Word Meaning
कहती
kahtī
hiverb
Meaning
Saying or expressing; used in past habitual to mean 'used to say'.
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, 'कहती' appears in the construction 'कहती थीं' (used to say), expressing the laments of the nightingales. It personifies the birds as they voice their wistful longing for relief during the autumn season. Classical Urdu poetry frequently gives human speech to the bulbul to articulate poetic sorrow.
Etymology
From Sanskrit कथयति (kathayati, 'narrates, relates') via Prakrit कहेइ (kahei) to Old Hindi/Urdu कहना (kahnā).
Usage
Frequently used in classical ghazals to introduce dialogues, inner musings, or the personified laments of the lover and the nightingale.
Examples
The candle kept saying the sorrowful story of parting.
She was saying what remained hidden in her heart.
Synonyms
बोलतीफ़रमातीसुनाती
Related Words
कहनाकहाकथन