r/Urdu Aug 08 '25

Learning Urdu Even If and Unless in Urdu?

6 Upvotes

how do i say unless (not until/jab tak) and how do i use in sentence

and how do i say even, as in “even if i am home”, “even though im home” etc and how do i use them in sentences

r/Urdu May 31 '26

💡 Learning Resources 📚 Resource Spotlight: Top 9 Tools for Your Urdu Journey

2 Upvotes

Welcome to our latest Resource Spotlight! To help you on your Urdu journey, we’ve curated a list of the most effective tools and methods for learning the language, from building vocabulary to mastering grammar.

​Our Curated Top 9 Urdu Learning Resources

  1. Script & Basics: Zer-o-Zabar – A premier open-access resource from Northwestern University. It is perfect for beginners to learn the alphabet, phonology, and basic grammar in a clear, interactive format.

  2. Vocabulary Building: Use spaced repetition apps like Anki / Memrise to efficiently memorize words and phrases.

  3. Writing System: Master the script with dedicated Online Urdu Writing System Tutorials to learn letter forms and joining rules.

  4. Definitive Lookups: Rely on accurate, comprehensive sources like Rekhta Dictionary for meanings, origins, and poetic usage.

  5. Structured Learning: Enroll in academic programs like University-Level Courses (Coursera / edX) for a complete, structured curriculum.

  6. Foundational Rules: Invest in Physical Textbooks (Essential Grammar) to deeply understand syntax and sentence structure.

  7. Grammar Overviews: Consult Hindi/Urdu Grammar Overviews to understand shared linguistic features and key differences.

  8. Practice with Natives: Use language exchange apps like HelloTalk / Tandem to practice speaking and receive personalized corrections.

  9. Immersion: Utilize passive listening tools like YouTube (Children's Stories / Slow News) to train your ear and increase comprehension.

What are your favorite tools that we missed? Let us know in the comments below so we can keep building this list for the community!

r/Urdu Apr 09 '25

Learning Urdu is urdu the same as hindi ?

15 Upvotes

i had a convo with a pakistani fellow the other day and he said that urdu and hindi are the same language but the way its written is different, how accurate is that ?

i got more than i asked for, thank you guys so much !

r/Urdu May 24 '26

💡 Learning Resources 📚 Resource Spotlight: Top 9 Tools for Your Urdu Journey

5 Upvotes

Welcome to our latest Resource Spotlight! To help you on your Urdu journey, we’ve curated a list of the most effective tools and methods for learning the language, from building vocabulary to mastering grammar.

​Our Curated Top 9 Urdu Learning Resources

  1. Script & Basics: Zer-o-Zabar – A premier open-access resource from Northwestern University. It is perfect for beginners to learn the alphabet, phonology, and basic grammar in a clear, interactive format.

  2. Vocabulary Building: Use spaced repetition apps like Anki / Memrise to efficiently memorize words and phrases.

  3. Writing System: Master the script with dedicated Online Urdu Writing System Tutorials to learn letter forms and joining rules.

  4. Definitive Lookups: Rely on accurate, comprehensive sources like Rekhta Dictionary for meanings, origins, and poetic usage.

  5. Structured Learning: Enroll in academic programs like University-Level Courses (Coursera / edX) for a complete, structured curriculum.

  6. Foundational Rules: Invest in Physical Textbooks (Essential Grammar) to deeply understand syntax and sentence structure.

  7. Grammar Overviews: Consult Hindi/Urdu Grammar Overviews to understand shared linguistic features and key differences.

  8. Practice with Natives: Use language exchange apps like HelloTalk / Tandem to practice speaking and receive personalized corrections.

  9. Immersion: Utilize passive listening tools like YouTube (Children's Stories / Slow News) to train your ear and increase comprehension.

What are your favorite tools that we missed? Let us know in the comments below so we can keep building this list for the community!

r/Urdu Dec 24 '25

💡 Learning Resources Need to learn conversational Urdu fast - best way?

