کاش
kaash
In Urdu, 'I wish' is expressed as کاش (kaash).
Meaning: I would very much like that to be so (phrase)
How does it change in a sentence?
کاش functions as an adverbial particle and is typically placed at the beginning of a clause. When expressing a wish about a present state, the verb following کاش often uses the subjunctive or conditional mood to indicate that the situation is contrary to reality.
How do you pronounce it?
kaash
Did you know?
- In conversational Urdu, saying کاش alone with a sigh can function as a complete sentence to express a sense of hopeless regret.
- Although used in Urdu, the word کاش is actually a loanword from Classical Persian. It was integrated into the Urdu lexicon to add a poetic or more formal layer to expressions of longing.
- While کاش expresses a wish, Urdu has another way to express a desire using the word تمنا (tamanna), which implies a more active, passionate yearning.
Examples in context
- کاش میں ابھی بوسٹن میں ہوتا۔I wish I could be in Boston now.This sentence is useful for expressing a wish about a current location using کاش.Tatoeba #4286658 by nabeel_tahir, translation #3737010 by CK
- کاش میں نے کسی اور مرد سے شادی کرلی ہوتی۔I wish I'd married another man.This sentence is useful for expressing a regret regarding a past marriage using کاش.Tatoeba #1812387 by nabeel_tahir, translation #320305 by CK
- کاش تم نے وہ کہانی میری امی کو نہ بتائی ہوتی۔I wish you hadn't told that story to my mother.This sentence is useful for expressing a regret about a past action using کاش.Tatoeba #2348074 by nabeel_tahir, translation #763709 by CK
- میری آرزو ہے کہ تم جلدی سے واپس آجاؤ۔My wish is that you come back soon.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ahmed and Zainab are talking about the weather during a picnic.
- احمد Ahmedآج موسم کتنا اچھا ہے۔Aaj mausam kitna achha hai.The weather is so nice today.
- زینب Zainabکاش یہ موسم ہمیشہ رہتا۔Kaash yeh mausam hamesha rehta.I wish this weather would last forever.
- احمد Ahmedہاں، یہ بہت ہی سکون دہ ہے۔Haan, yeh bahut hi sukoon deh hai.Yes, it is very peaceful.
- زینب Zainabلیکن ہمیں اب واپس جانا چاہیے۔Lekin hamein ab wapas jana chahiye.But we should go back now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries کاش, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
