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थूकना

B1 verb 15 min read

थूकना

thookna

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips थूकना in 30 Seconds

Explanation थूकना in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'Thūknā' as a basic action. It means 'to spit'. You will mostly see it on signs. The most important phrase is 'यहाँ मत थूकना' (Yahān mat thūknā), which means 'Don't spit here'. You should learn the basic present tense: 'मैं थूकता हूँ' (I spit) and 'वह थूकता है' (He spits). Don't worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that it is a physical action that is usually considered bad manners in public. You might hear it at a doctor's office. For example, a doctor might say 'यहाँ थूको' (Spit here). It is a simple verb that ends in '-nā', like 'khānā' (to eat) or 'pīnā' (to drink). Focus on recognizing the word on signs and understanding that it is a command when it ends in '-o' or '-iye'.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'Thūknā' in simple past and future sentences. In the past tense, remember that it is a transitive verb, so you must use 'ne' with the subject: 'उसने थूका' (Usne thūka - He spat). In the future tense, it is 'वह थूकेगा' (Voh thūkegā - He will spit). You should also learn the word for spit, which is 'Thūk' (noun). You can now form sentences like 'सड़क पर थूकना मना है' (Spitting on the road is forbidden). You are also learning to give polite commands using 'थूकिए' (Thūkiye). You might also encounter the compound verb 'थूक देना' (Thūk denā), which just means 'to spit out' completely. This level focuses on everyday communication and following public instructions correctly.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social and cultural context of 'Thūknā'. You can discuss public health issues, such as why spitting is prohibited to prevent diseases like TB. You should be comfortable using the verb in all tenses, including continuous and perfect. You can also start using it with modal verbs: 'तुम्हें यहाँ नहीं थूकना चाहिए' (You should not spit here). You will notice the word in newspapers or news reports about cleanliness campaigns. You should also be able to distinguish between 'Thūknā' and 'Ugalnā' (to spit out/vomit). At this stage, you are expected to understand that spitting is a sensitive topic in Indian society and use the word appropriately in discussions about hygiene and civic sense.

At the B2 level, you should master the idiomatic use of 'Thūknā'. The most important idiom is 'थूक कर चाटना' (Thūk kar chātnā), which means to go back on one's word. You should be able to use this in a sentence to describe someone's hypocrisy. You also understand the metaphorical use of spitting to show contempt or rejection. For example, 'समाज ऐसी कुरीतियों पर थूकता है' (Society spits on such evil practices). You can use the verb in complex sentence structures, such as passive voice or conditional clauses: 'अगर वह यहाँ थूकता, तो उसे जुर्माना देना पड़ता' (If he had spat here, he would have had to pay a fine). Your understanding of the word now includes its emotional and moral weight in Hindi discourse.

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'Thūknā' in literature and high-register speech. You can recognize it in classical Hindi literature or modern 'Dalit Sahitya' (Dalit literature) where it might be used to describe the harsh realities of discrimination. You understand the phonetic nuances and can use the word with perfect native-like inflection. You are aware of the Sanskritized synonym 'Nishthīvan' and when it might appear in technical or ancient texts. You can participate in debates about public policy regarding hygiene, using the word to discuss the tension between traditional habits and modern urban laws. You also understand the subtle difference between 'Thūknā' and more descriptive phrases like 'Pichkārī chhodnā' in the context of paan-chewing culture.

At the C2 level, you have total mastery over the word 'Thūknā' and its place in the Hindi linguistic landscape. You can analyze the etymological roots and its connection to other Indo-Aryan languages. You understand its use in various dialects of Hindi (like Braj or Bhojpuri) and how the pronunciation might shift. You can use the word in sophisticated irony or satire. You understand the deep psychological implications of the word in Indian culture—how it relates to concepts of 'purity' and 'pollution' in a sociological sense. You can read complex legal documents or medical research papers in Hindi that use the word in a highly specialized way. For you, 'Thūknā' is not just a verb, but a window into the complex socio-cultural history of North India.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

थूकना in 30 Seconds

Thūknā is the Hindi verb for 'to spit', essential for understanding public signs and health warnings.
It is a transitive verb, meaning it needs 'ne' in the past tense (e.g., Usne thūka).
Metaphorically, it is used in idioms like 'thūk kar chātnā' to describe breaking a promise.
Culturally, public spitting is a major focus of cleanliness and health campaigns in India.

The Hindi verb थूकना (Thūknā) primarily refers to the physical act of ejecting saliva or other substances from the mouth. While the literal definition is straightforward, the cultural and social weight of this word in the Hindi-speaking world is immense. In a purely biological sense, it is a reflexive or intentional action. However, in the context of Indian society, the act of spitting is often associated with public health concerns, social etiquette, and even deep-seated metaphors for disrespect or the breaking of promises. Understanding 'Thūknā' requires more than just knowing how to say 'to spit'; it requires an understanding of the environment where this word is most frequently encountered—ranging from public health warnings on city walls to heated political debates where idioms involving spit are used to shame opponents.

