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चाटना

A2 verb #8,500 most common 10 min read

चाटना

chaatna Top 8,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips चाटना in 30 Seconds

Explanation चाटना in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'chaatna' is a simple action verb. You should learn it as part of your basic vocabulary for animals and food. Think of it in the context of a cat drinking milk (Billi doodh chaatti hai) or a child with a lollipop. It's a physical action that you can easily visualize. Don't worry about idioms yet; just focus on the literal meaning of using your tongue to touch something, especially something sweet or liquid. It's one of those 'fun' verbs that helps you describe what you see pets doing in a house. You might also see it on a menu under 'Chaat', which are snacks you 'lick' or enjoy intensely.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'chaatna' in more complete sentences. You should learn how to conjugate it in the past tense using the 'ne' particle. This is where it gets a bit tricky because 'chaatna' is transitive. You'll say 'Maine ice cream chaati'. You should also learn the very common phrase 'Ungliyaan chaatna' (to lick fingers), which people use when food is delicious. At this stage, you're moving from just naming the action to using it to describe an experience. You might also encounter it in simple commands like 'Ise mat chaato' (Don't lick this), often said to children or pets.

At the B1 level, you can use 'chaatna' in more complex ways, including compound verbs like 'chaat lena'. This implies finishing something completely. You also start to learn informal slang. The phrase 'Dimag chaatna' (to lick the brain) is a very common way to say someone is being annoying or talking too much. You should be able to use this with friends. You also begin to distinguish between 'chaatna' and 'chakhna' (to taste). You understand that 'chaatna' is a more intense, physical action, while 'chakhna' is just for checking the flavor of food while cooking.

At the B2 level, you understand the cultural weight of the word. You know that 'Chaat' (the food) is named after this action because of the intensity of the flavors. You can use the word in metaphorical contexts, such as 'Dhool chaatna' (to lick the dust/be defeated). You're comfortable with the causative form 'chatwaana' (to make someone lick). You can also use it to describe natural phenomena in a slightly more creative way, like a flame licking a surface, although you know this is more literary. Your usage is now nuanced, and you know when it's appropriate and when it might sound too informal.

At the C1 level, you are aware of the Sanskrit roots of the word and its connection to other Indo-European languages. You can appreciate the word in classical literature or poetry where it might be used to describe the 'licking' of wounds (figuratively) or the sea 'licking' the shore. You understand the subtle social cues—when using 'chaatna' might imply greed or lack of manners, and when it's a sincere compliment to a chef. You can use the word effortlessly in complex grammatical structures, including passive voices or conditional sentences involving various moods.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 'chaatna'. You can discuss the etymology and the evolution of 'chaat' as a culinary category in South Asia. You can use the word in highly idiomatic, almost archaic ways if needed, or identify its use in various regional dialects of Hindi where the pronunciation or usage might vary slightly. You understand the deep psychological connection between the action of licking and the human experience of 'rasa' (flavor/essence) in Indian aesthetics. The word is no longer just a verb to you; it's a gateway into the sensory and cultural history of the Hindi-speaking world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

चाटना in 30 Seconds

Chaatna means 'to lick' and is used for animals, food, and cleaning.
It is a transitive verb, meaning it needs an object like ice cream or a plate.
Common idioms include 'dimag chaatna' (to annoy) and 'dhool chaatna' (to be defeated).
It is the root word for 'Chaat', the famous tangy Indian street food snacks.

The Hindi verb चाटना (Chaatna) is a primary action verb that translates directly to 'to lick' in English. At its most fundamental level, it describes the physical act of passing the tongue over a surface. However, in the rich tapestry of the Hindi language, this word carries a weight that extends far beyond simple biology. It is deeply connected to the sensory experience of eating, the behavior of animals, and even metaphorical expressions of defeat or extreme appreciation for food. When you think of chaatna, you should visualize the instinctive way a child enjoys an ice cream cone or how a mother cat grooms her kittens. It is a tactile, intimate, and often messy action that conveys a direct interaction with the world through taste and touch.

Literal Usage: The most common use is describing animals drinking water or cleaning themselves. For humans, it is almost exclusively reserved for food that is liquid or semi-solid, such as honey, jam, or the remains of a delicious sauce on a plate.
Cultural Connection: Interestingly, the famous Indian street food category known as 'Chaat' derives its name from this very verb. The idea is that the food is so 'chatpata' (tangy and spicy) that you are compelled to lick your fingers or the bowl to catch every last drop of flavor.

