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खुजलाना

A2 verb #8,500 most common 10 min read

खुजलाना

khujalana Top 8,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips खुजलाना in 30 Seconds

Explanation खुजलाना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'Khujlana' means 'to itch' or 'to scratch.' Think of it as a physical action. When a mosquito bites you, you 'khujla' that spot. It is a simple verb that you can use in short sentences like 'I am scratching' or 'My hand is itching.' You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that it is something you do to your skin when it feels funny or irritating. It is a very common word because everyone feels itchy sometimes! You will see children doing this a lot, and parents telling them 'don't scratch.' If you learn this word, you can tell someone if you have a skin problem or if a bug bit you. It is one of those basic 'body' words that are very useful for beginners. You can also use it to describe animals, like a dog scratching its ear. It's a fun word to say and very practical for daily life in India where mosquitoes are common.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'Khujlana' in different tenses. You should be able to say 'I scratched my arm yesterday' (मैंने कल अपनी बाँह खुजलाई) or 'My back will itch if I wear this sweater' (अगर मैं यह स्वेटर पहनूँगा तो मेरी पीठ खुजलाएगी). You should also learn the difference between 'Khujli' (the noun, an itch) and 'Khujlana' (the verb, to itch/scratch). At this level, you can use the word to describe symptoms to a doctor or a pharmacist. You should also be aware of the gender of body parts, as the verb ending changes. For example, 'Sir' (head) is masculine, so 'Sir khujla raha hai,' but 'Aankh' (eye) is feminine, so 'Aankh khujla rahi hai.' This is a great way to practice your gender agreement in Hindi while using a very common and necessary verb. You are now moving beyond just the action and into describing sensations properly.

At the B1 level, you can start using 'Khujlana' in more idiomatic and cultural ways. You should know the superstition that an itching palm (hatheli khujlana) means money is coming or going. You can use the verb in conditional sentences, such as 'If it continues to itch, I will go to the doctor' (अगर यह खुजलाना जारी रहा, तो मैं डॉक्टर के पास जाऊँगा). You should also be comfortable with the 'ne' particle in the past tense when the verb is used transitively. For example, 'I scratched the mosquito bite' (मैंने मच्छर के काटने वाली जगह को खुजलाया). At this stage, you can also understand the difference between 'Khujlana' and 'Khaarish,' where the latter might be used in more formal or Urdu-heavy contexts. You can also use the word to describe more abstract feelings of restlessness or minor irritation in a conversation, making your speech more colorful and native-like.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'Khujlana.' You can use it in complex grammatical structures, such as passive-like constructions or as a gerund (e.g., 'Scratching too much is bad for the skin' - ज़्यादा खुजलाना त्वचा के लिए बुरा है). You can distinguish between the various shades of meaning, such as the difference between 'Khujlana' and 'Sehlana' (to stroke) or 'Khurachna' (to scrape). You should be able to follow a medical discussion where 'khujlahat' (the sensation of itching) is mentioned and respond using the verb correctly. You can also use the word metaphorically in literature or storytelling to describe a character's internal state, such as scratching their head to show confusion or doubt. Your vocabulary should now include related terms like 'ghamauri' (heat rash) which often co-occur with 'khujlana.' You are now a confident user of the word in almost any context.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the deeper linguistic roots and literary uses of 'Khujlana.' You might encounter the word in classical Hindi literature or poetry, where it might be used to describe the 'itch' of desire or a deep-seated restlessness. You understand the etymology of the word, potentially linking it to its Sanskrit roots. You can use the word in formal debates or academic writing about public health, discussing 'khujli' and 'khujlana' in the context of hygiene and tropical diseases. Your use of the verb is perfectly tuned to the register of the conversation—using 'khaarish' in a formal Urdu-inflected setting and 'khujlana' in standard Hindi. You also understand regional variations and how the word might be pronounced or used slightly differently in dialects like Bhojpuri or Punjabi-influenced Hindi. You can explain the cultural significance of the word to others, including the complex superstitions associated with different body parts itching.

At the C2 level, you have mastered 'Khujlana' to the point of near-native intuition. You can use the word in wordplay, puns, or complex metaphors that might involve subtle cultural references. You understand the most obscure synonyms and the historical evolution of the term. In a professional medical or dermatological context, you can discuss the physiological process of itching using the most precise terminology while still being able to switch to 'khujlana' for patient communication. You can analyze the use of the word in cinema and media to see how it reflects social attitudes toward hygiene or luck. Your command over the verb's conjugation, its causative forms, and its interaction with various postpositions is flawless. You can even write poetry or creative prose where 'khujlana' is used to evoke a specific sensory or emotional atmosphere, demonstrating a total command over the Hindi language's expressive potential.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

खुजलाना in 30 Seconds

Khujlana is the Hindi verb for both 'to itch' and 'to scratch.'
It is a common daily word used for skin irritation and mosquito bites.
Culturally, it is linked to superstitions about money and travel.
It requires careful gender agreement with the body part that is itching.

