Word Meaning
चाह
chaah
Meaning
To wish, desire, or want; here used imperatively meaning 'do not wish'.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu and Hindi poetry, 'chāh' serves both as a noun meaning affection or desire and as the root or imperative form of the verb 'chāhnā' (to wish, desire, or require). In this couplet, it functions as an imperative verb preceded by the negative particle ('na chāh'), meaning 'do not desire' or 'do not wish'. The lover pleads with the beloved not to wish him to be made ashamed by his own suspicions.
Etymology
Prakrit 'चाहइ' (cāhaï), ultimately traced to Sanskrit 'चाय्' (cāy, to perceive, respect) or related to roots of desire/seeking.
Usage
Commonly used in classical ghazal to denote both genuine romantic yearning and the act of commanding or imploring the beloved.
Examples
Do not wish ruin upon this broken heart.
What else does a devoted heart desire but a glance?