In 15 Seconds
- The standard Hindi phrase for vomiting or throwing up.
- Literally means 'to happen in reverse' or 'opposite'.
- Used for motion sickness, food poisoning, or general nausea.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to say someone is vomiting or throwing up. It's a very common, everyday expression used to describe physical sickness or nausea.
Key Examples
3 of 6Feeling car sick on a mountain road
Pahadon mein mujhe hamesha ulti hoti hai.
I always vomit in the mountains.
Texting a friend after a long night
Kal raat bahut party ki, ab ulti ho rahi hai.
Partied too much last night, now I'm vomiting.
Calling your boss to take a sick day
Meri tabiyat theek nahi hai, mujhe baar-baar ulti ho rahi hai.
I am not well, I am vomiting repeatedly.
Cultural Background
When someone mentions 'Ulti,' it's common for others to suggest 'Nimbu-Kala Namak' (Lemon and Black Salt). This is a staple household remedy for nausea. In India, long-distance bus travel through ghats (mountains) is synonymous with 'Ulti.' Buses often carry small plastic bags specifically for this purpose. The concept of 'Agni' (digestive fire) is central. 'Ulti' is seen as a sign that the 'Agni' is disturbed or that there is 'Ama' (toxins) in the body. Sometimes, sudden vomiting in children is attributed to 'Nazar' (the evil eye), and rituals like 'Rai-Namak' (mustard seeds and salt) are performed to ward it off.
Use 'Aana' for the feeling
If you want to sound more like a native, use 'Ulti aa rahi hai' when you feel nauseous but haven't thrown up yet.
Avoid 'Main Ulti Hoon'
Never say 'I am vomit.' Always use 'Mujhe' (to me) to show the condition is affecting you.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard Hindi phrase for vomiting or throwing up.
- Literally means 'to happen in reverse' or 'opposite'.
- Used for motion sickness, food poisoning, or general nausea.
What It Means
Ulti hona is the most common way to say "to vomit" in Hindi. The word ulti actually means "opposite" or "reverse." So, when you say this, you are literally saying things are happening in reverse. It is a very direct but natural way to talk about being sick. It covers everything from the actual act to just feeling like it's about to happen. It is much more common than the formal medical terms you might find in a dictionary.
How To Use It
You will usually use this phrase with the person who is sick. In Hindi, we often say the vomit "happens to" someone. You would say Mujhe ulti ho rahi hai for "I am vomiting." If you want to say you feel nauseous, you can say Mujhe ulti jaisa lag raha hai. It’s a very flexible phrase. You can use it in the past tense, like Mujhe kal ulti hui, to say you threw up yesterday. It works perfectly with helping verbs to show timing.
When To Use It
Use this when you have a genuine stomach upset. It is the perfect phrase for motion sickness during a long car ride. If you ate some questionable street food, this is what you tell your friends. You can also use it when you see or smell something truly disgusting. It is safe to use with family, friends, and even doctors. If you need to leave a meeting because you feel sick, this is the phrase to use. It is honest and clear.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this during a formal dinner conversation if you can help it. While it's not a "bad" word, it is quite descriptive. If you want to be more polite or vague, say Tabiyat kharab hai (My health is bad). Don't use it to mean "reversing" a car or a decision. For a car, you should use the English word reverse or the Hindi piche lena. This phrase is strictly for your stomach's internal rebellion.
Cultural Background
In India, talking about digestion is surprisingly common and not very taboo. After a big wedding feast, you might hear people discussing their stomach health. Because Indian food can be very spicy, ulti hona is a frequent topic of conversation. If you say this to an Indian mother, be prepared! She will likely offer you ginger, lemon, or carom seeds immediately. It’s part of the culture of care and home remedies.
