At the A1 level, you should learn 'Roothna' as a basic emotion word similar to 'happy' or 'sad.' Focus on the simple present and past forms. Think of it as 'to be upset' in a quiet way. For example, 'Bachcha rootha hai' (The child is sulking). It is an easy word to remember because it relates to everyday feelings. At this stage, don't worry about the deep cultural nuances; just understand that it means someone is acting 'offended' and not talking. You might see it in simple stories where a friend doesn't share a toy and the other friend gets 'rootha.' Just remember: Roothna = Silent Upset.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Roothna' in more complete sentences with the postposition 'se.' You should be able to ask questions like 'Tum mujhse kyun roothi ho?' (Why are you sulking with me?). You also learn the opposite action, 'Manaana' (to appease). At this level, you understand that 'Roothna' happens between friends and family. You can describe a simple situation: 'My friend is sulking because I didn't go to the movie.' You start to see the difference between being 'gussa' (loud anger) and 'roothna' (quiet sulking).
At the B1 level, you can use 'Roothna' to describe more complex social situations and personality traits. You might describe someone as 'Roothne-waala' (someone who sulks easily). You can use the word in different tenses comfortably, including the future and conditional. For example, 'If you sulk, nobody will talk to you.' You also begin to recognize the word in Bollywood songs and understand the romantic context. You can explain the 'Roothna-Manaana' cycle in basic terms to others, showing you understand the cultural importance of the word in Indian relationships.
At the B2 level, you master the nuances. You understand that 'Roothna' can be a form of emotional manipulation or a genuine expression of hurt. You can use it metaphorically, such as 'Luck has sulked with me' (Kismat rooth gayi). You can participate in discussions about why someone might be 'rootha' and suggest ways to 'manao' them. You are comfortable with various grammatical structures, such as 'Use roothne do' (Let him sulk). Your vocabulary includes synonyms like 'naraaz' and 'khafa,' and you know exactly when to choose 'roothna' over them to convey the right emotional 'flavor.'
At the C1 level, you appreciate the literary and poetic depth of 'Roothna.' You can analyze its use in classical Hindi literature and Urdu poetry (where it often appears as 'roothna' or 'khafa'). You understand the subtle difference between 'roothna' and 'man-mutaav' (a rift). You can use the word to describe societal trends or complex psychological states. You might write an essay about how the 'culture of manaana' is changing in modern urban India. Your use of the word is natural, idiomatic, and culturally grounded, reflecting a deep immersion in the language.
At the C2 level, 'Roothna' is a tool for professional-grade expression. You can use it in creative writing to create specific atmospheres. You understand its philosophical implications—how 'roothna' with the world or with God is a recurring theme in Indian mysticism. You can debate the ethics of 'roothna' in modern psychology versus traditional cultural practices. You have a total command of all its forms, including rare grammatical constructions and obscure idioms. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a window through which you view and describe the complexities of human emotion and connection.

रूठना in 30 Seconds

  • Roothna is a Hindi verb meaning to sulk or be offended, specifically within close relationships, characterized by silent resentment and pouting.
  • It is different from general anger (gussa) because it is quiet and implies an emotional bond where the person expects to be appeased.
  • The word is central to Indian romantic and family culture, often paired with 'manaana' (the act of persuading someone to stop sulking).
  • Grammatically, it is an intransitive verb and uses the postposition 'se' to indicate the person one is sulking with.

The Hindi verb रूठना (Roothna) is a deeply nuanced term that describes a specific emotional state often translated as 'to sulk,' 'to be offended,' or 'to be petulant.' However, none of these English words quite capture the cultural weight of the term. In the Indian context, Roothna is more than just being angry; it is a silent protest, a withdrawal of affection, and a way of communicating hurt without using words. It is an intransitive verb, meaning the action is performed by the subject upon themselves. When someone 'rooths,' they are not necessarily shouting or throwing things; they are likely sitting in a corner, refusing to speak, or avoiding eye contact. This behavior is most common between people who share a close bond—lovers, spouses, parents and children, or best friends. It is almost never used for strangers. If a stranger is angry with you, they are naraaz (angry) or gussa (furious), but they won't 'rooth' with you because Roothna implies an expectation that the other person will notice your silence and try to make amends.

The Psychological Contract
Roothna exists in a symbiotic relationship with another Hindi verb, मनाना (Manaana), which means to appease, persuade, or coax someone back into a good mood. In Indian culture, the act of 'roothna' is often a test of affection. One person sulks because they want to be 'manaaoed' (appeased). It is a delicate social dance where the 'roothne-waala' (the one sulking) feels they have a right to be upset, and the other person is expected to show they care by putting in the effort to fix the mood.
Social Contexts
You will hear this word constantly in Bollywood movies and songs. It is the quintessential romantic trope. When a heroine is upset because the hero forgot her birthday, she doesn't yell; she 'rooths.' She might stop eating or look out the window while he sings a song to 'manao' her. In a family setting, a child might 'rooth' if they aren't given a toy, or an elderly grandparent might 'rooth' if they feel neglected by their busy children.

