When you reach an advanced level in learning Urdu, the beauty of the language truly begins to unfold. You’ll find yourself navigating through intricate expressions, idioms, and a rich tapestry of cultural nuances. This advanced level not only enhances your vocabulary but also sharpens your understanding of the language’s deeper context. In this article, we will explore some essential Urdu words and phrases that every advanced learner should know. These words will help you not only in expanding your vocabulary but also in understanding the cultural richness embedded in the language.
Idiomatic Expressions
Idioms add flavor to any language, and Urdu is no exception. Mastering these will give you an edge in both comprehension and expression.
1. دل لگا کر (Dil Laga Kar)
This phrase translates to “wholeheartedly” or “with dedication.” For example, “Usne dil laga kar kaam kiya” means “He worked wholeheartedly.”
2. آنکھ کا تارا (Aankh Ka Tara)
Literally meaning “apple of the eye,” it is used to describe someone very dear. For example, “Woh apne waliden ki aankh ka tara hai” translates to “He is the apple of his parents’ eye.”
3. ہاتھ پاؤں پھولنا (Haath Paon Phoolna)
This idiom means to become extremely nervous. For example, “Imtihan ke waqt uske haath paon phool gaye” means “He became extremely nervous during the exam.”
Advanced Vocabulary
4. مستعد (Mustaid)
This word means “alert” or “vigilant.” For example, “Police mustaid thi” means “The police were vigilant.”
5. پیچیدہ (Pechida)
“Pechida” means “complex” or “complicated.” For example, “Yeh masla kafi pechida hai” translates to “This issue is quite complex.”
6. نایاب (Nayab)
“Nayab” means “rare” or “unique.” For example, “Yeh kitab bohot nayab hai” means “This book is very rare.”
7. گنجائش (Gunjaish)
“Gunjaish” means “capacity” or “space.” For example, “Hall mein 200 logon ki gunjaish hai” translates to “The hall has a capacity of 200 people.”
8. تعجب (Tajjub)
“Tajjub” means “surprise” or “astonishment.” For example, “Mujhe tumhare faislay par tajjub hua” means “I was surprised by your decision.”
Emotionally Expressive Words
Emotions are a significant part of any language, and Urdu has some beautifully expressive words.
9. غمگین (Ghamgeen)
“Ghamgeen” means “sad” or “sorrowful.” For example, “Woh apne dost ki wafat par ghamgeen tha” means “He was sad at his friend’s death.”
10. خوشی (Khushi)
“Khushi” means “happiness” or “joy.” For example, “Usne khushi se jashn manaya” translates to “He celebrated with joy.”
11. حیران (Hairaan)
“Hairaan” means “surprised” or “amazed.” For example, “Main tumhari baat sun kar hairaan ho gaya” means “I was amazed to hear what you said.”
Words Related to Culture and Tradition
Understanding the cultural context is crucial for advanced learners. Here are some words that are deeply rooted in Urdu culture.
12. روایت (Riwaiyat)
“Riwaiyat” means “tradition” or “custom.” For example, “Unki riwaiyat bohot purani hai” means “Their tradition is very old.”
13. تہوار (Tehwaar)
“Tehwaar” means “festival.” For example, “Diwali ek bara tehwaar hai” means “Diwali is a major festival.”
14. مراسم (Maraasim)
“Maraasim” means “ceremonies” or “rituals.” For example, “Shaadi ke maraasim kaafi lambe thay” means “The wedding ceremonies were quite long.”
Professional and Academic Vocabulary
For those who use Urdu in a professional or academic setting, these words will come in handy.
15. محنتی (Mehnati)
“Mehnati” means “hardworking.” For example, “Woh ek mehnati aadmi hai” means “He is a hardworking man.”
16. تحقیق (Tahqiq)
“Tahqiq” means “research.” For example, “Usne apni tahqiq mukammal ki” means “He completed his research.”
17. منصوبہ (Mansooba)
“Mansooba” means “plan” or “strategy.” For example, “Unka mansooba kaafi zabardast tha” means “Their plan was quite excellent.”
