Learning a new language can be a fascinating journey, and understanding the nuances of verbs can greatly enhance your proficiency. In Urdu, verbs often come with their own set of subtleties and contextual uses. Two such verbs are چلنا (chalna) and دوڑنا (dorna), which translate to “walking” and “running” respectively. This article will delve into these verbs, offering definitions, explanations, and example sentences to help you grasp their usage.

چلنا (chalna) – Walking

چلنا (chalna) is a versatile verb that primarily means “to walk.” However, it can also be used in various contexts to imply movement or progression.

چلنا – to walk
ہم روزانہ پارک میں چلتے ہیں۔

In this example, چلنا is used in its most direct sense, meaning “to walk.” Notice how it describes a habitual action, which is common in conversational Urdu.

Another context where چلنا is used is to indicate the functioning or operation of something. For example:

چلنا – to function or operate
کیا یہ مشین ٹھیک سے چل رہی ہے؟

Here, چلنا is used to ask if the machine is operating correctly. This highlights the verb’s flexibility beyond just physical movement.

Different Forms of چلنا (chalna)

Like many verbs, چلنا can take on different forms depending on tense, mood, and subject. Let’s explore some of these variations:

چل رہا ہے (chal raha hai) – is walking (present continuous)
وہ سڑک پر چل رہا ہے۔

چلے گا (chale ga) – will walk (future tense)
وہ کل ہمارے ساتھ چلے گا۔

چلا (chala) – walked (past tense)
وہ پارک میں چلا۔

Each of these forms serves to place the action of walking in a different temporal context, which is crucial for constructing accurate sentences.

دوڑنا (dorna) – Running

دوڑنا (dorna) is the Urdu verb for “to run.” Similar to چلنا, it has a range of uses, though it is primarily concerned with faster movement.

دوڑنا – to run
بچے میدان میں دوڑ رہے ہیں۔

This example shows دوڑنا in its simplest form, meaning “to run.” It conveys a sense of energetic movement, often associated with children or athletes.

دوڑنا can also be used metaphorically to indicate rushing or hurrying in a non-physical sense:

دوڑنا – to hurry
مجھے دفتر جانے کے لئے دوڑنا پڑا۔

In this context, دوڑنا implies hurrying to the office, showcasing the verb’s metaphorical application.

Different Forms of دوڑنا (dorna)

Just like چلنا, دوڑنا also has various forms depending on tense, mood, and subject:

دوڑ رہا ہے (dorr raha hai) – is running (present continuous)
وہ ٹریک پر دوڑ رہا ہے۔

دوڑے گا (dore ga) – will run (future tense)
وہ کل ریس میں دوڑے گا۔

دوڑا (dora) – ran (past tense)
وہ تیزی سے دوڑا۔

These variations help to position the action of running within different time frames, adding depth and accuracy to your sentences.

Comparative Usage of چلنا (chalna) and دوڑنا (dorna)

When comparing چلنا and دوڑنا, it’s important to note the context in which each is used. While چلنا often implies a slower, more measured pace, دوڑنا suggests speed and urgency.

چلنا – walking
ہم سمندر کے کنارے چل رہے تھے۔

دوڑنا – running
بارش شروع ہوتے ہی ہم دوڑنے لگے۔

These sentences highlight the difference in pace and context between walking and running. The first sentence conveys a leisurely activity, while the second implies urgency due to the rain.

Idiomatic Expressions with چلنا (chalna) and دوڑنا (dorna)

Both verbs are also used in various idiomatic expressions, adding richness to the language.

چل نکلا (chal nikla) – took off (became successful)
اس کا کاروبار چل نکلا۔

دوڑ دھوپ کرنا (dorr dhoop karna) – to hustle or make efforts
نوکری حاصل کرنے کے لئے بہت دوڑ دھوپ کرنا پڑی۔

These idiomatic expressions demonstrate the versatility and cultural depth of چلنا and دوڑنا in Urdu.

Practice Makes Perfect

Understanding the nuances of چلنا and دوڑنا is just the beginning. To truly master these verbs, consistent practice is key. Try incorporating them into your daily conversations and writing. Pay attention to the context in which native speakers use these verbs to deepen your understanding.

Urdu, like any language, is rich with verbs that offer multiple meanings and uses. By mastering these two essential verbs, you’ll be well on your way to becoming more fluent and confident in your Urdu language journey.