"वह छोटी-छोटी बातों पर रूठना जानता है, पर उसे मनाना कोई नहीं जानता।" (He knows how to sulk over small things, but nobody knows how to appease him.)

— A common observation about sensitive personalities.

Grammatically, Roothna is quite versatile. It follows the standard verb conjugation patterns of Hindi. For example, 'I am sulking' is 'Main rooth raha hoon' (masculine) or 'Main rooth rahi hoon' (feminine). In the past tense, it becomes 'rootha' or 'roothi.' It is important to note that the word implies a state of being rather than a sudden outburst. It is the 'silent treatment' personified. When you use this word, you are describing a mood that has settled in, often characterized by a pouting face or a stubborn refusal to engage. Understanding this word is key to understanding the emotional landscape of Indian interpersonal relationships, where silence often speaks louder than words.

Using रूठना (Roothna) correctly requires an understanding of Hindi verb conjugations and the emotional intent behind the action. Since it is an intransitive verb, it does not take a direct object. You 'rooth' with someone, usually indicated by the postposition से (se).

Basic Conjugations
  • Present: वह मुझसे रूठता है (Vah mujhse rooth-ta hai) - He sulks with me.
  • Past: वह रूठ गई (Vah rooth gayi) - She got offended/sulked.
  • Future: क्या तुम मुझसे रूठोगे? (Kya tum mujhse roothoge?) - Will you sulk with me?

"अगर तुम रूठोगी तो मैं तुम्हें चॉकलेट देकर मनाऊँगा।" (If you sulk, I will appease you by giving you chocolate.)

One of the most common ways you will see this verb used is in the past participle form as an adjective: रूठा हुआ (rootha hua) or रूठी हुई (roothi hui). This describes someone who is currently in a state of sulking. For example, 'Roothi hui biwi' (An offended wife) or 'Rootha hua dost' (A sulking friend). This adjectival use is very frequent in literature and daily conversation to describe the atmosphere in a room.

In more advanced usage, Roothna can be applied to abstract concepts. For instance, 'Kismat rooth gayi' (Fortune has turned away/sulked). This personifies luck, suggesting that luck is offended and has stopped favoring the person. Similarly, 'Neend rooth gayi' (Sleep has sulked) is a poetic way to say one is suffering from insomnia because sleep is 'offended' and won't come. These metaphorical uses elevate the word from a simple behavioral description to a powerful literary tool. When practicing, try to pair it with its counterpart Manaana to create full narrative arcs in your sentences, as these two words are culturally inseparable.

The word रूठना (Roothna) is ubiquitous in South Asian culture, echoing through various mediums from ancient poetry to modern digital content. If you are learning Hindi through media, you will encounter it in three primary arenas: Bollywood music, family television dramas, and daily household interactions.

Bollywood and Music
Bollywood is the largest exporter of the 'Roothna-Manaana' culture. Countless songs are dedicated to this theme. Lyrics often revolve around a lover pleading with their partner not to 'rooth.' For example, the famous song 'Rooth na jaana mujhse' (Don't get offended/sulk with me) or 'Acha ji main haari chalo maan jao na' (Okay, I lose, please be appeased now). In these contexts, the word carries a romantic, almost playful weight. It signifies a lover's tiff that is expected to be resolved with affection.
Family Dramas (Soap Operas)
In Indian soap operas, 'Roothna' is a primary plot driver. A daughter-in-law might 'rooth' with the family because she feels unheard, or a patriarch might 'rooth' with his son over a business decision. Here, the word is used more seriously to show a breakdown in familial harmony. The resolution of the 'roothna' usually involves a tearful apology or a grand gesture, reinforcing the word's connection to emotional bonds.

"अरे, अब रूठना छोड़ो भी, देखो मैं तुम्हारे लिए क्या लाया हूँ!" (Hey, stop sulking now, look what I've brought for you!)

In daily life, you'll hear parents saying to their children, 'Kyun rooth rahe ho?' (Why are you sulking?) when a child is being stubborn. It is also used among friends as a way to guilt-trip someone: 'Tum toh zara si baat par rooth jaate ho' (You get offended over such small things). Interestingly, the word is also used in a religious or spiritual sense. Devotees sometimes 'rooth' with their deity (God) if their prayers aren't answered, treated the deity like a family member who needs to be 'manaaoed' through more devotion. This versatility makes Roothna one of the most expressive and frequently used emotional verbs in the Hindi language.

For English speakers, the biggest challenge with रूठना (Roothna) is distinguishing it from other words for anger or annoyance. Because English often uses 'angry' or 'mad' as a catch-all, learners frequently misapply Roothna in situations where it doesn't fit.

Mistake 1: Confusing Roothna with Gussa Hona
'Gussa hona' means to be angry. Anger is loud, aggressive, and can be directed at anyone. 'Roothna' is quiet, passive, and directed only at loved ones. You wouldn't say 'Main boss se rooth gaya' (I sulked with my boss) unless you have a very personal, emotional relationship with him. Usually, with a boss, you would be 'naraaz' (unhappy/annoyed) or 'gussa' (angry).
Mistake 2: Using the wrong postposition
Learners often try to say 'Roothna par' (sulking on) because they think of 'angry at.' In Hindi, you must use से (se). Saying 'Mujh par mat rootho' is grammatically awkward; it should be 'Mujhse mat rootho.'

