Question 1

Since we are learning about the -i suffix for "worth" (like didani for "worth seeing"), why doesn't this sentence use that pattern?

Accepted Answer

The infinitive + -i structure is used when an action is worth doing (like reading, seeing, or eating). Here, we are talking about the worth of a noun (kar, meaning "work"), rather than an action verb. Instead, Farsi uses the noun arzesh (value/worth) and the verb dashtan (to have) to say the work "has a lot of value."

Question 2

What is the -i at the end of ziadi (زیادی)? Is it related to the "worth" suffix we're learning?

Accepted Answer

No, this is a different -i. Here, it is the indefinite -i (acting like "a" or "an" in English). The phrase arzesh-e ziad-i literally means "a great value." In Farsi, when you have a noun modified by an adjective, this indefinite -i attaches to the very end of the phrase, directly onto the adjective.

Question 3

Could I say "His work is worth seeing" using the grammar from this lesson?

Accepted Answer

Yes! To say that, you would drop arzesh-e ziadi darad and use the infinitive + -i structure. You take the infinitive didan (to see), add -i, and use the verb "to be": Kar-e u didani ast (His work is worth seeing / is spectacular).

Question 4

Why do we use darad (has) here instead of a form of "to be"? The English translation says "is worth".

Accepted Answer

In English, we use the adjective "worth" with the verb "to be" (it is worth). Farsi uses the noun arzesh (value) instead. So, you literally say that someone's work has value (arzesh darad).

کار او ارزش زیادی دارد.

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