Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging, and understanding the nuances between different verbs is key to mastering it. In Urdu, two commonly used verbs are **پوچھنا** (poochhna) and **کہنا** (kehna). Both are essential for communication but serve different functions. Let’s dive into the meanings, uses, and examples of these verbs to better understand how to use them correctly.

پوچھنا (poochhna) – Asking

**پوچھنا** (poochhna) means “to ask” in English. This verb is used when you want to inquire about something, seek information, or request something from someone.

آپ نے کیا پوچھا؟

In the sentence above, the word **پوچھا** (poocha) is the past form of **پوچھنا** (poochhna), meaning “asked.” The sentence translates to “What did you ask?”

Forms of پوچھنا (poochhna)

The verb **پوچھنا** (poochhna) changes its form based on tense and subject. Here are some examples:

– Present Simple: **پوچھتا ہوں** (poochhta hoon) – I ask
میں ہمیشہ سوال پوچھتا ہوں۔

Translation: I always ask questions.

– Past Simple: **پوچھا** (poocha) – asked
اس نے مجھ سے پوچھا۔

Translation: He/she asked me.

– Future Simple: **پوچھوں گا** (poochhoon ga) – will ask
میں کل استاد سے پوچھوں گا۔

Translation: I will ask the teacher tomorrow.

Usage of پوچھنا (poochhna)

The verb **پوچھنا** (poochhna) is commonly used in various contexts, such as:

– Asking for Information:
میں آپ سے راستہ پوچھنا چاہتا ہوں۔

Translation: I want to ask you for directions.

– Making a Request:
کیا میں آپ سے کچھ پوچھ سکتا ہوں؟

Translation: Can I ask you something?

– Clarifying Doubts:
مجھے یہ بات سمجھ نہیں آئی، کیا میں کچھ پوچھ سکتا ہوں؟

Translation: I didn’t understand this, can I ask something?

کہنا (kehna) – Telling

**کہنا** (kehna) means “to say” or “to tell” in English. This verb is used when you want to communicate something to someone, share information, or give an instruction.

آپ نے کیا کہا؟

In the sentence above, the word **کہا** (kaha) is the past form of **کہنا** (kehna), meaning “said.” The sentence translates to “What did you say?”

Forms of کہنا (kehna)

The verb **کہنا** (kehna) also changes its form based on tense and subject. Here are some examples:

– Present Simple: **کہتا ہوں** (kehta hoon) – I say
میں ہمیشہ سچ کہتا ہوں۔

Translation: I always tell the truth.

– Past Simple: **کہا** (kaha) – said
اس نے مجھ سے کہا۔

Translation: He/she told me.

– Future Simple: **کہوں گا** (kahoonga) – will say
میں کل آپ سے سچ کہوں گا۔

Translation: I will tell you the truth tomorrow.

Usage of کہنا (kehna)

The verb **کہنا** (kehna) is used in various contexts, such as:

– Giving Instructions:
استاد نے کہا کہ کتاب پڑھو۔

Translation: The teacher said to read the book.

– Sharing Information:
اس نے مجھے کہا کہ وہ کل آئے گا۔

Translation: He told me that he will come tomorrow.

– Expressing Feelings:
میں نے اس سے کہا کہ میں خوش ہوں۔

Translation: I told him/her that I am happy.

Comparing پوچھنا (poochhna) and کہنا (kehna)

While both **پوچھنا** (poochhna) and **کہنا** (kehna) are essential verbs in Urdu, they serve distinct purposes. Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand their differences:

Function

– **پوچھنا** (poochhna): Used to ask questions, make inquiries, or request information.
میں نے استاد سے سبق کے بارے میں پوچھا۔

Translation: I asked the teacher about the lesson.

– **کہنا** (kehna): Used to tell, inform, instruct, or express.
استاد نے ہمیں سبق کے بارے میں کہا۔

Translation: The teacher told us about the lesson.

Context of Use

– **پوچھنا** (poochhna): Often used in interrogative sentences.
کیا آپ نے ان سے پوچھا؟

Translation: Did you ask them?

– **کہنا** (kehna): Often used in declarative sentences.
اس نے کہا کہ وہ جلد آئے گا۔

Translation: He said that he will come soon.

Response Expectation

– **پوچھنا** (poochhna): Typically expects a response or answer.
میں نے اس سے اس کا نام پوچھا۔

Translation: I asked him/her his/her name.

– **کہنا** (kehna): May or may not expect a response, depending on the context.
اس نے کہا کہ وہ مصروف ہے۔

Translation: He/she said that he/she is busy.

Practical Examples

To further illustrate the differences, let’s look at some practical examples.

Using پوچھنا (poochhna)

– Inquiring about time:
کیا آپ مجھے وقت بتا سکتے ہیں؟ میں نے وقت پوچھا۔

Translation: Can you tell me the time? I asked for the time.

– Asking for permission:
کیا میں آپ سے کچھ پوچھ سکتا ہوں؟

Translation: Can I ask you something?

– Requesting help:
میں نے اس سے مدد کے لئے پوچھا۔

Translation: I asked him/her for help.

Using کہنا (kehna)

– Giving an opinion:
میں نے کہا کہ یہ فلم بہت اچھی ہے۔

Translation: I said that this movie is very good.

– Sharing news:
اس نے ہمیں کہا کہ وہ جلدی واپس آئے گا۔

Translation: He told us that he will come back soon.

– Giving advice:
میں نے اسے کہا کہ وہ آرام کرے۔

Translation: I told him/her to rest.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between **پوچھنا** (poochhna) and **کہنا** (kehna) is crucial for effective communication in Urdu. While **پوچھنا** (poochhna) is used for asking questions and seeking information, **کہنا** (kehna) is used for telling, informing, and instructing. By practicing these verbs in different contexts, you can improve your fluency and accuracy in Urdu. Remember to pay attention to the forms and tenses of each verb to convey your message correctly. Happy learning!