Word Meaning
कहियो
kahiyo
Meaning
Say or speak; archaic imperative form meaning do not say when negated.
Detailed Meaning
'कहियो' (kahiyo) is an archaic or classical imperative form of the verb 'कहना' (to say or tell), frequently paired with 'न' to convey 'do not say' or 'do not plead later'. In this couplet, it serves as a direct warning to the gathering not to offer the excuse that they were heedless when the beloved arrived. Such forms preserve the older linguistic register of Delhi and Lucknow poetry, bridging Braj Bhasha and early standard Urdu.
Etymology
Sanskrit 'कथयति' (kathayati) through Prakrit 'कहइ' (kahaï) into Old Hindustani/Braj.
Usage
Common in classical ghazal as an archaic future-imperative, frequently used with 'न' to caution or prohibit the listener.
Examples
Don't speak of my plight to anyone.
Be sure not to say you were unaware.