Literal Usage: The most common use is describing the physical act. For example, when a doctor asks a patient to provide a sample or when someone clears their throat. 'यहाँ थूकना मना है' (Spitting is prohibited here) is perhaps the most common sign found in Indian public spaces, from railway stations to government offices.
Social Context: In many parts of India, the consumption of 'Paān' (betel leaf) or tobacco leads to frequent spitting. This has created a specific social dialogue around the word 'Thūknā', often linked to cleanliness drives like 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'. Using the word in this context often carries a tone of civic responsibility or reprimand.
Metaphorical Disgust: Metaphorically, 'Thūknā' can represent extreme rejection or contempt. To 'spit on something' in a figurative sense in Hindi means to treat it with utter disdain, as if it is worthless or beneath one's dignity. This is a high-register emotional usage often found in literature or dramatic cinema.

दीवार पर थूकना एक बुरी आदत है। (Spitting on the wall is a bad habit.)

The verb is transitive, meaning it usually takes an object (what is being spat out), though the object (saliva) is often implied. When learning this word, one must be careful with the phonetics. The 'Th' is an aspirated dental sound, and the 'ū' is a long vowel. Mispronouncing it can sometimes lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words, though the context of spitting is usually quite distinct. In clinical settings, you might hear more formal variants, but 'Thūknā' remains the standard term used by all segments of society, from the street to the clinic.

उसने ज़मीन पर थूका और चला गया। (He spat on the ground and left.)

Furthermore, the word appears in several powerful idioms. The most famous is 'Thūk kar chātnā' (literally: to spit and then lick it up), which means to go back on a promise or a statement you made with great conviction. This idiom is incredibly common in political discourse and daily arguments to highlight hypocrisy. It shows that the word 'Thūknā' is not just about biology; it’s a tool for moral judgment. Another layer is the protective use; in some folk traditions, a symbolic 'thū-thū' sound is made to ward off the 'evil eye' (nazar), though this is more of an onomatopoeic gesture than the literal verb 'Thūknā'.

अपनी बात से मुकर जाना थूक कर चाटने जैसा है। (Going back on your word is like licking up your own spit.)

Health Context: During the COVID-19 pandemic and in ongoing battles against Tuberculosis (TB), 'Thūknā' became a keyword in health education. Public service announcements frequently used the phrase 'Gārv se kaho, hum nahi thūkenge' (Say with pride, we will not spit).

In summary, 'Thūknā' is a high-utility verb that spans the gap between a basic bodily function and a complex social taboo. Whether you are reading a sign at a metro station, listening to a doctor, or watching a dramatic Bollywood confrontation, this word carries a visceral impact that learners must navigate carefully to sound natural and culturally aware.

Using थूकना (Thūknā) correctly involves mastering its conjugation and understanding its role as a transitive verb. In Hindi, verbs change based on the gender, number, and status of the subject, as well as the tense of the action. Because 'Thūknā' is a physical action, it often appears in the imperative (giving orders) or the present continuous (describing an ongoing action). Let's break down the various ways to integrate this word into your Hindi sentences, starting from basic commands to complex conditional structures.

Imperative (Commands): The most common form you will see on signs is the infinitive used as a command: 'यहाँ मत थूकना' (Don't spit here). For a more direct command to a peer, you would say 'मत थूको' (Mat thūko). For a respectful or formal request, use 'यहाँ मत थूकिए' (Yahān mat thūkiye). The negation 'mat' is essential for prohibitions.
Past Tense (Perfective): In the past tense, 'Thūknā' follows the rules for transitive verbs. Since it is transitive, the subject takes the 'ne' particle in the perfective aspect. Example: 'उसने बेसिन में थूका' (Usne basin mein thūka - He spat in the basin). Notice how 'usne' is used instead of 'voh' because of the transitive nature of the verb.

क्या आपने कभी सड़क पर थूका है? (Have you ever spat on the road?)

In the present continuous tense, the verb root 'thūk' is combined with 'rahā/rahī/rahe'. For instance, 'बच्चा बाहर थूक रहा है' (The child is spitting outside). This is useful for describing immediate observations. In the habitual present, you might say 'वह हर जगह थूकता है' (He spits everywhere), which indicates a recurring habit. The habitual form 'thūktā hai' is often used when complaining about someone's lack of manners.

अगर तुम यहाँ थूकोगे, तो जुर्माना भरना पड़ेगा। (If you spit here, you will have to pay a fine.)

Future tense usage is also quite common in warning contexts. 'वह थूकेगा' (He will spit) or 'तुम थूकोगे' (You will spit). When using the verb in a compound form, you might see 'थूक देना' (thūk denā), where 'denā' adds a sense of completion or outward direction to the action. For example, 'उसने सारा कड़वा पानी थूक दिया' (He spat out all the bitter water). This compound form is very common in spoken Hindi to make the action sound more natural and finished.

