Word Meaning
गूँ
gūn
Meaning
Capacity, endurance, fitness, or match for bearing something.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'gūñ' denotes the capacity, suitability, or strength needed to endure or match something demanding. In this couplet, it conveys that the speaker's frail, ailing physique lacks the stamina to withstand the tumult and rigors of intense love. It functions idiomatically to signify being equal to or a match for a trial.
Etymology
Persian 'gūn' (color, form, nature), used idiomatically in Urdu to mean measure, capacity, or endurance.
Usage
In classical ghazal, it is typically used in the negative genitive construction 'kī gūñ nahīñ' to lament a lack of endurance against love's trials.
Examples
This frail soul is no match for the afflictions of longing.
Enduring such immense agony was beyond his strength.