So, you’ve built up a solid vocabulary base. You’ve almost perfected your pronunciation. You’ve even gained a strong command of Urdu grammar… But you still struggle to understand the words and phrases used by native Urdu speakers in conversations. 

Any experienced language learner can tell you that spoken language is far different from what you learn in the classroom or textbook. A great example of this is filler words. 

If you’re ready to start having better conversations in Urdu, it’s time to give the devil its due by focusing your attention on Urdu filler words. At this stage, you must set aside the intricate linguistic rules and regulations you’ve learned so far. Start contemplating the real-life situations that you’ve had (or may come across) while interacting with native Urdu speakers in Pakistan.

While linguistic experts may scoff at the use of fillers in conversation and write them off as cliché, one cannot refute their effectiveness and necessity in everyday Urdu. Learning them will not only give you a leg up in conversations, but also give you more insight into Pakistani culture.

In this article, you’ll learn the basics about fillers in the Urdu language and examine some of the most widely used Urdu conversation filler words.

→ By the way, for more phrases to impress your Urdu-speaking friends, see our vocabulary lists of Essential Idioms That Will Make You Sound Like a Native Speaker and Essential Vocabulary for Talking About the Language.

Table of Contents

1. What are filler words and why do we use them?
2. The Top 10 Urdu Filler Words
3. Pros and Cons of Filler Words
4. Conclusion

1. What are filler words and why do we use them?

Let’s start with a brief introduction to Urdu filler words and their utility in spoken Urdu. 

A filler is a word, phrase, or sound that is used when speaking, even though it adds no real meaning to what’s being said. For example, you may hear some Urdu speakers use phrases like جیسے کہ (Jaise ke) or اچھا (Acha) in their conversations; these phrases are not used to add linguistic meaning, but rather to serve a separate function. 

Common uses of filler words in Urdu

Urdu filler words perform the same basic functions as those in English or other languages. Here are just a few roles that filler words play in our conversations:

They help us sound natural.

Using the occasional Urdu filler word in the right context can help your speech sound more fluid and natural. Doing so will indicate to others that you’ve attained native-like competence in the Urdu language through hard work. 

They signal to others that we have more to say. 

A well-placed filler word in Urdu can signal to the other party that you’re not finished speaking yet, even if you’ve paused for a moment. This can help you buy time and keep the podium while you think of how to phrase your next point.

They can help us emphasize a point or argument. 

Since filler words help you borrow some time during a speech or conversation, they can also provide you with a fair opportunity to emphasize your argument. This is because you’ll have ample time to underscore your stance and make an impact.

2. The Top 10 Urdu Filler Words

Now that you know more about Urdu filler words and how they’re used, it’s quite appropriate to move forward and introduce our list of the top fillers in Urdu.

#1 اچھا (Acha) 

• English: “Well”

اچھا (acha) is the most widely used Urdu filler word in Pakistan. Depending on the context, you may hear native Urdu speakers using it in the middle or at the beginning of a sentence.

اچھا، آپ کا نام کیا ہے؟
Acha, aap ka naam kya hai?
“Well, what is your name?”

آپ آ گئے، اچھا، کیا آپ آج رات قیام کریں گے؟
Aap aa gaye, acha, kya aap aaj raat qayam karein gay?
“You arrived; well, will you stay tonight?”

#2 کیا (Kya) 

• Literally: “What”
• English Equivalent: “Really”

کیا (kya) is another Urdu filler that you’ll hear frequently during your stay in Pakistan. It can be translated as “what” in English, though its meaning depends upon the context in which it’s used. Most of the time, it is nearly equivalent to the English word “really.” 

Keep in mind that the meaning of filler words in Urdu sometimes depends on the intonation used by the speaker, as is the case here. 

کیا؟ آپ جھوٹ تو نہیں بول رہے؟
Kya? aap jhoot toh nahi bol rahe?
“Really? Aren’t you telling a lie?”

#3 نہ کریں (Na karain) 

• Literally: “Don’t do it”
• English Equivalent: “Don’t say it”

If someone says something unbelievable, use this filler word to take your time and think about how to phrase your response.

نہ کریں، میں یقین نہیں کر پا رہا۔
Na karain, mei yaqeen nahi kar pa raha.
“Don’t say it, I cannot believe it.”

#4 جیسے کہ (Jaise ke)

• English: “Like”

One of the most popular filler words in the Urdu language, this one is often used by native speakers to delay their response or to validate a point through an example.

مجھے کچھ باتیں ناپسند ہیں جیسے کہ۔۔۔
Mujhe kuch baatain napasand hain jaise ke…
“I dislike a few things, like…”

#5 ارے (Aray)

• Literally: “Hey”
• English Equivalent: “Wow”

The exact meaning of this Urdu filler word is conveyed largely through the tone of the speaker. For example:

کیا کہا؟ ارے! آپ کمال کے انسان ہیں۔
Kya kaha? Arey! aap kamal ke insaan hain.
“What did you say? Wow! You are a wonderful person.”

#6 ہم م م (Hmmm)

• English: “Hmmm”

Using this filler in Urdu is a great way to buy time while you think about your next move and sentence. The other person will give you time and space to complete your point before taking their turn to speak. 

میں سوچ رہا ہوں، ہم م م۔۔۔
Mei soch raha hun, hmmm…
“I am thinking, hmmm…”

#7 ٹھیک (Theek)

• English: “Right”

This Urdu word gives an affirmative meaning, but when used as a filler, it’s usually followed by a differing opinion.

میں آپ کی بات سمجھتا ہوں۔ ٹھیک ہے، لیکن میری رائے کچھ اور ہے۔
Mei aap ki baat samajhta hun, theek hai, lekin meri raye kuch aur hai.
“I understand you, right, but I differ in my opinion.”

#8 تو (Tou)

• Literally: “Then”
• English Equivalent: “Well”

تو (tou) is another oft-used Urdu filler word. Here’s an example of how you can use it in your conversations:

تو۔۔۔ کیا یہ آپ کا آخری فیصلہ ہے؟
Tou…kya ye aap ka aakhri faisla hai?
“So…is it your final decision?”

#9 آہ (Ah)

• English: “Oh”

آہ (ah) is particularly beneficial when you intend to say something sorrowful after it. This filler word sets the tone and tempo for your melancholy discussion. 

آہ۔۔۔ ایسا نہیں ہونا چاہئے تھا۔
Ah…aisa nahin hona chahiye tha.
“Ah…it should not have happened.”

#10 آپ کو تو پتہ ہے (Aap ko tou patah hai)

• English: “You know”

This filler is a jack of all trades. You’ll hear Pakistani people use it extensively during their conversations. It can normally be used in any context to fill the space between two comprehensible phrases or clauses.

میں وہاں گیا، آپ کو تو پتہ ہے، جانا پڑتا ہے۔
Mei wahan gaya, aap ko tou pata hai, jana parhta hai.
“I went there, you know, one has to go.”

3. Pros and Cons of Filler Words

Now, let’s have a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of using Urdu filler words.

PRO: Fillers can serve as an informal substitution for a word or phrase.

It’s easy to bore listeners with overly formal or lengthy sentences. Using fillers can help you break up the lengthier parts of your speech and help you come across as more open or friendly. 

PRO: Using them can help native speakers more easily accept you. 

Since filler words are used in real-life scenarios, using them well can set you apart from other learners and make you sound more natural. For this reason, natives will lend a keener ear to you and more readily accept you into their circle.

CON: They can make a conversation dull or leave you unheard/misunderstood.

Since you’re acquiring a second language, you must be careful to use filler words wisely. Overusing them may sound monotonous and people may not bother to hear or comprehend what you’re saying, which can cause a more pronounced communication barrier.

4. Conclusion

In this article, you’ve learned about Urdu filler words and how to use them. We’ve also introduced you to the most common fillers in Urdu and discussed the pros and cons of using them yourself. 

Do you feel prepared to pick and use the occasional Urdu filler word in your daily conversations to surprise native speakers? Or did we miss anything? If you still have questions on the topic, don’t hesitate to contact us at UrduPod101.com. We’ll get back to you at the earliest.

Furthermore, we recommend visiting UrduPod101.com frequently. We are a rich repository of Urdu language learning resources, with materials and lessons on grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, useful phrases, etc. It’s our goal to help you hone your Urdu language skills in every category.

Very Happy Urdu Learning!

Many love stories end long before they even start due to linguistic and cultural barriers. In fact, a linguistic error can sometimes be more fatal than no communication at all! 

If a native Urdu speaker has won your affections, there’s no better way to strengthen your bond than by learning how to express your love in Urdu. The Urdu language is full of romance and romanticism, but all the sweet nothings in the world won’t mean a thing if you use them at the wrong time or in the wrong context. 

In addition, you should always take into account the cultural differences between Western culture and Pakistani culture. For example, in Pakistani society, you can’t just go out on random romantic conquests. Before making an advance toward the object of your affection, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the dating norms of Pakistan. 

In this article from UrduPod101.com, we’ll help you out on both fronts. You’ll learn the most common love phrases in Urdu, pick up some sweet terms of endearment, and read a few inspiring quotes about love in Urdu that you can use to further win his or her heart. We’ll also provide you with the masculine and feminine variations of each love phrase where applicable, so you can know you’re always saying just the right thing.

Table of Contents

1. Confess Your Affection: Pick-up Lines and More
2. Fall in Deeper: “I Love You,” and More
3. Take it One Step Further: “Will You Marry Me?” and More
4. Endearment Terms
5. Must-Know Love Quotes
6. Conclusion

1. Confess Your Affection: Pick-up Lines and More

After being hit by Cupid’s arrow, the ordeal of a lover starts. It’s time for you to show your mettle and take the initiative in revealing your love and affection for the beloved. In this section, you’ll find some helpful sentences you can use to impress the man or woman of your dreams and express your love in the Urdu language. 

If you don’t mind, I want to tell you something special. 

If you’re a man:
اگر آپ برا نہ منائیں تو میں آپ کو کچھ خاص بتانا چاہتا ہوں۔
Agar aap bura na manayain tu mei aap ko kuch khaas batana chahta hun.

If you’re a woman:
اگر آپ برا نہ منائیں تو میں آپ کو کچھ خاص بتانا چاہتی ہوں۔
Agar aap bura na manayain tu mei aap ko kuch khaas batana chahti hun.

Can I talk about something personal to you?

If you’re a man:
کیا میں آپ سے کچھ ذاتی بات کر سکتا ہوں؟
Kya mei aap se kuch zati baat kar sakta hun?

If you’re a woman:
کیا میں آپ سے کچھ ذاتی بات کر سکتی ہوں؟
Kya mei aap se kuch zati baat kar sakti hun?

I have to say something important to you. 

مجھے آپ سے کچھ ضروری کہنا ہے!
Mujhe aap se kuch zaroori kehna hai.
I have to say something important to you.

Would you like to have a cup of tea with me? 

If you’re a man: 
کیا آپ میرے ساتھ چائے پیئیں گی؟
Kya aap mere saath chai piain gi?

If you’re a woman: 
کیا آپ میرے ساتھ چائے پیئیں گے؟
Kya aap mere saath chai piain gay?

I need a bit of your time. 

مجھے آپ کا تھوڑا سا وقت چاہئے۔
Mujhe aap ka thoda sa waqt chahiye.

Are you engaged?

کیا آپ کی منگنی ہو چکی ہے؟
Kya aap ki mangni ho chuki hai?

I like you.

If you’re a man:
آپ مجھے اچھی لگتی ہیں۔
Aap mujhe achi lagti hain.

If you’re a woman: 
آپ مجھے اچھے لگتے ہیں۔
Aap mujhe achay lagtay hain.

I have started thinking more about you. 

If you’re a man:
میں آپ کے بارے میں زیادہ سوچنے لگا ہوں۔
Mei aap ke baray mein ziada sochne laga hun.

If you’re a woman:
میں آپ کے بارے میں زیادہ سوچنے لگی ہوں۔
Mei aap ke baray mein ziada sochne lagi hun.

→ Do you need some inspiration for your upcoming date? Here are The 10 Most Romantic Ideas for a Date in Urdu!

2. Fall in Deeper: “I Love You,” and More

If you’ve confessed your love and didn’t get a hint to stop, here comes the crucial moment. Summon your courage and go a step further. Open your heart to your beloved and don’t hesitate to say that you’re in love.

Before we dive in, please note that there are a few different words for “love” in Urdu: 

• پیار (pyar)
• عشق (ishq)
• محبت (mohabbat)
• الفت (ulfat) 

Now, here are some great ways to say “I love you,” in Urdu and ultimately win their heart…

I love you.

If you’re a man:
میں آپ سے محبت کرتا ہوں۔
Mei aap se mohabbat kerta hun.

If you’re a woman: 
میں آپ سے محبت کرتی ہوں۔
Mei aap se mohabbat karti hun.

I love you, too. 

You can add the Urdu word بھی to respond to this statement positively. 

If you’re a man:
میں بھی آپ سے محبت کرتا ہوں۔
Mei bhi aap se mohabbat kerta hun.

If you’re a woman: 
میں بھی آپ سے محبت کرتی ہوں۔
Mei bhi aap se mohabbat kerti hun.

I am in love with you. 

مجھے تم سے محبت ہو گئی ہے۔
Mujhe tum se mohabbat ho gayi hai.

 It is hard to live without you. 

میرا آپ کے بغیر جینا مشکل ہے۔
Mera aap ke baghair jeena mushkil hai.

I have fallen in love with you.

If you’re a man:
میں آپ کے عشق میں ڈوب چکا ہوں۔
Mei aap ke ishq mein doob chuka hun.

If you’re a woman:
میں آپ کے عشق میں ڈوب چکی ہوں۔
Mei aap ke ishq mein doob chuki hun.

→ Need some romantic inspiration? See our list of 15 Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day!

3. Take it One Step Further: “Will You Marry Me?” and More

As discussed earlier, Pakistani society is not a liberal one. As such, marriage proposals take precedence over love affairs. Usually, marriage proposals are sent through the parents or elders of one family to the other family; however, proposals given through any means are preferred over no marriage proposal at all. 

Below are some ways of proposing to your beloved in the Urdu language.

Would you like to spend the rest of your life with me? 

