Word Meaning
राएगाँ
rāegāñ
Meaning
Wasted, lost in vain, futile, or squandered.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'rāegāñ' refers to something precious being lost or rendered futile without fulfilling its true purpose. In this couplet, it articulates profound remorse over spending a dear, irreplaceable life ('umr-e-azīz') in vain because the poet remained alienated from the true beloved or purpose. The word evokes deep existential sorrow over an irreversible loss.
Etymology
Persian (رایگان / rāygān, originally meaning gratis or obtained without effort, which in Urdu evolved into wasted or in vain).
Usage
In ghazals, it is predominantly paired with 'उम्र' (life) or 'सई' (effort) alongside verbs like 'जाना' or 'होना' to convey irreversible regret.
Examples
A precious youth spent in vain pursuits.
No true effort of love ever goes to waste.