Word Meaning
सौ
sau
hinumeral
Meaning
A hundred; used hyperbolically to signify countless times or great frequency.
Detailed Meaning
Literally denoting the numeral one hundred, 'sau' is often deployed in poetry to represent hyperbole and exaggeration. In this couplet, 'sau bār' (a hundred times) emphasizes the speaker's repeated and relentless efforts to make the beloved feel ashamed or humbled.
Etymology
Sanskrit शत (śata) through Prakrit सअ (saa) into Hindi-Urdu सौ (sau).
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, 'sau' commonly couples with words like 'bār' or 'rañg' to denote infinite multiplicity rather than an exact count.
Examples
Sau baar tarāshā hai sanam dil ke jahāñ meñ
Dil sau baar tūṭe to bhī vafā kī aag nahīñ bujhtī
Synonyms
शतसैकड़ासद
Related Words
सौ बारसैकड़ोंहज़ार