If you’re a man:
کیا آپ باقی کی زندگی میرے ساتھ گزارنا پسند کریں گی؟
Kya aap baqi ki zindagi mere saath guzaarna pasand karain gi?

If you’re a woman:
کیا آپ باقی کی زندگی میرے ساتھ گزارنا پسند کریں گے؟
Kya aap baqi ki zindagi mere saath guzaarna pasand karain gay?

Will you marry me?

If you’re a man:
مجھ سے شادی کرو گی؟
Mujh se shaadi karo gi?

If you’re a woman:
مجھ سے شادی کرو گے؟
Mujh se shaadi karo gay?

Would you be my children’s mother / father? 

If you’re a man asking a woman: 
کیا تم میرے بچوں کی ماں بنو گی؟
Kya tum mere bachon ki maan bano gi?

If you’re a woman asking a man: 
کیا تم میرے بچوں کے باپ بنو گے؟
Kya tum mere bachon ke baap bano gay?

→  Here are some more Marriage Proposal Lines in Urdu to sweep your beloved off their feet!

4. Endearment Terms

Below you’ll find a brief list of widely used terms of endearment in Urdu. Choose one or two of your favorites, and begin using them in conversations with your significant other. 

میرے ہمدم
Mere humdum
My beloved

جانو
Janu
Honey

To be used for males:

میرے محبوب
Mere mehboob
My beloved

To be used for females:

میری محبوبہ<
Meri mehbobah
My beloved

میری جان
Meri jaan
My life

میری زندگی
Meri zindagi
My life

5. Must-Know Love Quotes

Want to really dazzle your other half? Here are a few love quotes in Urdu with their English translations. Each of these quotes is widely popular in Pakistani society, and using them with your loved one is sure to leave a lasting impression. 

عشق وہ آتش ہے غالب جو لگائے نہ لگے جو بجھائے نہ بجھے۔
Ishq woh aatish hai Ghalib jo lagaye na lage jo bujhaye na bhujhey.
The fire of love can neither be ignited nor extinguished deliberately.

عشق اور مشک چھپتے نہیں۔
Ishq aur mushk chupte nahin.
Love and fragrance cannot be hidden.

اک آگ کا دریا ہے اور ڈوب کر جانا ہے
Yeh ishq nahin aasaan bas itna samajh lijiye
Ik aag ka derya hai aur doob ker jaana hai
It is not easy to love; it is equivalent to crossing the river of fire.

یہ عشق کا جادو ہے سر چڑھ کر بولے گا۔
Yeh ishq ka jadu hai sar charh kar bolay ga.
Love’s magic speaks at high notes.

محبت اور جنگ میں سب جائز ہے۔
Mohabbat aur jung mein sab jaiz hai.
Everything is fair in love and war.

عشق بچوں کا کھیل نہیں ہے۔
Ishq bachon ka khel nahi hai.
Love is not child’s play.

→ We have a list of even more Urdu Quotes About Love if these weren’t enough. 😉

6. Conclusion

In this article, you learned a variety of romantic words and phrases in the Urdu language to use at every stage of your romantic relationship. We hope that you can use this information to make a lasting impression on the object of your affection, and that you’re on your way to a committed and loving relationship. 

Did we miss anything? Do you think that some aspects have been left unexplored in this article? Let us know in the comments section, and we’ll get back to you with the answers to your questions. 

Knowing Urdu love phrases is a great place to start if you’re hoping to begin or strengthen your relationship with a native speaker. But there’s still a lot more to learn! 

At UrduPod101.com, you can study the Urdu language and explore Pakistani culture with our numerous learning resources and lessons. Here are a few pages to get you started:

• Urdu dictionary
• Grammar
• Pronunciation
• Vocabulary lists
• Top 25 Urdu Phrases

Very Happy Urdu Learning!

Paulo Coehlo said it well: When you say “Yes” to others, make sure you are not saying “No” to yourself.

Wherever you are in the world, knowing how to say ‘no’ tactfully is an invaluable skill. It’s crucial to have the linguistic tools necessary to assert your identity and keep in balance with others. 

In Pakistan, it’s customary to be mindful and courteous while giving a negative statement or response to someone. Due to these cultural nuances, today we’ll teach you not only how to form negative sentences in Urdu but also how to apply them to various real-life situations. In addition, we’ll introduce you to several negative expressions in the Urdu language that you can start practicing right away.

→ Looking for more ways to assert your identity? Then you may also enjoy our vocabulary list of Must-Know Expressions for Agreeing and Disagreeing!

Table of Contents

1. How to Negate a Statement
2. Giving a Negative Response to a Question
3. Other Negating Words and Phrases
4. Double Negatives
5. Conclusion

1. How to Negate a Statement

The basic words of negation in Urdu are: نہ (nah) – “no“ and نہیں  (nahin) – “no” / “not.“ In this section, you’ll learn how to use these words in different sentences to impart the proper meaning to your interlocutors.

Generally speaking, the most common way to make a sentence negative in Urdu is: 

Noun + نہیں (nahin) + Conjugated Verb

This is a simple formula that requires no additional changes to the sentence nor any further negation words.

Urdu Negation in Simple Present Tense

وہ سکول جاتا ہے۔
Woh school jata hai.
He goes to school.

وہ سکول نہیں جاتا ہے۔
Woh school nahin jata hai.
He does not go to school.

In the negative sentence, you can see that the Urdu word نہیں (nahin) is placed after the noun سکول (school) and before the conjugated form of the Urdu verb جاتا (jata).

Urdu Negation in Simple Past Tense

وہ لاہور گئی۔
Woh Lahore gayi.
She went to Lahore.

وہ لاہور نہیں گئی۔
Woh Lahore nahin gayi.
She did not go to Lahore.

In the negative Urdu sentence above, you can see that the word نہیں (nahin) is added after the noun لاہور (Lahore) and before the conjugated verb گئی (gai).

Urdu Negation in Future Simple Tense

ہم رات کا کھانا کھائیں گے۔
Hum raat ka khana khayain gay.
We will have dinner.

ہم رات کا کھانا نہیں کھائیں گے۔
Hum raat ka khana nahin khayain gay.
We will not have dinner.

Again, you can see that the word نہیں (nahin) is added after the noun رات کا کھانا (raat ka khana), meaning “dinner,” and before the conjugated verb کھائیں (khayain).

2. Giving a Negative Response to a Question

Having learned the fundamentals of negation in the Urdu language, let’s now look at how to respond to questions by negating them in Urdu. In this context, you can take one of two approaches: 

1) You can be courteous enough to refuse politely.

2) You can give an upfront “No” to avoid any such invitations in the future.

Giving a Polite Negative Response in Urdu

If you find yourself caught in a formal situation where you want to say no to an invitation, it’s always recommended that you refuse it politely. Otherwise, the other person may take offense. 

Let’s see how to do this…

Question:

کیا آپ میرے ساتھ رات کا کھانا کھائیں گے؟
Kia aap mere sath raat ka khana khayain gay?
Will you have dinner with me?

Response:

معذرت خواہ ہوں، میں ذاتی مصروفیت کی وجہ سے ایسا کرنے سے قاصر ہوں۔
Maazrat khwah hun, mei zati masroofiyat ki wajah se aisa kernay se qasir hun.
Sorry, I am unable to do so due to personal commitments.

In this scenario, someone asks you to have dinner with him in Urdu and you wish to decline politely. Here, the most formal and recommended way of declining is to add the Urdu phrase, معذرت خواہ ہوں (maazrat khwah hun) to the beginning of the sentence. This phrase is equivalent to the English word “sorry” and can be used by both male and female speakers without any changes.

The next sentence—میں ذاتی مصروفیات کی وجہ سے ایسا کرنے سے قاصر ہوں۔ (Mein zati masroofiyat ki wajah se aisa kernay se qasir hun.)—will allow you to decline an invitation without offending the other person.

→ For more options, you can check out our vocabulary list Ways to Reject an Invitation.

Giving a Flat Negative Response in Urdu

Now, it’s time to learn how to assert yourself while refusing an unwelcome invitation and preventing future invitations.

Question:

کیا آپ میرے ساتھ رات کا کھانا کھائیں گے؟
Kia aap meray sath raat ka khana khayain gay?
Will you have dinner with me?

Response:

نہیں، آپ اپنے کام سے کام رکھیں۔
Nahin, aap apne kaam se kaam rakhain.
No, mind your own business.

In this sentence, you can see that the word نہیں، (nahin) serves as a sort of blunt refusal that does not have any preceding courtesy word or phrase. The remaining part of the sentence—آپ اپنے کام سے کام رکھیں (Aap apne kaam se kaam rakhain.)—is an indication that you’re not interested in any such future invitations.

3. Other Negating Words and Phrases

Besides نہ (nah) and نہیں (nahin), there are a few other expressions that can be used for negation in Urdu. Here are just a few more negation words in Urdu you should know: 

نہ یہ نہ وہ (nah ye nah woh) – neither…nor

This phrase is equivalent to “neither…nor” in English. Here’s an example for you:

مجھے نہ یہ پسند ہے نہ وہ۔
Mujhay nah ye pasand hai nah who.
I like neither this nor that.

 (kabhi nahin) – never

میں تمھیں کبھی نہیں بھولوں گا۔
Mei tumhain kabhi nahin bhoolon ga.
I will never forget you.

کچھ نہیں (kuch nahin) – nothing

This is a versatile phrase that can be used to form a variety of negative sentences in Urdu. It’s used to negate a thing. Here’s just one example: 

میں نے صبح سے کچھ نہیں کھایا۔
Mei ne subah se kuch nahin khaya.
I have eaten nothing since morning.

 (koi nahin) – nobody

This phrase of Urdu negation refers to people. Here’s an example:  

یہاں کوئی نہیں آیا۔
Yahan koi nahin aaya.
Nobody came here.

کہیں نہیں (kahin nahin) – nowhere

The word کہیں نہیں (kahin nahin) is used for the negation of a place:

وہ کہیں نہیں گیا۔
Woh kahin nahin gaya.
He went nowhere.

4. Double Negatives                        

While conversing with native Urdu speakers, you’ll notice that they often use double negatives in their conversations. To understand how double negatives are used in Urdu, you must first learn how to use the word نا (na) as a prefix to negate adjectives and verbs. For example:

• خوش (khush) – “happy” ➜ ناخوش (nakhush) – “unhappy”

When these negative adjectives and verbs are used in tandem with the word نہیں (nahin), the latter word cancels out the negative adjective or verb to make it positive. See the use of the word ناخوش (nakhush) / نہیں (nahin) in the following sentence to better understand this concept: 

وہ مجھ سے ناخوش نہیں ہے۔
Woh mujh se nakhush nahin hai.
He is not unhappy with me.

Ultimately, the sentence is used to negate the already reported negative adjective ناخوش (nakhush). In other words, it indicates that the speaker is on good terms with the person being spoken about. 

Here’s another example: 

مجھے سمجھانا ناممکن نہیں ہے۔
Mujhay samjhana namumkin nahin hai.
It is not impossible to make me understand.

This sentence cancels out the negative adjective ناممکن (namumkin). In other words, it is possible to explain. 

وہ کرکٹ ناپسند نہیں کرتا ہے۔
Woh cricket napasand nahin karta hai.
He does not dislike cricket.

In this sentence, the verb پسند کرنا (pasand kerna), meaning “to like,” is made negative by adding the نا (na) prefix. After the addition of the prefix, its infinitive form becomes ناپسند کرنا (napasand karna), meaning “to dislike.” The word نہیں (nahin) is used with the conjugated form of the negative verb ناپسند کرنا (napasand karna) to further negate it.

In other words: He does like cricket. 

5. Conclusion

In this article, you’ve learned the essentials of Urdu negation. You can now…

• …negate sentences in Urdu.
• …give negative responses to questions.
• …apply a variety of negative Urdu words and phrases to sentences.
• …begin practicing double negation in Urdu.
• …negate verbs and adjectives using the prefix نا (na).

Do you still have any questions? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible! 

In the meantime, make sure to continue exploring UrduPod101.com. We are a rich repository of useful resources that will hone your integrated Urdu language skills. With a free lifetime account, you’ll have access to an Urdu dictionary, grammar and pronunciation guides, vocabulary lists, lessons on useful phrases and expressions, and more. 

Very Happy Urdu Learning!

Is it possible to give a definite time-frame for learning Urdu? 

Frankly speaking, it’s quite difficult to specify exactly how long it will take someone to learn the language. There are multiple variables that affect one’s second-language acquisition, such as necessity, motivation, level of education, culture, and previous experience with languages.

Keeping this in view, it’s also imperative for an aspiring Urdu learner to decide what level of fluency they hope to attain. For example, picking up basic survival phrases for travel will take far less time than trying to become fluent.

In this article, we’ll answer questions such as, “How long does it take to learn Urdu?” and give you some tips on how to learn Urdu fast!

Table of Contents

1. Key Considerations
2. Beginner Level
3. Intermediate Level
4. Advanced Level
5. Learning Urdu When You’re Short on Time
6. Conclusion

Key Considerations

The United States’ Foreign Service Institute (FSI) groups languages into four categories, with Category I languages being those most similar to English and Category IV languages being the least similar. According to this system, Urdu falls under Category III. The FSI approximates that one can gain basic fluency in a Category III language with about 720 hours of intensive study (10 hours per day) and reach full fluency with around 1100 hours (44 weeks) of intensive study. 

Of course, this is only an approximate.

If you plan to study Urdu, you must first take the time to consider the following factors. Doing so will give you a good idea of what your strengths and weaknesses will be as you start out, so you can plan accordingly. Who knows? You may even discover that you’re at an advantage! 

1. Your Background

Have you already studied a second language? Were you raised bilingual? What language(s) do you know besides English? 

Your answers to these questions will play a major role in how long it takes to learn Urdu. 

Urdu learners who already know an Oriental language tend to have a much easier time with their studies than learners who do not. In addition, people who have learned a second language already—no matter what that language is—have a huge advantage over those who only know one language. 

Also, a person with prior exposure to the native Pakistani culture and ways of living is at an advantage. 

2. Your Motivation

Another dominant factor that may affect the pace of your Urdu learning is your implicit or explicit motivation for learning the language. If you have a lucrative end-goal in mind (such as a promotion or acceptance to a university) or are learning so you can better communicate with a loved one, you’ll be willing to put in more effort and will achieve your goals faster.

