Word Meaning
तीं
teeñ
Meaning
To, unto, towards (archaic postposition equivalent to modern 'ko').
Detailed Meaning
An archaic Hindustani postposition frequent in early Rekhta and classical poetry, functionally equivalent to modern 'ko' (to/unto). In this couplet, 'tere teen' means 'to you' (tujh ko), as the lover shows the blossoming wound of his heart to the beloved. Standard modern Urdu later abandoned this form in favor of 'ko' or 'ke ta'eeñ'.
Etymology
Derived from Old Indo-Aryan / Apabhramsha locative and dative-accusative postpositional markers, surviving into Old Hindi and early Urdu.
Usage
A characteristic marker of early Urdu poetry (e.g., Vali, Mir) that was later considered obsolete (matrook) in standard Delhi and Lucknow idioms.
Examples
Dil diya tere teen (gave heart unto you)
Mujh teen na sataao (do not torment me)