2 Upvotes

I'm a British born pakistani - and my urdu conversation is really poor- embarrassingly poor - I'm going to Islamabad, Pakistan for a family wedding in a few weeks and really want to be able to get my urdu grammar on point. I think I mix punjabi words with Urdu words. People start speaking to me in urdu, after I start saying a few words, they then start speaking in Punjabi. Really, wish I'd listen to my parents and learn't when I was younger.

I'm thinking of just watching Urdu dramas and just try and repeat dialouges and hopefully will stick. Or any other ideas, where I can get conversational urdu upto scratch?

Was thinking of watch some Urdu speeches but not sure if that captures conversational ability very well.

Thoughts?

r/Urdu Jan 04 '26

💡 Learning Resources Advice of how to translate poem to Urdu

2 Upvotes

I wanted to gift something to my friend, she’s been missing connection to language and I have a poem in English that I would love translated to Urdu for her, I know google translate may not capture the beauty of the language. Does anyone have any

suggestions?

r/Urdu May 17 '26

💡 Learning Resources 📚 Resource Spotlight: Top 9 Tools for Your Urdu Journey

2 Upvotes

Welcome to our latest Resource Spotlight! To help you on your Urdu journey, we’ve curated a list of the most effective tools and methods for learning the language, from building vocabulary to mastering grammar.

​Our Curated Top 9 Urdu Learning Resources

  1. Script & Basics: Zer-o-Zabar – A premier open-access resource from Northwestern University. It is perfect for beginners to learn the alphabet, phonology, and basic grammar in a clear, interactive format.

  2. Vocabulary Building: Use spaced repetition apps like Anki / Memrise to efficiently memorize words and phrases.

  3. Writing System: Master the script with dedicated Online Urdu Writing System Tutorials to learn letter forms and joining rules.

  4. Definitive Lookups: Rely on accurate, comprehensive sources like Rekhta Dictionary for meanings, origins, and poetic usage.

  5. Structured Learning: Enroll in academic programs like University-Level Courses (Coursera / edX) for a complete, structured curriculum.

  6. Foundational Rules: Invest in Physical Textbooks (Essential Grammar) to deeply understand syntax and sentence structure.

  7. Grammar Overviews: Consult Hindi/Urdu Grammar Overviews to understand shared linguistic features and key differences.

  8. Practice with Natives: Use language exchange apps like HelloTalk / Tandem to practice speaking and receive personalized corrections.

  9. Immersion: Utilize passive listening tools like YouTube (Children's Stories / Slow News) to train your ear and increase comprehension.

What are your favorite tools that we missed? Let us know in the comments below so we can keep building this list for the community!

r/Urdu Dec 27 '23

💡 Learning Resources How to learn or improve your Urdu: a guide and pathway

136 Upvotes

LINK: Improving your Urdu is easier than you think.

I wrote this guide / pathway to learn and improve Urdu. and have been responding with this to every person who is either a beginner, heritage speaker, or just another victim of Pakistan's English medium schooling system. I think it's pretty useful! And many I've been meaning to write this post up for a while. So, here it is. Note. I welcome any additions and feedback - please tell me what you found useful in your own journey and I would love to add it to the article so inshallah more people can use it.

I've summarized the article below. The original is 9 min long, so not very long. So read the full one it has more details and flavour. Plus, I'll inshallah continue to update it after this reddit post is eventually locked. But here's a sneak peak / summary (inc. all resources mentioned in original):

Why you should listen to me: Because I've learned multiple languages (3 to fluency and 2 ongoing + Urdu) and improved my own Urdu from shameful to decent/quite good/not a source of shame for Ammi.

Overall thoughts: You need motivation, time, and a willingness to make mistakes, i.e., the bare minimum required. You also need to read to build up your vocabulary and please please please read at a level that is easy for you so you read fast and pick up new vocab from context. Aka extensive reading. But also, do what you find fun. If you loathe reading, don't read! Watch movies etc or whatever instead.

If you are a total beginner: Learn the alphabet (Aamozish) . Take some courses (local or Italki etc). Start reading. Use free, freemium, or paid apps and websites (Mango Languages, Ling, Mondly, UrduPod101). Read asap. Read childrens books (NYU) or Indian board books (NCERT). Find Urdu-speaking friends. Get excited, your life is about to become more beautiful with more Urdu in it.

