گونگا
gonga
The English word 'dumb' can be translated into Urdu as گونگا (gonga).
In certain colloquial contexts, گونگا is used to mean 'stupid'. However, its primary and literal meaning is a person who is mute or unable to speak.
Meaning: stupid (adj)
Which one should you use?
While گونگا may be used to imply someone is stupid, the word بیوقوف is the more accurate and common way to say 'stupid' or 'foolish' in Urdu.
How do you pronounce it?
gonga
Did you know?
- While گونگا means mute, it is often paired with بہر ('deaf') to form the phrase گونگا بہرا, which is used idiomatically to describe someone who is intentionally ignoring a situation.
- The Urdu term for 'mute' can be used metaphorically in poetry to describe a heart that is 'silent' or unable to express its grief.
- In Urdu, using گونگا to mean 'stupid' can be perceived as much more offensive than the English 'dumb' because it targets a physical disability rather than just intelligence.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Aisha are discussing a silly mistake.
- احمد Ahmedمیں نے یہ غلطی کیوں کی؟Main ne yeh ghalti kyun ki?Why did I make this mistake?
- عائشہ Ayeshaتم واقعی گونگا ہو، احمد۔Tum waqayi gunga ho, Ahmed.You are really dumb, Ahmed.
- احمد Ahmedایسا مت کہو!Aisa mat kaho!Don't say that!
- عائشہ Ayeshaسچ تو یہی ہے۔Sach toh yahi hai.That is just the truth.
