Talab

Talab is a linguistic term found in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and other languages of the Middle East and South Asia. It generally denotes an act of seeking, requesting, demanding, or needing something, and it can function as a noun or as part of fixed phrases.

The word derives from the Arabic root ṭ-l-b, which conveys seeking or asking. In classical Arabic, talab appears in nouns and compounds such as talib (seeker, applicant) and talb (quest, demand). The term was borrowed into Persian, Urdu, and Hindi with related meanings, where it commonly means demand, need, or request. In everyday speech it also appears in phrases such as talab-e-ilm (the seeking of knowledge) or talab kiya jana (a demand has been made).

Usage and variants: In legal or administrative contexts, talab may refer to a claim or demand by a party. In personal names, Talib is a given name, and Taliban is the plural form meaning “students” or “seekers” of knowledge. As a toponym or local placename, Talab appears in some regions, though specific instances vary by country.

Related terms include Talib and Taliban.