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Description
• Type: Interrogative Sentence
• Origin: Composed of common Urdu words: "کیا" (question marker), "تم" (you, informal), "مجھے" (me), "دیکھ" (see), "سکتے" (can, able to), "ہو" (are).
• Definition: A direct question asking if the person being addressed has the visual capability to see the speaker. It inquires about the ability to perceive with the eyes.
• Grammatical Structure: This sentence follows the standard Urdu structure for ability in the present tense: Subject (تم) + Object (مجھے) + Verb Root (دیکھ) + Modal Verb (سکتے) + Auxiliary (ہو).
• Cultural & Modern Relevance: This phrase has become extremely common in the digital age due to video calls (Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp). It's often the first thing someone says after turning on their camera to check if the connection is working properly. It's also used in everyday situations, like trying to get someone's attention in a crowd.
Expanded Features:
• Polarity: Neutral (A question)
• Register: Informal, Familiar
• Pragmatic Sense: Checking Visibility, Confirming Connection, Seeking Attention
• Formality Level: Informal ("تم" is used for friends, family, peers). The formal version would use "آپ": "کیا آپ مجھے دیکھ سکتے ہیں؟" (Kya Aap Mujhe Dekh Saktay Hain?).
Synonyms (Urdu):
• کیا تمہیں میں نظر آ رہا ہوں؟ (Kya Tumhein Main Nazar Aaraha Hoon? - Am I visible to you?)
• تم مجھے دیکھ رہے ہو؟ (Tum Mujhe Dekh Rahay Ho? - Are you seeing me? - less emphasis on ability)
• نظر آ رہا ہوں؟ (Nazar Aaraha Hoon? - Am I visible? - very casual)
Synonyms (English):
• Can you see me?
• Are you able to see me?
• Am I coming through?
• Is my video working?
Antonyms (Conceptual - the answer):
• ہاں، میں تمہیں دیکھ سکتا ہوں۔ (Haan, Main Tumhein Dekh Sakta Hoon - Yes, I can see you.)
• نہیں، تم نظر نہیں آ رہے۔ (Nahi, Tum Nazar Nahi Aaraha - No, you are not visible.)
Key Nuances:
• The word "سکتے" is key—it specifically asks about the capability or ability to see, not just the act of seeing.
• The tone of voice can change the meaning. It can be a simple technical question or a plaintive call for attention ("Can you see me?!").
Usage Contexts:
• Video Calls: The most common modern use.
• In a Crowd: Waving at someone from a distance.
• Playing Games: Like hide-and-seek ("چھپن چھپائی").
• Testing Eyesight: "کیا تم چارٹ پر سب سے چھوٹے حروف دیکھ سکتے ہو?"
Example Dialogue (Video Call):
• Person A: "ہیلو؟ کیا تم مجھے دیکھ سکتے ہو؟ میری آواز آ رہی ہے؟"
• English: "Hello? Can you see me? Can you hear my voice?"
• Person B: "ہاں، اب ٹھیک نظر آ رہے ہو۔ پہلے اسکرین سیاہ تھی۔"
• English: "Yes, I can see you fine now. The screen was black before."
Cultural Insight:
This phrase perfectly encapsulates a moment of modern, globalized communication. While the words are purely Urdu, the context of checking a video call is a universal 21st-century experience. It bridges the traditional language with contemporary technology, becoming a staple in daily digital interaction for Urdu speakers worldwide.
Related Terms:
• ویڈیو کال (Video Call): Video call
• نظر آنا (Nazar Aana): To be visible
• اسکرین (Screen): Screen
• کنیکشن (Connection): Connection
• آواز (Awaaz): Voice/Sound