In 15 Seconds
- Used to express physical hunger using an indirect subject construction.
- Always use 'mujhe' instead of 'main' when speaking about yourself.
- The word 'bhūkh' is feminine, so use 'lagī' for the verb.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to say you are hungry. In Hindi, you don't 'be' hungry; instead, hunger 'happens' to you or 'attaches' itself to you.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking to your mother at home
माँ, मुझे बहुत भूख लगी है, खाना कब मिलेगा?
Mom, I am very hungry, when will the food be ready?
Texting a friend about lunch
यार, क्या तुम्हें भूख लगी है? चलो कहीं चलते हैं।
Dude, are you hungry? Let's go somewhere.
In a formal office setting during a long meeting
क्या अब हम ब्रेक ले सकते हैं? सबको भूख लगी होगी।
Can we take a break now? Everyone must be feeling hungry.
Cultural Background
In Punjab and Delhi, food is a love language. If you say 'Mujhe bhūkh lagī hai', you will likely be served parathas with extra butter. During festivals like Navratri, people fast. They often discuss 'bhūkh lagnā' in the context of spiritual discipline. The sight of 'Chaat' stalls in India is a common trigger for 'bhūkh lagnā'. It's common to stop for a snack even if you just ate. An Indian host will never wait for you to say you are hungry. They will assume you are and keep serving.
The 'Ko' Rule
Always remember: No 'Ko', No Hunger! You must attach 'ko' to the person feeling the sensation.
Gender Agreement
Bhūkh is feminine. Even if you are a man, you say 'lagī hai', not 'lagā hai'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to express physical hunger using an indirect subject construction.
- Always use 'mujhe' instead of 'main' when speaking about yourself.
- The word 'bhūkh' is feminine, so use 'lagī' for the verb.
What It Means
In Hindi, physical sensations like hunger or thirst are things you experience. You aren't the hunger itself. The word bhūkh means hunger. The verb lagnā is a linguistic Swiss Army knife. Here, it means 'to be felt' or 'to strike.' So, when you say mujhe bhūkh lagī hai, you're saying hunger has struck you. It is a very natural and common expression. Every Hindi speaker uses this daily. It is the bread and butter of daily conversation.
How To Use It
This phrase uses the indirect construction. You don't use main (I). You must use mujhe (to me). This is because the hunger is happening to you. Also, bhūkh is a feminine noun. This is a tiny trap for many! Because it is feminine, the verb becomes lagī. If you are talking about the present, say lagī hai. If you are talking about a general habit, use lagtī hai. It sounds complicated, but it becomes second nature quickly. Just remember: Me + Hunger + Felt.
When To Use It
Use this whenever your stomach starts growling. It works at home with your family. It works at a restaurant with friends. You can even use it in a long meeting. Just lean over and whisper it to a colleague. It is the perfect way to suggest a lunch break. If you are a guest, wait for the host to ask. But if you're close friends, just say it! It is a very honest and direct expression.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for metaphorical hunger. If you are 'hungry for success,' this isn't the phrase. This is strictly for the 'I need a samosa' kind of hunger. Also, avoid saying it too loudly in very formal ceremonies. It might seem a bit impatient or impolite. In a job interview, don't mention your hunger immediately! Wait for the appropriate break time. Otherwise, it is a very safe phrase.
Cultural Background
Food is the center of the Indian universe. In India, feeding someone is an act of love. Mothers will often ask bhūkh lagī? before you even say hello. It is a way of showing care and hospitality. If you visit an Indian home, expect this question. Even if you say no, they might feed you anyway! Hunger is seen as a healthy sign of life. Sharing a meal is the ultimate bonding experience.
Common Variations
Want to sound like a pro? Add zor kī before bhūkh. This means 'strong' or 'intense' hunger. Mujhe zor kī bhūkh lagī hai means you are starving. You can also use pet me chūhe kūd rahe hain. This literally means 'mice are jumping in my stomach.' It is a funny way to say you're very hungry. Another variation is bhūkh marnā, which means losing your appetite. But for daily use, stick to the classic bhūkh lagnā.
Usage Notes
The phrase is universally used across all social registers. The main grammatical hurdle is remembering the dative subject ('mujhe') and the feminine agreement ('lagi').
