Word Meaning
भूका
bhooka
hiadjective
Meaning
Hungry; intensely longing or craving for something.
Detailed Meaning
In poetry, the word extends beyond physical hunger to express a profound craving or spiritual yearning. In this couplet, it describes the lover's heart desperately famished for a single glimpse of the beloved. The poet employs it alongside the motif of eating or enduring wounds (zakhm khana).
Etymology
Sanskrit बुभुक्षित (bubhukṣita) through Prakrit into Hindustani भूखा/بھوکا.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, it frequently signifies an emotional craving for a sight (deedaar) of the beloved rather than physical hunger.
Examples
Hungry for a single glance of the beloved
A starved heart longing for affection
Synonyms
भूखामुश्ताक़आरज़ूमंदतिश्ना
Related Words
भूखतिश्नगीप्यासा