Modal Verbs: When combined with 'chāhiye' (should), it becomes 'तुम्हें यहाँ नहीं थूकना चाहिए' (You should not spit here). This is a polite way to give advice. With 'saknā' (can), it becomes 'क्या मैं यहाँ थूक सकता हूँ?' (Can I spit here?)—though this is a question you'll rarely need to ask!

डॉक्टर ने मरीज से बेसिन में थूकने के लिए कहा। (The doctor asked the patient to spit in the basin.)

Finally, consider the causal form 'thukvānā' (to cause someone to spit), though it is extremely rare. More common is the use of 'thūknā' in passive-like structures in legal documents: 'थूकना वर्जित है' (Spitting is prohibited). By mastering these sentence patterns, you move from a basic understanding to a functional command of the word, allowing you to navigate both formal signs and informal conversations with confidence.

In the real world, you will encounter थूकना (Thūknā) in several specific environments. Unlike more 'polite' verbs, this one is tied closely to the physical reality of life in India and the ongoing efforts to modernize public behavior. From the bustling platforms of the New Delhi Railway Station to the quiet corridors of a local clinic, the word echoes different social needs and cultural tensions.

Public Transportation: If you travel by the Indian Railways or the Metro, you will see 'थूकना मना है' (Spitting is forbidden) printed on walls, pillars, and even the back of seats. In the Metro, these signs are strictly enforced with fines, making the word part of the 'legal' vocabulary of a commuter. You might hear an announcement: 'कृपया यहाँ-वहाँ न थूकें' (Please do not spit here and there).
Medical Settings: In a 'Haspital' (Hospital) or 'Cliniq', a doctor might say 'यहाँ थूकिए' (Spit here) while examining your throat or asking for a phlegm sample. In these contexts, the word is clinical and carries no social stigma. It is purely functional.

स्टेशन पर थूकने पर 500 रुपये का जुर्माना है। (There is a 500 rupee fine for spitting at the station.)

In the world of Indian cinema (Bollywood), you might hear the word in gritty dramas. A character might say 'मैं तेरी सूरत पर थूकता हूँ' (I spit on your face) to express extreme hatred. This is a classic 'angry young man' trope from the 70s and 80s movies. While you shouldn't say this in real life, hearing it in movies helps you understand the emotional range of the verb. It signifies that the person being spat upon is considered lower than dirt.

फिल्म के विलेन ने हीरो के सामने थूका। (The film's villain spat in front of the hero.)

You will also hear this word during heated political rallies or TV news debates. Anchors and politicians often use the idiom 'Thūk kar chātnā' to call out their opponents' flip-flops on policy or alliances. For example: 'कल तक आप इस कानून का विरोध कर रहे थे, आज इसका समर्थन कर रहे हैं? क्या यह थूक कर चाटना नहीं है?' (Until yesterday you were opposing this law, today you support it? Is this not licking your own spit?). This is a very sharp, aggressive use of the word intended to shame the other person.

News and Media: During the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) campaigns, celebrities often appear in ads saying 'Sarak par mat thūkiye' (Don't spit on the road). These ads are ubiquitous on television and radio, reinforcing the verb in the public consciousness as something that must be controlled.

विज्ञापन में कहा गया कि थूकना बीमारी फैलाता है। (The advertisement said that spitting spreads diseases.)

Lastly, in sports, particularly cricket, you might hear about players 'spitting' on the ball to shine it, though this was famously banned during the pandemic. Commentators might use the word 'Thūk' (the noun) or 'Thūknā' (the verb) when discussing these rules. Overall, 'Thūknā' is a word that sits at the intersection of biology, law, and morality, making it a fascinating study for any Hindi learner.

Learning थूकना (Thūknā) might seem simple, but there are several linguistic and cultural pitfalls that English speakers often fall into. Because the word carries a strong negative connotation in many contexts, using it incorrectly can make you sound accidentally rude or grammatically confused. Here are the most common mistakes to watch out for.

Confusing Noun and Verb: A frequent error is confusing 'Thūk' (the noun: spit/saliva) with 'Thūknā' (the verb: to spit). For example, saying 'Mera thūknā gir gaya' is incorrect; it should be 'Mera thūk gir gaya' (My spit fell). Conversely, don't use the noun where the verb is needed. Use the infinitive 'Thūknā' when talking about the act itself in a general sense.
The 'Ne' Particle in Past Tense: Since 'Thūknā' is a transitive verb, many learners forget to use the 'ne' particle with the subject in the past tense. They might say 'Voh thūka' (He spat) instead of the correct 'Usne thūka'. This is a classic grammar mistake in Hindi. Even if the object (saliva) isn't mentioned, the verb's transitive nature requires 'ne'.

Incorrect: वह सड़क पर थूका।
Correct: उसने सड़क पर थूका।

Another mistake involves the confusion between 'Thūknā' and 'Ugalnā'. While both involve something coming out of the mouth, 'Ugalnā' means 'to vomit' or 'to spit out' something specific like food or a secret. If you accidentally say 'Usne sach thūk diyā' (He spat the truth), it sounds weird; the correct idiom is 'Usne sach ugal diyā' (He spat out/revealed the truth). Use 'Thūknā' specifically for saliva or the general act of spitting.

