اَکیلَا
akelā
The English word 'alone' can be translated into Urdu as اَکیلَا (akelā) or تنہا.
Meaning: by oneself (adj)
Ways to say it
| Urdu | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| اَکیلَا | akelā |
| تنہا | tanhā |
Both words are used to describe the state of being by oneself. اَکیلَا can function as an adjective or an adverb meaning 'without company'.
Which one should you use?
اَکیلَا is the more common form used in everyday spoken Urdu. In contrast, تنہا is used to convey a sense of solitude, isolation or a more poetic feeling of being alone.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing multiple people in the plural, the adjective اَکیلَا changes its ending to اَکیلے.
How do you pronounce it?
akelā
Did you know?
- In certain poetic contexts, calling someone تنہا can actually be a compliment meaning they are 'unique' or 'one-of-a-kind'.
- The word تنہا is a loanword from Classical Persian and originates from the Middle Persian word tanīhā.
- Urdu songwriters frequently pair تنہا with themes of heartbreak, transforming a simple state of being alone into a symbol of deep sorrow.
Examples in context
- میں اکیلا ہوں۔I am alone.
- وہ تنہا محسوس کرتا ہے۔He feels lonely.
- وہ تنہائی محسوس کرتا/کرتی ہے۔He/She feels alone.
- وہ اَکیلَا ہے،voh akela hai,He is alone.
- کیا تم اَکیلَا جا سکتے ہو؟kya tum akela ja saktay ho?Can you go alone?
- میں اَکیلَا کمرے میں بیٹھا ہوں۔mein akela kamray mein betha hoon.I am sitting in the room alone.
Example conversation
Ali and Aisha are talking about a trip to the market.
- علی Aliمیں بازار اَکیلَا جا رہا ہوں۔Main bazaar akela ja raha hoon.I am going to the market alone.
- عائشہ Ayeshaآپ اَکیلَا کیوں جا رہے ہیں؟Aap akela kyun ja rahe hain?Why are you going alone?
- علی Aliمجھے کچھ ضروری کام ہے۔Mujhe kuch zaroori kaam hai.I have some important work.
- عائشہ Ayeshaٹھیک ہے، علی، اپنا خیال رکھیں۔Theek hai, Ali, apna khayal rakhein.Okay, Ali, take care of yourself.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “alone” translations and entries تنہا, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries تنہا, CC BY-SA 4.0.
