Signification
To punish or show someone the truth.
Contexte culturel
In Pakistan, this phrase is often used in political rallies. Leaders promise to 'teach a lesson' to their opponents through the power of the vote. Classical Urdu fables (like those in 'Akhlaq-e-Hindi') always end with a character 'learning a lesson' (Sabaq seekhna) after a moral failure. The 'Angry Young Man' trope of the 70s and 80s was built on the hero 'teaching a lesson' to the corrupt system or the local goon. Sufis often speak of the 'Nafs' (ego) needing to be taught a lesson through 'Zuhd' (asceticism) and 'Sabr' (patience).
Use with 'Waqt'
Saying 'Waqt sabaq sikhayega' (Time will teach a lesson) is a very natural and poetic way to express that karma will catch up to someone.
Don't sound too aggressive
Be careful using this with friends; it can sound like a genuine threat of physical harm if your tone is too serious.
Signification
To punish or show someone the truth.
Use with 'Waqt'
Saying 'Waqt sabaq sikhayega' (Time will teach a lesson) is a very natural and poetic way to express that karma will catch up to someone.
Don't sound too aggressive
Be careful using this with friends; it can sound like a genuine threat of physical harm if your tone is too serious.
The 'ko' rule
Always remember the person being taught the lesson needs 'ko'. Example: 'Aslam *ko* sabaq sikhao'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Sabaq Sikhana'.
پولیس نے چور کو اچھا _______۔
In the context of a thief, 'Sabaq Sikhaya' is the idiomatic way to say they were punished.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a figurative sense?
Choose the correct sentence:
This sentence correctly uses a life event (defeat) as the 'teacher' of a lesson.
Match the situation to the most likely use of 'Sabaq Sikhana'.
Situation: A bully is finally defeated by a smaller student.
The person who delivers the consequence is the one who 'teaches' the lesson.
Complete the dialogue.
احمد: اس نے میرا فون توڑ دیا اور معافی بھی نہیں مانگی۔ سارہ: پریشان نہ ہو، _______۔
'Time will teach him a lesson' is a common way to comfort someone who has been wronged.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesپولیس نے چور کو اچھا _______۔
In the context of a thief, 'Sabaq Sikhaya' is the idiomatic way to say they were punished.
Choose the correct sentence:
This sentence correctly uses a life event (defeat) as the 'teacher' of a lesson.
Situation: A bully is finally defeated by a smaller student.
The person who delivers the consequence is the one who 'teaches' the lesson.
احمد: اس نے میرا فون توڑ دیا اور معافی بھی نہیں مانگی۔ سارہ: پریشان نہ ہو، _______۔
'Time will teach him a lesson' is a common way to comfort someone who has been wronged.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsTechnically yes, but it usually implies a 'hard' or 'harsh' lesson. For positive teaching, use 'Taleem dena'.
It can be. It's assertive and often used in conflict. Use it carefully.
'Sabaq' is more common in daily speech. 'Dars' is more formal and often used for religious lectures.
Use 'Main ne sabaq seekh liya' (میں نے سبق سیکھ لیا).
Yes, metaphorically. 'This broken car taught me a lesson to check the oil.'
Expressions liées
مزہ چکھانا
similarTo give a taste of something (usually bad).
عبرت دلانا
specialized formTo make someone take heed/warning.
کان کھینچنا
similarTo pull someone's ears.
راہِ راست پر لانا
contrastTo bring to the right path.
