What does it mean word for word?
The word می‌دانم is composed of the prefix می-, which indicates the continuous or present tense. The root دان, meaning to know. And the suffix -م, which indicates a first-person singular subject.
Which one should you use?
While می‌دانم is used for knowing facts or information, the word بلدم is used specifically when you mean "I know how to" regarding a skill or a task. Additionally, in informal contexts, you might use می‌فهمم to say "I get it" or "I understand".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
می‌دانم is the formal way to say "I know". In spoken or colloquial Persian, this is often pronounced or written as می‌دونم, which is the informal version.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of the verb "to know" is دانستن in formal contexts and دونستن in informal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
midanam
Did you know?
- The verb دانستن is related to the Sanskrit word 'vid', which also means 'to know'. This links the Persian phrase to some of the oldest written languages in human history.
- While می‌دانم means 'I know', the word دانشمند meaning 'scientist' is built from the same root. It literally translates to 'one who is knowledgeable'.
- In Persian poetry, the concept of 'knowing' often transcends simple information and moves into the realm of spiritual or intuitive realization, a nuance not always captured by the English 'I know'.
Examples in context
- می‌دانم که می‌خواهی او را ببینی.I know you want to see her.This example shows how to use می‌دانم to introduce a clause about someone's desires.Tatoeba #10888446 by farzanshabani, translation #3910000 by CH
- من می‌دانم که تام منصف خواهد بود.I know that Tom will be fair.This example demonstrates using می‌دانم to state knowledge about someone's future fairness.Tatoeba #10245100 by Amirreza_Farid, translation #6838603 by CK
- اگر می‌دانم عشق چیست، به خاطر شماست.If I know what love is, it is because of you.This example illustrates using می‌دانم in a conditional sentence regarding the nature of love.Tatoeba #12128489 by cojiluc, translation #3844047 by carlosalberto
- بله، به خوبی می‌دانم. یک هتل خوب در کنار پارک شهر وجود دارد.Yes, I know it well. There is a good hotel next to the city park.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sara and Ali are discussing the location of a meeting.
- سارا Saraمی‌دانی جلسه کجاست؟Mīdānī jed'e kojāst?Do you know where the meeting is?
- علی Aliبله، می‌دانم کجاست.Bale, mīdānam kojāst.Yes, I know where it is.
- سارا Saraمی‌توانی به من بگویی؟Mītavānī be man begūyī?Can you tell me?
- علی Aliالبته، می‌دانم چطور راهنمایی‌ات کنم.Albate, mīdānam chetōr rāhnemāyī-at konam.Of course, I know how to guide you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