Incorrect: "वह मुझ पर रूठ गया।"
Correct: "वह मुझसे रूठ गया।"

Another common error is failing to use the causative form when the context requires it. If you want to say 'I made him sulk,' you don't use Roothna directly. You would say 'Maine usey rula diya' (I made him cry) or more accurately, 'Meri wajah se woh rooth gaya' (He sulked because of me). However, the most important causative to learn is मनाना (Manaana). A common mistake is using 'happy karna' (to make happy) instead of 'manaana.' While 'happy karna' is understood, 'manaana' is the specific cultural response to 'roothna.' Finally, remember that Roothna is an intransitive verb, so you cannot 'rooth' someone else. You can only 'rooth' yourself.

To truly master Hindi, you need to know where रूठना (Roothna) sits in the spectrum of displeasure. There are several synonyms and related words, each with a specific 'flavor' of being upset.

नाराज़ होना (Naraaz Hona)
This is the most common alternative. 'Naraaz' is a Persian-origin word that means 'unhappy' or 'displeased.' It is more formal than 'Roothna' and can be used in professional settings. You can be 'naraaz' with a company or a government, but you can't 'rooth' with them. 'Naraaz' is about the fact of being upset; 'Roothna' is about the behavior of sulking.
खफ़ा होना (Khafa Hona)
Similar to 'Naraaz,' 'Khafa' is more poetic and often used in Urdu-heavy Hindi. It implies a deeper, perhaps more long-lasting resentment. It is very common in Ghazals and romantic poetry.
चिढ़ना (Chidhna)
This means 'to be irritated' or 'annoyed.' While 'Roothna' is silent and heavy, 'Chidhna' is often reactive and sharp. If someone pokes you repeatedly, you 'chidh' (get irritated); you don't 'rooth.'

Comparison: "वह नाराज़ है क्योंकि काम पूरा नहीं हुआ, लेकिन वह अपनी माँ से रूठा है क्योंकि उन्होंने उसे फ़ोन नहीं किया।" (He is angry because the work isn't done, but he is sulking with his mother because she didn't call him.)

In summary, choose Roothna when the emotional stakes are personal and the reaction is silent withdrawal. Choose Naraaz for general displeasure, Gussa for active anger, and Chidhna for minor irritations. Understanding these distinctions will help you navigate Hindi conversations with much more emotional intelligence and accuracy. In Hindi literature, 'Roothna' is often portrayed as a 'shringaar' (adornment) of love, suggesting that a relationship without a little 'roothna-manaana' is dry and lacking in passion.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The concept of 'Roothna' is so central to Indian aesthetics that it is categorized as 'Maana' (a state of the heroine) in the Natyashastra, the ancient Indian treatise on performing arts.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈruːt.nɑː/
US /ˈruθ.nɑ/
The primary stress is on the first syllable 'Rooth'.
Rhymes With
सूखना (Sookhna) थूकना (Thookna) चूकना (Chookna) टूटना (Tootna) छूटना (Chootna) लूटना (Lootna) घूँटना (Ghootna) कूटना (Kootna)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'th' like the 'th' in 'the' (it should be a dental 't' with a puff of air).
  • Making the 'oo' too short (it should be long).
  • Using a hard English 'R' instead of the softer Hindi flap.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is common in literature and easy to recognize in script.

Writing 3/5

Conjugations are standard, but using the correct postposition 'se' takes practice.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for most learners.

Listening 2/5

Very common in songs and movies; easy to pick out.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

नाराज़ (Naraaz) गुस्सा (Gussa) प्यार (Pyaar) बोलना (Bolna) चुप (Chup)

Learn Next

मनाना (Manaana) हठ (Hath) ज़िद (Zid) माफ़ी (Maafi) रिश्ता (Rishta)

Advanced

मनमुटाव (Man-mutaav) खफ़ा (Khafa) विरह (Virah) मान (Maan) अभिमान (Abhimaan)

Grammar to Know

Intransitive Verb Usage

Roothna does not take an object. You cannot 'rooth' someone. (Correct: Main rootha hoon. Incorrect: Main usey rootha hoon.)

Postposition 'Se'

Always use 'se' for the person you are upset with. (Tumse rootha hoon.)

Causative Form

The causative of 'Roothna' isn't commonly used; instead, 'Manaana' is used as the functional opposite.

Compound Verbs

Using 'jaana' with 'roothna' (rooth jaana) adds a sense of completion or suddenness.

Participle as Adjective

'Rootha hua' functions as an adjective. (Rootha hua bachcha = The sulking child.)

Examples by Level

1

बच्चा रूठ गया।

The child sulked.

Simple past tense of an intransitive verb.

2

वह क्यों रूठी है?

Why is she sulking?

