متواضع
mutawaze
The English adjective "modest" is translated into Urdu as متواضع (mutawaze).
متواضع is used to describe someone who is not bragging or boasting about themselves or their achievements. In more formal contexts, the related term خاضع can be used to signify modesty, humility and a submissive nature.
Meaning: not bragging or boasting about oneself or one's achievements (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
mutawaze
Did you know?
- Urdu has a specific linguistic tradition of using 'humble pronouns' where a modest person refers to themselves using terms that literally mean 'this insignificant one'.
- An English speaker might say 'modest clothes', but in Urdu, describing clothes as متواضع would sound quite strange. One would instead use terms related to 'covering' or 'decency' to describe clothing that follows social norms.
- In Urdu, the concept of modesty is often tied to the word حیا, which refers to a sense of shame or bashfulness that prevents one from acting inappropriately. While 'modest' in English is a personality trait, in Urdu, 'modesty' often implies a moral or social restraint.
Examples in context
- وہ لڑکا سادہ اور دلکش شکل کا ہے۔That boy has a modest and attractive appearance.
Example conversation
Aisha and Omar are discussing a mutual friend's achievement.
- عائشہ Ayeshaکیا آپ نے علی کی جیت کے بارے میں سنا؟Kya aap ne Ali ki jeet ke baare mein suna?Did you hear about Ali's victory?
- عمر Omarہاں، لیکن وہ اب بھی بہت متواضع ہے۔Haan, lekin woh ab bhi bohat mutawazi hai.Yes, but he is still very modest.
- عائشہ Ayeshaوہ اپنی کامیابی پر غرور نہیں کرتا۔Woh apni kamyabi par ghuroor nahi karta.He does not brag about his success.
- عمر Omarاسی لیے سب اسے پسند کرتے ہیں۔Isi liye sab usay pasand karte hain.That is why everyone likes him.