बच्चे ने अपनी उंगलियाँ चाटीं क्योंकि चॉकलेट बहुत स्वादिष्ट थी। (The child licked his fingers because the chocolate was very delicious.)

Beyond the physical, chaatna appears in idioms that describe social dynamics. For instance, 'dust licking' (dhool chaatna) is a common way to describe being utterly defeated or humiliated. This versatility makes it an essential verb for learners who want to move beyond basic vocabulary into the realm of natural, idiomatic Hindi. It is also used in household settings where a mother might scold a child: 'Don't lick that!' (Ise mat chaato!). It is a word that captures the raw, unrefined joy of eating and the primal instincts of the animal kingdom.

कुत्ता घाव को चाट रहा है। (The dog is licking the wound.)

In literary contexts, the word can be used to describe flames 'licking' a building or the sea 'licking' the shore, though this is more poetic. For a beginner or intermediate learner, focusing on the culinary and animal-related contexts is the best way to master its use. Whether you are describing a cat with its milk or a friend enjoying a spicy tamarind chutney, chaatna is the perfect verb to evoke a sense of taste and physical engagement.

Grammar Note: It is a transitive verb (Sakarmak Kriya), meaning it usually takes a direct object—the thing being licked.

Using चाटना correctly requires understanding its conjugation and the contexts in which it appears. As a transitive verb, it follows the standard Hindi rules for tense and aspect. In the simple present tense, it changes based on the gender and number of the subject. For example, 'The cat licks' becomes 'Billi chaatti hai' (feminine) or 'The dog licks' becomes 'Kutta chaatta hai' (masculine). When moving into the past tense, because it is transitive, the verb agrees with the object if the 'ne' particle is used. For example, 'I licked the ice cream' becomes 'Maine ice cream chaati' (because ice cream is feminine).

उसने अपनी प्लेट चाट ली। (He licked his plate clean.)

The verb is often used with the auxiliary verb 'lena' (to take) to form a compound verb chaat lena, which implies completing the action thoroughly, often meaning to lick something up entirely. This is common when talking about finishing every bit of food. In contrast, chaatna on its own might just describe the ongoing action. If you are describing a continuous action, you would use the 'raha/rahi' structure: 'The baby is licking the toy' becomes 'Baccha khilauna chaat raha hai'. It is important to note that while 'lick' in English can sometimes be used for 'tasting', in Hindi, chaatna is more about the physical motion of the tongue than the mental processing of flavor, for which 'chakna' (to taste) is preferred.

Imperative Forms: To tell someone to lick something (like a lollipop): 'Chaato'. To tell someone not to lick: 'Mat chaato'.

क्या तुम अपनी उंगलियाँ चाटोगे? (Will you lick your fingers?)

In more advanced usage, you might encounter the causative form chatwaana, which means 'to make someone lick something'. This is less common but appears in specific contexts, such as a doctor asking a child to lick a medicine-coated spoon. Furthermore, the word appears in passive constructions in formal writing, though it is rare. For most learners, mastering the past, present, and continuous forms in the context of food and animals will cover 90% of all real-world interactions involving this word.

Common Objects: Lollipop (लॉलीपॉप), Ice cream (आइसक्रीम), Fingers (उंगलियाँ), Plate (प्लेट), Honey (शहद).

You will encounter चाटना in a variety of everyday Indian settings. One of the most common places is in the kitchen or at the dining table. Indian cuisine often involves rich gravies and chutneys, and it is a common compliment to the cook to say that the food was so good that everyone 'licked their fingers' (Ungliyaan chaatne par majboor ho gaye). You'll hear parents saying this to children who are enjoying a treat, or friends teasing each other after a particularly messy but delicious street food session. If you visit a 'Chaat Bhandar' (a street food stall), the very name of the food category reminds everyone of the action of licking.

खाना इतना अच्छा था कि सबने उंगलियाँ चाट लीं। (The food was so good that everyone licked their fingers.)

Another frequent context is around pets. Hindi speakers are very fond of their dogs and cats, and you will often hear owners saying, 'Mera kutta mujhe chaat raha hai' (My dog is licking me). In rural areas, you might hear it regarding cattle or goats. It is a natural part of describing animal behavior. In a more metaphorical sense, in sports commentary or political debates, you might hear the phrase 'Dhool chaatna' (to lick the dust), which means to be soundly defeated. For example, 'The home team made the visitors lick the dust' (Gharelu team ne mehman team ko dhool chatwa di).

