Word Meaning
ना-तावाँ
nā-tāvāñ
Meaning
Weak, feeble, frail, powerless, or lacking physical strength.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetics, 'nā-tāvāñ' describes extreme physical weakness, frailty, or powerlessness, often brought on by love or suffering. In this couplet, it describes the frail ant ('mor-e-nā-tāvāñ') that dares to embark on a perilous voyage across a turbulent river using a mere rose petal. The term creates a profound contrast between sheer physical helplessness and spiritual resilience.
Etymology
Persian compound formed of the negative prefix 'nā-' (not, without) and 'tāvān' (power, strength, ability).
Usage
Frequently employed in classical ghazals to depict the lover's severe emaciation and frailty caused by the trials of separation.
Examples
Inflict not so much sorrow upon this feeble heart, O cruel fate.
The frail body trembles in the wind like a withered autumn leaf.