Word Meaning
छानी
chānī
hiverb
Meaning
Sifted, searched thoroughly, or strained (as in searching every speck of dust).
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu and Hindi, 'छानी' is the past feminine form of the verb 'छानना' (to sift or strain). In classical poetry, it predominantly appears in the idiom 'ख़ाक छानना' (to sift dust/wander in search of something desperately). In this couplet, it evokes the lover's exhaustive, agonizing search through the beloved's street looking for the lost heart.
Etymology
Derived from Sanskrit 'क्षालयति' (to wash, cleanse) or Prakrit 'छणइ', evolving into Hindi/Urdu 'छानना' / 'چھاننا'.
Usage
In classical ghazal, the verb is almost always tied to 'ख़ाक' (dust), embodying the wandering, desperate pursuit of an elusive lover or lost self.
Examples
khāk-e-dasht chānī
kūcha-ba-kūcha chānī
Synonyms
ढूँढ़ीतलाशीखोजी
Related Words
छाननाछलनीख़ाक-छाननाजुस्तुजू