Media and Movies: In Bollywood movies, characters often use the 'finger-licking' idiom to describe a feast. It's a standard trope to show the hero or a comedian enjoying a meal with great gusto.

In children's literature and cartoons, chaatna is used to describe animals eating or characters enjoying sweets. It's a very 'physical' word, often accompanied by sound effects like 'chap-chap' (the sound of licking). You might also hear it in a negative sense in school or office environments, though rarely; 'Chaatna' can sometimes be used as slang for 'to annoy' or 'to bore someone to death' (dimag chaatna), literally 'to lick someone's brain'. This is a very common informal expression you should definitely watch out for!

वह घंटों से मेरा दिमाग चाट रहा है। (He has been boring me/annoying me for hours.)

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when using चाटना is confusing it with other 'mouth-related' verbs like chakna (to taste) or khana (to eat). While you might 'lick' an ice cream in English, in Hindi, you often 'eat' (khana) it unless you are specifically referring to the action of the tongue. If you say 'Maine ice cream chaati' in a formal setting, it might sound a bit too literal or even slightly crude. Usually, 'Maine ice cream khayi' is the standard way to say you had ice cream.

Chaatna vs. Chakna: Chakna is about the flavor (tasting a bit of salt). Chaatna is about the physical act (licking the salt off your hand).

Another mistake is the pronunciation of the 'aa' sound. It is a long 'aa' (as in 'father'), not a short 'a'. If pronounced incorrectly, it might not be understood. Also, learners often struggle with the 'ne' particle in the past tense. Remember, 'chaatna' is transitive. You must say 'Usne chaata' (He licked) not 'Vah chaata'. The verb must agree with what was licked. If he licked a spoon (fem), it's 'Usne chammach chaati'. If he licked a lollipop (masc), it's 'Usne lollipop chaata'.

गलत: वह आइसक्रीम चाटा। (Wrong)
सही: उसने आइसक्रीम चाटी। (Correct)

Finally, be careful with the slang usage 'Dimag chaatna'. While it's very common, using it with elders or in a professional environment can be seen as disrespectful. It's a very informal way to say someone is being annoying. In a formal setting, you would say 'Pareshaan karna' (to trouble) or 'Tang karna'. Also, avoid using chaatna for things like stamps or envelopes; in modern Hindi, people usually say 'chipkana' (to stick) or 'paani lagana' (to apply water), as licking stamps is less common and the verb sounds a bit animalistic in that context.

While चाटना is the most direct word for 'to lick', there are several related words that you might use depending on the nuance you want to convey. Understanding these differences will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to describe sensory experiences more accurately.

चखना (Chakhna): Meaning: To taste. This is used when you want to check the flavor of something. Example: 'Thoda namak chakho' (Taste a little salt).
चूसना (Choosna): Meaning: To suck. This is used for things like hard candies, mangoes, or straws. Example: 'Aam choosna' (to suck/eat a mango).
लपलपाना (Laplapana): Meaning: To lap up. This is specifically used for animals (like dogs or cats) drinking liquid quickly with their tongues.

बिल्ली दूध लपलपा रही है। (The cat is lapping up the milk.)

If you are looking for a more formal or poetic way to describe the experience of tasting or enjoying something, you might use Ras-aswadan karna (to savor/enjoy the essence), though this is very high Hindi. In daily life, if you want to avoid the word chaatna because it feels too informal, you can simply use khana (to eat) or ka maza lena (to enjoy the taste of). For example, instead of saying 'He is licking the chutney', you could say 'Vah chutney ka maza le raha hai' (He is enjoying the chutney).

Finally, consider the word Chatkaare lena. This is a wonderful Hindi expression that means to eat something with great relish, often making a clicking sound with the tongue. It captures the spirit of 'chaat' culture perfectly. While not a direct synonym for 'licking', it describes the same atmosphere of enjoying tangy, delicious food.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is the direct ancestor of the English-adopted word 'Chutney' (via Hindi 'Chatni'), which is something meant to be licked or tasted in small quantities.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ʃɑːʈ.nɑː/

US /t͡ʃɑt.nɑ/

Primary stress is on the first syllable 'Chaat'.

