In 15 Seconds
- Used to state you have a fever.
- Pair with 'Mujhe' to say 'I have a fever'.
- Strictly medical, not used for metaphors like 'excitement'.
Meaning
This is the most common way to say you have a fever. It is a simple, direct expression used to tell someone you are feeling unwell.
Key Examples
3 of 6Texting a friend to cancel dinner
Yaar, aaj nahi aa sakta, mujhe bukhaar hai.
Buddy, can't come today, I have a fever.
Informing your boss about sick leave
Sir, mujhe tez bukhaar hai, main aaj nahi aaunga.
Sir, I have a high fever, I won't come today.
At the doctor's clinic
Mujhe kal raat se bukhaar hai.
I have had a fever since last night.
Cultural Background
People often distinguish between 'thanda' (cold) and 'garam' (hot) foods during a fever. Curd is usually avoided as it is 'thanda'. 'Bukhaar hai' is the most common and accepted reason for a 'Sick Leave' (SL). It is rarely questioned. The word 'Tāp' is frequently used instead of 'Bukhaar'. It is derived from the Sanskrit 'Tapa' (heat). Fever is a common metaphor for love. 'Pyaar ka bukhaar' (The fever of love) is a recurring theme in songs.
The Nuqta
The dot under 'ख' in 'बुख़ार' makes it a 'kh' sound from the throat. If you pronounce it as a regular 'kh', people will still understand you, but the nuqta version is more authentic.
Don't be the fever
Always remember: 'Mujhe bukhaar hai'. If you say 'Main bukhaar hoon', you are saying you are the fever itself!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to state you have a fever.
- Pair with 'Mujhe' to say 'I have a fever'.
- Strictly medical, not used for metaphors like 'excitement'.
What It Means
Bukhaar hai is your go-to phrase for being sick. It literally translates to 'fever is.' In Hindi, you don't 'have' a fever like an object. Instead, the fever 'is' to you or simply 'is.' It is short, punchy, and everyone understands it instantly. Whether it is a slight temperature or a full-blown flu, this covers it.
How To Use It
You usually pair this with a pronoun. For yourself, you say Mujhe bukhaar hai. This means 'To me, fever is.' You can also use it for others. If your friend looks pale, ask Kya tumhe bukhaar hai?. It is very flexible. You can add words like tez for a high fever. Just keep it simple and direct.
When To Use It
Use it when you need to skip a meeting. Use it when you are texting a friend to cancel plans. It works perfectly at the doctor's office. If you feel warm, tell your mom Mujhe bukhaar hai. It is the universal 'get out of jail free' card for social events. Even if you are just tired, this phrase gets you sympathy.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for metaphorical 'fever.' If you are 'excited' about a game, don't use this. In English, we say 'IPL fever' or 'dance fever.' In Hindi, bukhaar is strictly medical. Using it for excitement will just make people offer you medicine. Also, do not use it for a simple cold. For a runny nose, use Zukaam instead.
Cultural Background
In India, health is a big topic of conversation. Family members will often touch your forehead to check. If you say Mujhe bukhaar hai, expect a lot of advice. People will suggest ginger tea or kadha. It is a phrase that triggers instant caretaking. It is not just a medical status; it is a social signal for help.
Common Variations
You will hear Halka bukhaar for a mild fever. Tez bukhaar is for a high temperature. Some might say Bukhaar jaisa lag raha hai. This means 'It feels like a fever.' If the fever is gone, you say Bukhaar utar gaya. This literally means the fever 'descended' or went down. Each variation helps you describe exactly how miserable you feel.
Usage Notes
The phrase is universally applicable across all levels of formality. The only thing that changes is the pronoun used (Aapko/Tumhe/Mujhe).
The Nuqta
The dot under 'ख' in 'बुख़ार' makes it a 'kh' sound from the throat. If you pronounce it as a regular 'kh', people will still understand you, but the nuqta version is more authentic.
Don't be the fever
Always remember: 'Mujhe bukhaar hai'. If you say 'Main bukhaar hoon', you are saying you are the fever itself!
Using 'Chadhna'
To sound like a native, use the verb 'chadhna' (to climb) to say the fever is increasing: 'Mujhe bukhaar chadh raha hai'.
Home Remedies
If you mention you have a fever, be prepared for a long list of herbal tea recipes from your Hindi-speaking friends!
Examples
6Yaar, aaj nahi aa sakta, mujhe bukhaar hai.
Buddy, can't come today, I have a fever.
Using 'Yaar' makes it very casual and friendly.
Sir, mujhe tez bukhaar hai, main aaj nahi aaunga.
Sir, I have a high fever, I won't come today.
Adding 'tez' (high/strong) emphasizes the severity.
Mujhe kal raat se bukhaar hai.
I have had a fever since last night.
Adding a time frame helps the doctor diagnose.
Beta, kya tumhe bukhaar hai?
Son, do you have a fever?
A common caring inquiry in households.
Oh ho! Mujhe bahut bukhaar hai, main bartan nahi dhounga!
Oh ho! I have a big fever, I won't wash the dishes!
Using 'bahut' for dramatic effect.
Mummy, mujhe bukhaar hai, khichdi bana do.
Mom, I have a fever, please make khichdi.
Khichdi is the go-to meal for fever in India.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct way to say 'I have a fever' in Hindi.
How do you say 'I have a fever'?
Illnesses in Hindi use the dative 'ko' form (Mujhe = Mujh + ko).
Fill in the blank with the correct pronoun.
_______ बुख़ार है। (To him has a fever)
Us + ko = Use. We need the dative form for the person having the fever.
Complete the dialogue.
Doctor: क्या आपको बुख़ार है? Patient: हाँ डॉक्टर, मुझे _______ बुख़ार है।
'Tez' (fast/sharp) is the standard adjective for a 'high' fever in Hindi.
Match the sentence to the context.
Sentence: 'आजकल शहर में चुनाव का बुख़ार है।'
This is a metaphorical use of 'bukhaar' meaning obsession or widespread excitement.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHow do you say 'I have a fever'?
Illnesses in Hindi use the dative 'ko' form (Mujhe = Mujh + ko).
_______ बुख़ार है। (To him has a fever)
Us + ko = Use. We need the dative form for the person having the fever.
Doctor: क्या आपको बुख़ार है? Patient: हाँ डॉक्टर, मुझे _______ बुख़ार है।
'Tez' (fast/sharp) is the standard adjective for a 'high' fever in Hindi.
Sentence: 'आजकल शहर में चुनाव का बुख़ार है।'
This is a metaphorical use of 'bukhaar' meaning obsession or widespread excitement.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is masculine. You say 'Tez bukhaar' (high fever) and 'Bukhaar utar gaya' (fever went down).
No, for a cold use 'Zukam'. 'Bukhaar' specifically means a high body temperature.
The formal/Sanskrit word is 'Jvar' (ज्वर), but 'Bukhaar' is used 99% of the time even in formal settings.
Use 'Mujhe bukhaar lag raha hai' (To me fever is feeling).
Hindi uses dative subjects for internal states that the person experiences rather than controls.
Yes, it is exactly the same in Urdu (بخار ہے).
Yes, it is a perfectly professional and polite way to explain an absence.
It means the fever is breaking or going down.
You ask 'Kitna bukhaar hai?'
Not usually. For anger, we use 'Gussa'. 'Bukhaar' is for illness or obsession.
Related Phrases
तबीयत ख़राब होना
similarTo be in bad health
ज़ुकाम होना
similarTo have a cold
बुख़ार उतारना
builds onTo bring the fever down
हरारत होना
specialized formTo feel feverish
पसीने छूटना
contrastTo break into a sweat
