Type: Verb (transitive)
Origin: Arabic-derived Urdu (حوالہ "reference/transfer" + کرنا "to do")
This versatile verb means to transfer something or someone to another's care, authority, or attention, or to cite a source in speaking or writing. The meaning depends on context—physical transfer or intellectual reference.
Key Nuances:
Dual Meanings:
Physical/Administrative: Handing over a person (e.g., to police) or object.
Academic/Rhetorical: Citing a book, person, or source.
Formality: Used in formal, legal, academic, and everyday contexts.
Synonyms: سونپنا (sonpna – to entrust), منتقل کرنا (muntaqil karna – to transfer), حوالہ دینا (hawala dena – to provide a reference).
Antonyms: واپس لینا (wapis lena – to take back), نظر انداز کرنا (nazar andaaz karna – to ignore).
Usage Contexts:
Legal/Police: ملزم کو حوالہ کرنا (to hand over the accused to authorities).
Academic: کتاب کا حوالہ کرنا (to cite a book).
Everyday: بچے کو ماں کے حوالے کرنا (to hand over the child to the mother).
Tone: Neutral, formal, or directive.
Example Sentences:
قانونی حوالہ:
پولیس نے مجرم کو عدالت کے حوالے کیا۔
("The police handed over the criminal to the court.")
تعلیمی حوالہ:
مضمون لکھتے وقت مصادر کا حوالہ کرنا ضروری ہے۔
("It is essential to cite sources when writing an essay.")
روزمرہ استعمال:
اس نے پارسل ڈاکیا کے حوالے کیا۔
("He handed over the parcel to the postman.")
Cultural Insight:
In Urdu-speaking societies, حوالہ کرنا is a key term in both administrative and intellectual spheres. It reflects a culture that values authority (e.g., legal transfers) and academic integrity (proper citation). The word is also used in diplomatic contexts (e.g., transferring prisoners between countries).
Related Terms:
حوالہ (Hawala): Reference/transfer.
حوالہ جات (Hawala jaat): References (academic).
سپردگی (Supurdagi): Entrustment.
منتقل کرنا (Muntaqil karna): To transfer.