सानी

Meaning

Second; equal, peer, or counterpart.

Detailed Meaning

In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'saani' literally denotes 'second', but frequently carries the figurative sense of an equal, peer, or duplicate. In Ghalib's couplet, 'Yusuf-e-saani' evokes a second manifestation of the prophet Yusuf, symbolizing a counterpart of equal beauty or significance. It is widely used to celebrate unmatched virtue or to present someone as the reincarnation or match of a legendary figure.

Etymology

Arabic ثَانٍ (thānin / thānī), from the root ث-ن-ي (th-n-y) pertaining to doubling, repeating, or folding.

Usage

Frequently employed in Persian izafat constructions like 'Yusuf-e-saani' or idiomatic denials such as 'koi saani na hona' to declare someone matchless.

Examples

Synonyms

Related Words