Word Meaning
यक-नफ़स
yak-nafas
hinoun
Meaning
A single breath; a solitary moment or brief instant.
Detailed Meaning
Literally signifying 'one breath', the phrase denotes the utmost brevity of time or an ephemeral flash of existence. In Ghalib's verse, it reflects the fragile pulse of life whose meager vibrancy must be endured or extinguished across the endless misery of night. It heightens the pathos of a fleeting life constrained by perpetual misfortune.
Etymology
Compound of Persian 'yak' (one) and Arabic 'nafas' (breath).
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, it is standardly employed as an emblem of the utmost transience and fragility of mortal life.
Examples
Life is but a single breath of longing.
In a single breath, the garden turned to dust.
Synonyms
यक-दमलम्हापल भर
Related Words
नफ़सयक-दमदम-ए-वापसीं