Interrogative sentence in present tense.

3

मैं नहीं रूठूँगा।

I will not sulk.

Future tense, negative.

4

सीता रूठ गई।

Sita got offended.

Subject-verb agreement (feminine).

5

मत रूठो।

Don't sulk.

Imperative (command) form.

6

क्या तुम रूठे हो?

Are you sulking?

Yes/No question format.

7

दोस्त रूठ गया।

The friend sulked.

Masculine singular past tense.

8

वह रूठता है।

He sulks.

Present habitual tense.

1

तुम मुझसे क्यों रूठे हो?

Why are you sulking with me?

Use of postposition 'se' with 'roothna'.

2

मेरी माँ मुझसे रूठ गई है।

My mother is upset/sulking with me.

Present perfect tense.

3

वह छोटी बातों पर रूठ जाती है।

She gets offended over small things.

Compound verb 'rooth jaana' for emphasis.

4

चलो, अब रूठना बंद करो।

Come on, stop sulking now.

Gerund use of the verb.

5

क्या वह फिर से रूठ गया?

Did he sulk again?

Use of 'phir se' (again).

6

मैं तुमसे कभी नहीं रूठूँगी।

I will never sulk with you.

Future tense with 'kabhi nahi'.

7

वह रूठ कर बैठ गई।

She sat down in a huff (sulking).

Conjunctive participle 'rooth kar'.

8

उसे रूठने दो।

Let him sulk.

Use of 'ne do' (let/allow).

1

अगर तुम रूठोगे, तो तुम्हें कौन मनाएगा?

If you sulk, who will appease you?

Conditional sentence structure.

2

वह अक्सर बिना किसी वजह के रूठ जाता है।

He often sulks without any reason.

Adverbial phrase 'bina kisi wajah ke'.

3

रूठना और मनाना प्यार का हिस्सा है।

Sulking and appeasing are part of love.

Verbs used as abstract nouns.

4

वह रूठी हुई लग रही है।

She seems to be sulking.

Adjectival use 'roothi hui'.

5

मैंने उसे बहुत मनाया, पर वह नहीं मानी।

I tried hard to appease her, but she didn't agree.

Contrast between 'manaana' and 'roothna'.

6

तुम्हें बात-बात पर रूठना शोभा नहीं देता।

It doesn't suit you to sulk over every little thing.

Use of 'shobha dena' (to suit/behoove).

7

वह अपनी गलती होने पर भी रूठ गया।

He sulked even though it was his fault.

Concessive clause 'hone par bhi'.

8

उसका रूठना बस एक नाटक है।

His sulking is just an act.

Noun phrase 'uska roothna'.

1

आजकल तो मेरी किस्मत ही मुझसे रूठ गई है।

Nowadays, even my luck has turned away from me.

Metaphorical use with 'kismat'.

2

उसे मनाने की कोशिश करो, वरना वह हमेशा के लिए रूठ जाएगी।

Try to appease her, otherwise she will be offended forever.

Imperative with 'varna' (otherwise).

3

उसके रूठने का कारण कोई नहीं जानता।

Nobody knows the reason for his sulking.

Possessive phrase with gerund.

4

वह रूठ कर कमरे से बाहर चला गया।

He sulked and walked out of the room.

Sequence of actions with 'kar'.

5

इतने सालों की दोस्ती में हम कभी एक-दूसरे से नहीं रूठे।

In all these years of friendship, we never sulked with each other.

Reciprocal context.

6

उसकी रूठी हुई आँखों में भी प्यार था।

There was love even in her resentful eyes.

Literary adjectival use.

7

तुम जितना रूठोगे, मैं उतना ही तुम्हें मनाऊँगा।

The more you sulk, the more I will appease you.

Correlative structure 'jitna...utna'.

8

बिना बात के रूठना उसकी पुरानी आदत है।

Sulking without reason is an old habit of his.

Habitual description.

1

राजनीतिक गलियारों में चर्चा है कि वरिष्ठ नेता पार्टी से रूठ गए हैं।

There is talk in political circles that the senior leader is disgruntled with the party.

Formal/Journalistic usage.

2

जब अपने ही रूठ जाएँ, तो इंसान कहाँ जाए?

When your own people turn away, where does one go?

Rhetorical question/Philosophical.

3

उसकी खामोशी उसके रूठने का सबसे बड़ा प्रमाण थी।

Her silence was the biggest proof of her resentment.

Abstract noun use.

4

कविता में कवि ने रूठी हुई प्रकृति का वर्णन किया है।

In the poem, the poet has described a resentful nature.

Personification in literature.

5

वह इस कदर रूठा कि उसने खाना-पीना तक छोड़ दिया।

He sulked to such an extent that he even gave up eating and drinking.

Result clause with 'is kadar...ki'.

6

रूठना-मनाना तो रिश्तों की चाशनी है।

Sulking and making up is the syrup of relationships.

Metaphorical noun phrase.

7

क्या पता, शायद वह आज भी मुझसे रूठा हुआ हो।

Who knows, maybe he is still sulking with me today.

