نوشِ جان
nosh-e-jaan
The English phrase "bon appetit" is translated into Urdu as نوشِ جان (nosh-e-jaan).
نوشِ جان is used specifically as a polite blessing or well-wish to someone who is about to begin eating.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nosh (consumption/drinking) and jaan (life/soul), literally meaning 'may it be a nourishment for your soul'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This phrase is more elegant and formal than the common Urdu way of saying 'eat' or 'enjoy your meal'.
How do you pronounce it?
nosh-e-jaan
Did you know?
- The word جان in this phrase, meaning 'soul' or 'life', is the same word used in the term 'Janu', a common term of endearment for a sweetheart or loved one.
- While نوشِ جان is a blessing, it is common in South Asian culture to offer more food to a guest repeatedly after they have finished, even if they have already been told to enjoy the meal.
- The expression is rooted in Persian culture, as the word جان (jaan) was borrowed from Classical Persian into Urdu.
Examples in context
- کھانا کھائیں، نوشِ جان۔khana khayein, nosh-e-jaan.Eat the food, bon appetit.
Example conversation
Sarah has cooked a nice meal for Ahmed at home.
- سارہ Saraاحمد، کھانا تیار ہے۔Ahmed, khana tayyar hai.Ahmed, the food is ready.
- احمد Ahmedبہت شکریہ، سارہ۔Bohat shukriya, Sarah.Thank you very much, Sarah.
- سارہ Saraنوشِ جان، مزے سے کھائیں۔Nosh-e-jaan, maze se khayein.Bon appetit, enjoy your meal.
- احمد Ahmedجی، بالکل۔Ji, bilkul.Yes, definitely.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries جان, CC BY-SA 4.0.
