Word Meaning
निकहत
nikhat
hinoun, feminine
Meaning
Fragrance, sweet scent, aroma, or perfume.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'nikhat' denotes a delicate aroma or sweet fragrance, usually associated with fresh blossoms or the beloved's hair. In this couplet, it serves as the steed ('gulgūn-e-nikhat') carrying a swift and fleeting spring. It emphasizes both the sensual delight and the rapid evanescence of floral beauty.
Etymology
From Arabic 'نَكْهَة' (nakhat/nakhah), meaning breath, aroma, or sweet scent; borrowed into Persian and Urdu.
Usage
Commonly paired with the morning breeze (bād-e-sabā) or the rose in ghazals to convey transient grace and romantic intimacy.
Examples
The morning breeze carried the sweet nikhat of opening buds.
A wave of nikhat arose from the beloved's flowing hair.
Synonyms
खुशबूमहकसुगंधशमीम
Related Words
निकहत-ए-गुलशमीमबू-ए-गुलअतर