چڑیل
churail
The English word "witch" can be translated into Urdu as چڑیل (churail).
The word refers to a person who uses magic.
Meaning: person who uses magic (noun)
Which one should you use?
چڑیل is the common, everyday term, while ساحرہ is a more formal term for a witch.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
چڑیل is a colloquial and informal word. In formal contexts, you may use ساحرہ.
How do you pronounce it?
churail
Did you know?
- In many South Asian folk traditions, a چڑیل is not just a person using magic, but a specific type of vengeful ghost or spirit often depicted with backward-facing feet.
- The term چڑیل is etymologically linked to words for female genitalia and 'harlot' in the same linguistic lineage.
- While 'witch' in English can be used neutrally in fantasy, calling someone a چڑیل in Urdu is a stinging social insult aimed at a woman's character.
Examples in context
- میں نے جادوگر کو دیکھا ہے۔I have seen a witch.
- وہ ساحرہ قدرتی صلاحیتوں والی ہے۔She is a witch with supernatural abilities.
- کہانی میں ایک چڑیل تھی۔kahani mein ek chareel thi.There was a witch in the story.
- بچے چڑیل سے ڈرتے ہیں۔bachay chareel se dartay hain.Children are afraid of the witch.
- وہ ایک بدصورت چڑیل ہے۔woh ek badsoorat chareel hai.She is an ugly witch.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a horror movie they just watched.
- عائشہ Ayeshaکیا تم نے اس فلم کی چڑیل دیکھی؟kya tum ne is film ki chareel dekhi?Did you see the witch from that movie?
- احمد Ahmedہاں، وہ بہت خوفناک تھی۔haan, woh bohat khofnak thi.Yes, she was very scary.
- عائشہ Ayeshaاحمد، کیا وہ چڑیل سچ میں ڈراؤنی تھی؟ahmad, kya woh chareel sach mein darawni thi?Ahmed, was the witch really scary?
- احمد Ahmedجی ہاں، مجھے بہت ڈر لگا۔jee haan, mujhe bohat darr laga.Yes, I was very scared.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries چڑیل, CC BY-SA 4.0.
