الو
ullū/ʊl.luː/masculine
The English word "owl" is الو (ullū) in Urdu.
الو is a noun used to refer to the bird known as an owl.
Meaning: bird (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Karachi, the term 'ullu' remains the most widely used term for owl.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form الو is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /ʊl.luː/. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- In Urdu, calling someone الو is a common way to call them a 'fool' or an 'idiot'. It is an insult based on the perceived stupidity of the bird rather than its wisdom.
- In some South Asian folklore and superstitions, the presence or hooting of an الو near a house is traditionally viewed as an omen of bad luck.
- The root of الو comes from the Sanskrit word úlūka, which has evolved over centuries through Prakrit before entering Urdu.
Examples in context
- وہ ایک الو ہے۔voh aik ullu hai.That is an owl.
- الو رات کو جاگتا ہے۔ullu raat ko jagta hai.The owl stays awake at night.
- مجھے الو بہت پسند ہے۔mujhe ullu bohat pasand hai.I like the owl very much.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a picture book in a garden.
- عائشہ Ayeshaعمر، دیکھو یہ الو کتنا پیارا ہے!Umar, dekho yeh ullu kitna pyara hai!Umar, look how cute this owl is!
- عمر Omarہاں عائشہ، یہ بہت خوبصورت ہے۔Haan Aisha, yeh bohat khubsurat hai.Yes Aisha, it is very beautiful.
- عائشہ Ayeshaکیا یہ رات کو بولتا ہے؟Kya yeh raat ko bolta hai?Does it make sounds at night?
- عمر Omarجی ہاں، الو رات کو آواز نکالتا ہے۔Ji haan, ullu raat ko awaz nikalta hai.Yes, the owl makes sounds at night.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “owl” translations and entries الو, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الو, CC BY-SA 4.0.
