شال
śāl/ʃɑːl/feminine
The Urdu word for shawl is شال (śāl).
A shawl refers to a square piece of cloth worn as a covering for the head, neck and shoulders. In colloquial speech, you might encounter the term Lehri to describe a specific type of shawl that is lightweight and features a wave or stripe pattern.
Meaning: a square piece of cloth worn as a covering for the head, neck, and shoulders (noun)
Which one should you use?
While شال is the standard term, Chādar serves as a formal and neutral alternative for a shawl.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun شال is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃɑːl/
Did you know?
- In certain linguistic contexts, the word شال is considered a 'doublet' of the word سَاڑِی ('sāṛī'), meaning they share a common origin despite being different garments.
- In South Asian culture, presenting a شال to a guest is not just a gift but a formalized gesture of respect and honor.
- While شال describes the garment itself, the related term Chādar is often used to evoke the concept of 'modesty' or 'propriety' in religious and social contexts.
Examples in context
- یہ سرخ شال بہت خوبصورت ہے۔Yeh surkh shawl bohat khoobsurat hai.This red shawl is very beautiful.
- میں نے نئی شال خریدی ہے۔Mein ne nayi shawl khareedi hai.I have bought a new shawl.
- ٹھنڈ میں شال اوڑھ لیں۔Thand mein shawl odh lain.Wear a shawl in the cold.
Example conversation
Zainab is getting ready to go outside in the evening.
- زینب Zainabکیا میں اپنی شال لے لوں؟Kya mein apni shawl lay loon?Should I take my shawl?
- احمد Ahmedجی، باہر ٹھنڈ ہے۔Ji, bahar thand hai.Yes, it is cold outside.
- زینب Zainabیہ والی شال کافی گرم ہے۔Yeh wali shawl kafi garam hai.This shawl is quite warm.
- احمد Ahmedہاں، یہ آپ کے لیے ٹھیک ہے۔Haan, yeh aap ke liye theek hai.Yes, this is fine for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shawl” translations and entries شال, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries شال, CC BY-SA 4.0.