3. Your Learning Methods

Your selected method of learning is another significant factor here. For example, students who learn via the grammar-translation method will require a different amount of overall learning time than students being taught via the direct method. 

In the same vein, you should determine whether to take an Urdu course at a language institution, at a university, via a tutor, or even online. Each of these methods will result in a different type of language learning experience, and the amount of time it takes you to master Urdu will vary as a result. 

Of course, any learning method you opt for should be supplemented (as much as possible) by direct exposure to the language and immersion in the culture.

Beginner Level

It may take you around 150 to 200 hours to reach the A1 (absolute beginner) level.

At the beginner level, you should be able to understand and apply basic survival phrases and other day-to-day vocabulary. There are a few fundamental concepts of the Urdu language you should focus on mastering at this point. Here are some tips on how to learn Urdu quickly as you approach and attain the beginner level: 

1. Study the basic syntax. 

Try to focus on the rudimentary word order and sentence structure. It’s too early to comprehend all of it right away, but you should still familiarize yourself with the basics. It will become more clear to you as you advance and gain more exposure to the language. 

→ A great place to start is with our blog post Urdu Sentence Structure & Word Order: An Ultimate Companion. Here, we outline the basics and provide you with solid examples!

2. Start dealing with the present. 

The present tense is very important when learning any language. Try to grasp command over the present tense, and practice using it with the first and second person pronouns.

3. Don’t hesitate to conjugate.

While you shouldn’t be overly ambitious here, you should try learning to conjugate some basic Urdu verbs. Practice is the only way to get better, and your mistakes will help you learn even faster! 

→ Conjugation can be intimidating, but we at UrduPod101.com want to make this aspect of your studies a little bit easier. Check out our article Urdu Verb Conjugation: A Beginner’s Companion for a brief introduction.

4. Flashcards are effective.

Never underestimate the power of the flashcard technique. Try to learn as many nouns, verbs, and adjectives as possible, along with examples of their appropriate usage in the Urdu language.

→ Learn how to use UrduPod101’s mobile flashcards, and start learning new vocabulary anywhere and anytime you’d like!

Intermediate Level

It may take you approximately 500-600 hours to reach the B1 level of proficiency in the Urdu language.

At the intermediate level, you’ll be able to…

• …comprehend basic conversations on familiar topics and things that interest you.
• …interact with native Urdu speakers concerning routine matters. 
• …explain your ideas, plans, and experiences with others in an appropriate manner. 

Here are a few things you can do to learn Urdu effectively at this point:

1. Experiment with the tenses.

At the beginner level, you became familiar with how to use the present tense. Now that you’re approaching the intermediate level, you should begin experimenting with the other tenses. In doing so, you can formulate more interesting sentences on a number of topics.

→ With a free UrduPod101 account, you can go through this intermediate-level audio lesson to learn more about the past tense and how to use it.

2. Build up your vocabulary and practice your pronunciation.

You should focus on building and expanding your vocabulary so that you can avoid using words that sound very basic or childish. In addition, you should work on mastering your pronunciation of Urdu words. Being able to use more advanced words and pronounce them correctly will surely impress native speakers! 

→ Our free vocabulary lists are a great place to learn practical words and phrases revolving around a certain theme, while our pronunciation guide will teach you everything you should know about Urdu pronunciation! 

3. Start learning and using common phrases.

As you build your vocabulary, you should also start learning more common phrases. Pay attention to how native speakers converse with each other, and try applying the most frequently used phrases and sentences to your own speech. At this stage, you can also begin crafting your own unique phrases using your newly acquired vocabulary. This will enhance your sentence formulation skills and keep you interested in your studies.

→ Why not start with our Key Phrase List?

Advanced Level

You should expect to spend a good 1000-1200 hours reaching the threshold of the advanced (C1) level. 

While many learners are satisfied with reaching the intermediate level, the most devoted students have set their minds to mastering Urdu completely! This is a huge feat and certainly not an easy one, but well worth the effort. At the advanced level, you can…

• …understand intricate texts and their implicit meanings. 
• …effectively communicate in both professional and casual contexts. 
• …present your thoughts and ideas in a clear, unmistakable manner. 

Here are a few tips to speed up your progress: 

1. Confidence does matter.

Having reached the B1 level, you’ve covered a lot of distance. Total mastery and command of the Urdu language are not too far out of reach at this point. Nonetheless, you must remember that the final steps are always hard to take.

But don’t worry. Have confidence in yourself. Keep the joy of getting a befitting reward in your mind to muster up your courage for these heavy steps. There’s only one level (B2) between you and your dream level (C1).

2. Explore classic Urdu books, movies, and music.

While traditional study methods play a key role in mastering Urdu, you should begin exploring some secondary Urdu resources as well. The best way to become proficient in the language is to expose yourself to it outside of the classroom (or textbook, or app). 

Some of the best ways to immerse yourself in the language include: 

• Watching classic Urdu movies
• Reading Urdu literature
• Listening to Urdu music

If you’re not sure where to start, why not see our lists of the Top 10 Urdu TV Shows and Drama Series and YouTube Channels to Enhance Your Skills?

3. Interact with native Urdu speakers.

If possible, you should plan to either live in Pakistan for a while or visit for a short time. This will work wonders for your Urdu language skills! Your time in Pakistan will give you constant exposure to Urdu in natural contexts, from slang terms to formal everyday language—something you would miss out on in the traditional classroom setting. 

Learning Urdu When You’re Short on Time

As already discussed, how long it takes to learn Urdu is determined by numerous factors. These include your attitude toward learning it, how much time you spend studying each day, and why you’re learning it in the first place. 

We understand that not everyone has enough time in their busy schedules to attend regular classes or devote hours a day to studying. The good news is that you can learn Urdu online or through mobile apps—both methods give you much more flexibility than traditional courses and let you study from anywhere. 

While there’s no substitute for hard work, we believe these methods can help you learn Urdu more effectively even when you’re short on time. Let’s take a closer look. 

1. Online Resources

Despite the proven track record of classroom education, virtual education has revolutionized the way in which people learn and study. This applies to language learning as well, and you can find many online resources to help you learn Urdu to varying degrees of proficiency.

UrduPod101.com is unparalleled in this regard. We have the solutions to all your language learning problems, and we seek to answer all of your questions and dispel all of your doubts. When you subscribe, you get access to a huge resource of online lessons customized to the needs of Urdu learners at all different levels. We make learning Urdu both fun and effective! 

To reinforce what you’ve learned on our website, you can head over to our YouTube channel and watch any number of our fun, educational videos. 

2. Mobile Phone Applications

Google and other app stores are replete with applications claiming to teach the Urdu language effectively. While many of them can be used as excellent secondary resources, we recommend choosing your learning apps with caution. 

In addition to the InnovativeLanguage101 app, we recommend trying out Learn Urdu Kids. 

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the frequently asked question: How long will it take to learn Urdu? 

We also discussed what factors will determine your learning speed, what skills are expected of you at each Urdu proficiency level, and how to learn Urdu effectively. 

Are you ready to hop on the plane of Urdu learning and enjoy its adventurous pathways? More importantly: Have we answered all of your questions? If not, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible! 

We hope you choose to make UrduPod101.com a part of your Urdu learning diet. We’re a rich repository of learning resources, ready to help you master all of the necessary Urdu language skills. 

Very Happy Urdu Learning!

Have you ever found yourself struggling to get a point across, only to have the perfect proverb come to mind and save the day? You really can’t deny the utility of proverbs in everyday communication! 

The Urdu language is resplendent with traditional sayings and proverbs that reflect the collective consciousness and group identity of its speakers. These Urdu proverbs may come from a variety of sources, from popular folk wisdom to words of the learned elite, but they all share a common cultural understanding and value for the community. 

In this article, we’ll introduce you to several of the most common Urdu proverbs and their meanings in English. Studying these proverbs will not only stretch your vocabulary and grammar muscles, but also get you better acquainted with Pakistani culture and enlighten you on a personal level. Shall we begin?

Table of Contents

1. Proverbs About Success
2. Proverbs About Life
3. Proverbs About Time
4. Proverbs About Love
5. Proverbs About Family and Friends
6. Proverbs About Health
7. Conclusion

1. Proverbs About Success

Let’s start our Urdu proverbs list with a few frequently used proverbs on success. These can serve as words of congratulations or as advice on how to succeed in life. 

→ For even more inspiring words on the topic, make sure to visit our free vocabulary list of the Top 11 Quotes About Success.

#1 

محنت کامیابی کی کنجی ہے۔
‘mehnat kamyabi ki kunji hai.’
Hard work is the key to success.

This proverb is popular in both Urdu- and English-speaking cultures. It can be used to motivate someone to work hard in order to achieve his/her goals, or as a compliment to acknowledge someone’s hard work. 

#2

ہمتِ مرداں مددِ خدا۔
‘himmat e marda madad e khuda.’
God helps those who help themselves.

This Urdu proverb means that when men muster up their courage, the God Almighty helps them. While it literally translates to, “Courage of men, help of God,” it’s very close in meaning to the English saying, “God helps those who help themselves.” Like the previous phrase, it can be used to motivate or compliment someone. 

#3 

کام بِن دام نہیں۔
‘kaam bin daam nahi.’
No pain, no gain.

This proverb means that if you do not work, you will not get money. It’s the near equivalent of the given English proverb. It can be used to warn a worker who isn’t performing well, or to motivate someone to work even harder to earn more money.

#4

مشق انسان کو کامل بنا دیتی ہے.
‘mashq insaan ko kamil bana deti hai.’
Practice makes a man perfect.

This Urdu proverb is the true translation of its English counterpart. It’s used to encourage someone who wants to master a skill or to congratulate someone who has already mastered a skill after practicing very hard.

#5

جہاں چاہ وہاں راہ۔
‘jahan chah wahan raah.’
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Here’s another Urdu proverb that’s the exact translation of its English counterpart. It means that if someone is interested in any particular job, he’ll find an apt way to do it successfully. 

#6

انت بھلا تو سب بھلا۔
‘anth bhala toh sab bhala.’
All’s well that ends well.

This proverb has the same meaning as the English version. In Urdu, it’s used to congratulate someone who has completed a task well despite facing multiple hurdles. It can also be roughly translated as, “The ends justify the means.”

2. Proverbs About Life

Now, let’s spend some time poring over the most common Urdu proverbs about life. These sayings touch on the harsh and sweet realities of our existence, and they’re sure to give you valuable insight into Pakistani culture. 

#7

زندگی پھولوں کی سیج نہیں۔
‘zindagi phoolon ki sej nahi.’
Life is not a bed of roses.

This Urdu proverb is the true translation of its English counterpart. It’s typically used to console someone who has undergone a bitter life experience, though it can also be used to warn young people not to waste their time without purpose and to instead prepare for the hard times. 

#8

زندگی زندہ دلی کا نام ہے۔
‘zindagi zinda dili ka naam hai.’
Life is the name of liveliness.

This is a poetic verse by Sheikh Imam Baksh Nasikh, but has gained acceptance as a proverb in Pakistani society. It’s used to cheer up sad souls and to uplift their spirits to enjoy life fully.

#9

تجربہ سب سے بڑا استاد ہے۔
‘tajurba sab say barha ustad hai.’
Experience is the greatest teacher.

If you know someone who is going through a trying situation or a new experience, you can use this proverb to shed some light on how significant it is.

#10

دودھ کا جلا چھاچھ بھی پھونک پھونک کر پیتا ہے۔
‘doodh ka jala chach bhi phoonk phoonk kar peeta hai.’
A burnt child dreads the fire.

The Urdu version of this proverb is very similar to the Turkish proverb that goes: “If you burn your mouth on hot milk, you blow before you eat yogurt.” It evokes the same imagery as its English counterpart does.  

3. Proverbs About Time

No society could make any significant progress without giving due importance to time. With this in mind, let’s see how people in Pakistan value this priceless commodity…

#11

وقت کسی کا انتظار نہیں کرتا۔
‘waqt kisi ka intezar nahi karta.’
Time and tide wait for none.

In Urdu-speaking societies, this proverb is often used to address the fanciful youth who waste their precious time doing unimportant activities. Feel free to use this phrase on occasion if you come across any such person!

#12

وقت پر ایک ٹانکا نو کا کام کر دیتا ہے۔
‘waqt par ek tanka no ka kaam kar deta hai.’
A stitch in time saves nine.

The Urdu proverb is the literal translation of the English one. It refers to the mending of any stitched article, where getting it fixed early on using only one stitch will save you needing to use nine stitches later on. It means that if one acts in a timely manner, it can save that person from many impending ordeals. 

#13

وقت سب سے بڑا مرہم ہے۔
‘waqt sab say barha marham hai.’
Time is a big healer.

Like its English equivalent, this proverb is used to soothe one’s grief and sorrow. It guarantees that all wounds will heal with time.

#14

وقت وقت کا راگ اچھا ہوتا ہے۔
‘waqt waqt ka raag acha hota hai.’
An appropriate action at the right time and right place is appreciated.

This proverb literally translates to, “The melody is good from time to time.” It refers to raags, a unique component of Eastern Classical music. In a raag, a specific melodic framework is used and then built upon through improvisation in order to influence the emotions of the audience in a fresh, distinctive way. 

The proverb encourages us to take the right step at the right time, and to talk pertinently. For example, if an old person was talking and acting like he was still young, someone may tell him this proverb as a way of saying, “Act your own age.”

#15

وقت پڑنے پر گدھے کو باپ بناتے ہیں۔
‘waqt parhnay per gadhe ko baap banatay hain.’
In the hour of need, fools are praised and respected.

This Urdu proverb can be translated as, “to make a donkey your father in the hour of need.” Both this translation and its English counterpart describe the bitter reality that, when in need, people give even fools undue attention. 

#16

دیر آید درست آید۔
‘der ayad durust aayad.’
Better late than never.

In Urdu-speaking societies, this proverb might be used when a person understands something very late. Saying this to someone would simultaneously point out their mistake and show them that it’s not a big deal. 

#17

آج کا کام کل پر مت چھوڑو۔
‘aaj ka kaam kal par mat chorho.’
Do not put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

The Urdu and English versions of this proverb are synonymous with each other. This proverb is used to help someone understand the value of doing a given task on time.

