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Object Marker (Raa / Ro)
A2·ElementaryMark a specific direct object with raa (spoken: ro)
Lesson Overview
12 exercises · Level 2
Grammar Explanation
Object Marker (raa / ro)
Persian marks a definite direct object with raa. Written it's را; spoken it's ro (or just o after a consonant). English has nothing like it, so this one takes practice.
The Pattern
[the specific thing] + ro/raa + verb
| Phonetic | Translation |
|---|---|
| ketaab ro khoondam | I read the book |
| Saaraa ro didam | I saw Sara |
| in film ro doost daaram | I like this movie |
When to Use It
Use ro when the object is specific: a named person, "this/that X", something already mentioned, or something the listener can identify.
| With ro (specific) | Without ro (general) |
|---|---|
| ketaab ro khoondam | ketaab khoondam |
| I read the book | I read a book / I did some reading |
Key Points
- ro attaches to the whole object phrase, not just one word: "ketaab-e jaded ro kharidam" = I bought the new book.
- Proper names always take ro: "Ali ro didam".
- Pronouns take it too: "man ro" → usually contracted to manoo / "to ro" → toro.
- ro never appears with the subject, only with direct objects.
- Only direct objects. If a preposition is already there ("be Ali goftam"), no ro.
Examples
| Phonetic | Translation |
|---|---|
| dar ro baaz kon | Open the door |
| ghazaa ro khordam | I ate the food |
| oo ro nemishnaasam | I don't know him/her |
| maashin-e ghermez ro didam | I saw the red car |