गलती: क्या मैं यहाँ थूक हूँ? (Mistake: Am I spit here?)
सही: क्या मैं यहाँ थूक सकता हूँ? (Correct: Can I spit here?)

Phonetically, learners often struggle with the aspirated 'Th'. If you pronounce it as a hard 'T' (like in 'Table'), it might sound like 'Tūknā', which isn't a word, or it might be confused with 'Toknā' (to interrupt). The 'Th' in 'Thūknā' is soft, dental, and accompanied by a puff of air. Practice by placing your tongue against your upper teeth and releasing a breath as you say 'Thū'.

Misusing Idioms: Learners often try to translate the English idiom 'spitting image' using 'Thūknā'. This doesn't work in Hindi. To say someone is the 'spitting image' of their father, you would use 'hū-ba-hū' or 'shakal milnā', not 'thūknā'. Using the literal verb here would be very confusing for a native speaker.

उसने गुस्से में थूक दिया। (He spat in anger - Correct usage of the compound verb 'thūk denā'.)

Lastly, be careful with the word 'Phekna' (to throw). While English speakers might say 'throw out the water' from their mouth, in Hindi, if it's saliva, 'Thūknā' is the only appropriate verb. 'Phekna' is used for solid objects. Understanding these nuances will prevent you from making awkward social blunders and help you sound like a more seasoned Hindi speaker.

While थूकना (Thūknā) is the most direct word for spitting, Hindi offers several related terms that describe similar actions but with different nuances, registers, or contexts. Knowing these will help you choose the right word for the right situation, whether you're at a doctor's office or writing a story.

उगलना (Ugalnā): This verb literally means 'to spit out' or 'to vomit'. It is used when something solid or a large amount of liquid is ejected from the mouth. Metaphorically, it is used for 'spilling the beans' or confessing a secret. Comparison: 'Thūknā' is for saliva; 'Ugalnā' is for contents of the stomach or secrets.
कुल्ला करना (Kullā Karnā): This means 'to rinse the mouth' or 'to gargle'. The final act of 'Kullā Karnā' involves spitting out the water, but the focus is on the cleaning process. Usage: 'खाने के बाद कुल्ला करो' (Rinse your mouth after eating).
छींकना (Chhīnknā): Often confused by beginners due to the nasal sound, this means 'to sneeze'. It has nothing to do with spitting saliva but involves a similar sudden ejection from the face. Comparison: 'Thūknā' is from the mouth; 'Chhīnknā' is from the nose/mouth during a sneeze.

उसने कड़वी दवा उगल दी। (He spat out/vomited the bitter medicine.)

In formal medical Hindi, you might encounter the word निष्ठीवन (Nishthīvan), which is the Sanskritized term for spitting. You will almost never hear this in conversation, but you might see it in a very formal health report. For most learners, 'Thūknā' is more than sufficient. Another related term is 'Thūk-phenknā', which is just a more descriptive way of saying 'to throw spit', emphasizing the action of throwing.

दाँत साफ़ करने के बाद कुल्ला करना चाहिए। (One should rinse the mouth after cleaning teeth.)

When discussing phlegm or mucus, the word 'Balgham' (Urdu origin) or 'Kaf' (Sanskrit origin) is used. So, 'Balgham thūknā' means to spit out phlegm. This is a common phrase in health contexts. Using the specific noun with the verb 'Thūknā' makes your Hindi sound more precise and adult. For example, 'Z जुकाम में बलगम थूकना सामान्य है' (Spitting phlegm is normal during a cold).

फेंकना (Phenknā): Meaning 'to throw'. While not a synonym, it's used in the phrase 'pichkārī chhodnā' specifically for the way people spit liquid after chewing paan. This describes a forceful, jet-like spit.

उसने पान की पिचकारी दीवार पर छोड़ी। (He shot a jet of paan spit on the wall.)

Understanding these alternatives allows you to navigate the spectrum of Hindi from the very informal/vulgar to the clinical and polite. 'Thūknā' is your core verb, but 'Ugalnā' and 'Kullā karnā' are essential tools in your vocabulary toolkit for describing mouth-related actions accurately.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is so visceral that its sound 'Thū' is used as an interjection to ward off the evil eye across North India.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtʰuːk.nɑː/

US /ˈtʰuk.nɑ/

Primary stress is on the first syllable 'Thūk'.

Rhymes With

सूखना (Sūkhnā - to dry) फूंकना (Phūnknā - to blow) झूंकना (Jhūnknā) टूकना (Tūknā) रूकना (Rūknā - though vowel is short) चूकना (Chūknā - to miss) थूक (Thūk) भूख (Bhūkh)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Th' as a hard English 'T' (Tūknā).
Shortening the 'ū' vowel to 'u' (Thuknā).
Pronouncing 'nā' as 'na' without the long 'ā' sound.
Confusing the dental 'Th' with the retroflex 'Th' (like in 'Thand').
Merging the 'ū' and 'k' sounds too quickly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize on signs once you know the script.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'Th' aspiration and 'ū' length.

