Persian has two main forms of imperatives, positive and negative ones (also known as prohibitions.) They are both fairly simple to form and piggyback off the previous lesson as imperatives are featured in verbs. As a result of this, a verb must be conjugated accordingly, in a similar fashion to the verb conjugation we discussed in our previous lessons.

Positive Imperatives

There are two main ways to form the imperative in Persian, the latter of which is solely used for the verb kardan (کردن). 

The first way is simply adding a be- (بِـ) before the verb's present stem (in lesson 7, we learned how to acquire the present stem.) If you are referring to more than one person, add -id (ـید) to the end. Examples include:

• pushidan (پوشیدن) "to wear" --> bepush (بپوش) "wear" (imperative.)

• dādan (دادن) "to give" (present stem is de (ده)) --> bede (بده) "give" (imperative.)

A variant of this exists where bo- (بُـ) is used instead of be- (بِـ). Often times these verbs have irregular imperatives and must be conjugated in a different manner. Examples include:

• raftan (رفتن) "to go" --> boro (برو)

As previously stated, the second method is solely used for the verb kardan (کردن), where you simply use the present stem and nothing more. Examples include:

• Komakam kon! (!کمکم کن) "Help me!"

Usually out of respect words like lotfan (لطفاً) are added to make the subjective more polite, especially when speaking to one's elders.

Negative Imperatives/Prohibitions

The negative imperative in Persian is simple, simply adding na- (نَـ) to the present stem of the verb you are forming an imperative with. This is consistent with every verb in Persian. Examples include:

• Nakon! (نکن) "Don't do [it]!"

• Naro! (نرو) "Don't go!"

• Dād nazan! (داد نزن)  "Don't yell!"