In Persian, the English word "you" has two primary translations: تو (to) for informal/singular usage and شما (shomā) for formal/plural usage. This distinction, similar to the French tu/vous or German du/Sie, is crucial for appropriate social interaction in Persian-speaking cultures.
Definition: The second-person pronoun "you" in Persian encompasses both familiar (تو) and polite/plural (شما) forms, with specific verb conjugations for each.
FAQ Schema Question: What does "you" mean in Persian? Answer: "You" translates to تو (to) for informal/singular situations and شما (shomā) for formal/plural contexts. The choice between them depends on social relationships, age differences, and formality levels.
How this topic word will be used: Throughout this lesson, you'll encounter both forms of "you" in various contexts, from casual conversations with friends to formal business interactions, demonstrating when each form is appropriate.
Educational Schema Subject: Persian Language Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate Topic: Second-person pronouns (you) Learning Objectives: -
Distinguish between formal and informal "you" -
Use appropriate verb conjugations -
Apply cultural context to pronoun selection
-
Persian has two words for "you": تو (to) and شما (shomā) -
تو is informal/singular; شما is formal/plural -
Verb endings change based on which "you" is used -
Cultural context determines appropriate usage -
Using the wrong form can be socially awkward
9.1 تو (to) دیروز (diruz) کجا (kojā) بودی (budi)? You yesterday where were
9.2 آیا (āyā) شما (shomā) این (in) کتاب (ketāb) را (rā) خواندهاید (khānde-id)? Whether you this book (object marker) have-read
9.3 من (man) به (be) تو (to) گفتم (goftam) که (ke) بیا (biyā) I to you said that come
9.4 شما (shomā) چند (chand) سال (sāl) دارید (dārid)? You how-many year have
9.5 دوست (dust) دارم (dāram) که (ke) تو (to) اینجا (injā) بمانی (bemāni) Friend have that you here stay
9.6 لطفاً (lotfan) شما (shomā) این (in) فرم (form) را (rā) پر (por) کنید (konid) Please you this form (object marker) full make
9.7 چرا (cherā) تو (to) دیشب (dishab) زنگ (zang) نزدی (nazadi)? Why you last-night bell not-hit
9.8 ببخشید (bebakhshid), شما (shomā) ساعت (sā'at) دارید (dārid)? Excuse-me you hour have
9.9 کتابی (ketābi) که (ke) تو (to) میخواهی (mikhāhi) اینجاست (injāst) Book-a that you want here-is
9.10 آقای (āghāye) دکتر (doktor), شما (shomā) کی (key) وقت (vaght) دارید (dārid)? Mr. doctor you when time have
9.11 به (be) تو (to) قول (ghol) میدهم (mideham) که (ke) بیایم (biyāyam) To you promise give that come
9.12 متاسفم (mota'assefam) که (ke) شما (shomā) را (rā) منتظر (montazer) گذاشتم (gozāshtam) Sorry that you (object marker) waiting left
9.13 هر (har) وقت (vaght) تو (to) بخواهی (bekhāhi) میتوانیم (mitavānim) برویم (beravim) Every time you want we-can go
9.14 جناب (jenāb) سرهنگ (sarhang), شما (shomā) دستور (dastur) دادید (dādid)? Honorable colonel you order gave
9.15 میدانم (midānam) که (ke) تو (to) خسته (khaste) هستی (hasti) Know that you tired are
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
9.1 تو دیروز کجا بودی؟ Where were you yesterday?
9.2 آیا شما این کتاب را خواندهاید؟ Have you read this book?
9.3 من به تو گفتم که بیا. I told you to come.
9.4 شما چند سال دارید؟ How old are you? (formal)
9.5 دوست دارم که تو اینجا بمانی. I want you to stay here.
9.6 لطفاً شما این فرم را پر کنید. Please fill out this form.
9.7 چرا تو دیشب زنگ نزدی؟ Why didn't you call last night?
9.8 ببخشید، شما ساعت دارید؟ Excuse me, do you have the time?
9.9 کتابی که تو میخواهی اینجاست. The book that you want is here.