Speaking 4/5

Aspirated 'Th' is difficult for English speakers to master.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'Toknā' if not heard clearly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

मुँह (Mouth) पानी (Water) गंदा (Dirty) मना (Forbidden) करना (To do)

Learn Next

उगलना (To spit out/vomit) छींकना (To sneeze) खाँसना (To cough) साफ करना (To clean)

Advanced

निष्ठीवन (Expectorate) वर्जना (Taboo) संक्रमण (Infection) स्वच्छता (Cleanliness)

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verb Past Tense

Usne (subject) + thūka (verb).

Infinitive as Imperative

Yahān mat thūknā (General command).

Respectful Imperative

Thūkiye (to elders/strangers).

Compound Verbs with 'Denā'

Thūk diyā (Completed action).

Gerund Usage

Thūknā (the act of spitting) burī bāt hai.

Examples by Level

यहाँ मत थूकना।

Don't spit here.

Infinitive used as a negative command.

वह थूकता है।

He spits.

Present simple masculine singular.

क्या आप थूकते हैं?

Do you spit?

Interrogative present simple.

यहाँ थूको।

Spit here.

Direct imperative.

बच्चा थूक रहा है।

The child is spitting.

Present continuous.

मैं नहीं थूकता।

I do not spit.

Negative present simple.

थूकना बुरी बात है।

Spitting is a bad thing.

Infinitive used as a noun (gerund).

पानी थूको।

Spit the water.

Object + Imperative.

उसने बेसिन में थूका।

He spat in the basin.

Past tense with 'ne' particle.

क्या तुमने बाहर थूका?

Did you spit outside?

Interrogative past tense.

मैं कल नहीं थूकूँगा।

I will not spit tomorrow.

Future tense masculine.

यहाँ थूकना मना है।

Spitting is forbidden here.

Standard prohibition phrase.

उसने सारा खून थूक दिया।

He spat out all the blood.

Compound verb 'thūk denā' in past tense.

वह बार-बार थूक रहा था।

He was spitting repeatedly.

Past continuous.

कृपया यहाँ मत थूकिए।

Please do not spit here.

Formal imperative.

लड़की ने खिड़की से थूका।

The girl spat from the window.

Past tense feminine subject with 'ne'.

सड़क पर थूकना बीमारी फैलाता है।

Spitting on the road spreads disease.

Subject clause (gerund) + verb.

हमें सार्वजनिक स्थानों पर नहीं थूकना चाहिए।

We should not spit in public places.

Modal verb 'chāhiye'.

डॉक्टर ने उसे थूकने के लिए कहा।

The doctor told him to spit.

Infinitive with postposition 'ke liye'.

वह पान खाकर हर जगह थूकता है।

He spits everywhere after eating paan.

Conjunctive participle 'khākar'.

अगर तुम थूकोगे, तो तुम्हें जुर्माना देना होगा।

If you spit, you will have to pay a fine.

Conditional sentence.

सरकार थूकने के खिलाफ अभियान चला रही है।

The government is running a campaign against spitting.

Postpositional phrase 'ke khilāf'.

उसने गलती से मुझ पर थूक दिया।

He accidentally spat on me.

Compound verb with 'galtī se'.

ज्यादा थूकना सेहत के लिए बुरा हो सकता है।

Spitting too much can be bad for health.

Possibility with 'ho saktā hai'.

अपनी बात कहकर थूक कर चाटना अच्छी बात नहीं है।

It's not good to go back on your word after saying it.

Use of the idiom 'thūk kar chātnā'.

उसने अपमानित होकर उसके चेहरे पर थूक दिया।

Being insulted, he spat on his face.

Participle 'apmanit hokar'.

लोग ऐसी भ्रष्ट व्यवस्था पर थूकते हैं।

People spit on such a corrupt system.

Metaphorical use for contempt.

वह अपनी पिछली कसमों पर थूक चुका है।

He has already spat on (disregarded) his previous oaths.

Perfect tense 'chukā hai'.

बिना सोचे-समझे कहीं भी थूक देना असभ्यता है।

Spitting anywhere without thinking is uncivilized.

Compound adverbial phrase.

उसने अपनी ही थूकी हुई बात को वापस ले लिया।

He took back the very words he had 'spat' (uttered/rejected).

Adjectival participle 'thūkī huī'.

क्या तुम अपनी बात से मुकर कर थूक कर चाटना चाहते हो?

Do you want to back out and lick your own spit?

Interrogative idiom use.

उसने नफरत से ज़मीन पर थूका।

He spat on the ground with hatred.

Manner adverbial 'nafrat se'.

साहित्यकार ने समाज की कुरीतियों पर जम कर थूका है।

The writer has vehemently spat upon (criticized) the evils of society.