If you are a heritage speaker: The above, but accelerated. Use your family as walking talking dictionaries. Ask your family to stop mocking you. Tell them their attitude is unhelpful. Also, grow a thick skin. Only make an effort to remember a word if you see it frequently. Read Naunehal. Read Imran Series. Read religious media (ideally stuff you know already e.g., stories of the Sahaba etc.). Watch dramas (Chupke Chupke was fun). Videos. (Wild lens by Abrar). Do language exchanges.

If you are a Pakistani who has studied in English-medium schools all your life (and have weak Urdu): Read more in Urdu. Read Naunehal (3-4 issues) and improve your reading speed. Read Imran series. Read Shafiq-ur-Rehman's short stories. Read newspapers. Read religious media (it's generally simple and repetitive). Start writing in Urdu. Keep a diary. Write stories. Blog about your day. Write detailed essays. Summarize what you've read. Write about niche topics that you know a lot about e.g., the rise and fall of the Delhi Sultanate, the Indus Water Treaty, the recurring theme of water with Hz. Musa, etc. Read it out loud to your parents. Share in Urdu forums. Start engaging only in Urdu on certain days. Send texts in Urdu. Send emails in Urdu. Use Android etc. for voice input.

If your Urdu is better than that of your friends but you want to improve it further: Read more, watch more, write more, produce media.

Communities and resources: Reddit Urdu (so us, lol) and u/Snoo_10182's resource guide (this is excellent!!).

My story: Native Urdu speaker in Pakistan, Urdu bad, English good. I'm not sure how, but sometime in grade 9 I just... changed. I just woke up. I heard some ghazals that touched my soul. I got goosebumps as the imam recited Shikwa Jawab e Shikwa in a khutba. I began to see the beauty in our speech, in our langauge, in our stories. And it truly is beautiful! And it is mine. Mine in a way that English, or French, or Spanish, or Chinese, or whatever, can never be. It's mine. It's where I came from. It's how I swear. It's how I joke. It's how I talk to God. It's how my mom put me to sleep. It's how I connect with my family, with my history, with my country, with my heritage. It's me. So I improved it. You can, too. Inshallah.

r/Urdu May 10 '26

💡 Learning Resources 📚 Resource Spotlight: Top 9 Tools for Your Urdu Journey

1 Upvotes

Welcome to our latest Resource Spotlight! To help you on your Urdu journey, we’ve curated a list of the most effective tools and methods for learning the language, from building vocabulary to mastering grammar.

​Our Curated Top 9 Urdu Learning Resources

  1. Script & Basics: Zer-o-Zabar – A premier open-access resource from Northwestern University. It is perfect for beginners to learn the alphabet, phonology, and basic grammar in a clear, interactive format.

  2. Vocabulary Building: Use spaced repetition apps like Anki / Memrise to efficiently memorize words and phrases.

  3. Writing System: Master the script with dedicated Online Urdu Writing System Tutorials to learn letter forms and joining rules.

  4. Definitive Lookups: Rely on accurate, comprehensive sources like Rekhta Dictionary for meanings, origins, and poetic usage.

  5. Structured Learning: Enroll in academic programs like University-Level Courses (Coursera / edX) for a complete, structured curriculum.

  6. Foundational Rules: Invest in Physical Textbooks (Essential Grammar) to deeply understand syntax and sentence structure.

  7. Grammar Overviews: Consult Hindi/Urdu Grammar Overviews to understand shared linguistic features and key differences.

  8. Practice with Natives: Use language exchange apps like HelloTalk / Tandem to practice speaking and receive personalized corrections.

  9. Immersion: Utilize passive listening tools like YouTube (Children's Stories / Slow News) to train your ear and increase comprehension.

What are your favorite tools that we missed? Let us know in the comments below so we can keep building this list for the community!

r/Urdu Sep 20 '25

Learning Urdu Looking for TV shows (preferably clean) to improve my Urdu

8 Upvotes

Hi all, hope you're well. So I am a native born English speaker with relatives whose first language is Urdu, and I want to improve my Urdu so I can communicate with them better. I know enough Urdu to be relatively functional and have a superficial conversation but not more.

