Word Meaning
कम-ज़बानी
kam-zabānī
Meaning
Taciturnity, reticence, or the habit of speaking very little.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'kam-zabaani' refers to reticence, taciturnity, or measured restraint in speech. In this couplet, it represents the paradox of deep silence leaving behind a lasting poetic legacy; though the poet spoke little in life, the enduring power of his restrained words outlives time. It is associated with dignity and understated eloquence.
Etymology
Persian compound: 'kam' (little, deficient) + 'zabān' (tongue, speech) + abstract suffix '-ī'.
Usage
In ghazal poetics, 'kam-zabaani' is celebrated as a noble virtue reflecting patience, refined modesty, or the inability of mundane speech to express profound love.
Examples
His reticence concealed the depth of his grief.
Do not mistake my taciturnity for ignorance.