dosti

Dosti is a term used in Hindi, Urdu, and related South Asian languages to denote the bond of friendship. The word comes from dost, meaning friend, with the suffix -i forming the abstract noun dosti, or friendship. The concept is typically understood as a relationship built on trust, mutual aid, affection, and shared experience.

Culturally, dosti is highly valued and often presented as a social ideal. It can cross boundaries of age, caste, religion, and gender, though social norms influence how friendships are formed and sustained. In daily life, dosti is expressed through support, companionship, loyalty, and the willingness to stand by someone in difficult times.

In literature and media, dosti is a recurring theme. The idea has appeared in poetry, songs, and books, and has also been used as a title for films and other works that explore friendship under strain or triumph. It is often juxtaposed with other forms of affection, such as mohabbat, to highlight different human bonds.

In contemporary usage, dosti reflects the experiences of global and diasporic communities, where friendships may span long distances and be maintained through communication technology and travel. The term remains a common and enduring element of social vocabulary in South Asia and among speakers of Hindustani languages worldwide.