کب
kab/kəb/
In Urdu, the word used for the interrogative 'when' is کب (kab).
Meaning: as soon as, at the time that (conj)
Which one should you use?
The word 'kab' is used for asking questions about time (interrogative 'when'), whereas the conjunction 'when' (meaning 'at the time that') is expressed using different grammatical structures like jab.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is kab and the IPA is /kəb/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use کب to mean 'at the time that' (e.g., 'When I arrived, he left'), but in Urdu, کب is strictly for questions, while جب must be used for the conjunction.
Did you know?
- In Urdu, کب can be used rhetorically to mean 'never'. For example, saying 'When did I ever do that?' using کب often functions as a strong denial rather than a genuine question about time.
- While کب is for questions, the related word جب often pairs with تب (tab) to create a 'when… then…' structure. This symmetry is a core feature of Urdu logic and sentence flow.
- The words کب (kab) and جب (jab) are a minimal pair, differing only by the first consonant. This makes them a common point of confusion for beginners, but it also allows for rhythmic poetry and wordplay in Urdu literature.
Examples in context
- تم فارغ کب ہو گے؟When are you free?This sentence shows how to use کب to ask about someone's availability.Tatoeba #3100989 by nabeel_tahir, translation #528562 by pliiganto
- میں دوبارہ کب آئو؟When should I come again?This sentence shows how to use کب to ask about a future visit.Tatoeba #1497758 by nabeel_tahir, translation #264343 by CK
- میں ان کو کب دیکھ سکتا ہوں۔When can I see them?This sentence shows how to use کب to ask about the possibility of seeing someone.Tatoeba #12486823 by Roomba_Unit, translation #3910316 by CH
- کب آپ کے پاس وقت ہوتا ہے؟When do you have time?
- کس وقت تک یہاں رہ سکتے ہیں؟Until when can we stay here?
- کب مل سکتے ہو؟When can we meet?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zainab and Hamza are discussing a meeting time.
- زینب Zainabآپ کب گھر پہنچیں گے؟Aap kab ghar pohunchein ge?When will you reach home?
- حمزہ Hamzaمیں شام پانچ بجے پہنچوں گا۔Mein shaam paanch bajay pohunchun ga.I will arrive at five in the evening.
- زینب Zainabہم کب مل سکتے ہیں؟Hum kab mil saktay hain?When can we meet?
- حمزہ Hamzaہم کل مل سکتے ہیں۔Hum kal mil saktay hain.We can meet tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry کب, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