9.10 آقای دکتر، شما کی وقت دارید؟ Doctor, when do you have time?
9.11 به تو قول میدهم که بیایم. I promise you that I'll come.
9.12 متاسفم که شما را منتظر گذاشتم. I'm sorry I kept you waiting.
9.13 هر وقت تو بخواهی میتوانیم برویم. We can go whenever you want.
9.14 جناب سرهنگ، شما دستور دادید؟ Colonel, did you give the order?
9.15 میدانم که تو خسته هستی. I know that you are tired.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
9.1 تو دیروز کجا بودی؟
9.2 آیا شما این کتاب را خواندهاید؟
9.3 من به تو گفتم که بیا.
9.4 شما چند سال دارید؟
9.5 دوست دارم که تو اینجا بمانی.
9.6 لطفاً شما این فرم را پر کنید.
9.7 چرا تو دیشب زنگ نزدی؟
9.8 ببخشید، شما ساعت دارید؟
9.9 کتابی که تو میخواهی اینجاست.
9.10 آقای دکتر، شما کی وقت دارید؟
9.11 به تو قول میدهم که بیایم.
9.12 متاسفم که شما را منتظر گذاشتم.
9.13 هر وقت تو بخواهی میتوانیم برویم.
9.14 جناب سرهنگ، شما دستور دادید؟
9.15 میدانم که تو خسته هستی.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
Persian distinguishes between informal singular (تو) and formal/plural (شما) second-person pronouns. This distinction affects verb conjugations and social interactions.
Verb Conjugations with تو (informal you): -
Present: میروی (miravi) - you go -
Past: رفتی (rafti) - you went -
Perfect: رفتهای (rafte-i) - you have gone
Verb Conjugations with شما (formal you): -
Present: میروید (miravid) - you go -
Past: رفتید (raftid) - you went -
Perfect: رفتهاید (rafte-id) - you have gone
Common Mistakes: -
Using تو with elders or strangers (considered rude) -
Mixing verb endings (using تو pronoun with شما verb ending) -
Overusing شما with close friends (creates distance) -
Forgetting object marker را after pronouns in direct object position
Comparison with English: Unlike English, which uses one "you" for all situations, Persian requires choosing between formal and informal based on: -
Age difference (use شما with elders) -
Social status (use شما with authority figures) -
Familiarity (use تو with close friends/family) -
Number (use شما for plural, regardless of formality)
Step-by-Step Guide: -
Identify your relationship with the person -
Consider their age and social position -
Choose appropriate pronoun (تو or شما) -
Use matching verb conjugation -
When in doubt, use شما (safer option)
Grammatical Summary: Pronoun: تو (to) -
Verb ending present: -ی (-i) -
Verb ending past: -ی (-i) -
Object form: تو را (to rā)
Pronoun: شما (shomā) -
Verb ending present: -ید (-id) -
Verb ending past: -ید (-id) -
Object form: شما را (shomā rā)
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
The distinction between تو and شما reflects deep cultural values in Persian-speaking societies. Using the appropriate form shows respect, cultural awareness, and social intelligence.
When to use تو: -
With children -
With very close friends -
With family members (though some use شما with parents) -
In informal settings among peers -
In romantic relationships
When to use شما: -
With strangers -
With elders (crucial cultural norm) -
In professional settings -
With authority figures -
When showing respect or creating distance -
Always when addressing multiple people
Cultural Notes: In Iran, the transition from شما to تو in a relationship is significant and often requires explicit permission ("میتوانیم با هم تو صحبت کنیم؟" - "Can we speak with 'to'?"). Using تو prematurely can be seen as disrespectful or presumptuous.
Some families maintain شما with parents throughout life as a sign of respect, while others switch to تو in adulthood. Regional variations exist, with some areas being more formal than others.
