جِیبھ
jībhfeminine
The English word 'tongue' can be translated into Urdu as جِیبھ (jībh), زَبان, زُبان or لِسان.
Meaning: organ (noun)
Ways to say it
| Urdu | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| جِیبھ | jībh | feminine |
| زَبان | zabān | feminine |
| زُبان | zubān | feminine |
| لِسان | lisān | feminine |
The word جِیبھ refers specifically to the physical organ in the mouth.
Which one should you use?
While جِیبھ refers specifically to the physical organ, زَبان is the most common word used to mean both the physical tongue and a spoken language.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form لِسان is a more formal or literary term used for both the physical organ and a language, often appearing in religious or academic contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of زَبان (language) is زبانیں.
How do you pronounce it?
jībh
Did you know?
- In the phrase زبان پر لگام دینا, the 'tongue' is compared to a horse, and the speaker is told to put a 'bridle' on it to stop talking.
- Urdu has a specific expression زبان دراز which literally means 'long tongue' and is used to describe someone who is rude or insolent.
- The word زَبان is used in a common idiom زبان دینا which means to give one's word or make a solemn promise.
Examples in context
- میری جِیبھ پر زخم ہے۔meri jībh par zakham hai.There is a wound on my tongue.
- اس بچے کی جِیبھ نیلی ہے۔is bachay ki jībh neeli hai.This child's tongue is blue.
- جِیبھ بہت گرم محسوس ہو رہی ہے۔jībh bohat garam mehsoos ho rahi hai.The tongue feels very hot.
Example conversation
Ali and Fatima are at home after a meal.
- علی Aliفاطمہ، کیا آپ کو بہت مرچیں لگیں؟Fatima, kya aap ko bohat mirchein lageen?Fatima, did you find it too spicy?
- فاطمہ Fatimaہاں، میری جِیبھ جل رہی ہے۔Haan, meri jībh jal rahi hai.Yes, my tongue is burning.
- علی Aliکیا میں ٹھنڈا پانی لاؤں؟Kya mein thanda pani laoon?Should I bring some cold water?
- فاطمہ Fatimaجی، پلیز جلدی لائیں۔Ji, please jaldi layein.Yes, please bring it quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tongue” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