The Hindi verb खुजलाना (Khujlānā) is a versatile term primarily used to describe the physical sensation of itching or the act of scratching that follows such a sensation. In the linguistic landscape of Hindi, this word occupies a central role in daily conversations, ranging from medical discussions about skin irritations to common superstitions regarding the palms of one's hands. At its core, it is an intransitive or transitive verb depending on the context. When you say your skin is itching, you use it to describe the sensation; when you are actively using your nails to relieve that sensation, you are also 'khujlana' the area. Understanding this word requires a grasp of both its literal physical meaning and its figurative extensions in Indian culture.

Literal Physical Sensation: This refers to the irritating feeling on the skin that makes you want to scratch. It is commonly used when discussing mosquito bites, allergies, or dry skin during the harsh North Indian winters. For example, 'मच्छर के काटने से मेरी त्वचा खुजला रही है' (My skin is itching because of the mosquito bite).
The Act of Scratching: While 'khujli' is the noun for 'itch,' the verb 'khujlana' encompasses the action of scratching. If you see someone scratching their head in confusion, you would describe that action using this verb.
Figurative and Superstitious Use: In Indian culture, an itching palm is often linked to financial gain or loss. If the right palm itches, it is traditionally believed that money is coming your way; if the left itches, you might be spending money soon. This cultural nuance makes the word very common in casual banter.

जब मुझे मच्छर काटता है, तो मैं अपनी त्वचा को खुजलाने लगता हूँ। (When a mosquito bites me, I start scratching my skin.)

The word is frequently heard in clinical settings as well. A doctor might ask, 'क्या आपको यहाँ खुजलाहट महसूस हो रही है?' (Are you feeling an itching sensation here?). In this context, the root 'khujla' is transformed into a noun 'khujlahat' (irritation/itching sensation). The verb itself is easy to conjugate and follows the standard pattern for '-na' ending verbs in Hindi. In the heat of the Indian summer, discussions about 'ghamauri' (heat rash) inevitably involve the word 'khujlana,' as the prickly heat causes intense itching. Furthermore, the word appears in literature to describe a character's nervousness or hesitation, often depicted by the character 'sir khujlana' (scratching their head) while thinking of an answer. This physical manifestation of mental state is a universal human trait, but the specific verb 'khujlana' captures it perfectly in Hindi. Whether it is a child with a scrape, an elderly person with dry skin, or a businessman hoping for a lucky break, this word resonates across all demographics in India.

क्या तुम्हारी हथेली खुजला रही है? शायद तुम्हें पैसे मिलने वाले हैं! (Is your palm itching? Maybe you are about to get some money!)

Using खुजलाना (Khujlānā) correctly involves understanding its subject-verb agreement and the specific context of the action. Since it can describe both the sensation and the act, the sentence structure might change slightly. When used to describe a sensation (intransitive-like), the body part often becomes the subject. When used as an action (transitive), the person becomes the subject who is performing the scratching. This flexibility is key for learners at the A2 level and above.

Present Continuous (Sensation): To say something is currently itching: 'मेरी पीठ खुजला रही है' (My back is itching). Here, 'peeth' (back) is feminine, so the verb ends in 'rahi hai.'
Imperative (Giving Orders): Telling someone not to scratch: 'ज़्यादा मत खुजलाओ, घाव हो जाएगा' (Don't scratch too much, it will become a wound). This is common advice given to children.
Past Tense (Completed Action): 'उसने अपना सिर खुजलाया' (He scratched his head). Note that when used transitively in the past tense, the 'ne' particle is used with the subject, and the verb agrees with the object (sir - masculine).

अगर तुम इस दाने को खुजलाओगे, तो यह और बढ़ जाएगा। (If you scratch this pimple, it will increase further.)

In complex sentences, you might use 'khujlana' to describe a symptom to a pharmacist. 'मुझे कल से पूरे शरीर में खुजलाहट हो रही है और त्वचा खुजला रही है' (I have been having an itching sensation all over my body since yesterday and the skin is itching). Notice the combination of the noun 'khujlahat' and the verb 'khujlana.' This demonstrates a higher level of fluency. In colloquial Hindi, you might also hear the term 'khujli hona' (to have an itch) used interchangeably with 'khujlana' (to itch). For example, 'मेरे हाथ में खुजली हो रही है' vs 'मेरा हाथ खुजला रहा है.' Both are correct and widely understood, though the latter focuses more on the sensation emanating from the hand itself. Mastering these subtle differences allows a learner to sound more like a native speaker. Additionally, the word is used in negative constructions to warn against irritation, such as 'इसे मत खुजलाओ' (don't scratch this), which is essential for health and hygiene contexts.

बंदर अपनी पीठ खुजला रहा था। (The monkey was scratching its back.)

The word खुजलाना (Khujlānā) is ubiquitous in Indian life, appearing in various settings from the domestic to the professional. If you are traveling through India during the monsoon season, you will hear this word constantly in relation to mosquito bites. The humid weather often leads to skin issues, and 'khujlana' becomes a keyword in pharmacies and doctor's clinics. You will also encounter it in the context of traditional beliefs. If you're sitting with a group of friends and someone starts scratching their palm, someone is bound to joke about them becoming rich or losing money, using the verb 'khujlana' to describe the action.