4. Proverbs About Love

Love is a universal phenomenon, and people from all walks of life and in every culture have something to say about it. Though there are myriads of Urdu proverbs about love, we’ll only cover the most common ones here.

#18

محبت اندھی ہوتی ہے۔
‘Mohabbat andhi hoti hai.’
Love is blind.

This Urdu proverb refers to the blind nature of love. It means that when a person is in love, he/she is unable to evaluate their feelings or the situation rationally. This proverb is often used to point out the irrationality of lovers.

 #19

محبت اور جنگ میں ہر چیز جائز ہوتی ہے۔
‘Mohabbat aur jang mei har cheez jayaz hoti hai.’
Everything is fair in love and war.

The English and Urdu versions of this proverb are identical in meaning. One can use this proverb to comment on (or to justify) the wrongdoings of lovers and warriors. 

#20

دل کو دل سے راہ ہوتی ہے۔
‘dil ko dil se raah hoti hai.’
Love begets love.

This Urdu proverb is the near equivalent of the given English proverb. It means that a loving heart attracts another loving heart. It’s used to express that a person who feels love for another will have their love reciprocated.

#21

دل کو ہو قرار تو سب کو سوجھیں تیوہار۔
‘dil ko ho qarar to sab ko soojhain teohaar.’
A cheerful heart aims at festivities.

We use this proverb when we see someone who is happy and unworried engaging in merrymaking. 

5. Proverbs About Family and Friends

Family and friends are part and parcel of any humane society. Therefore, you’ll find an abundance of proverbs related to friends and family in the Urdu language.

#22

دوست وہ جو مصیبت میں کام آئے۔
‘dost woh jo moseebat mei kaam aaye.’
A friend in need is a friend indeed.

This Urdu proverb means the same thing as its English equivalent, and it helps us to differentiate between true friends and false friends.

#23

اپنا اپنا غیر غیر۔
‘apna apna ghair ghair.’
Blood is thicker than water.

This one refers to the fact that blood relations differ from all other relations. It expresses that our family should always come before the other people in our lives. 

#24

دوست ہوتا نہیں ہر ہاتھ ملانے والا۔
‘dost hota nahi har hath milane wala.’
Every visitor is not a friend.

This is a poetic verse by the famous Urdu poet Ahmad Faraz. Nowadays, it has gained currency as an Urdu proverb, and we use it to draw a line of demarcation between true friends and seasonal birds.

#25

دوست کا دشمن دشمن، دشمن کا دشمن دوست
‘dost ka dushman dushman, dushman ka dushman dost’
The enemy of a friend is an enemy; the enemy of an enemy is a friend.

This famous quote has gained status as a proverb in Pakistan. It justifies the act of befriending the enemy of an enemy and developing animosity for the enemy of a friend. 

#26

یار زندہ صحبت باقی۔
‘yaar zinda sohbat baqi.’
Reunion is subordinate to survival.

We use this phrase when parting ways with friends and loved ones. It also contains an embedded prayer for the survival of the other party and for future reunions with him/her. 

#27

ماں کی دعا جنت کی ہوا۔
‘maa ki dua Jannat ki hawa.’
A mother’s prayer brings heavenly air.

This Urdu proverb is used to elevate the rank of the mother in society. It also has a religious connotation as it’s inspired by an Islamic Hadith meaning that Heaven lies under the feet of the mother.

#28

دوستوں کو قریب لیکن دشمنوں کو قریب تر رکھو۔
‘dosto ko qareeb lekin dushmano ko qareeb tar rakho.’
Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.

We use this proverb to advise others to keep a close eye on their enemies. Because an enemy is likely to try and harm you, it’s important to be vigilant about watching them. 

6. Proverbs About Health

All the pleasures of life become meaningless if you’re unhealthy. Take a look at the proverbs below to see how much importance Pakistani culture places on health.

#29

تندرستی ہزار نعمت ہے
Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.
Health is wealth.

This proverb is the near equivalent of its English counterpart, and it means that health is equal to a thousand blessings. It’s often used to encourage someone to be thankful for their health.

#30

تن سکھی تو من سکھی
‘tan sukhi toh mann sukhi’
Healthy body, healthy mind.

This one states that only a healthy body guarantees a healthy mind. It’s often used to emphasize the significance of a healthy lifestyle, especially when speaking to workaholics or those who don’t take good care of themselves. 

#31

پرہیز علاج سے بہتر ہے۔
‘perhaiz ilaj se behtar hai.’
Prevention is better than cure.

This proverb underscores that it’s better to prevent a problem than to fix it after it happens. We most often use it to convince someone to take preventive measures so they can avoid the anticipated medical complications.

7. Conclusion

In this article, you learned a number of commonly used Urdu proverbs with their meanings in English. By memorizing these proverbs and learning how to use them, you can begin to take on your new identity as a very literate Urdu speaker and impress those around you. 

Which proverbs did you most resonate with, and why? We recommend starting with those, because they’ll be easier for you to remember! 

If studying these proverbs has made you even more curious about Pakistani culture and the nuances of the Urdu language, consider creating your free lifetime account with UrduPod101.com. We will be your friendly and knowledgeable companion, always here to help you along on your language learning journey. To give you a sample of what to expect, here are links to just a few resources we provide our learners: 

• Free Vocabulary Lists 
• Painless Urdu Grammar
• Basic Urdu Pronunciation
• Urdu Alphabet
• Cracking the Urdu Writing System

Very happy Urdu learning! 

Is Islamabad your next summer holiday destination? Endowed with natural beauty and embellished with well-thought-out and perfectly executed infrastructure, Islamabad remains one of the best tourist attractions in Pakistan. In addition, the city’s cultural diversity marks it with a cosmopolitan hue and makes it the ultimate heaven for tourists.

The city was built in 1960 to become the capital of Pakistan. Despite its youth, the city has its historic value, a few glimpses of which will be provided in this Islamabad travel guide from UrduPod101.com.

Before you travel to Islamabad, it’s crucial that you know the best and most beautiful attractions in this lively city. To give you a hand, we’ll not only outline the top ten places to visit in Islamabad, but also provide you with useful information on the city and a list of Urdu survival phrases.   

Table of Contents

1. Considerations Before You Go
2. 10 Must-Visit Places in Islamabad
3. Even More Places to Visit for an Extended Stay
4. Urdu Survival Phrases for Travelers
5. Conclusion

Considerations Before You Go

We’ll start with a question that many potential tourists ask themselves: “Is it safe to visit Islamabad?” The answer to this question is a very simple “yes.” Islamabad has a steady system of law and order, and the crime rate here is very low compared to that of other global metropolitans.

Why Visit Islamabad?

Islamabad is the federal capital of Pakistan, situated in the Pothohar Plateau 14 kilometers northeast of Rawalpindi. With a population of just over 1.1 million, it’s considered the ninth-largest Pakistani city. It’s famous for its high living and maintenance standards, and the city itself was built with immaculate planning.

While visiting Islamabad, you’ll find greenery everywhere due to its tropical rainy climate. The beautiful Margalla Hills, for example, lend the city a breath of fresh air. Islamabad is a place where you can find modernity inextricable from nature.

Still not convinced this gorgeous city is for you? Read on for more compelling reasons to visit Islamabad! 

An Ideal Time to Visit

As an insider, I would encourage you not to worry about finding the “best” time to visit Islamabad. The weather of Islamabad remains moderate most of the year, and bouts of extreme weather are very unusual. I recommend booking your tickets at the earliest. Natural beauty and cultural uniqueness abound any time of year! 

Popular Intercity Modes of Transportation

In Islamabad, taxis are the most popular mode of transportation. Other than that, you can also use the Metro Bus Service, which covers most of the areas of Islamabad. Remember to bargain over taxi fare with the taxi driver before hiring, because some of them tend to overcharge foreigners (if not all their passengers).

Language

Though Islamabad accommodates people from all provinces and foreign lands, the Urdu language is a binding factor and is used for most communication and connection among the city’s inhabitants. Since most of Islamabad’s citizens are educated, English is also used as a lingua franca to communicate with foreigners.

Food & Lodging

You can book a hotel at rates of anywhere from 4000 Pakistani rupees (about 25 USD) to 25000 (about 155.50 USD) per night. As for food, you can get a wide variety of Desi, Chinese, and continental food in Islamabad. Dining can be as cheap as 500 PKR (about 3 USD) per meal, or as costly as a Western five-star restaurant.

If you’re a lover of Desi cuisine, don’t forget to visit UrduPod101’s article all about Pakistani Cuisine!

10 Must-Visit Places in Islamabad

Now that you’re equipped with the information you need to make the most of your trip, let’s have a look at the top ten must-visit places in Islamabad.

یادگارِ پاکستان .1 (Yadgar-e-Pakistan) – Pakistan Monument

Inaugurated on March 23, 2007, Pakistan Monument is one of the national monuments of Pakistan. It’s situated on the Western Hills of Shakarparian, has a total area of 2.8 hectares, and features a granite construction. 

An average of 1500 tourists visit this site each day, taking in its unique blooming flower shape. Its four chief petals represent the unity of Pakistan. An aerial view of the monument gives the impression of a crescent with a star in its center.

2 (Shah Faisal Masjid) – Shah Faisal Mosque

Shah Faisal Mosque is another must-visit place in Islamabad. You’ll find this mosque on the foothills of the Margalla Hills. The mosque is named after the Saudi King Faisal, who granted $120 million for the construction of this mosque in 1976. The mosque bears a contemporary design inspired by a nomadic tent in an Arabian desert.

The total area of the mosque is approximately 54,000 square feet, including the structure. It’s located on the northern side of Faisal Avenue.

3 (National Art Gallery)

The National Art Gallery is the first of its kind in Pakistan. It’s located in Islamabad, opposite the مجلسِ شوریٰ (Majlis-e-Shoora), or the Parliament of Pakistan, and ایوانِ صدر (Aiwan-e-Sadar), which is the Pakistani President’s House. The gallery is run by پاکستان قومی انجمن فنون (Pakistan Qaumi Anjuman Fanoon), or the Pakistan National Council of Arts.

It covers a nearly 1800-square-yard area with a total of fourteen galleries and areas for display. It also has certain other facilities such as a library, lecture halls, laboratories, and arrangements for workshops. The Pakistan National Council of Arts is well-known for arranging the meritorious events regarding visual arts, performing arts, pictorial exhibitions, etc. If you’re an art-lover, do not miss the opportunity to visit this place. It will add value to your memories.

4 (Pakistan Museum of Natural History)

The Pakistan Museum of Natural History is located at the Garden Avenue in Shakarparian, and has been functional since 1976. With a rich collection of over 300,000 objects, it has been divided into four main sections: 

• Earth Sciences
• Botanical Sciences Division
• Zoological Sciences Division
• Public Services Division

Today, it’s one of the largest attractions in Islamabad for tourists and locals alike. 

The museum is a compendium of information on the subjects of geology, ecology, and the country’s paleontology. It’s also a research center that works under the guidance of the وزارتِ سائنس و ٹیکنالوجی (Wazarat-e-science wa technology), or Ministry of Science and Technology. Every day but Friday, the museum is accessible for all from ten a.m. to five p.m. If you’re curious about natural history, include this place on your Islamabad agenda! 

دامنِ کوہ .5 (Daman-e-koh) – Foothill   

The phrase Daman-e-Koh is made by combining the two Persian words دامن (daman) and کوہ (Koh), and it means “foothill.” Located on the Margalla Hills, this is a famous viewing point that attracts many visitors who want to enjoy the panoramic view of Pakistan’s capital. From this point, you can capture the full-frame view of Faisal Mosque, Rawal Lake, and Seventh Avenue with the help of already-installed telescopes. It also serves as a midpoint to the place of Pir Sohawa. 

Coming across wildlife here is a common event, with monkeys being particularly abundant. Some people have even spotted snow leopards during the season of snowfall.   

6 (Lok Virsa Ajaib Ghar) – Lok Virsa Museum

Started in 1974 and gaining autonomy in 2002, لوک ورثہ عجائب گھر (Lok Virsa Ajaib Ghar), or Heritage Museum, is located in Islamabad at the Hills of Shakarparian. The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage runs the museum, which focuses on the subjects of culture and history. It’s a vast complex with an area of 60,000 square feet and the capacity to hold 3000 visitors simultaneously.

Among its major departments are: 

• Pakistan National Museum of Ethnology
• Lok Virsa Library
• Virsa Research and Publication Center
• Virsa Media Center
• Sufi and Shrines Hall 

This is a great source for learning about the folklore, folk music, anthropology, folk history, arts, and so on, of Pakistan. You’ll also be able to see a great collection of Pakistani jewelry, embroidery, pottery, textiles, and statues. Your trip to Islamabad should absolutely include this gem of a museum, especially if you want to explore the Pakistani folk realm.

7 (Said Pur Gaon) – Said Pur Village

With a 500-year-old history, Said Pur Village has been influenced by the Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu eras. The village is situated on the Hills of Margalla in the city of Islamabad. This location has been mentioned in the biography of the famous Mughal emperor Jahangir in Tuzk-e-Jahangiri.

During the Mughal reign, the village was named after Sultan Said Khan, the son of Sultan Sarang Khan. The latter was the lord of the region of the Pothohar. 

Due to its richness in cultural terms, the Government of Pakistan has given concentrated efforts to restore and maintain its ancient grandeur. The goal is to make it an attraction for tourists visiting Islamabad from different corners of the world.

8 (Islamabad Chirrya Ghar) – Islamabad Zoo

If you love animals and want to spend some quality time with the indigenous species, mark the Zoo of Islamabad as a place to visit during your visit to Pakistan. It covers an area of approximately 82 acres in the Hills of Margalla and has a huge collection of birds and animals. In the past, it provided a natural habitat for wildlife, but it has been converted into a zoo for the public.

Roaring wild animals and enchanting fowls are waiting to entertain you and keep you company at the Zoo of Islamabad. Go visit them!

راول جھیل .9 (Rawal Jheel) – Rawal Lake

Covering an area of 8.8 kilometers, Rawal Lake is a water reservoir. A few small streams and the River of Korang contribute to making this artificial reservoir sufficient for the water requirements of the twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi). It’s located in the Hills of Margalla and also touches the premises of the Bani Gala and the villages of Malpur.

