Word Meaning
कोताह
kotāh
hiadjective
Meaning
Short, brief, limited, or deficient in reach.
Detailed Meaning
Literally meaning short or deficient, 'kotah' describes a lack of physical length, duration, or capacity. In Urdu poetry, particularly in the compound 'dast-e-kotah' (the short hand), it stands as a metaphor for helplessness and human limitation. In this verse, it highlights the speaker's inability to reach the divine or beloved despite extreme proximity.
Etymology
Persian 'kotāh' (کوتاه), meaning short or brief.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, it is frequently paired with 'dast' (hand) to signify unfulfilled longing and the helplessness of the lover.
Examples
dast-e-kotah (a hand that cannot reach)
umr-e-kotah (a short life)
Synonyms
छोटामुख़्तसरनाक़िसकम
Related Words
कोताहीदस्त-ए-कोताहकोताह-क़दकोताह-दस्ती