Sahib
/ˈsɑːhɪb/noun
A respectful title for a man, especially in South Asia, or a master/owner in historical usage.
Did you know?Sahib comes from Arabic ṣāḥib, originally meaning “companion” or “one who accompanies,” and in Persian- and South Asian usage it became a formal title of respect with powerful social hierarchy built into it.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
PS
ṣ-ḥ-b
“A root connected with accompanying, companionship, or association.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ṣāḥib
“Companion, friend, associate; also owner, master, or possessor in later usage.”
Persian
Persian
sāhib
“Master, proprietor, holder; later an honorific title.”
Urdu / Hindi
Indo-Aryan
sāhib
“A respectful title for a man, especially a European or a person of rank.”
Modern English
English
sahib
“A respectful title used in South Asia, especially historically for a European man or gentleman.”