In business contexts, شما is mandatory unless explicitly told otherwise. Even among colleagues who have worked together for years, شما might be maintained to preserve professional boundaries.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
From Hafez's Ghazal 1:
الا (alā) یا (yā) ایها (ayyohā) الساقی (as-sāghi) ادر (ader) کاساً (kāsan) و (va) ناولها (nāvelhā) Hey O you-who cupbearer pass cup and hand-it
که (ke) عشق (eshgh) آسان (āsān) نمود (nemud) اول (avval) ولی (vali) افتاد (oftād) مشکلها (moshkelhā) that love easy appeared first but fell difficulties
الا یا ایها الساقی ادر کاساً و ناولها که عشق آسان نمود اول ولی افتاد مشکلها
"O cupbearer, pass round and offer the cup, For love appeared easy at first, but difficulties arose"
الا یا ایها الساقی ادر کاساً و ناولها که عشق آسان نمود اول ولی افتاد مشکلها
This couplet uses the Arabic vocative "یا ایها" (O you who...) which is formal and elevated in register. Though addressing the cupbearer, Hafez uses this formal construction rather than simple تو, showing the literary convention of respectful address even to servants in classical Persian poetry. The imperative verbs "ادر" (pass) and "ناولها" (hand it) are formal commands appropriate to the elevated style.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
9.16 مادر (mādar), تو (to) امروز (emruz) چی (chi) پختی (pokhti)? Mother you today what cooked
9.17 بابا (bābā), شما (shomā) فردا (fardā) خانه (khāne) هستید (hastid)? Father you tomorrow home are
9.18 آیا (āyā) تو (to) مشقهایت (mashgh-hāyat) را (rā) تمام (tamām) کردی (kardi)? Whether you homework-your (object marker) finished did
9.19 عمو (amu) جان (jān), شما (shomā) چای (chāy) میخورید (mikhorid)? Uncle dear you tea drink
9.20 خواهرم (khāharam), تو (to) با (bā) من (man) میآیی (miyāyi)? Sister-my you with me come
9.21 مادربزرگ (mādar-bozorg), شما (shomā) این (in) عکس (aks) را (rā) یادتان (yādetān) هست (hast)? Grandmother you this photo (object marker) remember-your is
9.22 پسرم (pesaram), تو (to) گرسنه (gorosne) نیستی (nisti)? Son-my you hungry not-are
9.23 عمه (amme) جان (jān), شما (shomā) کی (key) تشریف (tashrif) میآورید (miyāvarid)? Aunt dear you when honor bring
9.24 آیا (āyā) تو (to) دوستت (dustat) را (rā) دیدی (didi)? Whether you friend-your (object marker) saw
9.25 پدربزرگ (pedar-bozorg), شما (shomā) قصه (ghesse) تعریف (ta'rif) میکنید (mikonid)? Grandfather you story definition make
9.26 برادر (barādar), تو (to) ماشین (māshin) را (rā) شستی (shosti)? Brother you car (object marker) washed
9.27 دخترم (dokhtaram), تو (to) چرا (cherā) ناراحتی (nārāhati)? Daughter-my you why upset-are
9.28 خاله (khāle), شما (shomā) فردا (fardā) وقت (vaght) دارید (dārid)? Maternal-aunt you tomorrow time have
9.29 تو (to) میدانی (midāni) که (ke) مادر (mādar) نگرانت (negarānat) است (ast)? You know that mother worried-about-you is
9.30 عزیزم (azizam), شما (shomā) خوب (khub) خوابیدید (khābidid)? Dear-my you well slept
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
9.16 مادر، تو امروز چی پختی؟ Mother, what did you cook today?
9.17 بابا، شما فردا خانه هستید؟ Father, will you be home tomorrow?
9.18 آیا تو مشقهایت را تمام کردی؟ Did you finish your homework?
9.19 عمو جان، شما چای میخورید؟ Dear uncle, would you like tea?
9.20 خواهرم، تو با من میآیی؟ Sister, are you coming with me?
9.21 مادربزرگ، شما این عکس را یادتان هست؟ Grandmother, do you remember this photo?
9.22 پسرم، تو گرسنه نیستی؟ Son, aren't you hungry?
9.23 عمه جان، شما کی تشریف میآورید؟ Dear aunt, when will you honor us with your presence?
9.24 آیا تو دوستت را دیدی؟ Did you see your friend?
