Word Meaning
या'नी
ya'ni
Meaning
That is to say, in other words, meaning, namely.
Detailed Meaning
The word functions as an explanatory particle meaning 'that is to say' or 'in other words'. In this couplet, it serves as the crucial pivot that introduces the reason why the lover's heart weeps for the beloveds: namely, that after his death, their nails will be deprived of his blood which they used instead of henna. It links the dramatic premise of the first line to the witty, macabre poetic conceit of the second.
Etymology
Arabic origin; the third-person imperfect form of the verb 'anā (عَنَى), literally meaning 'he/it means' or 'signifies'.
Usage
In classical ghazal, it is commonly placed at a hemistich's end or juncture to set up an inventive poetic justification (husn-e-ta'lil) or startling clarification.
Examples
Told the heart's condition, that is to say, disclosed everything
Silence in love, meaning a quiet consent