Word Meaning
सों
soñ
Meaning
Like; the likes of (archaic plural/oblique form of 'sā').
Detailed Meaning
In early Urdu and Rekhta poetry, 'soñ' functions as an archaic plural or oblique form of the simulative suffix 'sā' (like/resembling). In this couplet, 'ham soñ kī' means 'of the likes of us', expressing profound humility by describing such individuals as being equal to mere dust. It also historically overlaps in Old Hindavi with the ablative/instrumental postposition 'se'.
Etymology
Sanskrit 'सम' (sama) through Prakrit, developing into Braj Bhasha and Old Hindavi 'सों' (soñ).
Usage
A hallmark of early classical Rekhta (e.g., Mir Taqi Mir and his contemporaries), reflecting Hindavi influence before modern standard Urdu favored 'jaison' or 'se'.
Examples
ham soñ kī qadr kyā jāneñ zālim
ham soñ ājiz par sitam na kījiye