what is that symbol on the last letter?

Accepted Answer

It is formed by taking the adjective kâmel (complete) and adding the Arabic suffix -an, which turns it into the adverb 'completely'. The symbol at the end (ً) is called 'tanwin' in Arabic grammar; in Farsi, it is used on borrowed words to mark this exact adverbial ending, always pronounced as '-an'.

این مخزن کاملاً از نور تهی است.

Breakdown of این مخزن کاملاً از نور تهی است.

Questions & Answers about این مخزن کاملاً از نور تهی است.

Learn این مخزن کاملاً از نور تهی است and more in Farsi