Common Variations
You will often hear Ulti aana, which means "vomit is coming." Both are used interchangeably in daily life. In urban areas, many people use the English word in a Hindi sentence: Vomit ho rahi hai. If you want to sound very formal or poetic, you might hear Qay hona, but that’s rare. For just feeling sick without the action, Ji machlana is the specialized word for nausea. Stick to ulti hona for 99% of your needs.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and widely used. It follows the 'Mujhe [noun] hona' structure, where the sickness happens to the person.
Use 'Aana' for the feeling
If you want to sound more like a native, use 'Ulti aa rahi hai' when you feel nauseous but haven't thrown up yet.
Avoid 'Main Ulti Hoon'
Never say 'I am vomit.' Always use 'Mujhe' (to me) to show the condition is affecting you.
The 'Window Seat' connection
In India, if you say 'Mujhe ulti hoti hai,' people will immediately offer you the window seat in a car or bus.
Examples
6Pahadon mein mujhe hamesha ulti hoti hai.
I always vomit in the mountains.
Describes a recurring condition of motion sickness.
Kal raat bahut party ki, ab ulti ho rahi hai.
Partied too much last night, now I'm vomiting.
A very informal way to describe a hangover.
Meri tabiyat theek nahi hai, mujhe baar-baar ulti ho rahi hai.
I am not well, I am vomiting repeatedly.
Direct and professional enough for a medical excuse.
Is gandi badbu se mujhe ulti aa jayegi!
I will vomit from this foul smell!
Using the phrase to express extreme disgust.
Beta, kya phir se ulti hui?
Son, did you vomit again?
A caring inquiry about someone's health.
Ye mat khao, purana hai, ulti ho jayegi.
Don't eat this, it's old, you'll vomit.
Giving friendly advice to prevent sickness.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the person and the verb.
____ (I) कल रात बहुत ____ (vomited).
The person takes 'ko' (Mujhe) and 'Ulti' is feminine, so 'hui'.
Which sentence correctly describes motion sickness?
Choose the most natural sentence:
'Ulti aana' is the standard way to describe a recurring sensation like motion sickness.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a doctor's office explaining a symptom.
This describes the medical symptom of frequent vomiting.
Complete the dialogue.
A: क्या तुम पार्टी में आओगे? B: नहीं यार, सुबह से ____।
'Ulti ho rahi hai' is the most natural way to say you are currently feeling sick.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ (I) कल रात बहुत ____ (vomited).
The person takes 'ko' (Mujhe) and 'Ulti' is feminine, so 'hui'.
Choose the most natural sentence:
'Ulti aana' is the standard way to describe a recurring sensation like motion sickness.
Situation: You are at a doctor's office explaining a symptom.
This describes the medical symptom of frequent vomiting.
A: क्या तुम पार्टी में आओगे? B: नहीं यार, सुबह से ____।
'Ulti ho rahi hai' is the most natural way to say you are currently feeling sick.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is a standard, neutral word for vomiting. It is not considered a swear word or vulgar, though it's not a pleasant topic.
No. For a car, use 'Back karna' or 'Gaadi peeche lena'. 'Ulti gaadi' would mean an upside-down car.
The formal term is 'Vaman' (वमन) or 'Kai' (कै), but 'Ulti' is used 99% of the time even by doctors.
You can say 'Mujhe ulti jaisa lag raha hai' or 'Mujhe ulti aa rahi hai'.
It is 'Ulti hui' because 'Ulti' is a feminine noun.
It's an idiom meaning 'stubborn' or 'someone who thinks backwards/weirdly'. It has nothing to do with vomiting!
Yes, in urban areas, people often say 'Vomit ho gaya' or 'Vomit aa rahi hai'.
There isn't a single word; people say 'Subah ki ulti' or 'Pregnancy mein ulti'.
Yes! 'Ulti shirt' means an inside-out shirt. The context makes the difference.
It means 'to feel uneasy/nauseous'. It's often used as a precursor to 'Ulti'.
Related Phrases
जी घबराना
similarTo feel nauseous or restless.
चक्कर आना
similarTo feel dizzy.
हज़म होना
contrastTo digest.
पेट खराब होना
builds onTo have an upset stomach.
