گدھا
gadhanoun, masculine
The Urdu word for donkey is گدھا (gadha), and a female donkey is گدھی (gadhi). Donkeys still pull carts in many parts of Pakistan.
Meaning: working animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Pakistan | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| گدھا | gadha | noun, masculine |
| گدھی | gadhi | noun, female donkey |
The plural is گدھے (gadhe). A cart pulled by a donkey is a گدھا گاڑی (gadha gaari), a common sight in towns and villages.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Used about a real animal it is a plain word, but said to a person it is rude, so keep it for the animal.
When do people say it?
Calling a person گدھا (gadha) means they are stupid or stubborn, much like "donkey" in English, so it is an insult.
Did you know?
- The word محنتی (mehnati), "hardworking", is an honest description of the animal even though گدھا (gadha) is an insult for people.
Examples in context
- گدھا بوجھ اٹھا رہا ہے۔gadha bojh utha raha hai.The donkey is carrying a load.
- گاؤں میں گدھا گاڑی چلتی ہے۔gaon mein gadha gaari chalti hai.Donkey carts run in the village.
- وہ گدھے پر سوار ہے۔woh gadhe par sawar hai.He is riding a donkey.
Example conversation
Uncle Saleem and his nephew Zain watch a loaded cart on a road near Sialkot.
- Zainچچا، یہ گدھا کتنا بوجھ اٹھاتا ہے!chacha, yeh gadha kitna bojh uthata hai!Uncle, how much this donkey carries!
- Chachaہاں بیٹا، یہ بہت محنتی جانور ہے۔haan beta, yeh bohat mehnati janwar hai.Yes dear, it is a very hardworking animal.
- Zainمجھے اس پر بٹھائیں گے؟mujhe is par bithayenge?Will you let me sit on it?
