Word Meaning
समाई
samāī
Meaning
Capacity to contain, accommodation, room, or being absorbed.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu and Hindi poetics, 'samaai' denotes capacity, room to accommodate, or the threshold of containment. In this couplet, it refers to reaching the absolute limit of containing or enduring sorrow, indicating that the heart can no longer hold any more grief. It vividly portrays a state of emotional saturation where forbearance is completely exhausted.
Etymology
Derived from the Indo-Aryan base seen in Sanskrit 'samāveśa' (entering, absorption) through Prakrit into the Hindustani verb 'samānā' (to fit or be contained).
Usage
In ghazal poetry, 'samaai' is frequently invoked to contrast the boundless immensity of grief or love against the finite capacity of the lover's heart.
Examples
Dil mein ab aur dard ki samaai kahan
Gham ki samaai ab is tangee-e-dil mein nahi