In the Pharmacy (Dawaai ki Dukaan): 'भैया, कोई क्रीम दीजिए, मेरी त्वचा बहुत खुजला रही है।' (Brother, give me some cream, my skin is itching a lot.) This is a very common scenario where the word is used to seek relief.
At Home with Family: Parents often tell children, 'मिट्टी में मत खेलो, शरीर खुजलाने लगेगा।' (Don't play in the dirt, your body will start itching.) It serves as a warning against potential irritants.
In Superstitious Conversations: 'दाहिना हाथ खुजलाना' (Right hand itching) is a common phrase heard when someone expects a financial windfall. It is a lighthearted part of daily social interaction.

फिल्म में नायक सोच में पड़ गया और अपना सिर खुजलाने लगा। (In the movie, the hero got lost in thought and started scratching his head.)

You might also hear this word in Hindi movies (Bollywood) during comedic scenes. A character might have an 'itch' to do something mischievous, or they might be physically itching because of a comedic mishap involving a 'beechu ghaas' (stinging nettle). In television commercials for anti-fungal powders or soaps, 'khujlana' is a central theme, often depicted through exaggerated scratching to emphasize the need for the product. In rural areas, where livestock is common, you might hear farmers talk about their cattle 'khujlana' against trees or fences. This shows the word's applicability across species and environments. Whether it is a refined medical discussion or a gritty street-level conversation, 'khujlana' is the go-to verb for this universal sensation. For a learner, hearing it in these varied contexts helps solidify its meaning beyond a simple dictionary definition.

धूप में ज़्यादा देर रहने से मेरी गर्दन खुजलाने लगती है। (Staying in the sun for too long makes my neck start itching.)

While खुजलाना (Khujlānā) is a relatively straightforward verb, English speakers often make mistakes by confusing the noun form with the verb form, or by using incorrect grammar when describing who or what is itching. The distinction between 'having an itch' and 'itching' is subtle in English but very specific in Hindi grammar. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Hindi sound much more natural and precise.

Confusing Noun and Verb: A common mistake is saying 'मुझे खुजलाना है' when you mean 'I have an itch.' Correct would be 'मुझे खुजली हो रही है' (I am having an itch) or 'मैं खुजला रहा हूँ' (I am scratching). 'Khujlana' is the action, 'Khujli' is the noun.
Incorrect Subject-Verb Agreement: If your hand (masculine) is itching, you must say 'हाथ खुजला रहा है.' If your back (feminine) is itching, it is 'पीठ खुजला रही है.' Learners often use the masculine ending for everything, which is a clear marker of a non-native speaker.
Misusing the 'Ne' Particle: In the past tense, if you are the one scratching, you must use 'ne.' Example: 'मैंने अपनी टाँग खुजलाई' (I scratched my leg). If you forget the 'ne,' the sentence becomes grammatically incomplete.

गलत: मेरी आँख खुजला रहा है। (Wrong: My eye is itching - incorrect gender). सही: मेरी आँख खुजला रही है। (Correct: My eye is itching - 'aankh' is feminine.)

Another mistake involves the causative form. If you want someone to scratch your back, don't say 'मुझे खुजलाओ' (scratch me) unless you mean your whole body. It is better to specify: 'मेरी पीठ खुजला दो' (scratch my back for me). Using 'do' (give/do) at the end makes it a request for a favor, which is more polite and natural. Furthermore, learners sometimes use 'khujlana' when they actually mean 'to rub' (ragadna) or 'to massage' (maalish karna). While scratching involves rubbing, 'khujlana' specifically implies the relief of an itch. If there is no itch, 'khujlana' is the wrong word. Lastly, avoid using 'khujlana' in very formal writing unless it is a medical report; instead, use 'khujli ka anubhav' (experience of itching) for a more academic tone. By being mindful of these distinctions, you can navigate the use of this verb with confidence and accuracy.

गलत: मुझे अपना सिर खुजलाया। (Wrong: I scratched my head - missing 'ne'). सही: मैंने अपना सिर खुजलाया। (Correct: I scratched my head.)

While खुजलाना (Khujlānā) is the most common word for itching and scratching, Hindi offers several alternatives and related terms that provide more specific meanings or fit different registers of speech. Knowing these will help you describe sensations more accurately and understand native speakers who might use regional or more formal vocabulary.

खुजली होना (Khujli Hona): Meaning: To have an itch. This is the noun-based alternative. While 'khujlana' is a verb, 'khujli hona' uses the noun 'khujli' (itch) with the auxiliary verb 'hona' (to be/happen). It is often used to describe the state rather than the action.
खारिश (Khaarish): Meaning: Itch/Scabies. This word has Persian roots and is very common in Urdu-influenced Hindi. It often sounds a bit more medical or serious than 'khujli.' You might hear 'मुझे खारिश हो रही है' in a clinic.
चुल मचना (Chul Machna): Meaning: To have a restless itch (often figurative). This is a colloquial and sometimes slightly slangy term. Figuratively, it means someone is being restless or mischievous, as if they have an 'itch' they can't scratch.
सहलाना (Sehlana): Meaning: To stroke or rub gently. If an area is too sore to scratch (khujlana), you might 'sehlana' it instead. It implies a much gentler touch than scratching.