18. ذمہ داری (Zimmedari)
“Zimmedari” means “responsibility.” For example, “Bachon ki parwarish waliden ki zimmedari hai” translates to “The upbringing of children is the parents’ responsibility.”
19. کامیابی (Kamiyabi)
“Kamiyabi” means “success.” For example, “Mehnat ka phal kamiyabi hota hai” means “The fruit of hard work is success.”
Words to Enhance Descriptive Language
Being able to describe things with precision is crucial in advanced language learning. Here are some words to help you do just that.
20. شاندار (Shaandar)
“Shaandar” means “magnificent” or “splendid.” For example, “Uska ghar shaandar tha” means “His house was magnificent.”
21. وسیع (Wasee)
“Wasee” means “vast” or “extensive.” For example, “Yeh khet wasee hain” means “These fields are vast.”
22. گہرا (Gehra)
“Gehra” means “deep.” For example, “Samundar bohot gehra hai” means “The ocean is very deep.”
23. نفیس (Nafees)
“Nafees” means “delicate” or “fine.” For example, “Yeh kapra bohot nafees hai” means “This fabric is very fine.”
24. مہذب (Mohazab)
“Mohazab” means “civilized” or “cultured.” For example, “Woh ek mohazab shakhs hai” means “He is a cultured person.”
Words for Intellectual Conversations
Engaging in intellectual conversations requires a higher level of vocabulary. Here are some words that will help you.
25. فلسفہ (Falsafa)
“Falsafa” means “philosophy.” For example, “Usne zindagi ka falsafa samjha” means “He understood the philosophy of life.”
26. دلیل (Daleel)
“Daleel” means “argument” or “evidence.” For example, “Uski daleel bohot mazboot thi” means “His argument was very strong.”
27. نظریہ (Nazriya)
“Nazriya” means “theory” or “ideology.” For example, “Uska nazriya kaafi mukhtalif tha” means “His ideology was quite different.”
28. شعور (Shaoor)
“Shaoor” means “consciousness” or “awareness.” For example, “Woh apne haqooq ka poora shaoor rakhta hai” means “He has full awareness of his rights.”
29. منطق (Mantaq)
“Mantaq” means “logic.” For example, “Uski baat mein mantaq thi” means “There was logic in what he said.”
Complex Verbs
Advanced learners should also be familiar with complex verbs that are commonly used in Urdu.
30. متوجہ کرنا (Mutawajeh Karna)
“Mutawajeh Karna” means “to attract attention.” For example, “Usne sab ko apni taraf mutawajeh kar liya” means “He attracted everyone’s attention towards himself.”
31. سرانجام دینا (Saranjam Dena)
“Saranjam Dena” means “to accomplish.” For example, “Usne apna kaam saranjam diya” means “He accomplished his work.”
32. تشہیر کرنا (Tashheer Karna)
“Tashheer Karna” means “to advertise” or “to publicize.” For example, “Company ne naye product ki tashheer ki” means “The company advertised the new product.”
33. متنبہ کرنا (Mutanabbeh Karna)
“Mutanabbeh Karna” means “to warn.” For example, “Usne hamein khatre se mutanabbeh kiya” means “He warned us about the danger.”
34. نپٹنا (Nipatna)
“Nipatna” means “to deal with” or “to handle.” For example, “Usne mushkilat se achi tarah nipata” means “He dealt with the difficulties well.”
Words for Social Interactions
Mastering social interactions in Urdu requires knowing the appropriate vocabulary.
35. مہمان نوازی (Mehman Nawazi)
“Mehman Nawazi” means “hospitality.” For example, “Unki mehman nawazi mashhoor hai” means “Their hospitality is famous.”
36. مصافحہ (Musafaha)
“Musafaha” means “handshake.” For example, “Unhone garmjoshi se musafaha kiya” means “They shook hands warmly.”
37. تعارف (Taaruf)
“Taaruf” means “introduction.” For example, “Usne apne dost se mera taaruf karwaya” means “He introduced me to his friend.”
38. مروت (Muroowat)
“Muroowat” means “courtesy” or “chivalry.” For example, “Usne apni muroowat dikhai” means “He showed his courtesy.”
