Learn Farsi: قرار است که قاضی محاکمه را فردا شروع کند. - The judge is supposed to start the trial tomorrow.

The core root here consists of the consonants ح-ک-م (h-k-m), which relate to judging or ruling. By plugging these into the Form III pattern, we get محاکمه (mo-h-â-k-e-m-e). This pattern often indicates a reciprocal action or an engagement between parties, which perfectly describes a trial or hearing where opposing sides present arguments.

Since محاکمه uses an Arabic root, what are some other common Farsi words that share this ح-ک-م (h-k-m) root?

Recognizing roots is a great vocabulary hack at this level! You likely already know several words from this root, such as حکومت (hokumat - government), حاکم (hâkem - ruler or governor), and حکم (hokm - verdict, rule, or order). They all share the underlying concept of authority or judgment.

Why is the verb at the end of the sentence شروع کند (shoru' konad) in the subjunctive mood?

The subjunctive is triggered by the phrase قرار است که (qarâr ast ke), which translates to 'it is supposed that' or 'it is arranged that'. Because the action of starting the trial is an expected future plan rather than a definite factual occurrence in the present, the verb following که must take the subjunctive form.

Can I use قرار است (qarâr ast) to talk about my own plans, like saying 'I am supposed to'?