Speculative mood with 'kya pata'.

8

उनका रूठना महज एक कूटनीतिक चाल थी।

Their sulking was merely a diplomatic tactic.

Advanced political context.

1

अस्तित्व के इस मोड़ पर ऐसा लगता है जैसे स्वयं समय ही हमसे रूठ गया हो।

At this juncture of existence, it feels as if time itself has turned away from us.

Highly abstract/Philosophical.

2

भक्त का भगवान से रूठना उसकी अनन्य भक्ति का ही एक रूप है।

A devotee's sulking with God is but a form of their exclusive devotion.

Theological nuance.

3

लेखक ने नायक के अंतर्मन में पल रहे रूठने के भाव को सूक्ष्मता से उकेरा है।

The author has subtly carved out the feeling of resentment growing in the protagonist's inner self.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

4

वह न केवल समाज से, बल्कि अपनी नियति से भी रूठ बैठा है।

He is sulking not just with society, but also with his destiny.

Compound verb 'rooth baithna' indicating a settled state.

5

रूठने की इस प्रक्रिया में जो मौन है, वह किसी भी चीख से अधिक मुखर है।

The silence in this process of sulking is more vocal than any scream.

Paradoxical literary structure.

6

परंपरागत रूप से, नायिका का रूठना श्रृंगार रस का एक अनिवार्य अवयव माना गया है।

Traditionally, the heroine's sulking has been considered an essential component of 'Shringaar Ras' (the aesthetic of love).

Academic/Artistic discourse.

7

यदि मानवता ही मानवता से रूठ जाए, तो विनाश निश्चित है।

If humanity itself turns away from humanity, destruction is certain.

Hypothetical condition with universal scope.

8

उसके व्यक्तित्व की जटिलता उसके रूठने के निराले ढंग में झलकती है।

The complexity of his personality is reflected in his unique way of sulking.

Sophisticated character description.

Common Collocations

बात-बात पर रूठना
किस्मत का रूठना
रूठ कर बैठना
रूठना-मनाना
बिना वजह रूठना
हमेशा के लिए रूठना
रूठा हुआ चेहरा
अपनों से रूठना
नींद रूठना
भगवान का रूठना

Common Phrases

रूठना छोड़ो

— A plea to stop sulking and return to normalcy.

अब रूठना छोड़ो और खाना खा लो।

रूठने की आदत

— Refers to a person's habit of getting offended easily.

तुम्हारी रूठने की आदत सबको परेशान करती है।

रूठ कर जाना

— To leave a place because one is offended.

वह पार्टी से रूठ कर चला गया।

रूठने का बहाना

— An excuse to sulk, often to get attention.

उसे तो बस रूठने का बहाना चाहिए।

रूठना जायज़ है

— To say that someone's resentment is justified.

उसका रूठना जायज़ है, तुमने उसका दिल दुखाया है।

रूठने की वजह

— The reason behind someone's sulking.

क्या तुम मुझे अपने रूठने की वजह बताओगे?

रूठने का हक़

— The right to be upset with a loved one.

मुझे तुम पर रूठने का पूरा हक़ है।

रूठ कर मुँह मोड़ना

— To turn one's face away in resentment.

उसने रूठ कर मुझसे मुँह मोड़ लिया।

रूठा-रूठा सा

— Appearing somewhat sulky or distant.

आज वह कुछ रूठा-रूठा सा लग रहा है।

रूठने की हद

— The limit of someone's sulking behavior.

रूठने की भी एक हद होती है।

Often Confused With

रूठना vs रोना (Rona)

Rona means to cry. While a sulking person might cry, 'Roothna' is about the silent resentment, not the tears.

रूठना vs रूठना (Roothna) vs. रोकना (Rokna)

Rokna means to stop someone/something. They sound slightly similar but have entirely different meanings.

रूठना vs रूठना (Roothna) vs. रटना (Ratna)

Ratna means to memorize by rote. Be careful with the vowel sounds.

Idioms & Expressions

"रूठी किस्मत को जगाना"

— To try and change one's bad luck into good luck.

मेहनत से ही रूठी किस्मत को जगाया जा सकता है।

Metaphorical
"रूठ कर कोपभवन में जाना"

— To go into a 'room of anger' (an ancient term for a place where queens went when sulking).

रानी रूठ कर कोपभवन में चली गईं।

Historical/Literary
"रूठे को मनाना"

— The virtuous act of reconciling with someone who is upset.

रूठे को मनाना सबसे बड़ा पुण्य है।

Moral
"मुँह फुलाकर बैठना"

— To pout and sit silently as a sign of resentment.

वह सुबह से मुँह फुलाकर बैठी है।

Informal
"आँखें फेर लेना"

— To turn one's eyes away; to ignore someone out of resentment.

दोस्त ने रूठ कर आँखें फेर लीं।

Neutral
"बात बंद कर देना"

— To stop talking to someone as a form of 'roothna'.

उसने रूठ कर मुझसे बात बंद कर दी।

Common
"दिल खट्टा होना"

— To have one's heart turn sour (to lose affection due to resentment).

