Word Meaning
नफ़स
nafas
hinoun
Meaning
Breath, respiration; a fleeting moment or lifespan.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetics, 'nafas' represents the breath of life or a momentary sigh, often symbolizing the fragility and rhythm of human existence. In this couplet, 'taar-e-nafas' (the thread or chord of breath) portrays breath as an instrument's string upon which the poetry of Bedil is played. It connects the poet's very vitality directly with creative musical expression.
Etymology
Arabic (نَفَس - nafas, meaning breath or sigh).
Usage
In ghazal aesthetics, 'nafas' is commonly used to evoke the fleetingness of existence, an ardent sigh of love, or spiritual inspiration.
Examples
counting each breath in the sorrow of parting
a single breath granted between life and dust
Synonyms
साँसदमहयात
Related Words
हम-नफ़सतार-ए-नफ़सनफ़स-शुमारी