9.25 پدربزرگ، شما قصه تعریف میکنید؟ Grandfather, will you tell a story?
9.26 برادر، تو ماشین را شستی؟ Brother, did you wash the car?
9.27 دخترم، تو چرا ناراحتی؟ Daughter, why are you upset?
9.28 خاله، شما فردا وقت دارید؟ Aunt, do you have time tomorrow?
9.29 تو میدانی که مادر نگرانت است؟ Do you know that mother is worried about you?
9.30 عزیزم، شما خوب خوابیدید؟ My dear, did you sleep well?
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
9.16 مادر، تو امروز چی پختی؟
9.17 بابا، شما فردا خانه هستید؟
9.18 آیا تو مشقهایت را تمام کردی؟
9.19 عمو جان، شما چای میخورید؟
9.20 خواهرم، تو با من میآیی؟
9.21 مادربزرگ، شما این عکس را یادتان هست؟
9.22 پسرم، تو گرسنه نیستی؟
9.23 عمه جان، شما کی تشریف میآورید؟
9.24 آیا تو دوستت را دیدی؟
9.25 پدربزرگ، شما قصه تعریف میکنید؟
9.26 برادر، تو ماشین را شستی؟
9.27 دخترم، تو چرا ناراحتی؟
9.28 خاله، شما فردا وقت دارید؟
9.29 تو میدانی که مادر نگرانت است؟
9.30 عزیزم، شما خوب خوابیدید؟
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
Pronoun Usage in Families: -
Many modern families use تو among all members -
Traditional families may maintain شما with parents/elders -
Regional and generational differences are significant -
Urban families tend toward informality; rural families toward formality
Common Patterns: -
Children always receive تو -
Parents may receive either تو or شما -
Grandparents often receive شما (respect for age) -
Siblings typically use تو -
Extended family (aunts/uncles) varies by family culture
Possessive Constructions: -
مادر، تو... (Mother, you...) - direct address -
مادرت (your mother) - possessive suffix -
مادر شما (your mother - formal)
Terms of Endearment Affecting Pronoun Choice: -
جان (jān - dear) softens formality -
عزیزم (azizam - my dear) creates intimacy -
Adding these terms can make شما feel warmer
Generational Shifts: Younger generations increasingly use تو with parents, while maintaining شما for grandparents. This reflects modernization and Western influence on Persian family dynamics.
Practical Tips: -
Observe what others in the family use -
Ask if unsure ("با شما صحبت کنم یا تو؟") -
Start formal and adjust based on response -
Consider the setting (public vs. private) -
Age gaps matter more than blood relations
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
This lesson is part of the Latinum Institute's comprehensive language learning series, designed specifically for autodidacts seeking to master Persian through systematic self-study.
The method employed here, developed by Evan der Millner BA MA (Cantab. NZ, London), emphasizes construed reading as the primary pathway to language acquisition. Since 2006, der Millner has been pioneering online language learning materials that prioritize immediate comprehension through interlinear texts, allowing students to read authentic materials from the very beginning of their studies.
Key features of this approach include: -
Granular interlinear glossing in Section A, breaking down each word individually to build vocabulary systematically -
Natural target language exposure in Sections B and C, providing authentic sentence structures -
Explicit grammar instruction tailored for English speakers, addressing common points of confusion -
Cultural contextualization ensuring appropriate language use in real-world situations -
Literary excerpts introducing learners to classical Persian poetry and prose -
Genre-specific sections demonstrating language use in various contexts
This method has proven particularly effective for self-directed learners who prefer understanding through reading rather than through conversational practice alone. The systematic progression from word-by-word analysis to complete texts mirrors natural language acquisition while providing the explicit grammatical framework adult learners need.
The Latinum Institute's materials have received positive reviews from autodidacts worldwide, as evidenced at https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk
For a complete index of available lessons and languages, visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
Additional resources and methodology explanations can be found at latinum.org.uk and latinum.substack.com/method
These lessons are designed to be used independently, without need for a teacher or classroom setting, making them ideal for motivated self-learners seeking to acquire Persian at their own pace.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
---