Word Meaning
कहते
kahte
hiverb
Meaning
Say, utter; (idiomatically) they say or it is reported.
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, 'कहते' is part of the common phrase 'कहते हैं' ('they say' or 'it is said'), which introduces a traditional adage or shared human observation. Grammatically, it is the masculine plural imperfective participle of the verb 'कहना' (to say). Poets often use this device to contrast traditional belief or public knowledge with their own intimate, agonizing emotional experience.
Etymology
Sanskrit कथयति (kathayati) > Prakrit कहेइ (kahei) > Hindi/Urdu कहना (kahnā).
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, 'कहते हैं' frequently functions as an introductory trope to cite general human opinion or proverbs.
Examples
They say that love brings nothing but sorrow.
People say whatever comes to their mind.
Synonyms
बोलतेबयान करतेसुनाते
Related Words
कहनाकहावतकथन