तुम्हारी बातों से मेरा दिल खट्टा हो गया है।

Informal
"नाक चढ़ाना"

— To turn up one's nose; to show disdain or be huffy.

वह हर बात पर नाक चढ़ा लेती है।

Informal
"तेवर दिखाना"

— To show 'attitude' or angry moods.

रूठ कर वह मुझे अपने तेवर दिखा रहा है।

Colloquial
"पल्ला झाड़ लेना"

— To wash one's hands of someone; sometimes a result of being 'rootha'.

वह रूठ कर सबसे पल्ला झाड़ बैठा है।

Informal

Easily Confused

रूठना vs नाराज़ (Naraaz)

Both mean upset.

Naraaz is general and can be loud/formal. Roothna is personal, silent, and implies a desire to be comforted.

मैं सरकार से नाराज़ हूँ (I am angry with the government) vs मैं माँ से रूठा हूँ (I am sulking with mom).

रूठना vs गुस्सा (Gussa)

Both involve negative emotions.

Gussa is active anger (shouting, heat). Roothna is passive (silence, coldness).

उसने गुस्से में चिल्लाया (He shouted in anger) vs वह रूठ कर चुप हो गई (She sulked and became silent).

रूठना vs चिढ़ना (Chidhna)

Both involve being upset with someone.

Chidhna is about irritation/annoyance. Roothna is about hurt feelings/resentment.

वह मज़ाक से चिढ़ गया (He got annoyed by the joke).

रूठना vs खफ़ा (Khafa)

Synonyms.

Khafa is more poetic and has a heavier, more serious tone than the sometimes 'cute' Roothna.

ऐ मेरे खफ़ा दोस्त (O my resentful friend).

रूठना vs उदास (Udaas)

Both involve a low mood.

Udaas is simply being sad. Roothna is being sad *at* someone specifically as a form of protest.

मैं आज उदास हूँ (I am sad today).

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Subject] [Verb-Conjugation].

वह रूठ गया।

A2

[Subject] [Person] से रूठ गया।

मैं तुमसे रूठ गया।

B1

[Subject] बात-बात पर रूठ जाता है।

तुम बात-बात पर रूठ जाते हो।

B1

अगर [Condition], तो [Subject] रूठ जाएगा।

अगर तुम नहीं आओगे, तो वह रूठ जाएगा।

B2

[Subject] रूठ कर बैठ गया है।

बच्चा रूठ कर बैठ गया है।

B2

[Subject] को मनाना मुश्किल है।

रूठे हुए दोस्त को मनाना मुश्किल है।

C1

[Abstract Concept] रूठ गई है।

मेरी तो किस्मत ही रूठ गई है।

C2

[Subject] का रूठना [Noun Phrase] है।

उसका रूठना महज़ एक नाटक है।

Word Family

Nouns

रूठन (Roothan - rare, the act of sulking)
रुठैया (Ruthiya - one who sulks)

Verbs

मनाना (Manaana - to appease)
रुठना-मनाना (Roothna-manaana - the cycle of sulking and making up)

Adjectives

रूठा (Rootha - sulking, masculine)
रूठी (Roothi - sulking, feminine)
रुठैल (Ruthail - a person who sulks habitually)

Related

नाराज़गी (Naraazgi - displeasure)
गुस्सा (Gussa - anger)
चिड़चिड़ापन (Chidchidapan - irritability)
मौन (Maun - silence)
हठ (Hath - stubbornness)

How to Use It

frequency

Very High in daily conversation and media.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'par' instead of 'se'. Main tumse rootha hoon.

    In Hindi, you sulk 'with' (se) someone, not 'on' (par) them.

  • Using 'Roothna' for a boss. Boss naraaz hain.

    Roothna is too personal for a professional setting.

  • Confusing 'Roothna' with 'Rona'. Main rootha hoon (I am sulking).

    Rona means to cry. Roothna means to be offended/silent.

  • Using it as a transitive verb. Maine usey manaaya (I appeased him).

    You cannot 'rooth' someone else. You can only 'rooth' yourself.

  • Using 'Gussa' when 'Roothna' is intended. Woh rooth gayi (She sulked).

    If she is just silent and pouting, 'Gussa' is too strong and loud.

Tips

The Art of Manaana

If someone is 'rootha' with you, don't just say sorry. In Indian culture, you often need to 'manao' them with a small gift, a favorite food, or a sweet gesture.

The 'Se' Connection

Always remember the postposition 'se'. You are not angry 'at' them; you are sulking 'with' or 'from' them.

Poetic Usage

In songs, 'Roothna' is often used to show that the singer is deeply affected by their lover's silence. It's a very romantic word.

Intimacy Marker

Using 'Roothna' with someone is actually a sign that you consider them very close. You don't waste a good sulk on a stranger!

Rooth Kar Jaana

This is a common phrase for leaving a party or a house because you were offended. It implies a dramatic exit.

Not for Anger

Don't use 'Roothna' if you are actually yelling or very angry. Use 'Gussa' for that. 'Roothna' is for the quiet treatment.