It’s a famous picnic spot with heavy flowery plantations. You can enjoy boating and fishing here, and you may even see some rare wildlife species such as jungle cats, wild boars, foxes, jackals, and some poisonous reptiles like the Indian cobra. 

10 (Shahdara Valley)

The Valley of Shahdara is also located in the Hills of Margalla, and it lies at a distance of 10 kilometers from the official residence of the president of Pakistan (Aiwan-e-Sadar). The residents of this valley largely speak Potohari, though they can understand and speak Urdu and Punjabi as well.

It’s full of natural beauty with green hilltops, agricultural planes, natural meadows, and flowing water rills. If you want to return to your country regret-free, do not exclude Shahdara Valley from your list of must-visit places in Islamabad.

Even More Places to Visit for an Extended Stay

Are you going to be spending a little longer in Pakistan and have some extra cash to spend? Great! Here are our recommendations on where to visit in Islamabad for an extended stay.

سملی ڈیم (Simli Dam)

Nineteen miles east of the city of Islamabad, on the Soan River, lies the Simli Dam. This is the drinking water reservoir of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, which gets its water from the melting snow of the Murree Hills. It’s 260 feet high and became functional in 1982. This is a good tourist resort for travelers, so make sure to put it on your list! 

شاہ اللہ دتہ کیوز (Shah Allah Ditta Caves)

Shah Allah Ditta is an ancient village located in Islamabad in the Hills of Margalla, and also functions as the union council of the city of Islamabad. Its history dates back many centuries, as it’s thought to have existed for more than seven hundred years. Its remnants and relics of the Budh culture attract visitors from all over the world. 

فاطمہ جناح باغ (Fatima Jinnah Bagh) – Fatima Jinnah Park

Also known as Capital Park and F-9 Park, Fatima Jinnah Park occupies an area of 750 acres. This public park is named after the مادرِ ملت (Madar-e-millat), or Mother of Nation, Fatima Jinnah. This is one of the best parks to visit in Islamabad if you have enough time during your stay. 

Urdu Survival Phrases for Travelers

When visiting a foreign land, it’s always useful to have a set of phrases and sentences in the native language. They can save you trouble and money under numerous circumstances. To give you a head start, here are some useful Urdu survival phrases that you can use as needed.

 السلامُ علیکم
(Assalam-u-alaikum.)
Hello.

 صبح بخیر
(Subha Bakhair.)
Good morning.

اللہ حافظ
(Allah Hafiz.)
Goodbye.

شکریہ
(Shukriya.)
Thank you.

 معاف کیجئے گا۔
(Maaf Kijiye ga.)
Excuse me.

میں معافی چاہتا/چاہتی ہوں۔
(Main Maafi chahta/chahti hun.)
I am sorry.

بیت الخلاء کہاں ہے؟
(Baitul Khala Kahan Hai?)
Where is the restroom?

براہِ مہربانی کیا آپ دُہرا سکتے ہیں؟
(Barah-e-meharbani kya aap dohra sakte hain?)
Can you repeat it, please?

براہِ مہربانی، ذرا آہستہ۔
(Barah-e-meharbani, zara aahista.)
A bit slower, please.

معاف کیجئے، مجھے سمجھ نہیں آئی۔
(Maaf kijiye, mujhe samajh nahi aayi.)
I am sorry, I couldn’t understand.

کیا آپ انگلش بولتے ہیں؟
(Kia aap English bolte hain?)
Do you speak English?

In addition to learning these survival phrases, we recommend checking out our lesson on the 20 Travel Phrases You Should Know on UrduPod101.com.

Conclusion

In this article, you’ve learned tons of useful information to help you plan your visit to Islamabad: the best time to visit, what to expect weather-wise, the best places to see, and much more. 

Are you ready to pack your bags and book your ticket to Islamabad? Are you excited to explore the beauty and cultural heritage of this magnificent city? 

If so, you’re in for the experience of a lifetime. But it’s okay if you’re not quite feeling up to the task yet. Feel free to leave us a comment with any questions you still have about Islamabad or Pakistan in general. We’re always glad to help! 

Also, remember to visit UrduPod101.com to hone your Urdu language skills. Our website is a rich repository of Urdu language learning resources with pages on Urdu vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and more—all designed to develop your integrated language skills and help you benefit from them in real-life situations.

Very Happy Urdu Learning!

While visiting Pakistan, don’t be surprised if you hear the indigenous people using a few English words in their Urdu conversations. This implementation of English words in the Urdu language (a phenomenon referred to as Pinglish or Paklish) is a normal occurrence in everyday Urdu speech. 

The English language and culture have imprinted deeply on Pakistani society, largely due to the historical colonial context of Pakistan. Remember that before it gained its independence in 1947, Pakistan was under British rule for many decades.

In this article, we’ll discuss two categories of English words used in the Urdu language: Pinglish/Paklish and loanwords. And because this language exchange goes both ways, we’ll also introduce you to some common Urdu words used in English. 

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Pinglish / Paklish
2. Pinglish Examples
3. Loanwords vs. Pinglish
4. How to Say These Names in Urdu
5. English Words Derived From Urdu
6. Conclusion

Introduction to Pinglish / Paklish

Language is a continuous phenomenon. In fact, it’s much like a living organism in that it evolves over time as the world around it changes and advances. This is especially noticeable in the fields of education, science, medicine, and technology, for example. 

With the rise of globalization, the Urdu language has come to accommodate, adapt, and assimilate a bunch of useful English words, creating a unique language hybrid: Pakistani English. 

Historical Development

The evolution of Pinglish didn’t happen overnight. Its roots can be traced back to the nineteenth century, when educationists and political activists (such as Sir Syed Ahmed Khan) motivated Muslims to learn English and use that knowledge as a medium of resistance against the colonial forces.

Impacts of Colonization

Colonization deeply affected the culture of the subcontinent, which in turn had an impact on the Urdu language. During the colonial era, people were discouraged from using the Urdu language and higher-ups in particular were encouraged to learn and use English. This resulted in an emerging comprador class that popularized English among Pakistanis at every level of society.

Current Sociolinguistic Scenario in Pakistan

Keeping this historical context in view, it’s easy to see how the English language made its initial cultural inroads into Pakistani society. Pakistanis took pride in learning and using English, which served as a mode of communication in a variety of public and private sectors. 

This trend continues to date, and English is popular among the majority of Pakistanis today. Being able to speak English is seen as a status symbol in Pakistan. Over time, they have acclimatized the language according to their needs.

Pinglish Examples

Today, there are many English words used in Urdu across a variety of sectors and mediums, at every level of society. 

Pinglish refers to the mixing of English and Urdu words by Urdu speakers, and this mixing is often necessary when discussing certain topics. For example, Pinglish may be employed if an Urdu word does not exist for a specific concept (or vice-versa). 

In the following sections, we’ll introduce you to a few Pinglish words as well as important grammatical concepts related to Pinglish. 

Urdu Vocabulary Used in Pakistani English

As mentioned, Pakistanis often switch between English and Urdu while speaking in order to use the best words for a given context. When it comes to topics such as Islamic values and Pakistani culture, Urdu words are most often used because there are no suitable English words to describe them. 

Here are a few examples of Urdu words used when speaking Pinglish:

• مدرسہ (madressa) – school
• نماز (namaz) – prayers
• مشاعرہ (mushaira) – a gathering of poets for a poetic rendition
• بُزکشی (buzkushi) – a game of sheep-hunting

Pinglish Grammar

In addition to vocabulary swapping, another common characteristic of Pinglish is the adaptation of English grammar rules when inflecting Urdu words. A great example of this is when Pakistanis add the ‘s’ sound to the end of an Urdu noun to make it plural:

• جاگیردار (jagirdar) – “landlord” —-> جاگیردارز (jagirdars) – “landlords”
• جلسہ (jalsa) – “meeting” —-> جلساز (jalsas) – “meetings”

The opposite also takes place, where Pakistanis use an English word and apply Urdu grammar rules to it. For example, one of the formulas for making a word plural in Urdu is to attach یں (ain) to the end:

• آنکھ (aankh) – “eye” —-> آنکھیں (aankhain) – “eyes”

Pakistanis sometimes attach this suffix to English words to make them plural: 

• کلاس (class) – “class” —-> کلاسیں (classain) – “classes”
• میڈم (madam) – “madam” —-> میڈمیں (madmain) – “madams”
• بال (ball) – “ball” —-> بالیں (ballain) – “balls”

Urdu Vocabulary Used for Abrogation

Sometimes, Pakistanis use an Urdu word even when there is a suitable English word available. This is especially common among Pakistani writers who do so as an act of abrogation or defiance, in order to strengthen the process of decolonization. 

Below are a few examples of words that some famous postcolonial writers have used in their fiction writing.

• جشن (jashan) – festival
• تھانہ (thana) – police station
• میلہ (mela) – a Punjabi festival

Loanwords vs. Pinglish

So far, we have talked about the various manifestations of Pinglish. But now we will focus our attention on loanwords, which are English words commonly used in Urdu without any morphological or semantic changes. These words are taken directly from English and do not have a translation in Urdu. 

Below are some examples of English loanwords in Urdu you’re likely to come across. 

Food-Related Vocabulary

• برگر (burger)
• ہوٹل (hotel)
• سینڈوچ (sandwich)
• چاکلیٹ (chocolate)
• چپس (chips)

Be sure to check out our Food vocabulary list to learn more relevant words! 

 Technology-Related Vocabulary

• کمپیوٹر (computer)
• ٹیلیویژن (television)
• فریج (fridge)
• فریزر (freezer)
• اوون (oven)
• موبائل (mobile)
• انٹرنیٹ (internet)

 For more words, see our vocabulary list on Technology.

Film Industry-Related Vocabulary

• فلم (film)
• کیمرہ (camera)
• مووی (movie)
• فلم سیٹ (film set)
• سینما (cinema)
• تھیٹر (theater)

Are you a film buff? Here are some Useful Words and Phrases for Going to the Movies! 

More Loanwords

• پیریڈ (parade)
• پیٹرول (petrol)
• نمبر (number)
• سر (sir)
• ریڈیو (radio)
• ماسٹر (master)
• فلائی اوور (flyover)

How to Say These Names in Urdu 

Having discussed a few intricacies of Pinglish, let’s divert our attention to a lighter subject. Have you ever wondered how Urdu pronunciation affects the way Pakistanis say Western names? Below are a few examples of how Pakistanis pronounce some of the most famous brand and personality names. 

چارلس (Char-las) – Charles

The name ‘Charles’ is given an Urdu touch by being pronounced with two syllables. 

لیڈی ڈیانا (Lady Da-ya-na) – Lady Diana

Despite Lady Diana being one of the most renowned Western celebrities in Pakistan, the majority of the population mispronounces her name. In this case, it’s often broken down into three syllables: ڈیانا (da-ya-na).

نائیکی (Nike-ee) – Nike

Nike is a famous brand in Pakistan, but is pronounced incorrectly as نائیکی (Nike-ee).

قلوپطرہ (Colo-pat-ra) – Cleopatra

The historically famous name ‘Cleopatra’ has been appropriated into Urdu as قلوپطرہ (Colo-pat-ra). As you can see, its Urdu pronunciation is quite different from its English one.

میڈم باوری (Madam Bav-ri) – Madame Bovary

The popular fictitious character ‘Madame Bovary’ becomes میڈم باوری (Madam Bav-ri) in Urdu.

English Words Derived From Urdu

Until now, we’ve discussed how colonization has affected the Urdu language and resulted in what we now know as Pinglish or Pakistani English. But did you know that there are plenty of English words borrowed from Urdu as well? 

During the colonial era, English administrators, missionaries, and travelers picked up certain oriental words and added them to their memoirs and travelogues. Many of these words became an integral part of the English language over time.

Here are just a few examples of common English words from Urdu: 

• جنگل (jungle)
• کمربند (cummerbund)
• خاکی (khaki)
• پاجامہ (pajama)
• خوشی (cushy)
• ٹھگ (thug)

Conclusion

In this article, we introduced you to the various dimensions of Pakistani English and even presented you with English words that originally came from Urdu. We hope you now feel more confident about your upcoming trip to Pakistan and that you’re better equipped to handle day-to-day conversations using Pinglish and loanwords. 

Are there any loanwords we forgot to mention? Or a name you would like to know the Urdu pronunciation of? Drop us a comment and we’ll get back to you! 

If you enjoyed this article, make sure to continue exploring UrduPod101.com. We are the best online platform for learning Urdu and studying Pakistani culture, offering our students a rich repository of resources on Urdu vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and more. Learn Urdu faster and easier than ever before, and start speaking from your first lesson. 

Very Happy Urdu Learning!

Have you ever encountered a quote that moved you to think more deeply about something or motivated you to start walking another path in life? Quotes can be very influential, spurring individuals and even entire communities into action.

Quotes from different language backgrounds reflect the socio-cultural norms and values of different nations. Luckily for you as a language learner, the Urdu language in particular is quite rich in the field of quotes, with many Pakistani people opting to express themselves through popular Urdu quotes when the situation allows for it.

In this article, you’ll learn a variety of Urdu quotes on life, as well as life’s many aspects and experiences. 

Are you ready? Then let’s get to it.

Table of Contents

1. Quotes About Wisdom
2. Quotes About Struggle and Success
3. Quotes About Life
4. Quotes About Time
5. Quotes About Love
6. Quotes About Family and Friends
7. Some Funny Quotes
8. Conclusion

1. Quotes About Wisdom

In Pakistani society, wisdom and foolishness are common topics of conversation. Here are a few Urdu quotes that touch on the topic!

#1

(ہم تعلیم خرید سکتے ہیں لیکن عقل خدا کا عطا کردہ تحفہ ہے۔ (سعادت حسن منٹو 

hum taleem khareed sakte hain lekin aqal khuda ka ata karda tohfa hai. (Saadat Hasan Manto)

“We can buy education, but wisdom is the gift of God.” (Saadat Hasan Manto)

This quote by Saadat Hasan Manto—a famous Pakistani short story writer—indicates that wisdom and education are not one and the same, and that wisdom is far superior to education. While you can buy education, true wisdom is endowed by God Almighty. 

