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اردو
کام — meaning in English: Work
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Work
کہانی
کام
پتہ
مہم
ذوق
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neutral
very common
Usage
The word کام is commonly used in both formal and informal settings among native Urdu speakers. For instance, a manager might say 'آپ کا کام بہت اچھا ہے' (Your work is very good) during a performance review, while friends might casually discuss their daily tasks with phrases like 'مجھے آج بہت کام ہے' (I have a lot of work today).
Synonyms & nuances
While کام is a general term for work, a similar word, محنت (mahnat), emphasizes the effort or labor put into a task. You would choose کام for discussing your job or responsibilities, while محنت might be more appropriate when focusing on the hard work involved in achieving a goal.
Culture
The Urdu word کام has roots in Persian, where it also means 'work' or 'deed.' In many South Asian cultures, the concept of hard work is closely tied to personal honor and social standing, making this word significant in both everyday conversation and in professional contexts. Interestingly, the notion of work in Urdu not only refers to employment but also encompasses any productive activity, highlighting a cultural respect for diligence.
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