یا
yâ/ˈjaː/
The English word 'or' is translated into Persian as یا (yâ).
یا is a conjunction used to connect two or more possibilities or alternatives.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is yâ. The IPA is /ˈjaː/.
Did you know?
- The word یا is a homonym in Persian. While it means 'or' as a conjunction, it is also borrowed from Arabic as a vocative particle used to get someone's attention, similar to saying 'O' or 'Hey'.
- In certain poetic or formal contexts, the word یا is used to introduce a synonym for the word that preceded it, rather than providing a choice between two different things.
- When listing multiple options in a fast-paced conversation, Iranians may omit یا entirely and rely on a rising intonation at the end of each choice to signal that an alternative is coming.
Examples in context
- شما متأهلید یا مجرد؟Are you married or are you single?This sentence is useful for asking a question between two options using یا.Tatoeba #561493 by mahdiye, translation #54476 by CK
- بایست یا شلیک میکنم.Stop, or I'll shoot.This sentence is useful for expressing a consequence or alternative action using یا.Tatoeba #10888419 by farzanshabani, translation #246314 by CK
- آیا نور موج است یا ذره؟Is light a wave or a particle?This sentence is useful for presenting a scientific or philosophical alternative using یا.Tatoeba #10322712 by cojiluc, translation #5318475 by Hybrid
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ali and Zahra are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- علی Aliغذای ایرانی میخوری یا ایتالیایی؟ghazaye irani mikhori ya italiayi?Are you eating Iranian food or Italian?
- زهرا Zahraهر کدام را که تو دوست داری.har kodam ra ke to dust dari.Whichever one you like.
- علی Aliپس پیتزا سفارش بدهیم یا کباب؟pas pizza sifaresh bedim ya kabab?Then should we order pizza or kebab?
- زهرا Zahraبیا همان پیتزا را سفارش دهیم.biya haman pizza ra sifaresh bedim.Let's just order the pizza.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry یا, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
