مگرمچھ
magarmachh
The English word crocodile is مگرمچھ (magarmachh) in Urdu.
The word refers to the large reptile.
Meaning: reptile (noun)
Which one should you use?
While مگرمچھ is the standard term, تِمسار can also be used to refer to a crocodile, particularly in more formal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
magarmachh
Did you know?
- The second half of the word, مچھ (mach), is actually a colloquial shortening of the formal word مچھلی (machli), which means 'fish'.
- In Urdu and Hindi, the word مگرمچھ is often used metaphorically to describe a greedy or opportunistic person who waits for the perfect moment to strike.
- While مگرمچھ is the common term, the formal word تِمسار is derived from Arabic, reflecting the historical linguistic influence of the Middle East on Urdu vocabulary.
Examples in context
- مگرمچھ بہت بڑا ہے۔magarmach bohat bara hai.The crocodile is very big.
- دریا میں ایک مگرمچھ ہے۔darya mein ek magarmach hai.There is a crocodile in the river.
- مگرمچھ پانی میں تیر رہا ہے۔magarmach pani mein tair raha hai.The crocodile is swimming in the water.
Example conversation
Hamza and Aisha are looking at a nature documentary on TV.
- عائشہ Ayeshaحمزہ، کیا تم نے وہ مگرمچھ دیکھا؟Hamza, kya tum ne woh magarmach dekha?Hamza, did you see that crocodile?
- حمزہ Hamzaہاں عائشہ، وہ بہت خوفناک تھا۔Haan Aisha, woh bohat khofnak tha.Yes Aisha, it was very scary.
- عائشہ Ayeshaمگرمچھ واقعی خطرناک جانور ہیں۔magarmach waqai khatarnak janwar hain.Crocodiles are truly dangerous animals.
- حمزہ Hamzaجی، ہمیں احتیاط کرنی چاہیے۔Ji, hamein ehtiyat karni chahiye.Yes, we should be careful.
