पेटदर्द है

You use this phrase just like a label for your physical state. It is very flexible. You can add words like bahut (very) if the pain is intense. For example, Bahut petdard hai means 'I have a lot of stomachache.' You don't need complex grammar here. Just state the condition and people will get the message.

Use it when you ate too many spicy samosas at a street stall. Use it when you want to skip a boring meeting. It works perfectly at a doctor's clinic. You can also use it when texting a friend to explain why you are late. It is a very practical, everyday expression for physical health.

Do not use this for emotional 'heartache' or metaphorical pain. Hindi has other words like dukh for emotional sadness. If you have a headache, don't use pet. Use sir instead. Also, avoid using it in extremely formal speeches unless you are specifically discussing health. It is a bit too personal for a keynote address!

In Indian culture, food is a love language. This means overeating is common at family gatherings. Consequently, petdard is a very common topic of conversation. Mothers often have home remedies (nuskhe) ready the moment they hear this. Mentioning a stomachache usually triggers a long list of advice about drinking carom seed water (ajwain).

You might hear people say Mere pet mein dard hai. This literally means 'There is pain in my stomach.' It is slightly more complete grammatically. Kids might say Pet dukh raha hai, which means 'My stomach is hurting.' Both are great, but petdard hai is the shortest, punchiest version for a beginner.