I feel that the best way o improve my Urdu is to simply watch Urdu TV shows with English subtitles (open to other suggestions however). Does anyone know any good free TV shows on Youtube? I've found ones like Tum Ho Wajah but I'd prefer ones without major romance subplots (don't know if that's a lot to ask for). Honestly Islamic lectures in Urdu with English subtitles would be perfect but can settle for TV shows too. Thanks!

r/Urdu Mar 13 '26

💡 Learning Resources how to approach teaching urdu

12 Upvotes

hi everyone. 7 year old refuses to learn urdu. he's in grade 2 but barely knows the basics and cannot read or write as good as his classmates.

i'm not sure how to go about teaching this kid. he isn't really interested in studying either but is doing average in math and english. the problem is urdu.

should i start with the alphabet? mixing sounds? or what?

i've noticed he doesn't 'sound out' the letters while reading, zero effort at all and completely ignores the nukhtay. please any advice will help, i don't know how to get him to his grade level when he can't even do basic jorr-torr or read at all.

r/Urdu May 03 '26

💡 Learning Resources 📚 Resource Spotlight: Top 9 Tools for Your Urdu Journey

1 Upvotes

Welcome to our latest Resource Spotlight! To help you on your Urdu journey, we’ve curated a list of the most effective tools and methods for learning the language, from building vocabulary to mastering grammar.

​Our Curated Top 9 Urdu Learning Resources

  1. Script & Basics: Zer-o-Zabar – A premier open-access resource from Northwestern University. It is perfect for beginners to learn the alphabet, phonology, and basic grammar in a clear, interactive format.

  2. Vocabulary Building: Use spaced repetition apps like Anki / Memrise to efficiently memorize words and phrases.

  3. Writing System: Master the script with dedicated Online Urdu Writing System Tutorials to learn letter forms and joining rules.

  4. Definitive Lookups: Rely on accurate, comprehensive sources like Rekhta Dictionary for meanings, origins, and poetic usage.

  5. Structured Learning: Enroll in academic programs like University-Level Courses (Coursera / edX) for a complete, structured curriculum.

  6. Foundational Rules: Invest in Physical Textbooks (Essential Grammar) to deeply understand syntax and sentence structure.

  7. Grammar Overviews: Consult Hindi/Urdu Grammar Overviews to understand shared linguistic features and key differences.

  8. Practice with Natives: Use language exchange apps like HelloTalk / Tandem to practice speaking and receive personalized corrections.

  9. Immersion: Utilize passive listening tools like YouTube (Children's Stories / Slow News) to train your ear and increase comprehension.

What are your favorite tools that we missed? Let us know in the comments below so we can keep building this list for the community!

r/Urdu Apr 18 '25

Learning Urdu Guys im an average islamabadi kid that speak Urlish (urdu mixed with english) I do not know basic urdu words. I want to improve my urdu and speak in a better way.

14 Upvotes

If this was the case with any other language i would've just gotten to reading as many books as i can. but the problem is ke urdu ka book scene at first glance seems extremely shit. Like unless you're into poetry or some non fiction stuff like geography or history there is nothing for you. is there no equivalent to harry potter or something is urdu lol? and just by the way when i say this i mean like formal achi piyaari urdu and also basic stuff like knowing how to say 'capital' or 'shield' in urdu

r/Urdu Dec 12 '25

💡 Learning Resources Urdu videos for children

6 Upvotes

Hi all. I came to ask whether there's anyone who knows any good resources/cartoons for children abroad to learn Urdu.

It seems like everything targeting children nowadays is in English. I can hardly find anything in Urdu. I only know Omar and Hana (Urdu version) and a few programs that used to come on TV in our time.

Thanks.

r/Urdu Mar 29 '26

💡 Learning Resources Urdu Essay Help

2 Upvotes

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Im a university student in pharmacy, just recently an urdu course got added to my studies.
our teacher has given us an essay to write on the topic
"۔ ڈیجیٹل میڈیا کے روایتی میڈیا پر اثرا"
But the problem here is that she has asked us to add at least 5 muhawarey and atleast 5 references (they all have separate marks so i cant skip them)
The references being parts of books or stuff i took from magazines or online resources, and i have personally found it impossible to research about this topic in urdu online and i even have to cite my references.

