चार

Meaning

Four; frequently used to denote all directions or the entire world.

Detailed Meaning

In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'char' literally denotes the numeral four. In this couplet, it forms part of the Persian compound 'char-soo' (literally 'four directions'), signifying the whole world or all corners of existence. It establishes the pervasive, ubiquitous nature of the market of negligence across all four quarters of life.

Etymology

Persian 'chahār' / 'chār' (cognate with Sanskrit 'catur').

Usage

In ghazal poetry, 'char' most notably enters compound expressions like 'char-soo' or 'char-aaina' to evoke spatial totality or confinement.

Examples

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Related Words