Rhymes With

काटना (Kaatna - to cut) बाँटना (Baantna - to distribute) डाँटना (Daantna - to scold) छाँटना (Chhaantna - to sort) साटना (Saatna - to stick) पाटना (Paatna - to fill up) घाटना (Ghaatna - to reduce) नाटना (Naatna - to refuse)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 't' as dental (like 'thin') instead of retroflex (like 'table').
Making the 'aa' sound too short, like 'chat' in English.
Forgetting the nasalization if the speaker has a regional accent (though not standard).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is short and common in basic texts.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding transitive past tense 'ne' rules.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once retroflex 't' is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in food and animal contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

जीभ (Tongue) खाना (To eat) दूध (Milk) कुत्ता (Dog) मीठा (Sweet)

Learn Next

चखना (To taste) चूसना (To suck) चबाना (To chew) स्वाद (Flavor) मज़ेदार (Tasty)

Advanced

आस्वादन (Savoring) जिह्वा (Formal tongue) चाटुकारिता (Flattery/Sycophancy) भक्षण (Consumption)

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verb Agreement

उसने (Subject) आइसक्रीम (Fem. Object) चाटी (Verb agrees with Object).

Causative Verbs

माँ ने बच्चे को शहद चटाया (Mother made the child lick honey).

Compound Verbs with 'Lena'

बिल्ली ने सारा दूध चाट लिया (Licked up/finished).

Present Continuous with 'Raha'

वह लॉलीपॉप चाट रहा है।

Imperative Mood

चम्मच चाटो (Lick the spoon).

Examples by Level

बिल्ली दूध चाटती है।

The cat licks the milk.

Simple present tense with a feminine subject.

कुत्ता हड्डी चाट रहा है।

The dog is licking the bone.

Present continuous tense.

बच्चा लॉलीपॉप चाटता है।

The child licks a lollipop.

Simple present tense with a masculine subject.

इसे मत चाटो!

Don't lick this!

Imperative negative (Informal).

क्या तुम शहद चाटोगे?

Will you lick the honey?

Future tense.

गाय अपने बछड़े को चाटती है।

The cow licks her calf.

Describing animal behavior.

मैं अपनी उंगली चाट रहा हूँ।

I am licking my finger.

First person continuous.

बर्फ चाटना ठंडा है।

Licking ice is cold.

Gerund usage ( licking as a subject).

उसने सारी आइसक्रीम चाट ली।

He licked up all the ice cream.

Past tense with compound verb 'chaat lena'.

खाना इतना स्वादिष्ट था कि हमने उंगलियाँ चाटीं।

The food was so delicious that we licked our fingers.

Past tense plural.

कुत्ते ने मेरा हाथ चाटा।

The dog licked my hand.

Past tense with 'ne' particle.

बिल्ली अपना पंजा चाट रही थी।

The cat was licking its paw.

Past continuous tense.

चम्मच मत चाटो, यह गंदा है।

Don't lick the spoon, it is dirty.

Imperative instruction.

उसने प्लेट पर लगा सारा सॉस चाट लिया।

She licked all the sauce off the plate.

Compound verb for completion.

क्या तुमने कभी बर्फ चाटी है?

Have you ever licked ice?

Present perfect question.

बच्चे को अपनी उंगलियाँ चाटना पसंद है।

The child likes licking his fingers.

Infinitive as an object of 'pasand'.

मेरा दिमाग मत चाटो, मैं काम कर रहा हूँ।

Don't annoy me, I am working.

Idiomatic usage of 'dimag chaatna'.

उसने अपनी जीत के बाद ज़मीन चाटी।

He licked the ground after his victory (bowed down).

Metaphorical/Physical action of respect.

अगर तुम यहाँ आए, तो मैं तुम्हें धूल चटा दूँगा।

If you come here, I will make you lick the dust (defeat you).

Causative form 'chata dena' in an idiom.

बिल्ली अपने घाव को चाटकर साफ़ कर रही है।

The cat is cleaning its wound by licking it.

Conjunctive participle 'chaatkar'.

वह हमेशा दूसरों की खुशामद करने के लिए तलवे चाटता है।

He always licks boots (is a sycophant) to flatter others.

Idiom 'talve chaatna' (boot-licking).

शहद की आखिरी बूंद तक चाट लेना।

Lick up even the last drop of honey.

Emphasis on completion.

खाना देखते ही उसके मुँह में पानी आ गया और वह होंठ चाटने लगा।

Seeing the food, his mouth watered and he started licking his lips.

Action sequence.

क्या वह अभी भी तुम्हारा दिमाग चाट रहा है?

Is he still annoying you?

Continuous idiomatic usage.