Listen for the Pout

When you hear 'Roothna' in a movie, look for the actor's face. They will almost always be pouting or looking away.

Common Saying

'Roothna aur manaana pyaar ki nishaani hai' (Sulking and appeasing is a sign of love).

Metaphorical Luck

When things go wrong, say 'Kismat rooth gayi' to sound like a native speaker describing bad luck.

Root of the problem

The 'Root' of the problem is that they are 'Rooth-na' (sulking).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Root' (like a tree root). When someone is 'Rooth-na', they are stuck like a 'root' in one place, refusing to move or talk until you 'Mana-o' (manage) them.

Visual Association

Imagine a person sitting with their back to you, arms crossed, and a visible pout. They are like a 'Root' that won't budge. This is 'Roothna'.

Word Web

Silence Pout Love Manaana Hurt Resentment Relationship Pouting

Challenge

Try to identify a time you were 'Rootha' with someone. Write three sentences in Hindi describing why you were sulking and who 'manaoed' you.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'रुष्' (ruṣ), which means 'to be hurt, to be angry, or to be vexed.' Over centuries, this evolved in Prakrit and then into Old Hindi, narrowing its meaning specifically to the silent resentment between loved ones.

Original meaning: To be vexed or pained by another's actions.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'Roothna' for serious abuse or clinical depression; it is for healthy, emotional friction between people who care for each other.

English speakers often mistake 'Roothna' for 'being mad.' While 'mad' is aggressive, 'Roothna' is passive and vulnerable.

The song 'Rooth na jaana mujhse' from the movie 1942: A Love Story. The legendary 'Roothna-Manaana' scenes between Krishna and Radha in Hindu mythology. The recurring theme of 'Khafa' (the Urdu equivalent) in the poetry of Mirza Ghalib.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Romantic Relationships

  • मुझसे मत रूठो
  • मैं तुम्हें मना लूँगा
  • वह रूठी हुई है
  • प्यारा सा रूठना

Parenting

  • बच्चा रूठ गया
  • खिलौने के लिए रूठना
  • चॉकलेट देकर मनाना
  • क्यों रूठ रहे हो?

Friendships

  • दोस्त से रूठना
  • पुरानी बात पर रूठना
  • बातचीत बंद करना
  • फिर से मान जाना

Literature/Poetry

  • किस्मत का रूठना
  • नींद का रूठना
  • रूठी हुई रात
  • मौन रूदन

Daily Life

  • बिना बात रूठना
  • मुँह फुलाना
  • रूठ कर बैठना
  • रूठने की आदत

Conversation Starters

"क्या तुम कभी अपने दोस्तों से छोटी बातों पर रूठ जाते हो?"

"जब कोई आपसे रूठ जाता है, तो आप उसे कैसे मनाते हैं?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि रिश्तों में रूठना-मनाना ज़रूरी है?"

"बचपन में आप किस बात पर सबसे ज़्यादा रूठते थे?"

"अगर आपकी किस्मत आपसे रूठ जाए, तो आप क्या करेंगे?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैं अपने दोस्त से रूठ गया क्योंकि उसने मेरा फ़ोन नहीं उठाया। मुझे कैसा लगा?

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपने किसी को बहुत मेहनत से मनाया हो।

हिंदी फिल्मों में 'रूठना-मनाना' कैसे दिखाया जाता है? अपने विचार लिखें।

क्या रूठना एक कमज़ोरी है या प्यार जताने का एक तरीका? विस्तार से लिखें।

अगर आप कभी भगवान से रूठें, तो आप उनसे क्या कहेंगे?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, no. 'Roothna' implies a close emotional bond. Unless you have a very personal relationship with your boss, use 'Naraaz hona' (to be displeased).

The functional opposite is 'Manaana' (to appease). The state of being 'happy' is 'Khush hona' or 'Maanna' (to be persuaded/appeased).

Not at all. While children 'rooth' often, it is a very common dynamic in adult romantic relationships and between parents and adult children in India.

For a male subject: 'Rootha'. For a female subject: 'Roothi'. For plural: 'Roothe'. Example: 'Woh rooth gaya' (He sulked).

It refers to the entire cycle of one person getting offended and the other person trying to fix it. It's considered a natural part of a healthy relationship.

It depends on the context. In romance, it can be seen as 'sweet' or 'lovable.' However, if someone does it too much, it's considered an annoying habit ('Roothne ki aadat').

Yes! Many people playfully say their dog or cat is 'rootha' because they didn't get a treat.

The gerund 'Roothna' itself acts as a noun. There is also 'Naraazgi' for general displeasure, but no common single noun for the act of sulking specifically.

'Roothna' is the emotional state. 'Munh Phulana' is the physical act of pouting. They are often used together.

You would say 'Rootho mat' or 'Mujhse mat rootho'.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Translate to Hindi: 'Why is the child sulking?'

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Using present continuous.

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Using present continuous.

writing

Translate to Hindi: 'Don't sulk with me.'

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Using imperative with 'se'.