Metaphorical intensive 'jam kar'.

गांधीजी के सिद्धांतों को भूलकर हम आज उन्हीं पर थूक रहे हैं।

Forgetting Gandhi's principles, today we are spitting on them.

Complex participle structure.

उसकी बातों में सच्चाई की एक बूंद भी नहीं थी, मानो उसने थूक में लपेटकर झूठ बोला हो।

There wasn't a drop of truth in his words, as if he lied wrapped in spit.

Simile with 'māno'.

न्यायालय ने सार्वजनिक स्थानों पर थूकने को दंडनीय अपराध घोषित किया।

The court declared spitting in public places a punishable offense.

Formal legal register.

उसकी कायरता पर पूरी दुनिया थूकेगी।

The whole world will spit on (despise) his cowardice.

Future tense for universal judgment.

विदेशी पर्यटकों के सामने हमारा इस तरह थूकना शर्मनाक है।

Our spitting like this in front of foreign tourists is shameful.

Possessive gerund 'hamārā thūknā'.

उसने अपने अतीत पर थूक कर एक नई शुरुआत की।

He spat on his past and made a new beginning.

Metaphorical 'past rejection'.

इस फिल्म में यथार्थवाद को दिखाने के लिए थूकने के दृश्यों का प्रयोग किया गया है।

Spitting scenes were used in this film to show realism.

Passive construction 'prayogh kiyā gayā'.

भारतीय संस्कृति में थूकने के प्रति जो वर्जनाएं हैं, वे अत्यंत प्राचीन हैं।

The taboos regarding spitting in Indian culture are extremely ancient.

Abstract noun 'varjanāen' (taboos).

उसने अपनी मर्यादा को ताक पर रखकर थूक कर चाटने का घृणित कार्य किया।

Setting aside his dignity, he committed the loathsome act of licking his own spit.

Highly formal/literary register.

क्या यह विडंबना नहीं है कि जिस मिट्टी को हम माँ कहते हैं, उसी पर थूकते भी हैं?

Is it not ironic that the very soil we call 'Mother', we also spit upon?

Rhetorical question 'kyā yeh vidambanā nahī'.

चिकित्सा विज्ञान के अनुसार, थूकना केवल एक शारीरिक क्रिया नहीं बल्कि संक्रमण का स्रोत भी है।

According to medical science, spitting is not just a physical act but also a source of infection.

Formal scientific register.

उसने अपनी सत्ता की हवस में नैतिकता पर थूक दिया।

In his lust for power, he spat upon morality.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

ग्रामीण अंचलों में थूकने की क्रिया को अक्सर स्वास्थ्य से जोड़कर देखा जाता था।

In rural areas, the act of spitting was often viewed in connection with health.

Passive habitual 'dekhā jātā thā'.

उसकी कविताएँ समाज के चेहरे पर थूकने का साहस करती हैं।

His poems dare to spit on the face of society.

Personification and metaphor.

इस शोध पत्र में निष्ठीवन के सामाजिक और मनोवैज्ञानिक पहलुओं का विश्लेषण किया गया है।

This research paper analyzes the social and psychological aspects of spitting (nishthīvan).

Use of the Sanskritized term 'nishthīvan'.

Common Collocations

यहाँ-वहाँ थूकना

सड़क पर थूकना

खून थूकना

थूक कर चाटना

ज़मीन पर थूकना

बेसिन में थूकना

मुँह से थूकना

ज़हर उगलना/थूकना

थूकने की आदत

थूकना वर्जित

Common Phrases

थूकना मना है

— Spitting is prohibited. Most common sign in India.

दीवार पर लिखा था 'थूकना मना है'।

थूक कर चाटना

— To break a promise or retract a statement. Used to highlight hypocrisy.

उसने वादा तोड़ा, यह तो थूक कर चाटना हुआ।

मुँह पर थूकना

— To spit on someone's face. Denotes extreme insult.

मैं तेरे मुँह पर थूकता हूँ।

थूक फेंकना

— To throw spit. Often used in childhood arguments.

बच्चे एक-दूसरे पर थूक फेंक रहे थे।

थू-थू करना

— To condemn or criticize widely. Also used for warding off evil eye.

उसकी हरकत पर पूरे गाँव ने थू-थू की।

थूक का घूँट

— Swallowing one's pride or spit. Usually 'gussa peena' is used, but this is a variant.

उसने थूक का घूँट पीकर चुप्पी साध ली।

थूक लगाकर चिपकाना

— To fix something temporarily or poorly.

यह काम थूक लगाकर चिपकाने जैसा मत करो।

थूक की तरह त्यागना

— To discard something like worthless spit.

उसने अपनी संपत्ति को थूक की तरह त्याग दिया।

थूकना स्वास्थ्य के लिए हानिकारक

— Spitting is injurious to health. Common health warning.

हर सिगरेट के पैकेट पर लिखा है कि थूकना हानिकारक है।

थूक साफ करना

— To clean up spit. Often used in the context of cleaning duties.