#2

عقلمند ہے وہ شخص جو انجام سوچ کر کام کرے۔ (حضرت علی) 

Aqal mand hai woh shakhs jo anjaam soch kar kaam kare. (Hazrat Ali)

“Wise is the person who thinks about the result before doing something.” (Hazrat Ali)

This is an Islamic quote by Hazrat Ali, the fourth caliph of Islam. It highlights the foresightedness of a sage, and it can be used to compliment someone who anticipates the aftermath of a deed—or to admonish those who act without thought of the future. It’s a near equivalent of the English quote, “Think before you leap.”

 #3

 مصیبت اگر انسان کو دولتمند نہیں تو عقلمند ضرور بنا دیتی ہے۔

museebat agar insaan ko dolatmand nahi to aqal mand zaroor bana deti hai.

“Adversity makes a person wise if not wealthy.”

You can use this particular quote to console someone who is facing hard times.

#4 

عقلمند اپنے عیب خود دیکھتا ہے اور بیوقوف کے عیب دنیا دیکھتی ہے۔ (شیخ سعدی) 

Aqal mand apne aib ko khud dekhta hai aur bewaqoof ka aaeb dunya dekhti hai. (Sheikh Saadi)

“A wise person looks at his vices himself and the vices of fools are seen by others.” (Sheikh Saadi)

This quote is by Sheikh Saadi, another renowned Muslim scholar. You can use it to ridicule a foolish person who is unable to identify their vices, or to applaud someone for their ability to do so.  

2. Quotes About Struggle and Success

Spend enough time in Pakistan, and you’re likely to hear a few inspirational quotes in Urdu. Life can get tough, and these uplifting words can make all the difference. 

→ If you enjoy these quotes and want more, make sure you visit our vocabulary lists of the Top 10 Inspirational Urdu Quotes and the Top 11 Urdu Quotes About Success!

#5

انسان کے لئے وہی کچھ ہے جس کے لئے وہ کوشش کرے۔ (القرآن)

insaan ke liye wohi kuch hai jis ke liye wo koshish kare. (Al-Quraan)

“A man gets only what he strives for.” (Al-Quraan)

This quote is perfect for boosting someone’s morale! The quote also takes precedence over the others in this section because of its religious background, being taken from The Holy Quran.

 #6

 محنت اتنی خاموشی سے کرو کہ تمھاری کامیابی شور مچا دے۔

mehnat itni khamoshi se karo ke tumhari kamyabi shor macha de.

“Work hard in silence and let your success make the noise.”

This Urdu quote is a near equivalent of the English saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” It indicates that if you keep working hard, a day will come when your success becomes obvious to others.

#7

بڑی منزلوں کے مسافر چھوٹا دل نہیں رکھتے۔ (وااصف علی واصف) 

badhi manzilon ke musafir chota dil nahi rakhte. (Wasif Ali Wasif)

“Those destined for greater destinations keep a bigger heart.” (Wasif Ali Wasif)

This quote is a near equivalent of, “Not failure, but low aim, is a crime.” It comes from the pen of famous Urdu scholar Wasif Ali Wasif. It means that one should never aim for lower goals and to keep the target and objectives high.

#8

 ذرا نم ہو تو یہ مٹی بڑی ذرخیز ہے ساقی (علامہ اقبال)

zara num ho to yeh matti bari zarkhez hai saqi.(Allama Iqbal)

“This soil is very fertile; just a drop of water is needed.” (Allama Iqbal)

This quote was penned by the national poet of Pakistan, Doctor Allama Muhammad Iqbal. It describes the presence of potential talent in someone that, with only a little circumstantial prompting, will grow into something spectacular. It’s used when someone with limited resources brings extraordinary achievements.

3. Quotes About Life

The world over, people have been trying to pinpoint the meaning of life and our existence. Read through these thought-provoking quotes about life in Urdu to gain some cultural perspective on how Pakistanis view this phenomenon. 

#9

زندگی خود راستے بناتی ہے، راستے زندگی نہیں بناتے۔ (سعادت حسن منٹو) 

zindagi khud raaste banati hai, raaste zindagi nahi banate. (Saadat Hasan Manto)

“Life determines its course, courses do not determine life.” (Saadat Hasan Manto)

Saadat Hasan Manto’s quote refers to life as the driving force in determining one’s course. It doesn’t matter which way you choose to go, because life has its plans to execute.

#10

 زندگی ریاضی کا سوال نہیں جس کا جواب معلوم ہو سکے۔ (واصف علی واصف)

zindagi riyazi ka sawal nahi jis ka jawab maloom ho sake.(Wasif Ali Wasif)

“Life is not a question of mathematics where the answer must be known.” (Wasif Ali Wasif)

This quote explains the enigmatic nature of life. It emphasizes that life is not a mathematical problem that has a definite answer. You can use this quote whenever you’re facing inexplicable circumstances.

#11

 زندگی جبرِ مسلسل کی طرح کاٹی ہے جانے کس جرم کی پائی ہے سزا یاد نہیں (ساغر صدیقی)

 zindagi jabre musalsal ki tarah kaati hai jaane kis jurm ki paayi hai saza yaad nahi. (Saghar Siddiqui)

“I have spent my life like a continuous coercion; I don’t know why I have been punished.” (Saghar Siddiqui)

In Pakistan, people often quote poetic couplets in conversation. This couplet is from the very famous Urdu poet Saghir Siddiqui. It speaks of the tyranny of life, with the poet crying about his continuous sufferings and lamenting for his punishment of an unknown crime. You can use this couplet to comment on the sufferings of someone else or to underline your own sufferings.

#12

زندگی ہے یا کوئی طوفان ہے

zindagi hai ya koi toofan hai

“Is it my life or some kind of a storm?”

This is another popular couplet, often used to comment on the cruelty of life. 

4. Quotes About Time

Time is priceless, and Pakistanis have quite a lot to say on the matter. Read through the following Urdu quotes about time to gain some cultural perspective!

#13

وقت اچھا بھی آئے گا ناصر غم نہ کر زندگی پڑی ہے ابھی (ناصر کاظمی) 

waqt acha bhi aaye gaa nasir gham na kar zindagi parhi hai abhi. (Nasir Kazmi)

“The time will change (Mr. Nasir), there is still a long way to go in this life.” (Nasir Kazmi)

The well-renowned Pakistani poet Nasir Kazmi penned this couplet, in which he forbids sorrow and states that the good times will soon follow, and that life is very long. You can use this quote whenever you want someone to be more hopeful and optimistic.  

#14

 وقت تو وقت پر بدلتا ہے لیکن انسان کسی بھی وقت بدل سکتا ہے۔

waqt to waqt per badalta hai lekin insaan kisi bhi waqt badal sakta hai.

“Time changes at its time but a person can change any time.”

This Urdu quote is used to complain about the transient nature of human beings. It accentuates the fact that time changes over a specified period, but human beings are fickle and may change spontaneously. You can use this quote when someone betrays or disappoints you.

#15

 مشکل وقت سبھی پر آتا ہے کوئی بکھر جاتا ہے کوئی نکھر جاتا ہے۔

mushkil waqt sabhi per aata hai koi bikhar jaata hai koi nikhar jaata hai

“Everyone passes through hard times; some get scattered while the others survive to shine.”

This is the type of quote a leader may use to console an audience and encourage them to pass through an ordeal with dignity to come out victorious.

#16

وقت، اعتبار اور عزت ایسے پرندے ہیں جو اڑ جائیں تو واپس نہیں آتے۔

waqt, aitbaar aur izzat aisay parinde hain jo udh jayain to wapas nahi aate.

“Time, trust, and respect are like those birds that do not return after they fly away once.”

This quote means that you can trust someone only once; after you have been betrayed or let down, that trust vanishes forever.

5. Quotes About Love

Love is universal, and you’ll find a huge collection of love quotes in the Urdu language. Here are just a few of our favorites.

→ If you want to learn more bittersweet words on love and romance, visit our vocabulary lists of Urdu Quotes About Love and Urdu Breakup Quotes!

#17

مانگی ہوئی محبت کا مزہ بگڑی ہوئی شراب جیسا ہوتا ہے۔ (بانو قدسیہ) 

mangi hui mohabbat ka maza bigdhi hui sharaab jaisa hota hai. (Bano Qudsia)

“If you beg for love, it will taste like a spoiled wine.” (Bano Qudsia)

This Urdu quote on love is often used to admonish someone who is ready to start begging for love. It reminds that person of how distasteful such love is.

#18

ستاروں سے آگے جہاں اور بھی ہیں ابھی عشق کے امتحاں اور بھی ہیں (علامہ اقبال) 

sitaron se aagey jahan aur bhi hain abhi ishq ke imtihaan aur bhi hain. (Allama Iqbal)

“There are other worlds beyond the stars, and there are still more tests to go in love.” (Allama Iqbal)

Pakistanis often utter this couplet when they see a lover struggling in a romantic relationship.

#19

 زمین کے سفر میں اگر کوئی چیز آسمانی ہے تو وہ محبت ہے۔

zameen ke safar mei agar koi cheez aasmani hai to woh mohabbat hai.

“The only heavenly thing in this journey of earth is love.”

This quote touches on the heavenly nature of love and declares it to be something that doesn’t actually belong on earth.

#20

 عشق ایک مرض ہے اور جب تک طول نہ پکڑے، مرض نہیں ہوتا۔ محض ایک مذاق ہوتا ہے۔ (سعادت حسن منٹو)

ishq ek marz hai aur jab tak tool na pakdhe marz nahi hota. Mahaz ek mazaaq hota hai. (Saadat Hasan Manto)

“Love is a disease and if it is not protracted it is just a joke.” (Saadat Hasan Manto)

This phrase differentiates between temporary infatuation and the permanence of real love. It suggests that only long-term love is real.

#21

محبت لین دین نہیں محبت صرف دین ہے۔ (ممتاز مفتی) 

mohabbat lein dein nahi mohabbat sirf dein hai. (Mumtaz Mufti)

“Love is not give and take, it is only to give.” (Mumtaz Mufti)

Mumtaz Mufti was a highly celebrated Urdu novelist and short story writer. In this quote, he clarifies that love is not a deal that involves giving and taking, but rather one that calls for sacrifice.

6. Quotes About Family and Friends

Love of family and friends is an inseparable part of human nature. Let’s go over a few Urdu quotes on friendship and family to help you gain some cultural insight into how Pakistanis view these topics.

→ Also check out our vocabulary lists of the Top 10 Urdu Quotes About Friendship and the Top 10 Urdu Quotes About Family!

#22

 ہر اس دوست پر بھروسہ کرو جو مشکل میں تمھارے کام آیا ہو۔ (حضرت علی)

her uss dost par bharosa karo jo mushkil mei tumhare kaam aya ho. (Hazrat Ali)

“Trust every friend who helped you in hard times.” (Hazrat Ali)

Here’s another Islamic quote by Hazrat Ali, the fourth caliph of Islam. It guides us to trust a friend who remains helpful in difficult situations.

#23

 رشتے نبھانے کا ظرف نہ ہو تو رشتے بنانے سے پرہیز کریں۔

rishte nibhane ka zarf na ho to rishte banane se perhez karain.

“If you do not know how to maintain relationships, avoid making them.”

You can use this phrase when a person is unable to meet your expectations regarding the maintenance of your relationship.

#24

 تین رشتے تین وقتوں میں پہچانے جاتے ہیں۔ اولاد بڑھاپے میں، بیوی غربت میں، دوست مصیبت میں

teen rishte teen waqton mein pehchane jaate hain. Aulad budhapey mei, biwi ghurbat mei, dost musibat mein

“These three relations are tested three times. Children in your old age, wife in your poverty, and friends while you are in trouble.”

This quote emphasizes the need for caring children in old age, a cooperative wife in poverty, and a helpful friend in times of need.

#25

 اچھے لوگوں کا ملنا ہی اچھے مستقبل کی ضمانت ہے۔

ache logon ka milna hi ache mustaqbil ki zamanat hai.

“Meeting good people is the guarantee of a good future.”

This quote can be used as an Urdu greeting upon meeting someone for the first time, especially if you see this person being in your future.

#26

 کسی رشتے کو کتنی بھی محبت سے باندھا جائے لیکن اگر عزت اور لحاظ چلا جائے تو محبت بھی چلی جاتی ہے۔

kisi rishte ko kitni bhi mohabbat se bandha jaye lekin agar izzat aur lihaaz chala jaye to mohabbat bhi chali jati hai.

“It does not matter how much you love a relationship; if respect and forbearance departs, they take away the love with them.”

This Urdu quote highlights the importance of respect in maintaining a solid relationship.

#27

برے دوست سے بچو ایسا نہ ہو کہ وہ تمھارا تعارف بن جائے۔ (امام مالک)

burey dost say bacho aisa na ho ka woh tumhara taaruf ban jaaye. (Imam Malik)

“Avoid a bad friend lest he become your introduction.” (Imam Malik)

This is another Islamic quote from Imam Malik, asking us to refrain from being in the company of bad friends. It is nearly equivalent to the English adage, “A man is known by the company he keeps.”

7. Some Funny Quotes

To close, let’s digress from the serious business with some comic relief.

#28

 سمجھدار آدمی نظر ہمیشہ نیچی اور نیت خراب رکھتا ہے۔ (مشتاق احمد یوسفی)

samajhdar aadmi nazar hamesha neechi aur niyyat kharab rakhta hai. (Mushtaq Ahmad Yousafi)

“A wise man always keeps his eyes down and intentions bad.” (Mushtaq Ahmad Yousafi)

This quote is often used in reference to a person who pretends to be noble but, inwardly, is lecherous.

#29

محبت انسان کو اندھا کر دیتی ہے اور پھر شادی یہ بینائی لوٹاتی ہے۔ (ڈاکٹر محمد یونس بٹ) 

mohabbat insan ko andha kar deti hai aur phir shaadi yeh beenai lotathi hai. (Dr. Muhammd Younis Butt)

“Love makes a person blind, but his eyesight returns after marriage.” (Dr. Muhammd Younis Butt)

In Pakistan, many married men enjoy taunting their wives with this quote.