क्या तुम मेरी पीठ सहला सकते हो? वहाँ बहुत दर्द है। (Can you stroke my back? It hurts a lot there.)

In some regional dialects, you might hear 'khujawana' or other variations, but 'khujlana' remains the standard. For a learner, focusing on the pair 'khujli' (noun) and 'khujlana' (verb) is the most efficient path. If you are reading literature, you might come across 'kandūyan' (कण्डूयन), which is the highly formal Sanskritized term for itching, but you will almost never hear this in spoken Hindi. Another related term is 'khurachna' (खुरचना), which means 'to scrape.' While similar, 'khurachna' is used for scraping a surface (like a pan or a wall) rather than scratching an itch. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the exact word for the situation, making your Hindi more expressive and accurate. Whether you are describing a minor annoyance or a medical condition, having these alternatives at your disposal is invaluable.

उसे हर काम में चुल मचती है। (He has a restless itch for every task - figurative use.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'kh-j' is found in many North Indian languages for the same sensation, showing the deep historical roots of the word. It is also related to the word 'Kharish' used in Urdu, which comes from Persian but shares a distant Indo-European connection.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kʰʊd͡ʒ.lɑː.nɑː/

US /kʰʊd͡ʒ.lɑ.nɑ/

The primary stress is on the second syllable 'la.'

Rhymes With

सुलझाना (suljhana) उलझाना (uljhana) बहलाना (behlana) सहलाना (sehlana) दहलाना (dehlana) नहलाना (nehlana) झुठलाना (jhuthlana) पछताना (pachtana)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kh' as a hard 'k' (like 'kujlana').
Pronouncing the short 'u' as a long 'oo.'
Missing the aspiration on the first consonant.
Shortening the final 'aa' vowel.
Confusing the 'j' sound with a 'z' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, usually follows standard verb endings.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of 'ne' particle and gender agreement with body parts.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation once the 'kh' sound is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to catch in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

हाथ (hand) पीठ (back) त्वचा (skin) मच्छर (mosquito) होना (to be)

Learn Next

खारिश (itch/scabies) एलर्जी (allergy) निशान (mark/scar) दवाई (medicine) मरहम (ointment)

Advanced

कण्डूयन (Sanskritized itching) संवेदना (sensation) उत्तेजना (irritation/excitement) असहज (uncomfortable)

Grammar to Know

Transitive vs Intransitive

If the body part itches (intransitive), use 'khujla raha hai.' If you scratch it (transitive), use 'ne' in past tense.

Gender Agreement

Aankh (f) khujla rahi hai vs Sir (m) khujla raha hai.

Causative Verbs

Khujlana (to scratch) -> Khujlawana (to make someone scratch).

Oblique Infinitive

Khujlane se (By scratching) - the 'na' changes to 'ne' before a postposition.

Continuative Aspect

Khujlata raha (Kept scratching) - using 'rehna' with the present participle.

Examples by Level

मेरी पीठ खुजला रही है।

My back is itching.

Present continuous tense. 'Peeth' (back) is feminine.

ज़्यादा मत खुजलाओ।

Don't scratch too much.

Imperative negative. 'Mat' is used for 'don't'.

कुत्ता अपना कान खुजला रहा है।

The dog is scratching its ear.

Subject is 'kutta' (dog). 'Kaan' (ear) is masculine.

क्या तुम्हारा हाथ खुजला रहा है?

Is your hand itching?

Interrogative sentence in present continuous.

यहाँ खुजलाओ।

Scratch here.

Simple imperative.

मुझे खुजलाना अच्छा नहीं लगता।

I don't like scratching.

Using 'khujlana' as an infinitive noun.

मच्छर का काटा खुजलाता है।

A mosquito bite itches.

Habitual present tense.

वह अपना सिर खुजला रहा है।

He is scratching his head.

Present continuous tense.

कल रात मेरा पैर बहुत खुजला रहा था।

My leg was itching a lot last night.

Past continuous tense. 'Pair' (leg) is masculine.

मैंने अपनी आँख खुजलाई और वह लाल हो गई।

I scratched my eye and it turned red.

Past tense with 'ne'. 'Aankh' is feminine, so 'khujlai'.

अगर तुम खुजलाओगे, तो खून निकल आएगा।

If you scratch, blood will come out.

Conditional sentence using future tense.

साबुन से मेरी त्वचा खुजलाने लगती है।

My skin starts itching from the soap.

Inceptive construction 'lagne lagta hai'.

उसने धीरे से अपना गाल खुजलाया।

He gently scratched his cheek.

Past tense with 'ne'. 'Gaal' is masculine.

