📝
Description
Type: interrogative sentence (present tense, formal/polite)
Origin: Common Urdu expression; used to ask the identity of a person in formal, casual, or uncertain contexts
Expanded Features:
Polarity: neutral
Tense/Aspect: present tense
Register: everyday, conversational, formal
Pragmatic Sense: Seeks information about a person’s identity or role
Sociolinguistic Note: Polite form using "آپ" shows respect; used with strangers, in formal encounters, or when verification is needed
Synonyms (Urdu): تم کون ہو؟ (tum kaun ho), آپ کی پہچان کیا ہے؟ (aap ki pehchaan kya hai), اپنا تعارف دیں (apna taaruf den)
Synonyms (English): Who might you be, Can you identify yourself, May I know who you are
Antonyms (Urdu): میں کون ہوں؟ (main kaun hoon), یہ معلوم ہے کون ہے؟ (yeh maloom hai kaun hai)
Antonyms (English): Who am I, The identity is known
Key Nuances:
Polite yet direct inquiry about identity
Can indicate curiosity, verification, or suspicion depending on context
Common in formal introductions, casual meetings, or when meeting strangers
Usage Contexts:
Meeting a new person
Formal or official verification
Casual encounters where identity is unclear
Example Sentences:
Urdu: استاد نے کہا، آپ کون ہیں؟
English: The teacher asked, Who are you?,
Urdu: دفتر میں سیکورٹی گارڈ نے پوچھا، آپ کون ہیں؟
English: The security guard asked in the office, May I know who you are?,
Urdu: دوست نے حیرت سے کہا، آپ کون ہیں؟
English: The friend asked with surprise, Can you tell me your identity?
Cultural Insight: Using "آپ" demonstrates politeness and social etiquette in Urdu-speaking societies, especially when addressing strangers or elders.
Related Terms:
شناخت (shanakht): identity
تعارف (taaruf): introduction
پہچان (pehchaan): recognition, identity