By Wafa Ali 
The letter “ژ” (Zhay) is one of the least commonly used letters in Urdu. Despite its rarity, it appears in important words mainly borrowed from Persian. Understanding this letter helps learners gain advanced vocabulary knowledge.
About the Letter ژ
The letter “ژ” produces a soft “zh” sound similar to the sound in the English word “measure.” It is not frequently used in everyday speech but appears in formal and literary contexts.
Recognizing this letter helps improve reading comprehension.
Urdu Words Starting with ژ and Their Meanings
Below are examples of Urdu words beginning with “ژ”:
ژالہ
Meaning: Hail (frozen rain)
ژرف
Meaning: Deep or profound
ژوب
Meaning: Zhob (a city name)
Although limited in number, these words are linguistically important.
Why ژ Is Rare in Urdu
This letter mainly entered Urdu through Persian vocabulary. Since only a limited number of Persian words retained it at the beginning, its usage remains uncommon.
Improving Pronunciation
• Practice the “zh” sound slowly.
• Compare it with similar English sounds.
• Listen to native speakers.
FAQs
Is ژ commonly used in Urdu?
No, it is relatively rare.
Does Arabic include the letter ژ?
No, it primarily comes from Persian.
Why should learners study rare letters?
Studying rare letters enhances advanced reading skills.
Are there many daily-use words starting with ژ?
Very few everyday words begin with this letter.