क्या आपको यहाँ खुजलाने से दर्द होता है?

Does it hurt when you scratch here?

Interrogative with an oblique infinitive 'khujlane se'.

बच्चे को मत खुजलाने दो।

Don't let the child scratch.

Permissive construction 'ne dena' in negative.

मेरी हथेली खुजला रही है, शायद पैसे मिलेंगे।

My palm is itching, maybe I'll get money.

Cultural idiom used in a simple sentence.

धूप में निकलने पर मेरा पूरा शरीर खुजलाने लगता है।

My whole body starts itching when I go out in the sun.

Complex habitual sentence with a temporal clause.

उसने अपनी पीठ खुजलाने के लिए एक स्केल का इस्तेमाल किया।

He used a ruler to scratch his back.

Infinitive of purpose 'khujlane ke liye'.

क्या दाहिना हाथ खुजलाना सच में शुभ होता है?

Is it really auspicious for the right hand to itch?

Gerund subject 'khujlana' with an adjective 'shubh'.

दवा लगाने के बाद खुजलाना बंद हो गया।

The itching stopped after applying the medicine.

Infinitive used as a subject 'khujlana band ho gaya'.

वह नर्वस होकर बार-बार अपनी गर्दन खुजला रहा था।

Being nervous, he was repeatedly scratching his neck.

Adverbial participle 'hokar' and frequency adverb 'baar-baar'.

बिना सोचे-समझे चोट को मत खुजलाओ।

Don't scratch the wound without thinking.

Compound adverb 'bina soche-samjhe'.

जैसे ही उसने घास छुई, उसका हाथ खुजलाने लगा।

As soon as he touched the grass, his hand started itching.

Correlative construction 'jaise hi... waise hi (implied)'.

मुझे अपनी पीठ खुजलानी है, क्या तुम मदद करोगे?

I need to scratch my back, will you help?

Infinitive expressing necessity 'khujlani hai'.

डॉक्टर ने सलाह दी कि एलर्जी वाली जगह को बिल्कुल न खुजलाएँ।

The doctor advised not to scratch the allergy spot at all.

Indirect speech with a formal imperative 'khujlayen'.

लगातार खुजलाने से त्वचा पर निशान पड़ सकते हैं।

Continuous scratching can leave marks on the skin.

Ablative infinitive 'khujlane se' and potential 'sakte hain'.

जब वह झूठ बोलता है, तो अक्सर अपना नाक खुजलाने लगता है।

When he lies, he often starts scratching his nose.

Conditional habitual sentence describing a 'tell'.

पुरानी मान्यताओं के अनुसार, तलवे खुजलाना यात्रा का संकेत है।

According to old beliefs, itching of the soles is a sign of travel.

Formal phrase 'maanyataon ke anusar'.

उसने इतनी ज़ोर से खुजलाया कि उसकी त्वचा छिल गई।

He scratched so hard that his skin got scraped.

Result clause 'itni... ki'.

बिस्तर के कीड़ों के कारण मेरा शरीर रात भर खुजलाता रहा।

Because of bed bugs, my body kept itching all night.

Continuative aspect 'khujlata raha'.

बिना वजह अपना सिर खुजलाना बंद करो और जवाब दो।

Stop scratching your head without reason and answer.

Compound verb 'band karo' with an infinitive.

इस क्रीम को लगाने से खुजलाना कम हो जाएगा।

Applying this cream will reduce the itching.

Future tense with an oblique infinitive.

उसकी बातों ने मेरे मन में एक पुरानी याद को खुजला दिया।

His words scratched (provoked) an old memory in my mind.

Metaphorical use of the verb as a causative-like action.

दार्शनिक अक्सर गहरे सवालों पर विचार करते समय अपना सिर खुजलाते हैं।

Philosophers often scratch their heads while pondering deep questions.

Formal register with complex vocabulary like 'darshanik'.

त्वचा का अत्यधिक खुजलाना किसी गंभीर बीमारी का लक्षण हो सकता है।

Excessive scratching of the skin can be a symptom of a serious illness.

Academic tone using 'atyadhik' and 'lakshan'.

राजनीतिक गलियारों में इस मुद्दे ने कई लोगों के दिमाग को खुजलाया है।

In political circles, this issue has scratched (puzzled) many minds.

Journalistic metaphor.

वह अपनी जिज्ञासा को खुजलाने के लिए नई-नई किताबें पढ़ता है।

He reads new books to scratch (satisfy/provoke) his curiosity.

Abstract transitive use.

बिना किसी ठोस प्रमाण के, वह केवल अपनी शंकाओं को खुजला रहा है।

Without any solid evidence, he is merely scratching (nurturing) his doubts.

Metaphorical use in a negative context.

समाज की कुरीतियों को खुजलाना ही इस लेखक का मुख्य उद्देश्य है।

To scratch at (expose/irritate) the evils of society is this author's main aim.

High literary metaphor.

उसकी व्यंग्यात्मक टिप्पणियाँ अक्सर दूसरों के अहंकार को खुजलाती हैं।

His satirical comments often scratch (irritate) others' egos.