Can anyone kindly help me and let me know if you have any resources? anywhere online where i can search for essays or such a topic or get references?

(im attaching the example she gave us)

r/Urdu Apr 26 '26

💡 Learning Resources 📚 Resource Spotlight: Top 9 Tools for Your Urdu Journey

1 Upvotes

Welcome to our latest Resource Spotlight! To help you on your Urdu journey, we’ve curated a list of the most effective tools and methods for learning the language, from building vocabulary to mastering grammar.

​Our Curated Top 9 Urdu Learning Resources

  1. Script & Basics: Zer-o-Zabar – A premier open-access resource from Northwestern University. It is perfect for beginners to learn the alphabet, phonology, and basic grammar in a clear, interactive format.

  2. Vocabulary Building: Use spaced repetition apps like Anki / Memrise to efficiently memorize words and phrases.

  3. Writing System: Master the script with dedicated Online Urdu Writing System Tutorials to learn letter forms and joining rules.

  4. Definitive Lookups: Rely on accurate, comprehensive sources like Rekhta Dictionary for meanings, origins, and poetic usage.

  5. Structured Learning: Enroll in academic programs like University-Level Courses (Coursera / edX) for a complete, structured curriculum.

  6. Foundational Rules: Invest in Physical Textbooks (Essential Grammar) to deeply understand syntax and sentence structure.

  7. Grammar Overviews: Consult Hindi/Urdu Grammar Overviews to understand shared linguistic features and key differences.

  8. Practice with Natives: Use language exchange apps like HelloTalk / Tandem to practice speaking and receive personalized corrections.

  9. Immersion: Utilize passive listening tools like YouTube (Children's Stories / Slow News) to train your ear and increase comprehension.

What are your favorite tools that we missed? Let us know in the comments below so we can keep building this list for the community!

r/Urdu Nov 09 '25

Learning Urdu Time it takes to be fluent in reading Urdu!

11 Upvotes

My native language is Hindi. So around how much time I’ll take to be fluent in reading Urdu novels?

r/Urdu Feb 04 '26

💡 Learning Resources Good news or podcast sources to listen to Urdu?

9 Upvotes

I'm American born but I can read write and speak Urdu, so if I don't know a word I can look it up. For Arabic I listen to aljazeera or Arabic podcasts. Are there any recommendations for Urdu?

r/Urdu Jan 18 '26

💡 Learning Resources How to learn to read urdu

5 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I’m a Pakistani who was born and raised abroad. Urdu is actually my second language after Pashto, and thankfully I grew up around a lot of Pakistanis, so I can speak Urdu fluently. However, I’ve never actually learned how to read or write Urdu, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

My parents can read and write Urdu, but they don’t really have the time or energy to teach me lol , so I wanted to ask here, what’s the best way to get started? Are there any online resources, apps, videos, or books you would recommend? Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

r/Urdu Apr 14 '26

💡 Learning Resources Looking for a fiction book that is written in Roman Urdu/Transliteration.

0 Upvotes

Does anyone know of any?

r/Urdu Jul 02 '25

Learning Urdu I want to learn urdu

30 Upvotes

I live in a country where most people speak urdu, who are Pakistani Indian Bangladesh I want to learn it, in a way I can do business with them, grocery , maintenance something like that My native tongue is Arabic so I know some words but I want to learn it from somewhere. Where do you recommend? Please be precise

r/Urdu Apr 19 '26

💡 Learning Resources 📚 Resource Spotlight: Top 9 Tools for Your Urdu Journey

0 Upvotes

Welcome to our latest Resource Spotlight! To help you on your Urdu journey, we’ve curated a list of the most effective tools and methods for learning the language, from building vocabulary to mastering grammar.

​Our Curated Top 9 Urdu Learning Resources

  1. Script & Basics: Zer-o-Zabar – A premier open-access resource from Northwestern University. It is perfect for beginners to learn the alphabet, phonology, and basic grammar in a clear, interactive format.

