Word Meaning
कहो
kaho
Meaning
Say, tell, or utter; subjunctive or second-person imperative form of to say.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu and Hindi poetry, 'kaho' is an inflected form of the infinitive 'kahnā' (to say or speak), addressed to the familiar second-person 'tum'. In this couplet, it functions in a relative/conditional sense meaning 'whatever you say' or 'whatever judgment you utter'. It expresses the lover's absolute deference and unquestioning submission to the beloved's speech, regardless of whether it praises or blames.
Etymology
From Sanskrit कथयति (kathayati, 'narrates, speaks'), through Prakrit कहेइ (kahei) into Hindustani कहना (kahnā).
Usage
In classical ghazal, it often introduces dialogic shifts, rhetorical appeals, or willing surrender to the beloved's verbal tyranny.
Examples
Whatever you say is acceptable to us.
Speak, what troubles your heart today?