Meaning of
aasteen
आस्तीन • آستین
English
sleeve; metaphor for hidden intentions
Hindi
कमीज़ की बाँह; छुपे हुए इरादे
Urdu
کمیض کی آستین; چھپے ہوئے ارادے
Origin
Persian
Ash'aar
hijr ki vo raat thii aur raat bhar soya nahin
jispe marta tha mire marne pe vo roya nahin
aasteen se pochta aañsu raha har baar main
koi iklauti nahin thii vo jise khoya nahin
2
roomaal le liya hai kisi maah-jabeen se
kab tak paseena ponchte ham aasteen se
ye aañsuon ke daagh hain aañsu hi dhoyenge
ye daagh dhul na paayenge washing masheen se
47
KHuda jaane vo aise kaise kyuuñ ye mard pale hain
siyaasi log apne dal men dehshatgard pale hain
kiya karte hain jo zulm-o-sitam har bebason par yuñ
vo apne aasteenon men faqat be-dard pale hain
15
qaateel ne kis safaai se dhoi hai aasteenus ko khabar nahin ki lahu bolta bhi hai
10
teri yaadon men nikle ashk bhi ज़ाया' nahin jaate
main aañsu poch karke aasteen ko choom leta hooñ
7
ab aasteen ke saanpon se door rahna hai
use kaho na kare phone baar baar mujhe
6
vahii sab log ashraf aasteen ke saanp nikle hain
jinhen shaamil samjhte the tum apne khair-khwaahon men
3
main jaanta hooñ saanp hai par aasteen men rah
hamse naya na koii bhi ab paala jaayega
2
kuchh logon kii soch men bhi jaale hote hain
un logon ke to dil bhi kaale hote hain
akshar mujh...ko saanp vahii daste hain aakar
jo maine aasteen men pale hote hain
2
vo saanp ko bura kahte hain
KHud aasteen men rahte hain
2
hijr ki vo raat thii aur raat bhar soya nahin
jispe marta tha mire marne pe vo roya nahin
aasteen se pochta aañsu raha har baar main
koi iklauti nahin thii vo jise khoya nahin
2
roomaal le liya hai kisi maah-jabeen se
kab tak paseena ponchte ham aasteen se
ye aañsuon ke daagh hain aañsu hi dhoyenge
ye daagh dhul na paayenge washing masheen se
47
Nuance
In its original sense, 'aasteen' refers to the sleeve of a garment, a simple part of clothing. However, in poetry, it often symbolizes hidden motives or concealed emotions, as the sleeve can hide what the hand holds. This duality enriches its use in verse, where the visible and the hidden play in delicate balance.
Poetic Usage
Poets often use 'aasteen' to explore themes of deceit and hidden truths. It can evoke the image of a person who appears trustworthy but harbors secrets. The word contrasts with openness and transparency, making it a powerful tool for expressing betrayal or mystery.
Closing Insight
In poetry, 'aasteen' becomes a canvas for exploring the unseen. It invites the reader to ponder what lies beneath the surface.