Word Meaning
म'आश
ma'ash
hinoun
Meaning
Livelihood, subsistence, or manner of living.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'ma'ash' denotes one's sustenance, livelihood, or way of living. In this couplet, it is used rhetorically to question whether surviving on a mere fleeting glance after ages of pining can genuinely be called a life. It conveys the despair of an existence sustained by trivial consolations.
Etymology
Arabic مَعَاش (ma‘āsh), derived from the triconsonantal root ع-ي-ش (ʿ-y-sh), relating to living or life.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'ma'ash' often contrasts the mundane, material struggle of survival with the lofty, passionate agony of love.
Examples
The torment of livelihood left no peace for love.
What manner of living is this where the heart finds no rest?
Synonyms
गुज़र-बसररोज़गारज़िंदगी
Related Words
ऐशम'ईशतहयात