विपक्षी दल को चुनाव में धूल चाटनी पड़ी।

The opposition party had to lick the dust (suffered defeat) in the election.

Idiomatic past tense.

आग की लपटें इमारत को चाटने लगीं।

The flames of the fire began to lick the building.

Personification/Literary usage.

उसने अपने अपमान का बदला लेने के लिए उसे धूल चटवा दी।

He made him lick the dust to take revenge for his insult.

Causative 'chatwa di'.

गर्मियों में कुत्ते अक्सर हाँफते हैं और अपनी जीभ बाहर निकालकर हवा चाटते हैं।

In summer, dogs often pant and lick the air with their tongues out.

Descriptive nature.

वह अपनी सफलता का स्वाद चाट-चाट कर ले रहा है।

He is savoring every bit of his success.

Reduplication 'chaat-chaat kar' for emphasis.

बच्चों को मिट्टी चाटने से रोकना चाहिए।

Children should be stopped from licking/eating soil.

Passive advice structure.

उसकी बातों ने मेरा दिमाग चाट कर रख दिया।

His talk completely exhausted/annoyed my brain.

Compound verb for intensity.

समुद्र की लहरें किनारे को चाट रही थीं।

The sea waves were licking the shore.

Poetic continuous.

भ्रष्ट अधिकारी नेताओं के तलवे चाटने में माहिर होते हैं।

Corrupt officials are experts at licking the boots of politicians.

Social commentary.

उसकी हार इतनी बुरी थी कि उसे सचमुच धूल चाटनी पड़ी।

His defeat was so bad that he literally had to lick the dust.

Intensive idiom.

साहित्य में, मृत्यु को अक्सर सब कुछ चाट जाने वाली ज्वाला कहा गया है।

In literature, death is often called a flame that licks up everything.

Formal/Literary analysis.

वह अपनी गरीबी के घावों को चाटने के अलावा और कुछ नहीं कर सकता था।

He could do nothing but lick the wounds of his poverty.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

इस चटपटे व्यंजन का असली मज़ा तो उंगलियाँ चाटकर ही आता है।

The real joy of this tangy dish comes only by licking one's fingers.

Cultural nuance.

शेरनी अपने शावकों को चाटकर उन्हें ममता का स्पर्श देती है।

The lioness gives a touch of affection to her cubs by licking them.

Formal descriptive.

बिना सोचे-समझे बोलना कभी-कभी खुद के थूके हुए को चाटने जैसा होता है।

Speaking without thinking is sometimes like licking up your own spit (retracting words).

Harsh idiom for retracting words.

कम्पनी के मुनाफे को धीरे-धीरे घाटा चाट गया।

Losses gradually licked up (consumed) the company's profits.

Economic metaphor.

उसकी वाकपटुता ऐसी है कि वह किसी का भी दिमाग चाट ले और उसे पता भी न चले।

His eloquence is such that he could bore anyone to death without them even realizing it.

Sophisticated sarcasm.

काल की जिह्वा सब कुछ चाट लेने के लिए सदैव तत्पर रहती है।

The tongue of Time is always ready to lick up (devour) everything.

Philosophical/High Hindi.

सत्ता की भूख इंसान को दूसरों के तलवे चाटने पर मजबूर कर देती है।

The hunger for power forces a person to lick the boots of others.

Sociological observation.

उसने अपनी प्रतिष्ठा को धूल चाटने से बचाने के लिए बहुत संघर्ष किया।

He struggled a lot to save his reputation from licking the dust (being ruined).

Abstract idiom.

भक्ति मार्ग में, भक्त ईश्वर के चरणों की धूल चाटने को भी अपना सौभाग्य मानता है।

In the path of devotion, a devotee considers it good fortune even to lick the dust of God's feet.

Religious context.

वह अपनी पुरानी यादों के घावों को आज भी चाटता रहता है।

He still continues to lick the wounds of his old memories (dwells on pain).

Psychological metaphor.

अग्नि की लपटों ने देखते ही देखते पूरी बस्ती को चाट लिया।

In no time, the flames of fire licked up (consumed) the entire settlement.

Narrative intensity.

अपनी ही बातों को चाटना एक राजनेता की मजबूरी बन गई है।

Licking up (retracting) one's own words has become a politician's compulsion.

Modern political idiom.