सफाई कर्मचारी थूक साफ कर रहा था।

Often Confused With

थूकना vs टोकना (Toknā)

Means 'to interrupt'. Sounds similar to a hard-T version of 'Thūknā'.

थूकना vs थकना (Thaknā)

Means 'to get tired'. Only one vowel difference.

थूकना vs फेंकना (Phenknā)

Means 'to throw'. Sometimes used interchangeably for 'spitting out' but 'Thūknā' is specific to saliva.

Idioms & Expressions

"थूक कर चाटना"

— To take back one's words or promise, usually in a shameful way.

तुमने कहा था कि तुम कभी झूठ नहीं बोलोगे, अब थूक कर चाट रहे हो?

Informal/Aggressive

"चेहरे पर थूकना"

— To show utter contempt or to insult someone gravely.

ऐसी नीच हरकत करने वाले के चेहरे पर थूकना चाहिए।

Informal/Aggressive

"थू-थू होना"

— To be publicly shamed or ridiculed.

चोरी पकड़े जाने पर उसकी बहुत थू-थू हुई।

Neutral

"थूक से वड़ा तलना"

— To try to do something big with very few resources (often used mockingly).

बिना पैसे के व्यापार शुरू करना थूक से वड़ा तलने जैसा है।

Folk/Informal

"थूक में लपेटना"

— To present a lie or something bad in a deceptive, 'slippery' way.

उसने अपनी गलती को थूक में लपेटकर पेश किया।

Literary/Metaphorical

"थूक दान"

— Spittoon. While a noun, it's used in idioms about waste.

उसका मुँह थूकदान जैसा है (He talks rubbish).

Slang

"थूक की नदी बहाना"

— To talk excessively and uselessly.

वह घंटों थूक की नदी बहाता रहता है।

Informal

"थूक कर निकल जाना"

— To completely ignore or treat someone as beneath notice.

उसने मुझे देखा और थूक कर निकल गया।

Informal

"थूक बराबर समझना"

— To consider something as worthless as spit.

मैं तेरे पैसों को अपने थूक बराबर समझता हूँ।

Aggressive

"थूक बिलौना"

— To engage in useless, repetitive talk.

अब पुरानी बातों पर थूक बिलौने से क्या फायदा?

Regional/Old

Easily Confused

थूकना vs उगलना

Both involve mouth ejection.

Ugalnā is for food/secrets; Thūknā is for saliva.

उसने सच उगल दिया (He spat the truth).

थूकना vs छींकना

Both are sudden facial ejections.

Chhīnknā is a sneeze; Thūknā is a spit.

मुझे छींक आ रही है।

थूकना vs खाँसना

Often happen together when sick.

Khānsnā is to cough; Thūknā is to spit.

खाँसने के बाद उसने थूका।

थूकना vs सूँघना

Nasal action vs Mouth action.

Sūnghnā is to smell; Thūknā is to spit.

वह फूल सूँघ रहा है।

थूकना vs चबाना

Action before spitting (like paan).

Chabānā is to chew; Thūknā is to spit out.

पान चबाकर थूको।

Sentence Patterns

[Place] पर मत थूकना।

दीवार पर मत थूकना।

उसने [Object] थूका।

उसने खून थूका।

तुम्हें [Place] नहीं थूकना चाहिए।

तुम्हें यहाँ नहीं थूकना चाहिए।

वह [Idiom] कर रहा है।

वह थूक कर चाट रहा है।

[Subject] ने [Topic] पर थूका है।

लेखक ने समाज पर थूका है।

थूकना [Result] होता है।

थूकना दंडनीय होता है।

क्या मैं यहाँ थूकूँ?

[Reason] की वजह से थूकना पड़ा।

बीमारी की वजह से थूकना पड़ा।

Word Family

Nouns

थूक (Thūk - Spit)

थूकदान (Thūkdān - Spittoon)

थुक्का-फजीती (Thukkā-phajītī - Public humiliation)

Verbs

थूकना (Thūknā - To spit)

थुकवाना (Thukvānā - To cause to spit)

थूक देना (Thūk denā - To spit out)

Adjectives

थूका हुआ (Thūkā huā - Spat out)

थूकने वाला (Thūkne vālā - One who spits)

लार (Lār - Saliva)

बलगम (Balgham - Phlegm)

कुल्ला (Kullā - Rinse)

गंदगी (Gandagī - Dirt)

जुर्माना (Jurmanā - Fine)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in public discourse and health contexts.

