मतलब
A humorous way to say hungry.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
In Punjab, a host will never let you leave without eating. They might use this idiom to jokingly suggest you must be hungry, even if you say you aren't. The idiom reflects the close relationship between humans and nature/animals in traditional Punjabi village life, where mice were common in granaries. Despite urbanization, the phrase remains popular in cities like Chandigarh and Ludhiana, showing the resilience of Punjabi folk expressions. Comedians in Punjabi movies frequently use this idiom to create relatable, funny moments about food-loving characters.
Use it to be polite
If someone offers you food and you want to say 'yes' enthusiastically, use this idiom. It shows you appreciate the offer.
Don't use with your boss
It's too informal for a professional setting. Stick to 'Mainu bhukh lagi hai' (I am hungry) in meetings.
मतलब
A humorous way to say hungry.
Use it to be polite
If someone offers you food and you want to say 'yes' enthusiastically, use this idiom. It shows you appreciate the offer.
Don't use with your boss
It's too informal for a professional setting. Stick to 'Mainu bhukh lagi hai' (I am hungry) in meetings.
Add 'Bhangra' for extra humor
If you are *really* hungry, say 'Choohe bhangra pa rahe han' (Mice are doing Bhangra). It will make native speakers laugh!
The 'Pet' vs 'Dhidd' rule
'Dhidd' is more 'earthy' and Punjabi. 'Pet' is more formal or influenced by Hindi. Use 'Dhidd' for maximum native vibes.
खुद को परखो
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
ਮੇਰੇ ਢਿੱਡ ਵਿੱਚ ______ ਨੱਚ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ।
The idiom specifically uses 'mice' (choohe).
Which sentence is the correct way to say 'I am hungry' using the idiom?
Choose the correct conjugation:
The verb must be plural masculine ('nach rahe han') to agree with 'choohe'.
Match the situation to the best use of the idiom.
Situation: You just finished a 5km run and haven't eaten breakfast.
Intense hunger after exercise is a perfect time for this idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ਕੀ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਭੁੱਖ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ? B: ਹਾਂ, ਬਹੁਤ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾ! ਮੇਰੇ __________________।
This is the natural response to being very hungry in an informal conversation.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formal vs Informal Hunger
अभ्यास बैंक
4 अभ्यासਮੇਰੇ ਢਿੱਡ ਵਿੱਚ ______ ਨੱਚ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ।
The idiom specifically uses 'mice' (choohe).
Choose the correct conjugation:
The verb must be plural masculine ('nach rahe han') to agree with 'choohe'.
Situation: You just finished a 5km run and haven't eaten breakfast.
Intense hunger after exercise is a perfect time for this idiom.
A: ਕੀ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਭੁੱਖ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ? B: ਹਾਂ, ਬਹੁਤ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾ! ਮੇਰੇ __________________।
This is the natural response to being very hungry in an informal conversation.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNo, it specifically means hunger. If you have a stomach ache, say 'Mere dhidd vich peed ho rahi hai.'
Usually, it's used for a big hunger, like before a main meal. For a small snack, it might be a bit dramatic (but still okay!).
It is always plural 'Choohe' (mice). One mouse doesn't dance alone in this idiom!
Yes, the Hindi version is 'Pet mein choohe kood rahe hain' (Mice are jumping in the stomach). They are very similar.
Only if you are writing a story or a dialogue. In a formal report, it is inappropriate.
Mice are associated with scurrying and scratching sounds, which mimic the sound of a growling stomach.
No, it's not rude, but it is very informal. It's fine to say to your parents or grandparents.
You say 'Dhidd vich choohe nach rahe san.'
It is very much alive! You will hear it every day in Punjab.
Then just say 'Mainu thodi bhukh lagi hai.' Save the mice for when you're famished!
संबंधित मुहावरे
ਭੁੱਖ ਨਾਲ ਬੁਰਾ ਹਾਲ ਹੋਣਾ
similarTo be in a bad state due to hunger.
ਅੰਦਰ ਝੁਲਕਾ ਪਾਉਣਾ
specialized formTo put something in the stomach (to eat).
ਢਿੱਡ ਭਰਨਾ
contrastTo fill the stomach.
ਭੁੱਖਾ-ਭਾਣਾ
similarTo be hungry and without food.