The 'Ko' Rule
Always remember: No 'Ko', No Hunger! You must attach 'ko' to the person feeling the sensation.
Gender Agreement
Bhūkh is feminine. Even if you are a man, you say 'lagī hai', not 'lagā hai'.
Politeness
If someone asks if you are hungry, it's polite to say 'thodī thodī' (a little bit) even if you are starving, before accepting food.
Intensifiers
Use 'Zor kī' (strong) for extreme hunger. It makes you sound very native!
Examples
6माँ, मुझे बहुत भूख लगी है, खाना कब मिलेगा?
Mom, I am very hungry, when will the food be ready?
A very common and natural way to ask for food at home.
यार, क्या तुम्हें भूख लगी है? चलो कहीं चलते हैं।
Dude, are you hungry? Let's go somewhere.
Using 'yaar' makes it very casual and friendly.
क्या अब हम ब्रेक ले सकते हैं? सबको भूख लगी होगी।
Can we take a break now? Everyone must be feeling hungry.
A polite way to suggest a food break for the group.
मुझे इतनी ज़ोर की भूख लगी है कि मैं एक हाथी खा सकता हूँ!
I am so hungry I could eat an elephant!
Uses 'zor ki' for emphasis and a common hyperbolic joke.
पापा, मुझे भूख लगी है, मुझे बिस्किट चाहिए।
Papa, I'm hungry, I want a biscuit.
Simple and direct, showing how children use the phrase.
क्या आपको भूख लगी है? मैं आपके लिए कुछ लाती हूँ।
Are you hungry? I'll bring something for you.
Standard polite hospitality in an Indian home.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'ko' or 'lagnā'.
राम ___ बहुत तेज़ भूख ___ है।
The person (Ram) needs 'ko', and 'bhūkh' is feminine, so 'lagī' is correct.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I am hungry'?
Select the correct option:
'मुझे भूख लगी है' is the standard idiomatic way to express hunger in Hindi.
Complete the dialogue.
A: क्या हम खाना खाएं? B: हाँ, मुझे _________।
'Bhūkh' is feminine, so 'lagī' is the correct agreement.
Match the intensity to the phrase.
Match: 1. Slightly hungry, 2. Very hungry, 3. Starving
'Thodī' means a little, 'Bahut' means a lot, and 'Zor kī' means intense.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
English vs Hindi Logic
Practice Bank
4 exercisesराम ___ बहुत तेज़ भूख ___ है।
The person (Ram) needs 'ko', and 'bhūkh' is feminine, so 'lagī' is correct.
Select the correct option:
'मुझे भूख लगी है' is the standard idiomatic way to express hunger in Hindi.
A: क्या हम खाना खाएं? B: हाँ, मुझे _________।
'Bhūkh' is feminine, so 'lagī' is the correct agreement.
Match: 1. Slightly hungry, 2. Very hungry, 3. Starving
'Thodī' means a little, 'Bahut' means a lot, and 'Zor kī' means intense.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it sounds like 'I am a hungry person' or is used in dramatic contexts (e.g., a beggar or a starving person). For daily use, 'Mujhe bhūkh lagī hai' is better.
It is feminine. This is why we say 'lagī' (feminine ending) instead of 'lagā'.
Say 'Mujhe bhūkh nahīñ lagī'.
It's a 'chameleon verb' that can mean to feel, to touch, to seem, to start, or to be applied.
You can say 'मुझे बहुत भूख लगी है' (Mujhe bahut bhūkh lagī hai) or 'मुझे ज़ोर की भूख लगी है' (Mujhe zor kī bhūkh lagī hai).
Yes, 'Sattā kī bhūkh' (hunger for power) is a common formal expression.
Hindi uses dative subjects for involuntary experiences. You don't control hunger; it happens to you.
Yes, 'Pet mein chūhe kūdnā' (Rats jumping in the stomach) is the most popular slang/idiomatic version.
Only if you are literally talking about lunch breaks! Otherwise, it's too personal.
'Lagī hai' focuses on the state of being hungry now. 'Lag rahī hai' focuses on the process of starting to feel hungry.
Related Phrases
प्यास लगना
similarTo feel thirsty
पेट भरना
contrastTo be full/satisfied
भूख मिटाना
builds onTo satisfy hunger
भूख हड़ताल
specialized formHunger strike
