In 15 Seconds
- Literally means 'cough is coming' to describe having a cough.
- Used in both medical contexts and casual daily conversations.
- Triggers helpful health advice and home remedy suggestions in India.
Meaning
This is the most common way to say you have a cough or are currently coughing. It literally describes the cough as 'coming' to you.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining symptoms to a doctor
डॉक्टर साहब, मुझे दो दिन से खाँसी आ रही है।
Doctor, I have been having a cough for two days.
Excusing yourself during a phone call
एक मिनट रुकिए, मुझे खाँसी आ रही है।
Wait a minute, I am having a cough.
Texting a friend to cancel plans
आज नहीं आ पाऊँगा, बहुत खाँसी आ रही है।
I won't be able to come today, I have a bad cough.
Cultural Background
In India, a cough is rarely just a medical issue; it's a call for 'Kaadha' (a herbal decoction). Most families will suggest ginger, honey, and black pepper before suggesting a doctor. While covering the mouth is standard, in rural areas, people might use the 'pallu' (end of a sari) or a 'gamcha' (traditional towel) to cover their face while coughing. Traditional medicine classifies coughs into 'Kapha' (wet) and 'Vata' (dry). This distinction often influences how people describe their cough even in modern Hindi. In cities like Delhi, 'Khānsī' has become a seasonal greeting during the 'smog season' (November-December). It's a common bond shared by commuters.
The 'Coming' Rule
Apply the 'ānā' rule to hunger (bhūkh), thirst (pyās), and sleep (nīnd) as well. It will make you sound very native!
Gender Agreement
Always keep 'rahī' feminine. Even if a man is speaking, he says 'Mujhe khānsī ā rahī hai' because the cough is feminine.
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means 'cough is coming' to describe having a cough.
- Used in both medical contexts and casual daily conversations.
- Triggers helpful health advice and home remedy suggestions in India.
What It Means
In Hindi, you don't 'have' a cough like a possession. Instead, the cough 'comes' to you. The phrase खाँसी आ रही है (khaansi aa rahi hai) uses the continuous tense. It means the action is happening right now. It is simple, direct, and used by everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to explain your physical state. If you start coughing mid-sentence, you say this to excuse yourself. You can also use it to tell a doctor your symptoms. Just add मुझे (mujhe) at the beginning to say 'I am having a cough.' Without the 'I', it just means 'a cough is coming.'
When To Use It
Use it when you feel that tickle in your throat. It is perfect for a quick text to your boss. Use it when you are at a pharmacy buying syrup. It works great when you need to leave a dusty room. It is the ultimate 'get out of social obligations' card during flu season.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for a chronic, long-term condition. For a long-term illness, you would use different phrasing. Also, don't say this if you just cleared your throat once. It implies a genuine, repetitive cough. If you are actually choking on water, use फंदा लगा है (fanda laga hai) instead.
Cultural Background
In India, health is a major topic of small talk. If you say खाँसी आ रही है, prepare for advice. People will suggest ginger tea or honey immediately. It is a very 'communal' phrase that invites care. Don't be surprised if a stranger offers you a lozenge. It is part of the warm, slightly nosy Indian hospitality.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more formal, use कफ़ (cough) in urban areas. For a dry cough, say सूखी खाँसी (sookhi khaansi). If you had a cough yesterday, say खाँसी आ रही थी (aa rahi thi). To ask someone else, say क्या आपको खाँसी आ रही है?. It is a very flexible building block for your Hindi.
Usage Notes
The phrase is universally understood and grammatically fixed because 'khaansi' is feminine. It is safe for all social settings.
The 'Coming' Rule
Apply the 'ānā' rule to hunger (bhūkh), thirst (pyās), and sleep (nīnd) as well. It will make you sound very native!
Gender Agreement
Always keep 'rahī' feminine. Even if a man is speaking, he says 'Mujhe khānsī ā rahī hai' because the cough is feminine.
Remedy Talk
If you tell an Indian friend you have a cough, be prepared for a 10-minute lecture on herbal teas!
Examples
6डॉक्टर साहब, मुझे दो दिन से खाँसी आ रही है।
Doctor, I have been having a cough for two days.
Adding 'mujhe' makes it personal and clear for a diagnosis.
एक मिनट रुकिए, मुझे खाँसी आ रही है।
Wait a minute, I am having a cough.
A polite way to pause a conversation while you cough.
आज नहीं आ पाऊँगा, बहुत खाँसी आ रही है।
I won't be able to come today, I have a bad cough.
Commonly used as a valid reason to stay home.
मिर्ची तेज़ है, मुझे खाँसी आ रही है!
The chili is strong, I'm starting to cough!
Used when external factors trigger a sudden cough.
क्या तुम्हें फिर से खाँसी आ रही है?
Are you having a cough again?
Shows concern and care in a family setting.
मुझे बुखार और खाँसी आ रही है, इसलिए मैं आज छुट्टी पर हूँ।
I have a fever and a cough, so I am on leave today.
Standard way to report sick leave.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'ānā'.
मुझे दो दिनों से खाँसी ___ रही है।
The phrase is 'khānsī ā rahī hai'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the right way to say 'He has a cough'.
We use 'use' (to him) and 'ā rahī hai' (feminine agreement with khānsī).
Complete the dialogue between a doctor and a patient.
Doctor: क्या आपको बुखार है? Patient: नहीं डॉक्टर, बस ______ आ रही है।
In a medical context, 'khānsī' (cough) fits perfectly.
Match the Hindi phrase to the situation.
You are in a library and start coughing. What do you say?
This is the polite way to excuse a cough.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesमुझे दो दिनों से खाँसी ___ रही है।
The phrase is 'khānsī ā rahī hai'.
Select the right way to say 'He has a cough'.
We use 'use' (to him) and 'ā rahī hai' (feminine agreement with khānsī).
Doctor: क्या आपको बुखार है? Patient: नहीं डॉक्टर, बस ______ आ रही है।
In a medical context, 'khānsī' (cough) fits perfectly.
You are in a library and start coughing. What do you say?
This is the polite way to excuse a cough.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, that is a simpler version meaning 'I have a cough'. 'Aa rahi hai' is more specific to the act of coughing or the symptom being active.
Because 'Khansi' is a feminine noun. In Hindi, verbs agree with the gender of the noun they describe in this construction.
It is neutral. It's used everywhere from the street to the hospital.
Say 'Mujhe khansi nahi aa rahi hai'.
It is 'Sukhi khansi' (सूखी खाँसी).
It is 'Balgam wali khansi' (बलगम वाली खाँसी).
Yes: 'Kutte ko khansi aa rahi hai'.
Not really, but people might say 'khich-khich' to describe an itchy throat.
No, in this context, it means it is happening right now (Present Continuous).
You can say 'Mujhe purani khansi hai' (I have an old/chronic cough).
Related Phrases
जुकाम होना
similarTo have a cold
छींक आना
similarTo sneeze
गला खराब होना
builds onTo have a sore throat
साँस फूलना
specialized formTo be out of breath
बलगम वाली खाँसी
specialized formProductive/Wet cough
