Verb formation
Historically, there are certain suffixes for making new verbs: -idan, -ândan/-ânidan, -estan
Suffix -idan
Suffix -idan is used for making a verb from a noun, present stem, …
- tars (fear) —> tarsidan (to fear)
- raghs (dance) —> raghsidan (to dance)
- bus (kiss) —> busidan (to kiss)
Suffix -ân(i)dan
Suffix -ân(i)dan is used for making a causative verb. It forms by first adding -ân and then the verb-maker suffix idan. In modern usage, the i in ânidan usually drops:
- tars (fear) —> tarsândan (to frighten)
- bâvar (belief) —> bâvarândan (to make believe)
- khandidan (to laugh) —> khandândan (to make laugh)
Suffix -estan
Suffix -estan is similar to -idan but is mainly used in middle Persian:
- tavân (ability) —> tavânestan (can, to be able)
Present stem
The present stem of such verbs is obtained by removing the verb-maker suffix. Therefore, these verbs can be regarded as regular verbs:
| verb | present stem |
|---|---|
| tarsidan | tars |
| tarsân(i)dan | tarsân |
| tavânestan | tavân |
NOTE Not all verbs ending in -idan are constructed verbs. There are a few verbs that end in -idan but since they are not constructed verbs, their present stem is irregular. Examples:
| verb | present stem |
|---|---|
| didan | bin |
| shenidan | shenav |