When learning a new language, vocabulary is the cornerstone of your journey. It allows you to express yourself, understand others, and engage with the culture in a meaningful way. Urdu, a beautiful and poetic language spoken by millions, has a rich lexicon that spans various domains. One such domain is crafts. Whether you are a hobbyist, an artisan, or simply someone interested in the cultural nuances of Urdu, understanding the vocabulary related to different crafts can be both enriching and practical. This article will guide you through essential Urdu vocabulary for describing different crafts, helping you to appreciate and articulate this art form with greater depth.
Textile Crafts
Urdu has a diverse array of words to describe different textile crafts, many of which are integral to South Asian culture.
Weaving
Weaving is a craft that involves interlacing threads to form fabric. In Urdu, weaving is referred to as بُنائی (bunā’ī).
– **Weaver**: The person who performs the weaving is called a جولاہا (julāhā) for males and جولاہی (julāhī) for females.
– **Loom**: The equipment used for weaving is known as کھڈی (khaddī).
– **Thread/Yarn**: The material used in weaving is called دھاگا (dhāgā).
Embroidery
Embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric with needle and thread. In Urdu, embroidery is referred to as کڑھائی (kaṛhā’ī).
– **Embroidery Needle**: The needle used for this craft is called سوئی (sū’ī).
– **Thread**: The thread specifically used for embroidery is called قصب (qasab).
– **Hoop**: The frame that holds the fabric taut is known as چرخی (charkhī).
Knitting
Knitting, the craft of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn, is known as سلائی (silā’ī) in Urdu.
– **Knitting Needles**: The needles used in knitting are called سلائی کی سوئیاں (silā’ī kī suiyāṅ).
– **Yarn**: Yarn for knitting is also referred to as اون (ūn).
Metal Crafts
The art of working with metals is another significant area in Urdu-speaking cultures, encompassing various techniques and products.
Blacksmithing
Blacksmithing, the craft of forging metal, is known as لوہار کاری (lohār kārī).
– **Blacksmith**: A blacksmith is called a لوہار (lohār).
– **Anvil**: The heavy iron block used in blacksmithing is referred to as سنداں (sindān).
– **Hammer**: The hammer used to shape metal is called ہتھوڑا (hathoṛā).
Jewelry Making
Jewelry making involves crafting decorative items from metals, often adorned with gems. In Urdu, it is called زیورات سازی (zevrāt sāzī).
– **Jeweler**: A jeweler is known as a سنار (sanār).
– **Gemstone**: Gemstones are referred to as جواہر (jawāhir).
– **Gold**: Gold is called سونا (sonā).
– **Silver**: Silver is known as چاندی (chāndī).
Coppersmithing
Coppersmithing, the craft of making items from copper, is known as تانبے کی کاریگری (tānbē kī kārīgarī).
– **Coppersmith**: A coppersmith is called a کاساگر (kāsāgar).
– **Copper**: Copper itself is referred to as تانبا (tānbā).
Wood Crafts
Woodworking is a versatile craft with a rich vocabulary in Urdu, reflecting its importance in everyday life and culture.
Carpentry
Carpentry, the craft of making items from wood, is known as بڑھئی کاری (baṛh’ī kārī).
– **Carpenter**: A carpenter is called a بڑھئی (baṛh’ī).
– **Wood**: Wood is referred to as لکڑی (lakṛī).
– **Saw**: The tool used for cutting wood is called a آری (ārī).
– **Chisel**: A chisel is referred to as چھینی (chhīnī).
Woodcarving
Woodcarving, the craft of shaping wood into decorative items, is known as کندہ کاری (kunda kārī).
– **Woodcarver**: A woodcarver is called a کندہ کار (kunda kār).
– **Carving Knife**: The knife used for carving is called a چھرا (chhurā).
Pottery and Ceramics
Pottery and ceramics, the crafts of making items from clay, have a rich tradition in Urdu-speaking regions.
Pottery
Pottery is known as کمھار کاری (kumhār kārī).
– **Potter**: A potter is called a کمھار (kumhār).
– **Clay**: Clay is referred to as مٹی (miṭṭī).
– **Wheel**: The wheel used for shaping pottery is called a چاک (chāk).
– **Kiln**: The oven used to fire pottery is known as a بھٹی (bhaṭṭī).
Ceramics
Ceramics, a more refined form of pottery, is known as چینی سازی (chīnī sāzī).
– **Ceramicist**: A ceramicist is called a چینی ساز (chīnī sāz).
– **Glaze**: The coating applied to ceramics is referred to as رنگین روغن (rangīn roghan).
Paper Crafts
Paper crafts include a variety of techniques for creating items from paper, each with its own set of vocabulary.
Origami
Origami, the art of paper folding, is known as کاغذی موڑنا (kāghazī moṛnā).
– **Paper**: Paper itself is called کاغذ (kāghaz).
– **Fold**: A fold in the paper is referred to as موڑ (moṛ).
Paper Mache
Paper mache, the craft of making items from paper pulp, is known as کاغذی گودا (kāghazī godā).
– **Paste**: The adhesive used in paper mache is called گوند (goṅd).
– **Mold**: The form used to shape the paper mache is referred to as سانچہ (sānchā).
Leather Crafts
Leatherworking involves creating items from leather, a craft with a well-defined vocabulary in Urdu.
Leatherworking
Leatherworking is known as چمڑے کی کاریگری (chamṛē kī kārīgarī).
– **Leatherworker**: A leatherworker is called a چمڑا ساز (chamṛā sāz).
– **Leather**: Leather itself is referred to as چمڑا (chamṛā).
– **Stitching Awl**: The tool used for stitching leather is called سیئی (sī’ī).
Stone Crafts
Stone carving and masonry are ancient crafts with rich vocabularies in Urdu.
Stone Carving
Stone carving is known as پتھر کی کاریگری (pathar kī kārīgarī).
– **Stone Carver**: A stone carver is called a تراشکار (tarāshkār).
– **Chisel**: The chisel used in stone carving is known as اوزار (auzār).
– **Hammer**: The hammer used is called ہتھوڑا (hathoṛā).
Masonry
Masonry, the craft of building with stone, is referred to as معماری (mi’mārī).
– **Mason**: A mason is called a معمار (mi’mār).
– **Brick**: Brick is referred to as اینٹ (īṇṭ).
– **Cement**: Cement is called سیمنٹ (sīment).
Conclusion
Understanding the vocabulary related to different crafts in Urdu not only enhances your language skills but also connects you to a rich cultural heritage. These terms provide a window into the traditions and skills that have been passed down through generations. Whether you are learning Urdu for personal interest, professional reasons, or cultural appreciation, mastering this vocabulary will add depth to your understanding and expression. Happy learning!