#30

خاوند کے لئے بیوی کو سمجھنا کوئی مشکل نہیں، بشرطیکہ وہ دوسرے کی ہو۔ (ڈاکٹر محمد یونس بٹ) 

khawand ke liye biwi ko samjhna koi mushkil nahi, bashart ye k woh doosre ki ho. (Dr. Muhammd Younis Butt)

“It is not difficult for a man to know a wife, but the only pre-condition is someone else’s wife.” (Dr. Muhammd Younis Butt)

Now it’s the married women’s turn! They often use this quote to make fun of their husbands who fail to understand their own wives, but claim to understand the miseries of other women.

8. Conclusion

In this article, you learned several Urdu quotes about love and life in a variety of categories and gained lots of cultural insight that will further benefit your language studies.

Do you feel better placed to choose and use any of these quotes? Or do you have questions about something we covered? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Make sure to visit UrduPod101.com frequently to improve your Urdu language skills and gain total mastery! We provide you with resources on Urdu vocabulary, Urdu grammar, popular Urdu phrases and sentences, and so much more. We are a huge source of Urdu learning materials, aiming to fulfill your needs and facilitate your success—all of this on just one platform!

Very Happy Urdu Learning!

You may have come across this well-known saying: “Communication works for those who work at it.”

Well, let us add a word—business—to the beginning of that saying. 

If you plan on doing business in an unfamiliar land, you must prepare yourself accordingly in order to enjoy tangible results. Failing to prepare yourself, on the other hand, can be detrimental to your business venture! 

With this in view, if you intend to set up a business in Pakistan or plan to visit the territory for the sake of a business commitment, you must learn some commonly used Urdu business phrases. Even a basic understanding of the business language of Pakistan can make your time there more productive.

In this article, UrduPod101.com will introduce you to some inevitable Urdu phrases for business that you can start practicing today.

Table of Contents

1. Choosing the Right Pronoun – آپ vs. تم
2. Greetings and Goodbyes
3. Nailing a Job Interview in Urdu
4. Interacting with Coworkers
5. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails
6. Going on a Business Trip
7. Conclusion

1. Choosing the Right Pronoun – آپ vs. تم 

Before we go into detail about Urdu business phrases, there’s an important topic we need to cover. 

In the Urdu language, there are two words for the pronoun “you”: آپ (aap) and تم (tum). Now, the responsibility of choosing the right one rests on your shoulder. 

Which one you use depends on your level of intimacy with the other person. To address your interlocutor formally, you will use آپ (aap); once you become closer to and more familiar with that person, you can always use تم (tum).

2. Greetings and Goodbyes

Let’s start simple and learn the basic words and phrases you can use to greet and bid farewell in the Pakistani business sector. Whether you’re leaving after a business meeting or starting a conversation with a coworker, these three phrases will be invaluable to you.

السلامُ علیکم
assalam-o-alaikum
“Peace be upon you.”

This first phrase is the best way to start a business conversation, wherever you are in Pakistan. It can also serve as an acceptable way to close a meeting or conversation; however, we’ll give you another, more common closing phrase at the end of this section.

آپ سے مِل کر خوشی ہوئی۔
aap say mil kar khushi hui.
“It is a pleasure to meet you.”

After you’ve greeted someone with السلامُ علیکم (assalam-o-alaikum), you can add this sentence as a token of courtesy. Doing so will ensure that the meeting takes place in a friendly business atmosphere.

خدا حافظ
khuda hafiz
“May God be your protector.”

This phrase can always be used as an appropriate ending to your conversation. It’s almost as popular in Pakistani society as “goodbye” is in the West.

→ Practice your listening skills in our lesson Preparing for an Urdu Business Meeting, and pick up a couple of phrases while you’re at it.

3. Nailing a Job Interview in Urdu

One of the first things one must consider before doing business in Pakistan is how to land a job. 

The job interview is one of the most important steps in attaining work, acting as the gateway to the next level of your career. But here’s the catch: You need to leave a good impression on your interviewer. 

To do this, you must prepare. We recommend learning as many relevant business phrases as you can before the interview date. Being able to conduct at least part of the interview in Urdu will show your interviewer that you’re serious about wanting the job, and that you’re a willing learner.

Below are some common questions and answers during a job interview. They may seem difficult to navigate at first, but with enough practice, they’ll bring you miraculous results.

→ Learn how to describe your interests and goals in our lesson A Pakistani Job Interview.
→ Do you need help with your resume? Please see our vocabulary list of Words and Phrases for Writing Your Resume to get some inspiration.

A- Education

Most employers are curious about candidates’ level of education, and may ask questions about where you went to school and what you studied. Following are some questions you can expect to hear, and possible answers to them. 

→ Do you need to brush up on the relevant vocabulary? Here’s some Essential Vocabulary for Talking About Education.

Questions

آپ کی تعلیمی قابلیت کیا ہے؟
aap ki taleemi qabliyat kia hai?
“What is your qualification?”

کیا آپ مجھے اپنی تعلیم کے بارے میں بتائیں گے؟
kia aap mujhay apni taleem kay baray mein bataein gay?
“Will you tell me about your qualifications?”

آپ نے کون کون سی ڈگریاں حاصل کر رکھی ہیں؟
aap nay kon kon si digrian hasil kar rakhi hain?
“Which degrees have you achieved?”

Answers

میرے پاس کامرس کی ڈگری ہے۔
meray pass commerce ki degree hai.
“I have a degree in Commerce.”

میں نے بزنس ایدمینسٹریشن پڑھی ہے۔
mei nay business administration parhi hai.
“I have studied business administration.”

B- Professional Experience

In some professions, employers care even more about your professional experience than your education. Be prepared to discuss this aspect of your career with the interviewer.

→ Please study our list of 20 Common Words for Professions so you can describe your work experience with ease.

Questions

آپ کا پیشہ وارانہ تجربہ کیا ہے؟
aap ka peshawarana tajarba kia hai?
“What is your professional experience?”

کیا آپ مجھے اپنی گذشتہ ملازمتوں کے متعلق بتا سکتے ہیں؟
kia aap mujhe apni guzishta malazmaton kay mutaliq bata saktay hain?
“Can you tell me about your previous jobs?”

Answers

میں نے نیشنل بینک میں چھ سال کام کیا ہے۔
mei nay national bank mei chay saal kam kia hai.
“I have worked at the National Bank for six years.”

میں مائیکرو سوفٹ کمپنی میں پانچ سال سے کام کر رہا/رہی ہوں۔
mei Microsoft company mein panch saal say kam kar raha/rahi hun.
“I have been working for Microsoft for five years.”

Remember that if you’re answering these questions as a male, use رہا ہوں (raha hun); if you’re answering as a female, use رہی ہوں (rahi hun).

C- The Languages You Speak

Especially when you’re interviewing for a job in a foreign country, the interviewer will likely want to know which languages you speak. 

→ Are you unsure what the name of a certain language is in Urdu? See our list of the Top 38 Languages Spoken in the World.

Questions

آپ کتنی زبانیں بول سکتے ہیں؟
aap kitni zubane bol saktay hain?
“How many languages can you speak?”

آپ کو کتنی زبانوں پر عبور حاصل ہے؟
aap ko kitni zubano per aboor hasil hai?
“How many languages are you adept at?”

Answers

میں انگریزی اور اردو فراوانی سے بول سکتا/سکتی ہوں۔
mei angrezi aur urdu farawani say bol sakta/sakti hun.
“I can speak English and Urdu fluently.”

In this case, if you’re answering as a male, use سکتا ہوں (sakta hun); if you’re answering as a female, use سکتی ہوں (sakti hun).

مجھے جاپانی اور اردو پر عبور حاصل ہے۔
mujhe japani aur urdu par aboor hasil hai.
“I am adept at Japanese and Urdu.”

D- How to Ask an Interviewer to Repeat a Question

If you couldn’t hear or were unable to understand a question your interviewer asked, you could use the following expressions to have them repeat what they said.

معاف کیجیے گا، میں آپ کی بات سن نہیں پایا۔
muaf kijiye ga, mei aap ki baat sun nahi paya.
“I am sorry, I could not hear you.”

کیا آپ اپنا سوال دوہرا سکتے ہیں؟
kia aap apna sawal dohra saktay hain?
“I beg your pardon?”

معذرت کے ساتھ، میں آپ کی بات سمجھ نہیں پایا۔
maazrat kay sath, mei aap ki baat samajh nahi paya.
“With a due apology, I could not understand you.”

4. Interacting with Coworkers

Interaction with coworkers is a significant aspect of doing good business, and in Pakistan, communicating with confidence will place you at a vantage point. Below are a few expressions for interacting with your coworkers in the Urdu language.

A- How to Ask for Help

Here are some phrases you can use to ask your colleagues for help with something:

کیا آپ میری مدد کر سکتے ہیں؟
kia aap meri madad kar saktay hain?
“Can you help me?”

کیا آپ اس کی وضاحت کریں گے؟
kia aap iis ki wazahat karain gay?
“Will you explain it?”

میں اس دستاویز کو سمجھ نہیں پایا۔
mei is dastawaiz ko samajh nahi paya.
“I could not comprehend this document.”

کیا آپ اس سسٹم کو چلانا جانتے ہیں؟
kia aap is system ko chalana jantay hain.
“Do you know how to run this system?”

B- How to Thank or Congratulate Your Coworkers

When your partner does a great job on a project or a colleague gives you a hand with something, it’s always polite to congratulate or thank them. 

آپ کی مدد کا شکریہ۔
aap ki madad ka shukriya.
“Thank you for your help.”

میں آپ کا احسان مند ہوں۔
mei aap ka ahsan mand hun.
“I am thankful to you.”

بہت خوب۔
bohat khoob.
“Well done.”

C- How to Apologize

In the business world, there are some situations that require an honest apology. If you find yourself in such a situation, use the following Urdu phrases to apologize without compromising your dignity.

→ Don’t forget that you can find more apology phrases in our lesson Apologies in Urdu.

میں معذرت چاہتا ہوں۔
mei mazrat chahta hun.
“I apologize.”

میں معافی چاہتا ہوں۔
mei mafi chahta hun.
“I am sorry.”

معاف کیجئے گا، میں آپ کی مدد نہیں کر پایا۔
maaf kijiye ga, mei aap ki madad nahi kar paya.
“I am sorry, I could not help you.”

D- How to Give Your Opinions or Suggestions

There are certainly benefits in being able to communicate your opinions and suggestions in a business meeting. In addition to making your voice heard, doing so may pave new paths for your professional development and growth. Below is some useful Urdu for business meetings.

یہ کام انسانی وسائل کے شعبے کا ہے۔
yeh kam insani wasayal kay shobay ka hai.
“This job belongs to the human resources department.”

ہم اسے کسی تیسرے فریق سے کروا سکتے ہیں۔
hum isay kisi teesray fareeq say karwa saktay hain.
“We can get it done by a third party.”

یہ سودا ہمارے ادارے کو نقصان پہنچا سکتا ہے۔
yeh soda hamaray idaray ko nuqsan pohancha sakta hai.
“This deal may cause a loss to our organization.”

E- How to Express Your Concern

In business meetings, it’s crucial that you can express your concerns or reservations. Doing so can add another plume in your career and open new avenues of success for you.

اس کام کے لئے مقررہ وقت بہت کم ہے۔
iss kam kay liye muqar-ra waqt bohat kam hai.
“The time specified for this task is too short.”

ہمارے پاس اتنا بجٹ نہیں ہے۔
hamaray pas itna budget nahi hai.
“We do not have this much budget.”

یہ کام اتنے وقت میں نہیں کیا جا سکتا۔
yeh kaam itnay waqt mei nahi kia ja sakta.
“This job can’t be completed in the given time.”

مجھے اس کام میں مہارت حاصل نہیں ہے۔
mujhe iss kam mei maharat hasil nahi hai.
“I am not skillful in this job.”

اس کام کے لئے بہت زیادہ وسائل درکار ہیں۔
iss kam kay liye bohat zayada wasail darkar hain.
“This job requires too many resources.”

5. Handling Business Phone Calls and Emails

Depending on where you work, business communication in the Urdu language may be part and parcel of your position. In case you need to make business phone calls or manage emails, the following phrases will be useful for you.

A- Business Phone Calls

کیا میں مینیجر صاحب سے بات کر سکتا/سکتی ہوں؟
kia mei manager sahib say baat kar sakta/sakti hun?
“Can I speak to the manager?”

کیا سجاد صاحب سے میری بات ہو سکتی ہے؟
kia Sajjad sahib say meri baat ho sakti hai?
“Can I talk to Mr. Sajjad?”

میں حسین صاحب سے بات کرنے کی کوشش کر رہا ہوں۔
mei Hussain sahib say baat karnay ki koshish kar raha hun.
“I am trying to reach Mr. Hussain.”

کیا آپ رجسٹرار صاحب سے میری بات کروا سکتے ہیں؟
kia aap registrar sahib say meri baat karwa saktay hain?
“Can you connect me to the Registrar?”

How to Reply

میرے ساتھ رہئے گا۔
meray saath rahiye ga.
“Stay with me.”

میں ابھی آپ کی بات کروا دیتا/دیتی ہوں۔
mei abhi aap ki baat karwa deta/deti hun.
“I will connect you right now.”

مہربانی فرما کر مجھے پیغام دے دیں، میں ان تک پہنچا دوں گا/گی۔
meharbani farma kar mujhe pegham de dain, mei un tak pohancha dun ga / gi.
“Please leave the message, I’ll convey it to him.”

کیا آپ تھوڑی دیر بعد کال کر سکتے ہیں؟
kia aap thori der baad call kar saktay hain?
“Can you call back in a short while?”

B- Emails and Letters

It’s no secret that the era of letter writing has passed and been superseded by electronic mail, particularly in the business sector. Of course, there are still certain situations that call for a traditional business letter, though you’ll find yourself using email far more often as an employee in Pakistan. 

Whether you’re writing an official email or a business letter, always remember to include the following components.

Personal Information (Name, Address, Contact Number, Email) of Sender and Receiver

When you’re sending the initial email, first type your own information. This includes:

• Your name
• Your business address
• A valid contact number
• Your email address

Next, include the details of the receiver. Besides the aforementioned information, try to include that person’s job title.

