Word Meaning
हम-सफ़र
ham-safar
hinoun
Meaning
A fellow traveler, companion on a journey, or life partner.
Detailed Meaning
Literally denotes a co-traveler on a road or journey. In ghazal poetry, it metaphorically signifies a partner through the trials of love or life itself. In Ghalib's verse, it conveys the unbearable torment of the poet witnessing his beloved accompany his rival.
Etymology
Compound of Persian 'ham' (together, fellow) and Arabic 'safar' (journey, travel).
Usage
A staple motif in Urdu poetry employed to evoke sentiments of companionship, solitary wandering, or heartbreak when the companion departs.
Examples
leaving the weary road without a fellow traveler
the grief of losing a faithful companion
Synonyms
रफ़ीक़सहयात्रीहम-राहहम-नशीं
Related Words
सफ़रहम-क़दमहम-राही