Synonyms

चखना (Chakhna) चूसना (Choosna) लपलपाना (Laplapana) आस्वादन करना (Aswadan Karna) जीभ लगाना (Jeebh Lagana) साफ़ करना (Saaf Karna) चटकाना (Chatkaana) निगलना (Nigalna)

Antonyms

थूकना (Thookna) काटना (Kaatna) चबाना (Chabaana) उगलना (Ugalna)

Common Collocations

उंगलियाँ चाटना

प्लेट चाटना

दिमाग चाटना

धूल चाटना

तलवे चाटना

होंठ चाटना

घाव चाटना

आइसक्रीम चाटना

शहद चाटना

मिट्टी चाटना

Common Phrases

उंगलियाँ चाटते रह जाना

— To be left licking one's fingers because the food was so good.

उसकी बिरयानी खाकर सब उंगलियाँ चाटते रह गए।

धूल चटाना

— To defeat someone decisively.

भारतीय टीम ने ऑस्ट्रेलिया को धूल चटा दी।

दिमाग चाट जाना

— To bore someone or talk excessively.

उसने अपनी बातों से मेरा दिमाग चाट लिया।

तलवे चाटना

— To act as a sycophant or a boot-licker.

नौकरी बचाने के लिए वह सबके तलवे चाटता है।

प्लेट चाट जाना

— To finish every bit of food on the plate.

भूखा बच्चा पूरी प्लेट चाट गया।

आँखें चाटना

— A rare idiom meaning to show excessive affection or to flatter.

वह स्वार्थ के लिए सबकी आँखें चाटता फिरता है।

थूक कर चाटना

— To go back on one's word or promise (dishonorable).

वादा तोड़ना थूक कर चाटने जैसा है।

घाव चाटना

— To try to recover from a loss or injury quietly.

हार के बाद वह अपने घाव चाट रहा है।

होंठों को चाटना

— To lick lips in anticipation or nervousness.

मिठाई देख उसने अपने होंठों को चाटा।

मिट्टी चटाना

— To bring someone down to earth or defeat them.

घमंडी आदमी को उसने मिट्टी चटा दी।

Often Confused With

चाटना vs चखना (Chakhna)

Chakhna is to taste a small bit to check flavor; Chaatna is the physical act of licking.

चाटना vs छँटना (Chhantna)

Chhantna means to sort or trim; it sounds similar but has a different 'chh' sound.

चाटना vs चबाना (Chabaana)

Chabaana is to chew solid food with teeth.

Idioms & Expressions

"धूल चाटना"

— To be humiliated or defeated.

युद्ध में शत्रु को धूल चाटनी पड़ी।

Informal/Common

"दिमाग चाटना"

— To annoy someone by talking too much.

चुप हो जाओ, मेरा दिमाग मत चाटो।

Slang

"तलवे चाटना"

— To flatter someone excessively for personal gain.

वह मंत्री के तलवे चाटकर यहाँ तक पहुँचा है।

Negative/Informal

"थूक कर चाटना"

— To retract a statement or break a promise shamefully.

उसने अपनी बात से पलटकर थूक कर चाट लिया।

Harsh/Informal

"उंगलियाँ चाटना"

— To enjoy food immensely.

माँ के हाथ का खाना ऐसा है कि उंगलियाँ चाटते रह जाओ।

Positive/Common

"ज़मीन चाटना"

— To fall flat on the ground or be totally ruined.

व्यापार में घाटा होने पर वह ज़मीन चाटने लगा।

Metaphorical

"आँखें चाटना"

— To be overly affectionate or fawning.

कुत्ता अपने मालिक की आँखें चाटने लगा।

Descriptive

"घाव चाटना"

— To nurse one's pride after a defeat.

चुनाव हारने के बाद वह अपने घाव चाट रहा है।

Literary

"लार चाटना"

— A very crude way to describe being extremely greedy.

वह दूसरों के पैसों पर लार चाटता है।

Vulgar/Informal

"हाथ चाटना"

— To be extremely grateful or submissive.

वह वफ़ादारी में अपने मालिक के हाथ चाटता है।

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

चाटना vs चखना (Chakhna)

Both involve the mouth and food.

Chakhna is about evaluation (tasting for salt/spice), while Chaatna is about the physical motion of the tongue.

सब्जी चखकर देखो, पर उंगली मत चाटो।

चाटना vs चूसना (Choosna)

Both are used for sweets like candy.

Choosna involves suction (like a mango or straw), while Chaatna involves surface contact with the tongue.