Below are some Urdu words that are often used in business correspondence:

نام
naam
“Name”

پتہ
pata
“Address”

رابطہ نمبر
rabta number
“Contact number”

ای میل
email
“Email”

عہدہ
uhda
“Designation”

Subject

Don’t forget to include an apt subject for your letter or email to let the receiver know its nature.

عنوان
unwan
“Subject”

Salutations

Let’s have a look at a couple of widely used Urdu salutations:

جناب
janab
“Sir”

محترم
mohtram
“Respected”

Closure

Close your letter or email by using words that express your respect or affection.

آپ کا مخلص
aap ka mukhlis
“Yours sincerely”

آپ کا خیر خواہ
aap ka khair khwah
“Your well-wisher”

6. Going on a Business Trip

Many employees of successful business enterprises must travel frequently to meet with clients. If you’re traveling to Pakistan, we recommend that you memorize a few practical Urdu sentences to avoid any inconveniences.

A- How to Book a Hotel and Purchase Tickets

To book a room in a hotel or get a ticket reserved, take advantage of the following expressions.

کیا مجھے آپ کے ہوٹل میں دو دن کے لئے ایک کمرہ مل سکتا ہے؟
kia mujhe aap kay hotel mei do din kay liye aik kamrah mil sakta hai?
“Can I have a room for two days at your hotel?”

کیا مجھے لاہور سے کراچی کی دو ٹکٹیں مل سکتی ہیں؟
kia mujhe Lahore say Karachi ki do ticketain mil sakti hain?
“Can I have two tickets from Lahore to Karachi?”

B- How to Thank a Partner or Client

Showing politeness and gratitude toward your business partner and other associates can take your business relationship to the next level. Here are some phrases you can use to thank them.

میں آپ کی میزبانی کا گرویدہ ہو گیا ہوں۔
mei aap ki mezbani ka garwidah ho gaya hun.
“I have been completely enamored with your hospitality.”

آپ کی میزبانی کا بہت شکریہ۔
aap ki mezbani ka bohat shukriya.
“Thank you for your hospitality.”

میں آپ کی میزبانی کبھی بھی نہ بھلا سکوں گا۔
mei aap ki mezbani kabhi bhi na bhula saku ga.
“I will never be able to forget your hospitality.”

→ Please see our lesson on Saying Thanks and our list of Common Ways to Say Thank You for even more useful phrases.

7. Conclusion

In this article, UrduPod101.com introduced you to the basic Urdu business phrases you need to do business in Pakistan, and other useful vocabulary.

Now, are you prepared to surprise your Pakistani business partners? If yes, best of luck! On the other hand, if you have any queries or questions, do write to us; we’ll respond at the earliest.

If you’re serious about mastering Urdu, but haven’t found a good fit for you, keep exploring UrduPod101.com. We are a great repository of Urdu language learning materials and provide an outside-the-classroom feeling. We guarantee you’ll feel the difference.

Very Happy Urdu Learning!

“Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.“ – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

If you’ve been keeping up with our blog, you’ve already studied How to Say Hello in Urdu and How to Introduce Yourself in Urdu. That’s a great place to start! But there’s one more thing you need to start having smooth interactions with native speakers: a good understanding of how to say goodbye in Urdu. 

In every culture, there are several different ways to say goodbye to someone depending on the context. Knowing which words and phrases are most appropriate for a given situation is crucial in effective communication, and doing so will make your speech more fluent. 

While learning how to say goodbye in Urdu, keep in mind that in Pakistan, people respect and appreciate the strong emotions that may come when parting ways. If you’ve made a good friend during your trip, don’t be afraid to express that you’ll really miss them when you leave; on the other hand, though, you shouldn’t be too melodramatic about your departure.

In this article, UrduPod101.com will teach you how to say goodbye in Urdu like a native, in both formal and casual situations. Let’s get started! Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE!(Logged-In Member Only)

Table of Contents

1. The Most Common Urdu Goodbye Phrases – Take Your Pick!
2. Saying Goodbye in Casual Situations
3. Good ___.
4. See you ___!
5. Sentimental Farewells
6. Saying Goodbye in a Hurry
7. Keep in Touch
8. Saying Goodbye Over the Phone or Via Text
9. Just a Few More…
10. Pakistani Culture: Gestures for Saying Goodbye
11. Conclusion

1. The Most Common Urdu Goodbye Phrases – Take Your Pick! 

Are you worried that you’ll use the wrong phrase when it comes time to say goodbye in the Urdu language? If so, we have good news. You can simply opt for any of the following Urdu expressions:

•  اللہ حافظ (Allah Hafiz) – “May God Protect”
•  اسلامُ علیکُم (Assalam-o-Alaikum) – “Peace be upon you”
• الوداع (alwida) – “adieu” / “goodbye”

Each of these phrases is versatile in that you can use them in any context, whether you’re leaving an office meeting or a bonfire party with friends. 

Here’s an example of how to use that last Urdu word for goodbye in a sentence:

• الوداع، اپنا خیال رکھئے گا۔ (alwida, apna khayal rakhiye ga.) – “Goodbye, take care of yourself.”

Remember that اپنا خیال رکھئے گا (apna khayal rakhiye ga), meaning “take care of yourself,” is always a good expression to use in tandem with other goodbye phrases in Urdu.

2. Saying Goodbye in Casual Situations

Now that you’ve learned a few generic phrases, let’s look at how to say goodbye in more casual situations. These are phrases that you would use to wish your close friends or family members well upon leaving. We’ll cover everything from slang expressions to terms of affection! Note that many of these phrases are gender-specific, meaning that you’ll say them differently depending on your gender; we’ve marked these with [brackets]. 

• اللہ کے حوالے (Allah kay hawalay) – “Entrusted to God”

• میں جا رہا ہوں.۔ (mei ja raha hun.) – “I am leaving.” [if you’re a man]
• میں جا رہی ہوں۔ (mei ja rahi hun.) – “I am leaving.” [if you’re a woman]

• چلتا ہوں (chalta hun) – “I beg to leave.” [if you’re a man]
• چلتی ہوں (chalti hun) – I beg to leave.” [if you’re a woman]

• لیجیے،میں نِکلتا ہوں۔ (lijiye, mei nikalta hun) – “I must leave now.” [if you’re a man]
• لیجیے،میں نِکلتی ہوں۔ (lijiye, mei nikalti hun) – “I must leave now.” [if you’re a woman]

• خدا حافظ (khuda hafiz) – “May God protect you.”

• تو ٹھیک ہے،میں چلوں؟ (to theek hai, mei chaloon?) – “Alright, should I leave?”

You probably noticed that some of these phrases sound a bit odd when translated. This is because they’re idiomatic expressions used in Urdu that don’t really translate well. Once you get used to them, though, using them in your conversations will make your speech sound more natural. 

3. Good ___. 

When parting ways in Urdu, it’s customary to wish the other person well as this is a symbol of concern and care. Natives will always take kindly to your gesture of saying goodbye with good wishes. 

• صبح بخیر (subha bakhair) – “Good morning.”
• شب بخیر (shab bakhair) – “Goodnight.”
• شام بخیر (shaam bakhair) – “Good evening.”
• دعا ہے کہ آپ کا ٓــــــــــــ اچھا گذرے (du hai ka aap ka _____ acha guzray.) – “I pray you have a good ______.”

In that last phrase, you may fill in the blank with any word that suits the situation. For example, you can choose a time-related word:

• دن (din) – “day”
•  ہفتہ (hafta) – “week”
• مہینہ (mahina) – “month”
•  سال (saal) – “year”
•  وقت (waqt) – “time”

4. See you ___! 

The English phrase “see you” can be translated as ملتے ہیں (milty hain) in Urdu. 

Using this structure allows you to express your hope of meeting someone again, and can even make a departure less painful. 

• بعد میں مِلتے ہیں۔ (baad mein milte hain.) – “See you later.”
• پھر مِلتے ہیں۔ (phir milte hain.) – “See you again.”
• تھوڑی دیر میں مِلتے ہیں۔ (thodi der main milte hain.) – “See you in a short while.”
• اگلی دفعہ ملتے ہیں۔ (agli dafa milte hain.) – “See you next time.”
• پھر کبھی ملتے ہیں۔ (phir kabhi milte hain.) – “See you some other time.”
• ــــــ کو ملتے ہیں۔ (______ ko milte hain.) – “See you on _______.”

For that last phrase, you simply fill in the blank with a specific day of the week or a date. If you want to specify a particular time, you may use the following sentence pattern, filling in the blank with the exact time. 

• ــــــ بجے ملتے ہیں۔ (______ bajay milte hai.) – “See you at ______.”

5. Sentimental Farewells

Have you made a lifelong friend, and you’re hesitant to finally part ways? Wish them a sentimental farewell with one of these phrases, and warm their heart! 

• میری نیک تمنائیں آپ کے ساتھ ہیں۔ (meri naik tamannayain aap kay sath hain.) – “My good wishes are with you.”
• آپ کے نصیب اچھے ہوں۔ (aap kay naseeb achay hon.) – “May you have good luck.”
• دعاؤں کے ساتھ رخصت کرتا/کرتی ہوں۔ (duaon kay sarh rukhsat karta/karti hun.) – “I say farewell with prayers.”

Always remember to use کرتا ہوں (karta hun) for males and کرتی ہوں (karti hun) for females in your conversations.

• دعاؤں میں یاد رکھئے گا۔ (duaon mein yaad rakhiya ga.) – “Remember me in your prayers.”
• آپ یاد آؤ گے/گی۔ (aap yaad aao gay/gi.) – “I will miss you.”

In that last sentence, you must remember to use the correct gender case. For the masculine case, you’ll use آؤ گے (aao gay); for the feminine case, you’ll use آؤ گی (aao gi). 

6. Saying Goodbye in a Hurry

When you’re running short on time and can’t afford to ask for formal permission to leave, you can always go against convention and get out of the situation at once. Here are some Urdu goodbye phrases you can use for this purpose:

• مجھے جانا ہے۔ (mujhe jana hai.) – “I have to go.”
• میں جلدی میں ہوں۔ (mei jaldi mei hun.) – “I am in a hurry.”
• ضروری کام آن پڑا ہے۔ (zaroori kaam aan parha hai.) – “It’s very urgent.”
• اجازت چاہتا/چاہتی ہوں۔ (ijazat chahta/chahti hun.) – “I ask for your permission.”

Once again, be mindful and use the correct gender case. To be precise: for the masculine case, use اجازت چاہتا ہوں (ijazat chahta hun); for the feminine case, go with اجازت چاہتی ہوں (ijazat chahti hun).

7. Keep in Touch

No doubt, courtesy demands that you show your care for the other person when saying goodbye, and let them know you’d like to see them again. Here are some different ways to say goodbye in the Urdu language, without saying goodbye forever. 

• رابطے میں رہیے گا۔ (rabte mei rahiye ga.) – “Stay in touch.”
• آپ کا انتظار رہے گا۔ (aap ka intezar rahe ga.) – “We’ll be waiting.”
• میں آپ کے ـــــــــ کا منتظر رہوں گا/گی۔ (mei aap ke ____ ka muntazir rahun ga/gi.) – “I will be waiting for your _____.”

To fill in the blank space, you can mention anything that you’re going to be waiting for (such as an email, letter, message, or call). Remember that if the speaker is a man, he will say رہوں گا (rahun ga); if the speaker is female, she will say رہوں گی (rahun gi).

8. Saying Goodbye Over the Phone or Via Text 

To prepare you for phone call and text message goodbyes, let’s go through the following Urdu sentences and phrases.

• پھر بات ہوتی ہے۔ (phir baat hoti hai.) – “Talk to you later.”
• پانچ منٹ بعد بات کرتے ہیں۔ (panch minute baad baat karte hain.) – “Talk to you in five minutes.”
• اجازت دیں۔ (ijazat dain.) – “Allow me to leave.”
• رخصت چاہتا/چاہتی ہوں۔ (rukhsat chahta/chahti hun.) – “Let me leave now.”

As the quick learner you are, you probably know what I’m going to say next: For the masculine gender, you’ll use چاہتا ہوں (chahta hun), and for the female gender, you’ll opt for چاہتی ہوں (chahti hun).

 Here’s one more phrase:

• جلد بات ہوتی ہے۔ (jald baat hoti hai.) – “Talk to you soon.”

9. Just a Few More…

All of the phrases we covered above are great for everyday use. But there are a few more you should know to make your Urdu speech sound even more natural! 

• آپ جا سکتے/سکتی ہیں۔ (aap ja sakte hain.) – “You can go.”
• دروازہ کھلا ہے۔ (darwaza khula hai.) – “The door is open.”
• ہم آپ کو نہیں روکیں گے۔ (hum aap ko nahi rokain gay.) – “We will not stop you.”
• آپ کے آنے کا شکریہ۔ (aap kay aney ka shukriya.) – “Thank you for coming.”
• آپ کے تعاون کا شکریہ (aap ke taawun ka shukriya.) – “Thank you for (your) cooperation.”

10. Pakistani Culture: Gestures for Saying Goodbye 

Language and culture are intertwined. As a non-native Urdu-speaker, you have the additional burden of becoming acquainted with the Pakistani cultural nuances, as well as the language itself. So in addition to learning the common expressions in this article, you must learn the culture-specific gestures that go with them! 

We won’t go too much into detail here, but there are a few things you should keep in mind: 

• Handshakes: Handshakes are acceptable, though only between people of the same sex. 
• Hugs: Like handshakes, hugs are generally acceptable, but only between people of the same sex.
• Kisses: In some cultures, it’s normal to blow a kiss to someone, or even kiss them on the cheek, upon leaving. But this is not the case in Pakistan; you should avoid kisses altogether, as such a touch can be mistaken as an unwarranted sexual advancement.  

11. Conclusion

In this article, we’ve covered everything you need to know about saying goodbye in Urdu. After learning these basic vocabulary words, sentence patterns, and cultural insights, you should have a much better idea of what to expect when parting ways in Pakistan. 

Do you feel ready to say goodbye in the Urdu language? Or do you still have a question about something? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll be glad to help! 

In the meantime, keep exploring UrduPod101.com. We are a rich repository of Urdu learning resources, and we aim to provide you with the information and support you need to achieve your goals. If you’re not sure where to start, we have some free vocabulary lists and an Urdu-English dictionary to check out! 

Very Happy Urdu Learning!