جانو
jaanu
The Urdu word for babe is جانو (jaanu).
جانو can refer to an attractive person, but it is most commonly used as a term of endearment between romantic partners or very close friends, similar to calling someone sweetheart or darling.
Meaning: attractive person (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
جانو is an informal term of endearment and should not be used in formal or professional settings.
How do you pronounce it?
jaanu
Did you know?
- If you call a stranger جانو in a public setting in Pakistan, it could be seen as much more provocative than calling someone 'babe' in English.
- The word جانو is derived from جان (jaan), which means 'life' or 'soul'. Calling someone جانو is literally telling them they are your life.
- The word جانو is widely understood and used across both Urdu and Hindi, making it a cross-border term of endearment despite the different scripts.
Examples in context
- تم میری جانو ہو۔tum meri jano ho.You are my babe.
- میری جانو کہاں ہے؟meri jano kahan hai?Where is my babe?
Example conversation
A couple is talking at home.
- عائشہ Ayeshaجانو، آپ کہاں ہیں؟Janu, aap kahan hain?Babe, where are you?
- علی Aliمیں کچن میں ہوں، عائشہ۔Main kitchen mein hoon, Aisha.I am in the kitchen, Aisha.
- عائشہ Ayeshaمیرے جانو، میری مدد کریں۔Mere janu, meri madad karein.My babe, please help me.
- علی Aliجی، میں ابھی آتا ہوں۔Ji, main abhi aata hoon.Yes, I am coming right now.
