زبردست
zabardast
The English word "great" can be translated into Urdu as زبردست (zabardast).
زبردست is an adjective meaning "great" or "excellent." It is frequently used to express enthusiasm or strong approval of an idea, a performance or a piece of news.
Meaning: very good (adj)
Which one should you use?
While زبردست is used for "great," other words may be more appropriate depending on the context. Shandar is used to describe something as grand or magnificent, while Kamaal is an informal way to say something is wonderful or marvelous.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
زبردست is an informal word. In casual conversation, it is a very common way to react to good news, similar to saying "Awesome!" or "Fantastic!" in English. For a more formal way to say "grand" or "magnificent," use Shandar.
How do you pronounce it?
zabardast
When do people say it?
In casual social interactions, زبردست serves as an enthusiastic reaction to positive information, functioning much like the English expressions "awesome" or "fantastic."
Did you know?
- The word زبردست literally translates to 'strong hand' or 'above the hand' because it comes from the Persian words zabar for 'above' and dast for 'hand'.
- While زبردست means 'great' in modern conversation, it can historically refer to someone who is powerful or even overbearing and domineering.
- In Urdu, a person might say زبردست not just to praise a result, but as a rhythmic exclamation to encourage a performer, similar to how an English speaker might shout 'Bravo!'
Examples in context
- یہ ایک زبردست خیال ہے۔Yeh ek zabardast khayal hai.This is a great idea.
- آج کا کھانا زبردست تھا۔Aaj ka khana zabardast tha.Today's food was great.
- تم نے زبردست کام کیا ہے۔Tum ne zabardast kaam kiya hai.You have done a great job.
Example conversation
Umar and Fatima are discussing a movie they recently watched.
- عمر Omarفاطمہ، کیا تمہیں فلم پسند آئی؟Fatima, kya tumhein film pasand aayi?Fatima, did you like the movie?
- فاطمہ Fatimaہاں، یہ بہت زبردست تھی!Haan, yeh bohat zabardast thi!Yes, it was great!
- عمر Omarمجھے بھی اس کی کہانی پسند آئی۔Mujhe bhi is ki kahani pasand aayi.I also liked its story.
- فاطمہ Fatimaبالکل، یہ واقعی ایک زبردست فلم ہے۔Bilkul, yeh waqai ek zabardast film hai.Exactly, it really is a great movie.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries زبردست, CC BY-SA 4.0.
