Signification
To be very hungry.
Contexte culturel
In Pakistan, this idiom is often used during Ramadan just before Iftar (breaking the fast) to lightheartedly express how much everyone is looking forward to eating. In Delhi and Lucknow, the idiom is sometimes extended to 'Chuhe qalaabaziyan kha rahe hain' (rats are doing somersaults) to show the speaker's poetic flair. Second-generation Urdu speakers in the UK or USA often use this idiom as a 'heritage phrase'—one of the few idioms they remember from their parents to express hunger. In Bollywood and Lollywood movies, this phrase is a staple for comedic sidekick characters to signal it's time for a funny food-related scene.
Use it for emphasis
Don't use it if you are just 'a little' hungry. Save it for when you are genuinely ready to eat a big meal.
Plurality matters
Always keep 'Chuhe' plural. Saying 'Chuha' (singular) will make people laugh at your grammar instead of understanding your hunger.
Signification
To be very hungry.
Use it for emphasis
Don't use it if you are just 'a little' hungry. Save it for when you are genuinely ready to eat a big meal.
Plurality matters
Always keep 'Chuhe' plural. Saying 'Chuha' (singular) will make people laugh at your grammar instead of understanding your hunger.
Body Language
Native speakers often rub their stomach while saying this phrase to add to the effect.
Social Lubricant
It's a great way to break the ice if a meeting is going too long. A well-timed 'Pet mein chuhe...' usually gets everyone to agree to a lunch break.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
میرے پیٹ میں ______ دوڑ رہے ہیں۔
The idiom specifically uses 'Chuhe' (rats).
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct form of the verb.
'Chuhe' is masculine plural, so the verb must be 'daur rahe hain'.
Match the situation to the best use of the idiom.
You are at a formal dinner with the President. Should you say 'Mere pet mein chuhe daur rahe hain'?
This idiom is casual and not suitable for very formal settings.
Complete the dialogue.
احمد: کیا تم کھانا کھاؤ گے؟ سارہ: ہاں، ______۔
The context of eating makes the hunger idiom the only logical choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Pet mein chuhe daurna'
Safe
- • Friends
- • Family
- • Casual Lunch
Unsafe
- • Job Interview
- • Doctor's Office
- • Funeral
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesمیرے پیٹ میں ______ دوڑ رہے ہیں۔
The idiom specifically uses 'Chuhe' (rats).
Choose the correct form of the verb.
'Chuhe' is masculine plural, so the verb must be 'daur rahe hain'.
You are at a formal dinner with the President. Should you say 'Mere pet mein chuhe daur rahe hain'?
This idiom is casual and not suitable for very formal settings.
احمد: کیا تم کھانا کھاؤ گے؟ سارہ: ہاں، ______۔
The context of eating makes the hunger idiom the only logical choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt depends on your relationship. If you have a friendly, casual relationship, it's fine. If it's a very formal corporate environment, stick to 'I'd like to take a lunch break.'
No, this is strictly for hunger. For thirst, you would say 'Gala khushk ho raha hai' (Throat is getting dry).
Yes, children use it very frequently with their parents.
Idioms are inherently informal. The formal equivalent is simply 'Mujhe shadeed bhook hai' (I have intense hunger).
No, that makes no sense in Urdu. The rats only run in the stomach!
While both mean to run, 'daurna' is the fixed part of the idiom. 'Bhagna' sounds like they are escaping, whereas 'daurna' sounds like they are racing.
Only in dialogues, stories, or informal blogs. You won't find it in a news report about the economy.
Probably because of the scratching/rumbling sounds a hungry stomach makes, which mimic the sound of mice in walls.
Yes! It's a common way to complain about the difficulty of a diet.
No, everyone knows it's a joke/metaphor. No one will call an exterminator!
Expressions liées
بھوک لگنا
similarTo feel hungry
انتڑیاں قل ہو اللہ پڑھنا
specialized formIntestines reciting prayers
پیٹ میں آگ لگنا
similarFire in the stomach
جان لبوں پر آنا
builds onLife coming to the lips
دسترخوان بچھانا
contextualTo spread the dining cloth
