Word Meaning
साहिब
sahib
hinoun
Meaning
Master, gentleman, or an honorific title such as 'sir' or 'Mr.'
Detailed Meaning
Literally meaning a companion, possessor, or master, the term is widely employed across Urdu as an honorific of politeness and deference. In this couplet, it is appended to the poet's pen name ('Mir-sahib') to refer to himself with mild irony and social formality. It frames the speaker from a detached, courteous perspective as he observes his own withdrawal from the world.
Etymology
Arabic (صاحِب, ṣāḥib), active participle meaning companion, associate, or possessor.
Usage
Commonly suffixed to names in ghazal to express polite deference, formal distance, or affectionate self-irony.
Examples
What can anyone ask about the master of the house?
Consider the condition of this sahib of sorrow.
Synonyms
जनाबमालिकआक़ाहज़रत
Related Words
साहिबीसाहिब-ए-खानासाहिब-ए-नज़रमुसाहिब