भाई

Meaning

Brother; used colloquially as an interjection or vocative meaning 'my friend'.

Detailed Meaning

Literally denoting a male sibling, the word is also used in colloquial speech as an informal form of address equivalent to 'my friend' or 'dear fellow'. In this couplet, it functions in the idiomatic conversational phrase 'na bhai' (no brother/friend), expressing helplessness and protestation against unbearable hardship.

Etymology

From Sanskrit भ्रातृ (bhrātṛ) through Prakrit bhāi.

Usage

In classical Urdu ghazal, it is occasionally employed to lend a direct, colloquial, and conversational rhythm to the verse.

Examples

Synonyms

Related Words