बच्चा लॉलीपॉप चाट भी रहा है और चूस भी रहा है।

चाटना vs चिपकाना (Chipkana)

Related to stamps/envelopes.

In English, you lick a stamp to stick it. In Hindi, you say 'stick it' (chipkana) or 'apply water' (paani lagana).

टिकट को गोंद से चिपकाओ, चाटो मत।

चाटना vs छूना (Choona)

Both involve contact.

Choona is general touching (usually with hands), while Chaatna is specifically with the tongue.

उसे छुओ मत, वह गर्म है; और चाटने की तो सोचना भी मत!

चाटना vs खाना (Khana)

General word for eating.

Khana is the broad term; Chaatna is a specific method of consumption.

मैं आइसक्रीम खा रहा हूँ (General) vs मैं आइसक्रीम चाट रहा हूँ (Specific action).

Sentence Patterns

[Animal] [Object] चाटता है।

कुत्ता हड्डी चाटता है।

[Person] ने [Object] चाटी/चाटा।

मैंने शहद चाटा।

[Person] मेरा दिमाग चाट रहा है।

वह मेरा दिमाग चाट रहा है।

[Team/Person] ने [Opponent] को धूल चटा दी।

हमने उन्हें धूल चटा दी।

[Abstract] ने [Object] को चाट लिया।

आग ने पूरी दुकान को चाट लिया।

अपनी ही बातों को चाटना [Person] की आदत है।

अपनी ही बातों को चाटना नेता की आदत है।

इसे मत चाटो!

गंदा खिलौना मत चाटो!

[Object] चाटकर साफ़ करना।

कटोरा चाटकर साफ़ कर दो।

Word Family

Nouns

चाट (Chaat - snack)

चटनी (Chutney - sauce/dip)

चटोरापन (Chatorapan - greediness for food)

Verbs

चटाना (Chataana - to make someone lick/causative)

चटवाना (Chatwaana - to get someone to lick/double causative)

Adjectives

चटोरा (Chatora - one who loves tasty food/glutton)

चटपटा (Chatpata - tangy/spicy)

जीभ (Tongue)

स्वाद (Taste)

लार (Saliva)

मुँह (Mouth)

भोजन (Food)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily speech, especially regarding food and animals.

Common Mistakes

Maine ice cream chaata. → Maine ice cream chaati.
Ice cream is feminine in Hindi, so the verb must agree with it in the past tense with 'ne'.
Vah mera dimag chaat rahi hai (to an elder). → Vah mujhe pareshaan kar rahi hain.
'Dimag chaatna' is too informal/slangy for use with elders or in formal settings.
Using 'chaatna' for tasting soup. → Soup chakhna.
Licking is a physical act; tasting for flavor is 'chakhna'.
Pronouncing it like 'chat' (English word). → Pronounce it with a long 'aa' like 'father'.
Short 'a' changes the meaning or makes it unrecognizable.
Vah plate ko chaata. → Usne plate chaati.
In the past tense, transitive verbs require the subject to take the 'ne' particle.

Tips

Past Tense Agreement

Always remember that with 'ne', the verb 'chaatna' changes based on the object. If you licked a 'chammach' (spoon, feminine), say 'chaati'. If you licked a 'halwa' (pudding, masculine), say 'chaata'.

Chaat vs Chaatna

Connect the food 'Chaat' with the action 'Chaatna' in your mind. This will help you remember that the verb is about intense flavor and tongue action.

Complimenting Food

Use the phrase 'Ungliyaan chaatne jaisa' to praise someone's cooking. It's one of the best compliments you can give in a Hindi-speaking household.

Stop the Annoyance

If someone is bothering you with too much talk, 'Dimag mat chaato' is your go-to phrase, but only use it with friends!

Describing Pets

When describing your pet's affection, use 'chaatna'. 'Mera kutta mujhe bahut chaatta hai' is a very sweet way to say your dog is loving.

Victory and Defeat

'Dhool chaatna' is a powerful idiom for defeat. Use it when talking about sports or competitions to sound more advanced.

The Retroflex T

The 't' in 'chaatna' is retroflex. Curl your tongue back. If you use a soft 't' (like in 'thaw'), it might sound like a different word.

Fire Licking

In creative writing, use 'chaatna' to describe fire spreading. It adds a vivid, consuming quality to your description.

Avoid Literal Licking

Unless you are specifically talking about the tongue action, use 'khana' (to eat) for ice cream or sweets in formal company.