Psychological metaphor.

मानवीय चेतना की गहराइयों को खुजलाना ही दर्शनशास्त्र का सार है।

Scratching the depths of human consciousness is the essence of philosophy.

Deeply philosophical and abstract use.

इतिहास के पन्नों को खुजलाने पर कई अनकहे सच सामने आते हैं।

Upon scratching (delving into) the pages of history, many untold truths emerge.

Literary metaphor for research/investigation.

उसकी कविताएँ पाठकों की संवेदनाओं को खुजलाने का सामर्थ्य रखती हैं।

His poems possess the power to scratch (stimulate) the readers' sensibilities.

Sophisticated literary criticism register.

सत्ता की परतों को खुजलाना किसी भी खोजी पत्रकार के लिए अनिवार्य है।

Scratching the layers of power is essential for any investigative journalist.

Political/Journalistic metaphor.

कलाकार ने कैनवास पर रंगों को खुजलाकर एक अद्भुत बनावट तैयार की।

The artist created a wonderful texture by scratching colors onto the canvas.

Technical artistic use (sgraffito technique).

ब्रह्मांड के रहस्यों को खुजलाने की मनुष्य की लालसा अनंत है।

Man's longing to scratch (uncover) the mysteries of the universe is infinite.

Grand, cosmic metaphorical use.

वह अपनी स्मृतियों की राख को खुजलाकर अतीत की चिंगारियाँ ढूँढ रहा था।

He was searching for sparks of the past by scratching the ashes of his memories.

Highly poetic and evocative imagery.

इस जटिल समस्या के समाधान के लिए हमें इसकी जड़ों को खुजलाना होगा।

To solve this complex problem, we will have to scratch (dig into) its roots.

Problem-solving metaphor.

Common Collocations

सिर खुजलाना

हथेली खुजलाना

पीठ खुजलाना

आँख खुजलाना

ज़ोर से खुजलाना

लगातार खुजलाना

तलवे खुजलाना

नाक खुजलाना

कान खुजलाना

धीरे से खुजलाना

Common Phrases

हाथ खुजलाना

— To have an itching palm (superstition about money).

मेरा हाथ खुजला रहा है, लगता है लक्ष्मी आने वाली है।

सिर खुजलाना

— To scratch one's head in confusion or thought.

सवाल सुनकर छात्र अपना सिर खुजलाने लगे।

जी खुजलाना

— To feel a restless urge or desire (figurative).

मेरा जी खुजला रहा है कि मैं अभी बाहर घूमने जाऊँ।

पीठ खुजलाना

— Literally scratching the back, often a favor asked of others.

मदद के लिए शुक्रिया, तुमने मेरी पीठ खुजला दी।

तलवे खुजलाना

— Superstition that itching soles mean you will go on a trip.

शायद विदेश यात्रा का योग है, क्योंकि मेरे तलवे खुजला रहे हैं।

नाक खुजलाना

— Superstition that someone is talking about you or you'll get angry.

मेरी नाक खुजला रही है, ज़रूर कोई मुझे याद कर रहा है।

खुजलाने की आदत

— The habit of scratching, often used for nervous tics.

उसे हर वक्त अपनी दाढ़ी खुजलाने की आदत है।

मत खुजलाओ

— A common warning to stop scratching a wound or rash.

इसे मत खुजलाओ, वरना इन्फेक्शन हो जाएगा।

खुजलाहट महसूस होना

— To feel an itching sensation (more formal).

क्या आपको शरीर के किसी और हिस्से में खुजलाहट महसूस हो रही है?

खुजलाकर लाल करना

— To scratch until the skin turns red.

उसने अपनी बाँह खुजलाकर लाल कर दी।

Often Confused With

खुजलाना vs खुजली

Khujli is the noun (itch), Khujlana is the verb (to itch/scratch).

खुजलाना vs खुरचना

Khurachna is to scrape a surface like a wall, not skin.

खुजलाना vs सहलाना

Sehlana is to rub gently for comfort, not to relieve an itch.

Idioms & Expressions

"हाथ खुजलाना"

— Anticipating receiving money (or sometimes hitting someone).

आज मेरा दाहिना हाथ खुजला रहा है, ज़रूर कहीं से पैसे आएँगे।

Informal/Superstitious

"सिर खुजलाना"

— Expressing confusion or search for an answer.

गणित का सवाल देखकर वह अपना सिर खुजलाने लगा।

Common

"तलवे खुजलाना"

— Being about to embark on a journey.

उसके तलवे खुजला रहे हैं, वह जल्द ही किसी ट्रिप पर जाएगा।

Traditional

"कान खुजलाना"

— The feeling that someone is gossiping about you.

मेरे कान खुजला रहे हैं, कौन मेरे बारे में बात कर रहा है?

Informal

"नाक पर खुजली होना"

— Feeling that one is about to have a fight or get angry.

आज उसकी नाक खुजला रही है, किसी से झगड़ा मोल लेगा।

Informal

"हाथों में खुजली होना"

— Having a strong urge to do something (often destructive or violent).

