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1 Urdu couplets and shers with hanstaa

hanstaa: smile

Description of hanstaa: Hanstaa is an Urdu word meaning "smiling" or "one who smiles," often evoking a gentle, continuous smile. Unlike a broad laugh that bursts forth loudly, hanstaa suggests a subtle, lingering expression of amusement or joy. Differs from "muskurana," which implies a shy or faint smile, as hanstaa conveys a more evident, cheerful grin. In Urdu poetry, like Asad Bhopali's ghazals, it depicts lovers' tender, enamored smiles.

1 / 1: hanstaa

ajeeb shakhs hai naaraaz ho ke hanstaa hai

main chaahtaa huun

khafa ho to woh khafa hi lage

what a strange man

who smiles though upset inside

i wish he looks angry

when he is angry within

Bashir Badr (19)

1999: Sahitya Akademi

1999: Padma Shri

shakhs (m) (16)

person, individual

ajeeb (8)

strange, weird

naaraaz (m) (3)

angry, anger

hanstaa (1)

smile

khafa (m) (6)

angry, upset

Theme: Friends, Family, & Community (139)

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Featured Themes

Loneliness, Separation, & Grief (118)

Quest, Journey, & Destination (54)

Voice, Expression, & Language (78)

Miscellany (44)

Hopes, Aspirations, & Dreams (37)

Heart, Mind, & Memory (66)

Friends, Family, & Community (139)

Creativity, Philosophy, & Enlightenment (40)

Oppression, Rebellion, & Freedom (61)

Grit, Resilience, & Courage (58)

Life, Learning, & Living (127)

Beauty, Charm, & Union (109)

Home, Country, & Belonging (30)

Religion, Reason, & Tradition (70)

Nature, World & Universe (50)

Love, Passion, and Longing (113)

Alfaaz Ki Mehfil is a curated space for timeless poetry celebrating words, emotions, and the enduring beauty of expression. From classic Urdu couplets to modern reflections, it brings together generations of poetic voices that speak of love, longing, hope, and the human soul.

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hanstaa: smile

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