Word Meaning
दही
dahī
Meaning
You give, thou givest (second-person singular present form of Persian dādan, 'to give').
Detailed Meaning
In Persian grammar, 'dahī' is the second-person singular present or subjunctive form of the infinitive 'dādan' (to give). In this couplet, preceded by the negative particle 'na' ('na dahī'), it conveys 'you do not give' or 'thou bestowest not' even a mere blade of grass upon the wise. It highlights the cosmic irony where fortune denies modest sustenance to the intellect while lavishing wealth upon fools.
Etymology
Persian, present stem form of the infinitive 'dādan' (دادن), tracing to Proto-Iranian *dā- and Proto-Indo-European *deh₃- (to give).
Usage
Common in classical Persian and Iqbal's Persian ghazals when addressing destiny, God, or the beloved with grievances of neglect.
Examples
tu dād na dahī (thou dost not administer justice)
na dahī ba-kas (thou givest to no one)