दुश्मन को देखते ही उसके हाथों में खुजली होने लगी।

Colloquial

"जीभ खुजलाना"

— Having a strong urge to speak or reveal a secret.

सच बताने के लिए उसकी जीभ खुजला रही थी।

Metaphorical

"दिमाग खुजलाना"

— Trying hard to solve a puzzle or remember something.

मैंने बहुत दिमाग खुजलाया, पर चाबी कहाँ रखी है याद नहीं आया।

Informal

"जख्म खुजलाना"

— To reopen old wounds or bring up painful past memories.

पुरानी बातों को याद करके अपने जख्म मत खुजलाओ।

Literary

"खुजली मिटाना"

— To satisfy a persistent urge or curiosity.

उसने सवाल पूछकर अपनी जिज्ञासा की खुजली मिटाई।

Slangy/Informal

Easily Confused

खुजलाना vs खुजली (Khujli)

Both relate to the same sensation.

Khujli is a noun (I have an itch). Khujlana is a verb (I am scratching).

मुझे खुजली (noun) है, इसलिए मैं खुजला (verb) रहा हूँ।

खुजलाना vs खारिश (Khaarish)

They mean the same thing.

Khaarish is often used in medical or Urdu contexts; Khujlana is more common in daily Hindi.

डॉक्टर ने कहा कि यह खारिश इन्फेक्शन की वजह से है।

खुजलाना vs रगड़ना (Ragadna)

Both involve skin contact.

Ragadna is to rub (like washing hands); Khujlana is specifically for an itch.

हाथ धोते समय उन्हें रगड़ना चाहिए, खुजलाना नहीं।

खुजलाना vs नोचना (Nochna)

Both use nails.

Nochna is to pinch, pluck, or tear; Khujlana is to relieve an itch.

गुस्से में उसने कागज़ को नोच दिया।

खुजलाना vs सहलाना (Sehlana)

Both are tactile actions on skin.

Sehlana is soothing and gentle; Khujlana is sharp and for relief.

माँ ने बच्चे के सिर को सहलाया।

Sentence Patterns

[Body Part] खुजला रहा है।

मेरा हाथ खुजला रहा है।

मैंने [Body Part] खुजलाई/खुजलाया।

मैंने अपना पैर खुजलाया।

[Object] खुजलाने के लिए [Tool] का प्रयोग करना।

उसने पीठ खुजलाने के लिए लकड़ी का प्रयोग किया।

[Action] के कारण [Body Part] खुजलाने लगा।

धूप के कारण मेरा चेहरा खुजलाने लगा।

बिना [Noun] के [Verb] खुजलाना।

बिना किसी कारण के वह अपना सिर खुजला रहा था।

[Abstract Noun] को खुजलाना।

अतीत की यादों को खुजलाना बेकार है।

मत [Verb]!

मत खुजलाओ!

[Condition] तो [Verb]।

अगर खुजलाओगे तो दर्द होगा।

Word Family

Nouns

खुजली (khujli) - itch

खुजलाहट (khujlahat) - itching sensation

Verbs

खुजलाना (khujlana) - to itch/scratch

खुजलवाना (khujlawana) - to cause to scratch (causative)

Adjectives

खुजलीदार (khujlidar) - itchy

खारिश (khaarish)

त्वचा (twacha)

नाखून (nakhun)

मच्छर (machhar)

रैश (rash)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily spoken Hindi.

Common Mistakes

Using masculine verb for feminine body parts. → मेरी आँख खुजला रही है (Aankh is feminine).
Learners often say 'khujla raha hai' for everything, but Hindi verbs must agree with the gender of the subject.
Forgetting 'ne' in the past tense. → मैंने अपनी पीठ खुजलाई।
When you perform the action of scratching, the verb is transitive and requires 'ne' in the perfective aspect.
Using 'Khujlana' as a noun. → मुझे खुजली (noun) है।
'Khujlana' is the verb. You cannot say 'Mujhe khujlana hai' to mean 'I have an itch.'
Confusing 'Khujlana' with 'Khurachna'. → दीवार को खुरचो (Scrape the wall).
Khurachna is for surfaces; Khujlana is for skin itching.
Mispronouncing 'Kh' as 'K'. → Khujlana (with aspiration).
Mispronunciation can make the word unrecognizable or sound like a different, non-existent word.

Tips

Gender Matters

Always check the gender of the body part. 'Aankh' is feminine, 'Sir' is masculine. This changes 'rahi hai' to 'raha hai.'

Superstitions

Learn the palm itching superstition; it's a great conversation starter in India!

Noun vs Verb

Remember: Khujli = Noun, Khujlana = Verb. Don't mix them up in sentences.

The 'Kh' Sound

Make sure you aspirate the 'Kh.' It should sound breathy, not like a hard 'K.'

Asking for Help

When asking someone to scratch your back, use 'khujla do' instead of just 'khujlao' to be more polite.

