Signification
To earn enough for basic needs.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the 'Warkari' tradition's focus on simple living and high thinking, where physical needs are acknowledged but kept basic. In the fast-paced life of Mumbai, 'Pot bharne' is often linked to the 'Dabbawala' culture, where the city's survival depends on the timely filling of stomachs. For farmers, 'Pot bharne' is directly tied to the monsoon. A good rain means the 'pot' will be full for the year. Dalit literature in Marathi often uses this phrase to highlight the systemic denial of even the most basic right to 'fill one's stomach' with dignity.
Use 'Pota-sathi'
If you want to sound like a native, use 'Pota-sathi' (for the stomach) as a reason for any work-related action. It's the ultimate 'no-questions-asked' justification.
Don't use for the wealthy
Avoid using this for high-earning professionals unless you are being intentionally humble or ironic.
Signification
To earn enough for basic needs.
Use 'Pota-sathi'
If you want to sound like a native, use 'Pota-sathi' (for the stomach) as a reason for any work-related action. It's the ultimate 'no-questions-asked' justification.
Don't use for the wealthy
Avoid using this for high-earning professionals unless you are being intentionally humble or ironic.
The 'Pot-pani' greeting
Asking 'Pot-pani kasa challay?' is a very warm, caring way to ask 'How is your life/work?' among friends.
Conjugate the verb
Remember that 'Pot' is the object. The verb 'Bharne' must change to match the person doing the work.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Pot bharne'.
तो शेतात काम करून आपले _______.
The idiom is 'पोट भरणे', so 'भरतो' is the correct verb form for 'he'.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
Sentence: 'पोटासाठी करावे लागते!'
The phrase is used to justify hard work for survival.
Which of these means 'Livelihood'?
Find the synonym for 'Pot-pani'.
'Upajivika' is the formal word for livelihood, which is the idiomatic meaning of 'Pot-pani'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: तू इतका उशीर का काम करतोस? B: काय करणार मित्रा, _______.
B is explaining that he works late because he needs to earn a living.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Literal vs Figurative
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesतो शेतात काम करून आपले _______.
The idiom is 'पोट भरणे', so 'भरतो' is the correct verb form for 'he'.
Sentence: 'पोटासाठी करावे लागते!'
The phrase is used to justify hard work for survival.
Find the synonym for 'Pot-pani'.
'Upajivika' is the formal word for livelihood, which is the idiomatic meaning of 'Pot-pani'.
A: तू इतका उशीर का काम करतोस? B: काय करणार मित्रा, _______.
B is explaining that he works late because he needs to earn a living.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNot at all. It is a very humble and standard way to talk about work.
Usually no. It's used for humans who work. For pets, you'd just say 'त्याला जेवण देणे' (giving it food).
'Upajivika' is the formal/dictionary word for livelihood. 'Pot bharne' is the idiomatic/spoken version.
Yes, it usually implies basic needs rather than luxury.
Say 'माझे पोट भरले' (Mazhe pot bharle).
Only if the tone is informal or humble. In a formal presentation, use 'Revenue' or 'Profit'.
Yes, 'कुटुंबाचे पोट भरणे' (to support a family) is very common.
It's a casual term for one's job and basic sustenance.
Yes, 'Pota-panyacha baghne' (looking after one's livelihood).
Yes, 'तो फक्त स्वतःचेच पोट भरतो' means 'He is selfish and only cares about his own survival.'
Extremely common. It's the city of 'hustle' for 'pot-pani'.
Yes, the person who 'fills the stomach' of the family is the breadwinner.
No, it is strictly for physical/economic survival.
Yes, it's the retroflex 'ɳ'. Using a normal 'n' will sound like a non-native accent.
Expressions liées
पोटावर पाय देणे
contrastTo take away someone's livelihood.
पोटापाण्याचा प्रश्न
similarThe problem of survival/employment.
पोटात कावळे ओरडणे
similarTo be very hungry.
हातचे पोट भरणे
specialized formTo earn just enough for the day.
