Signification
Literal: Crows shouting in stomach. Meaning: Starving.
Contexte culturel
Crows are considered very intelligent and are a constant presence in both urban and rural Maharashtra. Their loud cawing is the most common 'background noise' of the state, making them the perfect candidate for this idiom. While Marathi uses crows, Hindi uses 'उंदीर' (rats) in the same context: 'Pet mein chuhe kood rahe hain' (Rats are jumping in the stomach). This shows how different regions choose different animals for the same sensation. The use of 'oradne' (shouting) for animal sounds is common in Marathi. It gives the hunger a sense of agency, as if the crows are actively demanding food. In modern Pune or Mumbai, this idiom is often used ironically by youngsters who are 'starving' just an hour after breakfast, showing its versatility in expressing both real and hyperbolic hunger.
Use for Emphasis
Don't use this for mild hunger. Use it when you really need to eat to sound more authentic.
Plurality Matters
Always use 'Kavle' (plural). One crow in the stomach sounds like a medical emergency, not an idiom!
Signification
Literal: Crows shouting in stomach. Meaning: Starving.
Use for Emphasis
Don't use this for mild hunger. Use it when you really need to eat to sound more authentic.
Plurality Matters
Always use 'Kavle' (plural). One crow in the stomach sounds like a medical emergency, not an idiom!
The 'Vada Pav' Trigger
A very common way to use this is when you smell street food. 'Vada pavcha vaas aala ki potat kavle oradtat' is a 10/10 Marathi sentence.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
माझ्या पोटात ______ ओरडत आहेत.
The idiom specifically uses 'कावळे' (crows).
Which of these sentences is the most natural way to say you are starving in Marathi?
Starving expression:
This is the standard idiomatic expression for being very hungry.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Friend A: चल, कॅन्टीनमध्ये जाऊया. Friend B: का? Friend A: कारण माझ्या ______.
Hunger happens in the 'pot' (stomach), not the head or hands.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
Situation: You haven't eaten since morning and your stomach is making noise.
This phrase perfectly describes rumbling hunger.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesमाझ्या पोटात ______ ओरडत आहेत.
The idiom specifically uses 'कावळे' (crows).
Starving expression:
This is the standard idiomatic expression for being very hungry.
Friend A: चल, कॅन्टीनमध्ये जाऊया. Friend B: का? Friend A: कारण माझ्या ______.
Hunger happens in the 'pot' (stomach), not the head or hands.
Situation: You haven't eaten since morning and your stomach is making noise.
This phrase perfectly describes rumbling hunger.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It's a friendly, informal idiom. However, avoid it in very formal settings like a job interview.
No, it is strictly for hunger. For thirst, you just say 'Tahan lagli aahe'.
Yes, it's a timeless idiom used by all generations in Maharashtra.
The Hindi equivalent is 'Pet mein chuhe koodna' (Rats jumping in the stomach).
'Oradne' is the infinitive (to shout). In a sentence, you usually say 'oradtat' (are shouting) or 'oradayla lagle' (started shouting).
Yes! It's an idiom for the *feeling* of hunger, not just the literal sound.
The formal version is simply 'Mala khup bhuk lagli aahe' (I am very hungry).
Likely because of their loud, harsh cawing which mimics the sound of a rumbling stomach.
No, you must include the verb 'oradne' (shouting) for it to be the correct idiom.
Yes, in stories, dialogues, and informal articles, but not in formal essays.
Expressions liées
भूक लागणे
similarTo feel hungry
पोटात आग पडणे
specialized formTo feel a burning hunger
पोट भरणे
contrastTo be full/satisfied
पोटात गडगडणे
similarStomach rumbling