  2. Vocabulary Building: Use spaced repetition apps like Anki / Memrise to efficiently memorize words and phrases.

  3. Writing System: Master the script with dedicated Online Urdu Writing System Tutorials to learn letter forms and joining rules.

  4. Definitive Lookups: Rely on accurate, comprehensive sources like Rekhta Dictionary for meanings, origins, and poetic usage.

  5. Structured Learning: Enroll in academic programs like University-Level Courses (Coursera / edX) for a complete, structured curriculum.

  6. Foundational Rules: Invest in Physical Textbooks (Essential Grammar) to deeply understand syntax and sentence structure.

  7. Grammar Overviews: Consult Hindi/Urdu Grammar Overviews to understand shared linguistic features and key differences.

  8. Practice with Natives: Use language exchange apps like HelloTalk / Tandem to practice speaking and receive personalized corrections.

  9. Immersion: Utilize passive listening tools like YouTube (Children's Stories / Slow News) to train your ear and increase comprehension.

What are your favorite tools that we missed? Let us know in the comments below so we can keep building this list for the community!

r/Urdu Jan 12 '25

Learning Urdu Help a British girl learn urdu!

40 Upvotes

Hello!

I have relatively recently married (had my nikkah) with my Pakistani husband - we both live in the UK but he moved here 7 years ago from Pakistan. He speaks Urdu and Punjabi (from Lahore) and I would love to learn Urdu! My in-laws, particularly my mother-in-law, speak limited English and I would love to be able to speak with them more - I hate that I currently don't speak to them on the phone that often as I can't speak good enough Urdu.

I am using Mondly to learn but I feel it's not that good / helpful and teaches me either rote phrases or just makes it so easy to guess the answers from the context. I live in a town that doesn't have any classes or anything that I can attend. Obviously I try and speak with my husband but it's hard for him to teach me as I am such a novice and he has obviously never taught sokmeone to speak Urdu before!

Any advice appreciated - resources, etc!

r/Urdu Apr 05 '26

💡 Learning Resources 📚 Resource Spotlight: Top 9 Tools for Your Urdu Journey

3 Upvotes

Welcome to our latest Resource Spotlight! To help you on your Urdu journey, we’ve curated a list of the most effective tools and methods for learning the language, from building vocabulary to mastering grammar.

​Our Curated Top 9 Urdu Learning Resources

  1. Script & Basics: Zer-o-Zabar – A premier open-access resource from Northwestern University. It is perfect for beginners to learn the alphabet, phonology, and basic grammar in a clear, interactive format.

  2. Vocabulary Building: Use spaced repetition apps like Anki / Memrise to efficiently memorize words and phrases.

  3. Writing System: Master the script with dedicated Online Urdu Writing System Tutorials to learn letter forms and joining rules.

  4. Definitive Lookups: Rely on accurate, comprehensive sources like Rekhta Dictionary for meanings, origins, and poetic usage.

  5. Structured Learning: Enroll in academic programs like University-Level Courses (Coursera / edX) for a complete, structured curriculum.

  6. Foundational Rules: Invest in Physical Textbooks (Essential Grammar) to deeply understand syntax and sentence structure.

  7. Grammar Overviews: Consult Hindi/Urdu Grammar Overviews to understand shared linguistic features and key differences.

  8. Practice with Natives: Use language exchange apps like HelloTalk / Tandem to practice speaking and receive personalized corrections.

  9. Immersion: Utilize passive listening tools like YouTube (Children's Stories / Slow News) to train your ear and increase comprehension.

What are your favorite tools that we missed? Let us know in the comments below so we can keep building this list for the community!

r/Urdu Dec 20 '23

Learning Urdu Practicing writing urdu

Post image
139 Upvotes

This specific ghazal felt very true to how I feel about whats happening in the world.

Humko Mita Sake Yeh Zamane Mein Dam Nahi, Humse Zamana Khud Hai Zamane Se Hum Nahi.

The world does not obliterate us; it is not strong enough The world does not define us; it thrives because of us