نایاب
nayab
The English word 'rare' is translated into Urdu as نایاب (nayab).
نایاب is used to describe something that is very uncommon. Because it refers to things that are scarce, it often carries a connotation of being precious or valuable.
Meaning: very uncommon (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix na- (not) and yab (found/attainable), literally meaning 'not found' or 'unobtainable'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly in India, the phrase غیر معمولی may be used to convey the meaning of rare.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, نایاب does not change its form based on the gender or number of the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
nayab
Did you know?
- In Urdu poetry, a person described as نایاب is often a metaphor for an ideal lover who is impossible to reach or find.
- The word نایاب is borrowed from Classical Persian.
- In a formal setting, using نایاب instead of غیر معمولی instantly elevates the register of the conversation to a more literary or poetic level.
Examples in context
- یہ ایک نایاب موقع ہے۔This is a rare opportunity.
- وہ موقع بہت کم واقع ہوتا ہے۔That opportunity occurs very rarely.
- یہ ایک نایاب پتھر ہے۔yeh ek naayab patthar hai.This is a rare stone.
- اس کتاب کے الفاظ بہت نایاب ہیں۔is kitaab ke alfaaz bohat naayab hain.The words in this book are very rare.
- وہ ایک نایاب پرندہ ہے۔woh ek naayab parinda hai.That is a rare bird.
Example conversation
Zainab and Umar are looking at a collection of old coins.
- عمر Omarکیا تم نے یہ سکے دیکھے ہیں؟kya tum ne yeh sikkay dekhe hain?Have you seen these coins?
- زینب Zainabہاں، یہ بہت نایاب ہیں۔haan, yeh bohat naayab hain.Yes, they are very rare.
- عمر Omarمیں نے ایسی چیز پہلے کبھی نہیں دیکھی۔mein ne aisi cheez pehle kabhi nahi dekhi.I have never seen such a thing before.
- زینب Zainabعمر، یہ واقعی قیمتی ہیں۔Umar, yeh waqayi qeemti hain.Umar, these are truly valuable.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries نایاب, CC BY-SA 4.0.
