Word Meaning
आशना
aashna
Meaning
Familiar, acquainted with, accustomed to, or a friend.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, 'aashna' refers to being acquainted, familiar, or attuned to someone or something, and often means an intimate friend or lover. In this couplet, it appears in the izafat construction 'aashna-e-khanda' (acquainted with laughter), indicating lips that readily wear a smile. It accentuates the contrast between outward mirth and inward mourning.
Etymology
Persian (آشنا), from Middle Persian āšnāg ('known', 'acquainted'), derived from the Proto-Iranian root for knowing/recognizing.
Usage
In ghazal, it is frequently paired against 'begana' or 'na-aashna' to portray estrangement, feigned aloofness, or secret affinity.
Examples
dil ko gham-e-ulfat se aashna kiya
lab aashna-e-fariyaad na thaa