خاتون
xātūn/xɑː.t̪uːn/
The Urdu word for lady is خاتون (xātūn).
خاتون is used to refer to a woman in a polite and respectful manner, functioning similarly to the English word 'lady'.
Meaning: polite: woman (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
خاتون is a formal and polite term. In more formal address, you may also encounter Bēgum when addressing a lady or Khawātīn when addressing a group of ladies.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as xātūn. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The root of the word خاتون is linked to the Old Turkic word katun, which was used for the wives of Khans in the Mongol Empire.
- The word بیگم (bēgum), mentioned as a formal alternative, originally served as a title for high-ranking female members of royalty or noble families.
- Because خاتون is highly formal, using it in a very casual setting with close friends might actually sound sarcastic or mockingly polite.
Examples in context
- وہ ایک نیک خاتون ہیں۔Woh ek naik khatoon hain.She is a noble lady.
- کمرے میں ایک خاتون موجود ہیں۔Kamray mein ek khatoon maujood hain.A lady is present in the room.
- اس خاتون کا نام کیا ہے؟Is khatoon ka naam kya hai?What is this lady's name?
Example conversation
Hamza and Fatima are at a formal social gathering.
- حمزہ Hamzaفاطمہ، وہ خاتون کون ہیں؟Fatima, woh khatoon kaun hain?Fatima, who is that lady?
- فاطمہ Fatimaوہ ہماری ایک معزز خاتون ہیں۔Woh hamari ek moazzaz khatoon hain.She is a respected lady of ours.
- حمزہ Hamzaکیا میں ان سے مل سکتا ہوں؟Kya mein un se mil sakta hoon?Can I meet her?
- فاطمہ Fatimaجی ہاں، حمزہ، ضرور ملیں۔Ji han, Hamza, zaroor milain.Yes, Hamza, certainly do.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry خاتون, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