39. احسان (Ahsaan)
“Ahsaan” means “favor” or “kindness.” For example, “Usne mujh par ahsaan kiya” means “He did me a favor.”
Words for Expressing Nuances
To express subtle nuances in Urdu, knowing the right words is essential.
40. مبہم (Mubham)
“Mubham” means “ambiguous” or “vague.” For example, “Uska jawab mubham tha” means “His answer was vague.”
41. مفصل (Mufassal)
“Mufassal” means “detailed” or “comprehensive.” For example, “Usne ek mufassal report tayar ki” means “He prepared a detailed report.”
42. مختصر (Mukhtasir)
“Mukhtasir” means “brief” or “concise.” For example, “Uska bayan mukhtasir tha” means “His statement was brief.”
43. شفاف (Shafaf)
“Shafaf” means “transparent” or “clear.” For example, “Pani shafaf tha” means “The water was clear.”
44. دقیق (Daqeeq)
“Daqeeq” means “precise” or “accurate.” For example, “Uska andaza daqeeq tha” means “His estimate was accurate.”
Words for Artistic Expressions
Urdu has a rich tradition of poetry and art. Here are some words that are often used in artistic expressions.
45. شاعری (Shaayari)
“Shaayari” means “poetry.” For example, “Usne apni shaayari sunai” means “He recited his poetry.”
46. مصوری (Musavari)
“Musavari” means “painting.” For example, “Usne apni musavari namayish mein rakhi” means “He displayed his painting in the exhibition.”
47. موسیقی (Moseeqi)
“Moseeqi” means “music.” For example, “Usne khubsurat moseeqi bajai” means “He played beautiful music.”
48. ادبی (Adabi)
“Adabi” means “literary.” For example, “Woh adabi majlis mein shamil tha” means “He was part of the literary gathering.”
49. فنکار (Fankar)
“Fankar” means “artist.” For example, “Woh ek mashhoor fankar hai” means “He is a famous artist.”
Words for Political and Social Discussions
In advanced conversations, especially those involving politics and society, specific vocabulary is crucial.
50. جمہوریت (Jamhooriyat)
“Jamhooriyat” means “democracy.” For example, “Pakistan ek jamhoori mulk hai” means “Pakistan is a democratic country.”
51. آمریت (Aamriyat)
“Aamriyat” means “dictatorship.” For example, “Unke mulk mein aamriyat thi” means “There was a dictatorship in their country.”
52. معاشرت (Masharat)
“Masharat” means “society.” For example, “Hamari masharat mein bohot se masail hain” means “There are many issues in our society.”
53. مساوات (Masawat)
“Masawat” means “equality.” For example, “Woh masawat ka hami hai” means “He is a proponent of equality.”
54. انصاف (Insaaf)
“Insaaf” means “justice.” For example, “Humein insaaf chahiye” means “We need justice.”
Words Related to Nature
Understanding words related to nature can enrich your conversations and comprehension.
55. پہاڑ (Pahaar)
“Pahaar” means “mountain.” For example, “Himalaya aik bara pahaar hai” means “The Himalayas is a big mountain.”
56. دریا (Darya)
“Darya” means “river.” For example, “Sindh darya Pakistan ka sabse lamba darya hai” means “The Indus River is the longest river in Pakistan.”
57. جنگل (Jangal)
“Jangal” means “forest.” For example, “Amazon ka jangal duniya ka sabse bara jangal hai” means “The Amazon rainforest is the largest forest in the world.”
58. صحرا (Sehra)
“Sehra” means “desert.” For example, “Sahara dunya ka sabse bara sehra hai” means “The Sahara is the largest desert in the world.”
59. سمندر (Samundar)
“Samundar” means “ocean.” For example, “Pacific samundar sabse bara samundar hai” means “The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean.”
Conclusion
Mastering these advanced Urdu words will significantly elevate your command of the language. Not only will you be able to express yourself more eloquently, but you will also gain a deeper appreciation of Urdu’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage. Keep practicing these words in your daily conversations, writing, and reading to make them a natural part of your vocabulary. Happy learning!