بولنا
bolnā/boːl.nɑː/
To say in Urdu is بولنا (bolnā).
بولنا is used to communicate verbally or in writing. It is often used to express the ability to speak a language, such as 'I speak Urdu'.
Meaning: to communicate verbally or in writing (verb)
Which one should you use?
While بولنا focuses on the act of speaking or the ability to speak, کہنا is used specifically for the act of conveying a particular statement or piece of information. Additionally, if you want to express the specific idea of "telling a story", you should use Kahaani sunana.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the verb changes depending on the subject and tense. To express the past tense with a masculine singular subject, use بولا (bolā).
How do you pronounce it?
bolnā (/boːl.nɑː/)
Did you know?
- While بولنا is the standard verb for 'to speak', in formal written Urdu, you will often see the word فرمانا (farmānā) used when a person of high status or a deity 'says' something.
- The Urdu verb بولنا (bolnā) is related to بُلَانَا (bulānā), which means 'to call'. While one focuses on speaking and the other on summoning, they share a common linguistic root.
- Depending on the region, speakers may use different registers for 'saying' to show respect, often shifting the entire verb structure to avoid appearing blunt or rude.
Examples in context
- وہ ہمیشہ سچ بولنا چاہتا ہے۔woh hamesha sach bolna chahta hai.He always wants to speak the truth.
- آپ کو آرام سے بولنا چاہیے۔aap ko aaram se bolna chahiye.You should speak calmly.
- کیا آپ اردو بولنا جانتے ہیں؟kya aap urdu bolna jaante hain?Do you know how to speak Urdu?
Example conversation
Omar and Zainab are discussing a presentation.
- عمر Omarزینب، کیا آپ کو بولنا ہے؟Zainab, kya aap ko bolna hai?Zainab, do you want to speak?
- زینب Zainabہاں، مجھے کچھ کہنا ہے۔Haan, mujhe kuch kehna hai.Yes, I have something to say.
- عمر Omarتو پھر ابھی بولنا شروع کریں۔To phir abhi bolna shuru karein.Then please start speaking now.
- زینب Zainabشکریہ عمر، میں تیار ہوں۔Shukriya Omar, mein tayyar hoon.Thank you Omar, I am ready.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry بولنا, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries بولنا, CC BY-SA 4.0.
