ٹوٹا ہوا
ṭūṭā huā
The English word "broken" is translated into Urdu as ٹوٹا ہوا (ṭūṭā huā).
ٹوٹا ہوا is used to describe things that are not working properly. This applies to physical objects that are fractured or shattered, but it can also be used for abstract concepts such as a broken heart or a broken promise.
Meaning: not working properly (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the past participle of the verb ٹوٹنا (to break) and the auxiliary ہوا (being/having become), literally meaning "broken".
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form ٹوٹا ہوا must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes.
How do you pronounce it?
ṭūṭā huā
Did you know?
- While ٹوٹا ہوا describes a broken object, Urdu uses a different verb entirely for 'breaking' a silence, often using words related to 'opening' or 'violating'.
- While ٹوٹا ہوا describes something broken, the word ہوا in this phrase is also the Urdu word for 'wind'.
- In Urdu, the term for a 'broken heart' ٹوٹا ہوا دل is a central motif in Ghazal poetry, where it represents not just sadness but a spiritual state of longing.
Examples in context
- میرا فون ٹوٹ گیا ہےMy phone is broken.
- میری گاڑی خراب ہوگئی ہےMy car is broken.
- میرا پنکچر ہوگیا ہےI have a flat tire.
- یہ کھلونا ٹوٹا ہوا ہے۔yeh khilona toota hua hai.This toy is broken.
Example conversation
Aisha and Ahmed are looking at a lamp in the living room.
- عائشہ Ayeshaاحمد، کیا یہ لیمپ کام کر رہا ہے؟Ahmed, kya yeh lamp kaam kar raha hai?Ahmed, is this lamp working?
- احمد Ahmedنہیں، یہ لیمپ ٹوٹا ہوا ہے۔Nahi, yeh lamp toota hua hai.No, this lamp is broken.
- عائشہ Ayeshaہمیں نیا لیمپ خریدنا چاہیے۔Hamein naya lamp khareedna chahiye.We should buy a new lamp.
- احمد Ahmedہاں، میں کل خرید لوں گا۔Haan, mein kal khareed loon ga.Yes, I will buy one tomorrow.
