… کا
… kā
In Urdu, the phrase for "of" is expressed using a possessive marker, with the default form being … کا (… kā). Wiktionary also lists izāfa.
Meaning: possessive genitive: belonging to (prep)
Ways to say it
| Urdu | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| … کا | … kā |
| izāfa |
This construction functions as a possessive genitive to indicate that something belongs to someone or something. Unlike English, where "of" typically precedes the object being possessed, the Urdu marker follows the noun it modifies. The typical word order is [Possessed Noun] + [Possessive Marker] + [Owner Noun].
Which one should you use?
While … کا is the default, the marker changes depending on the object being possessed. Use کے (ke) if the possessed object is masculine plural or a respectful masculine singular. Use کی (kī) if the possessed object is feminine, regardless of whether it is singular or plural.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the possessive marker is determined by the gender and number of the object being possessed. The marker follows the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
… kā
Did you know?
- The marker کا actually shares an ancient ancestor with the Sanskrit word for 'done' or 'made', meaning its literal history is closer to 'the thing made by' than the English 'of'.
- The masculine plural form کے is not just for multiple objects, but is also the required way to show respect to a single person when using 'of'.
- When using the word for 'of' in a formal or poetic context, such as in the izāfa construction, the grammar can shift to become even more streamlined than everyday speech.
Examples in context
- کتاب کا صفحہPage of the book
- مُحَمَّد کا گھرHouse of Mohammad
- میری کتابوں کی تصاویرPictures of my books
- اس سبز جھولے کے پھولFlowers of this green bag
Sources
- Wiktionary, “of” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries کا, CC BY-SA 4.0.