Root Connection

Knowing that 'Chutney' comes from the same root as 'Chaatna' helps you remember that chutney is something meant to be 'licked' or tasted.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'Chaat' (Indian snacks). You love them so much you want to LICK the bowl. Chaat -> Chaatna.

Visual Association

Visualize a dog licking an ice cream cone. The sound 'Chaat' is like the sound of a quick lick.

Word Web

Lick Tongue Taste Chutney Chaat Animal Ice Cream Fingers

Challenge

Try to use 'chaatna' in three different sentences today: one about a pet, one about food, and one using the 'dimag chaatna' idiom.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'cāṭayati' or 'carv' (to chew/taste). It has evolved through Prakrit 'caṭṭai'.

Original meaning: To taste with the tongue or to consume greedily.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'Dimag chaatna' with superiors or elders as it is quite rude.

English speakers use 'lick' for stamps or wounds. In Hindi, 'chaatna' is more focused on food pleasure or animal behavior.

The phrase 'Ungliyaan chaatne par majboor' is a common tag in Indian food commercials. Bollywood songs often use 'Chutney' and 'Chaat' as metaphors for spicy personalities. The idiom 'Dhool Chaatna' appears in many historical Hindi films during battle scenes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Restaurant

उंगलियाँ चाटने वाला खाना
प्लेट चाट ली
चटनी चाटना
स्वाद चाटना

With Pets

कुत्ता हाथ चाटता है
बिल्ली पंजा चाटती है
इसे मत चाटो
घाव चाटना

In an Argument

दिमाग मत चाटो
धूल चटा दूँगा
अपनी बात चाटना
तलवे चाटना

Talking about Kids

मिट्टी मत चाटो
लॉलीपॉप चाटना
उंगली चाटना
शहद चटाना

Metaphorical/Literary

आग ने चाट लिया
लहरें किनारा चाटती हैं
धूल चाटना
घाव चाटना

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि उंगलियाँ चाटकर खाना ठीक है?"

"आपका कुत्ता आपको कितनी बार चाटता है?"

"क्या आपने कभी 'धूल चाटना' मुहावरा सुना है?"

"जब कोई आपका दिमाग चाटता है, तो आप क्या करते हैं?"

"क्या बच्चों को मिट्टी चाटने से रोकना मुश्किल है?"

Journal Prompts

किसी ऐसे भोजन के बारे में लिखें जिसे खाकर आपने अपनी उंगलियाँ चाट लीं।

क्या आपके पास कोई पालतू जानवर है जो आपको चाटता है? वर्णन करें।

एक ऐसी स्थिति के बारे में लिखें जब आपने किसी को 'धूल चटा' दी हो।

जब कोई आपका 'दिमाग चाटता' है, तो आपकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया होती है?

भारतीय 'चाट' और 'चाटना' शब्द के संबंध पर अपने विचार लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Literal licking of fingers or plates is generally considered informal in India. However, using the idiom 'Ungliyaan chaatne jaisa swad' (finger-licking taste) is a very polite and high compliment to the host.

'Chaatna' is 'to lick' (you do it yourself). 'Chataana' is the causative form, meaning 'to make someone else lick' or 'to feed someone a small lick of something' (like medicine or honey to a baby).

Yes! The word 'Chaat' is derived from 'Chaatna' because the snacks are so tangy and delicious that you are tempted to lick your fingers or the plate to finish every bit.

While technically correct, it sounds a bit odd or animalistic in modern Hindi. Most people say 'ticket par thoda paani lagana' (apply some water to the ticket) or 'chipkana' (to stick).

It's a common slang phrase meaning 'Don't annoy me' or 'Stop talking my ear off'. It literally means 'Don't lick my brain'.

Yes, it is the standard word. 'Billi apne aap ko chaat rahi hai' (The cat is licking herself) is the correct way to describe grooming.

You can use the compound verb 'chaat kar saaf kar dena'. For example: 'Usne plate chaat kar saaf kar di'.

Because it is transitive, it uses 'ne'. For a masculine object: 'Maine chaata'. For a feminine object: 'Maine chaati'. For plural: 'Maine chaate/chaatiin'.

Yes, in a metaphorical sense, like 'Agni ne sab chaat liya' (The fire licked up/consumed everything) or 'Ghaata munafe ko chaat gaya' (The loss consumed the profit).

'Chaatna' is the general word for licking. 'Laplapana' specifically describes the sound and action of an animal (like a dog) drinking liquid quickly with its tongue.