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Using imperative with 'se'.

writing

Translate to Hindi: 'I will appease my friend.'

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Using future of 'manaana'.

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Using future of 'manaana'.

writing

Translate to Hindi: 'She got offended over a small thing.'

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Using simple past feminine.

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Using simple past feminine.

writing

Translate to Hindi: 'Fortune has turned away from him.'

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Metaphorical usage.

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Metaphorical usage.

writing

Write a sentence using 'Roothna' and 'Manaana'.

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Shows the relationship between the two.

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Shows the relationship between the two.

writing

Translate: 'He has a habit of sulking.'

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Using 'ki aadat'.

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Using 'ki aadat'.

writing

Translate: 'Let him sulk for a while.'

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Using 'ne do'.

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Using 'ne do'.

writing

Translate: 'Is she still sulking?'

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Using adjectival form.

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Using adjectival form.

writing

Translate: 'We should not sulk with our parents.'

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Using 'chahiye'.

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Using 'chahiye'.

writing

Translate: 'I am not sulking, I am just tired.'

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Clarifying emotions.

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Clarifying emotions.

writing

Translate: 'Why did you sulk and leave?'

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Using conjunctive participle.

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Using conjunctive participle.

writing

Translate: 'I can't see you sulking.'

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Expressing care.

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Expressing care.

writing

Translate: 'Stop sulking and eat your food.'

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Imperative.

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Imperative.

writing

Translate: 'He sulks without any reason.'

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Describing behavior.

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Describing behavior.

writing

Translate: 'If you sulk, I will also sulk.'

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Conditional.

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Conditional.

writing

Translate: 'Who will appease the sulking child?'

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Future interrogative.

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Future interrogative.

writing

Translate: 'My heart is heavy because you are sulking.'

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Emotional context.

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Emotional context.

writing

Translate: 'She was sulking in the corner.'

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Past continuous/state.

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Past continuous/state.

writing

Translate: 'Don't sulk over every little matter.'

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Common phrase.

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Common phrase.

speaking

Pronounce correctly: रूठना

Read this aloud:

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Focus on long 'oo' and dental 'th'.

speaking

Say 'I am sulking' in Hindi.

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Gender dependent.

speaking

Say 'Don't sulk with me' in Hindi.

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Using 'se'.

speaking

Ask 'Why are you sulking?'

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Interrogative.

speaking

Say 'I will appease you.'

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Future tense.

speaking

Use 'Roothna' in a sentence about a child.

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Simple context.

speaking

Use 'Roothna' in a sentence about luck.

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Metaphorical.

speaking

Say 'He sulks over small things.'

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Habitual.

speaking

Say 'Stop sulking now.'

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Imperative.

speaking

Say 'She is sulking in the room.'

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Continuous/State.

speaking

Practice the phrase 'Roothna-Manaana'.

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Cultural unit.

speaking

Say 'We should not sulk.'

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Moral/Advice.

speaking

Say 'I was sulking yesterday.'

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Past tense.

speaking

Ask 'Will you sulk if I don't come?'

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Conditional.

speaking

Say 'He sulked and left.'

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Conjunctive participle.

speaking

Say 'Don't pout.' (Idiomatic)

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Using idiom.

speaking

Say 'She is easily offended.'

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Descriptive.

speaking

Say 'I am trying to appease him.'

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Continuous.

speaking

Say 'Why is everyone sulking?'

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Plural interrogative.

speaking

Say 'I will never sulk with you.'

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Future promise.

listening

Identify the word: 'वह रूठ गया।' (Audio simulated)

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Identifying the root verb.

listening

Listen and translate: 'मुझसे मत रूठो।' (Audio simulated)

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Comprehension.

listening

Listen: 'किस्मत रूठ गई।' What is 'roothi'?

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Identifying the subject.

listening

Listen: 'रूठना-मनाना।' Is this a positive or negative cycle in the audio's context?

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Tone recognition.

listening

Listen: 'बच्चा खिलौने के लिए रूठा है।' Why is the child sulking?

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Detail extraction.

listening

Listen: 'अब मान भी जाओ।' What happened before this sentence?

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Inferring context.

listening

Listen: 'वह रूठी हुई लग रही है।' Does she look happy?

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State recognition.

listening

Listen: 'बात-बात पर रूठना ठीक नहीं।' What is not good?

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Main idea.

listening

Listen: 'मैं उसे मना लूँगा।' What will the speaker do?

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Action recognition.

listening

Listen: 'दोस्ती में रूठना चलता है।' Where does sulking happen?

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Context recognition.

listening

Listen: 'रूठ कर जाना।' What action is described?

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Compound action.

listening

Listen: 'वह नहीं मानेगा।' Will the person stop sulking easily?

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Result recognition.

listening

Listen: 'रूठे को मनाना पुण्य है।' Is it a good thing to appease someone?

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Value judgment.

listening

Listen: 'नींद रूठ गई।' What is the problem?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Metaphorical comprehension.

listening

Listen: 'तुम क्यों रूठी हो?' Who is being addressed?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Gender recognition.

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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