Describing Symptoms

Use 'khujlahat' if you want to sound more precise when talking to a doctor.

Confusion

'Sir khujlana' is a universal sign of being puzzled in India. Use it to look more native.

Past Tense

Don't forget the 'ne' particle when you are the one doing the scratching: 'Maine khujlaya.'

Don't over-scratch

In Hindi, 'zyada mat khujlao' is a very common piece of advice. Learn it for daily use.

Urdu Influence

If you hear 'Khaarish,' don't be confused; it's just a common synonym for itch.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CLAW' (Kh-la) scratching an itch. The 'Kh' sound is like the sound of a scratchy throat, and 'la' is the long action of moving your nails.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant mosquito (Machhar) biting your arm, and you immediately reach out to 'Khujla' it. Visualize the red mark and your nails moving.

Word Web

Skin Itch Scratch Nails Mosquito Allergy Rash Superstition

Challenge

Try to use 'khujlana' every time you see someone touch their face or head today. Silently say the sentence in Hindi.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kharju' (खर्जू), which specifically means itching or a scab. Over centuries, it evolved through Prakrit and Apabhramsha into the modern Hindi form 'Khujlana.'

Original meaning: To suffer from an itch or to experience skin irritation.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Avoid using slang terms like 'chul' in formal settings as they can sometimes have a vulgar or overly aggressive connotation.

English speakers use 'itch' as both a noun and verb, and 'scratch' as the action. Hindi uses 'khujli' for the noun and 'khujlana' for the verb/action.

The phrase 'Hath khujlana' appears in many Bollywood comedy films when a character is greedy. Traditional Ayurvedic texts discuss 'Kharju' (itching) as a symptom of 'Kapha' imbalance. Folk songs often mention 'sir khujlana' to depict a shy or confused lover.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical / Health

यहाँ खुजला रहा है
खुजलाने से खून निकला
खुजली की दवाई
मत खुजलाओ

Superstition

हथेली खुजलाना
पैसे आना
शुभ संकेत
दाहिना हाथ

Confusion

सिर खुजलाना
समझ नहीं आना
क्या करूँ?
सोच में पड़ना

Daily Life / Insects

मच्छर ने काटा
बहुत खुजला रहा है
पीठ खुजला दो
कहाँ खुजला रहा है?

Weather (Summer)

घमौरियाँ होना
पसीने से खुजलाना
त्वचा लाल होना
ठंडा पाउडर

Conversation Starters

"क्या तुम्हारे हाथ में खुजली हो रही है? शायद पैसे आएँगे!"

"मच्छर के काटने पर तुम क्या लगाते हो? मेरा हाथ बहुत खुजला रहा है।"

"क्या तुम्हें कभी बिना वजह सिर खुजलाने की आदत है?"

"डॉक्टर साहब, मेरी त्वचा कल से बहुत खुजला रही है, क्या करूँ?"

"सुनो, क्या तुम मेरी पीठ खुजला सकते हो? मेरा हाथ वहाँ नहीं पहुँच रहा।"

Journal Prompts

आज मुझे मच्छर ने काटा और मैंने बहुत खुजलाया। इसके बारे में विस्तार से लिखें।

क्या आप किसी अंधविश्वास (superstition) में यकीन करते हैं, जैसे हाथ खुजलाना?

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आप बहुत नर्वस थे और अपना सिर खुजला रहे थे।

गर्मी के मौसम में त्वचा की देखभाल कैसे करें ताकि खुजलाना न पड़े?

अगर आपको कोई कहे 'मत खुजलाओ', तो आपको कैसा महसूस होता है?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be both. It is intransitive when describing a sensation ('My back itches' - मेरी पीठ खुजला रही है) and transitive when describing the action ('I scratched my back' - मैंने अपनी पीठ खुजलाई).

Khujli is a noun meaning 'an itch.' Khujlana is a verb meaning 'to itch' or 'to scratch.' You can say 'I have an itch' (मुझे खुजली है) or 'I am scratching' (मैं खुजला रहा हूँ).

You say 'मत खुजलाओ' (Mat khujlao) for informal/neutral situations or 'मत खुजलाइए' (Mat khujlaiye) for formal ones.

In Indian superstition, if a man's right palm itches, it means he will receive money. For a woman, it is often the left palm.

Yes, 'Khaarish' is a synonym of Persian origin often used in medical contexts or Urdu. 'Khujlana' is the standard Hindi verb.

For transitive use: 'मैंने खुजलाया' (I scratched). For intransitive use: 'मेरा हाथ खुजलाया' (My hand itched).

Yes, it is used exactly the same way for animals. 'कुत्ता खुजला रहा है' (The dog is scratching).

No, it is often used figuratively to show that someone is confused or thinking hard, even if they aren't actually scratching their head.

It is a noun derived from the verb, meaning 'the sensation of itching.' It is used in phrases like 'मुझे खुजलाहट महसूस हो रही है' (I am feeling an itching sensation).

Yes, that is its most common usage. 'मच्छर का काटा खुजला रहा है' (The mosquito bite is itching).