Word Meaning
अरबी
Arabī
Meaning
Arabic; of Arabia; metaphorically, an incomprehensible or foreign language.
Detailed Meaning
Literally denoting the Arabic language or someone from Arabia, the word in this couplet is used metaphorically to mean a completely alien or incomprehensible tongue. The lover laments that although he expressed his inner agony in his sleep, no one around could understand him, as though his tale were delivered in a foreign language. It captures a deep sense of loneliness and communication breakdown between the lover and the world.
Etymology
From Arabic عَرَبِيّ ('arabiyy), the relative adjective (nisba) derived from عَرَب ('arab, Arabia/Arabs).
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, languages such as Arabi or Farsi are occasionally referenced metaphorically to convey alienation or speech that listeners cannot comprehend.
Examples
His lament sounded like Arabi to the unfeeling crowd.
The secret of love remains an Arabi tongue for ordinary minds.