Common Mistakes

वोह थूका (Voh thūka) → उसने थूका (Usne thūka)
In the past tense, transitive verbs like 'Thūknā' require the 'ne' particle with the subject.
मेरा थूकना गिर गया (Mera thūknā gir gayā) → मेरा थूक गिर गया (Mera thūk gir gayā)
You used the verb (spitting) instead of the noun (spit).
Using 'Thūknā' for 'spitting image'. → वोह अपने पिता जैसा दिखता है (Voh apne pitā jaisā dikhtā hai)
English idioms don't translate literally. 'Thūknā' is only for the physical act.
Pronouncing it as 'Tūknā'. → Thūknā (aspirated)
The hard 'T' makes it sound like a different or non-existent word. The 'Th' must be airy.
उसने सच थूक दिया (Usne sach thūk diyā) → उसने सच उगल दिया (Usne sach ugal diyā)
For secrets, 'Ugalnā' is the correct verb, not 'Thūknā'.

Tips

Master the 'Ne'

Always remember that 'Thūknā' is transitive. 'Usne thūka' is correct, 'Voh thūka' is not. This is the most common grammar error for learners.

Paan Stains

When you see red stains on walls in India, those are from 'Paan'. The verb used for this is 'Thūknā'. It's a major social issue.

Aspirate the 'Th'

The 'Th' is not like 'The' in English. It's a dental 'T' with a burst of air. Practice by saying 'Thai' but with your tongue on your teeth.

Promise Breakers

Use 'Thūk kar chātnā' sparingly. It's a very strong way to call someone a hypocrite and might cause an argument!

Public Health

In India, 'Thūknā' is often linked with TB awareness. Knowing this word helps you understand health posters and radio ads.

Polite Alternatives

If you need to tell someone they have something on their lip, don't say 'Thūk'. Say 'Kucch lagā hai' (Something is stuck) to be polite.

Fines

The word 'Jurmanā' (fine) often follows 'Thūknā' on signs. 'Thūkne par jurmanā hai' means you'll pay if you spit.

Metaphorical Contempt

In literature, 'Thūknā' represents the ultimate rejection. Use it in your writing to show a character's deep disgust.

Evil Eye

The 'Thū-thū' sound is a cultural quirk. It's not literal spitting but a symbolic gesture of protection.

Noun vs Verb

Remember: Thūk (noun), Thūknā (verb). Don't mix them up in sentences like 'I spit' vs 'My spit'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Thug' (Thū) who 'Kna' (knocks) on your door and then spits on the floor. Thū-knā.

Visual Association

Visualize a bright red sign at a train station with a big 'X' over a person spitting. The text below says 'Thūknā Manā Hai'.

Word Web

Spit Saliva Paan Hygiene Fine Railway Mouth Health

Challenge

Try to find 3 public signs in a Hindi-speaking area that use the word 'Thūknā' and note the context (fine, disease, or manners).

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'निष्ठिव्' (niṣṭhiv) or Prakrit 'थुक्क' (thukka). It is largely onomatopoeic in nature, mimicking the sound of spitting.

Original meaning: The physical act of expectoration.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Avoid using the word in formal dining or high-social settings as it is considered 'ghinaunā' (disgusting).

In the West, spitting is also generally rude but doesn't have the same level of specific public signage seen in India.

The song 'Thū-Thū' from old cinema Swachh Bharat Abhiyan posters Amitabh Bachchan's public service ads about TB.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Public Health

थूकना मना है
बीमारी फैलती है
जुर्माना लगेगा
सफाई रखें

Medical Exam

बेसिन में थूकें
बलगम का नमूना
गला साफ करें
थूक दिखाएँ

Social Etiquette

बुरी आदत
तमीज सीखो
गंदगी मत करो
यहाँ नहीं

Political Debate

थूक कर चाटना
वादा खिलाफी
शर्म आनी चाहिए
दोहरा रवैया

Daily Life

कुल्ला करना
पान थूकना
मुँह साफ करना
बाहर थूकना

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको पता है कि यहाँ थूकना मना है?"

"भारत में थूकने के खिलाफ इतने सख्त कानून क्यों हैं?"

"क्या आपने कभी 'थूक कर चाटना' मुहावरा सुना है?"

"डॉक्टर ने आपको थूकने के लिए क्यों कहा?"

"क्या आपको लगता है कि जुर्माने से थूकने की आदत बदल जाएगी?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने स्टेशन पर एक साइन देखा जिस पर 'थूकना मना है' लिखा था। मुझे कैसा लगा?

अगर कोई मेरे सामने सड़क पर थूकता है, तो मुझे क्या करना चाहिए?

हिंदी के मुहावरे 'थूक कर चाटना' का मेरे जीवन में क्या महत्व है?

स्वच्छ भारत अभियान और थूकने की समस्या पर अपने विचार लिखें।

क्या थूकना केवल एक शारीरिक क्रिया है या एक सामाजिक समस्या भी? विस्तार से लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In social settings, yes, it can be a bit 'gross'. It's better to use euphemisms like 'gandagi' (dirt) or 'kulla' (rinse) if you want to be polite. However, in medical or legal contexts, it is perfectly normal.

It's a strong idiom for hypocrisy. It means making a big claim or promise and then doing the exact opposite. It's like 'eating your words' but much more insulting in Hindi.

Use 'कृपया यहाँ न थूकें' (Kripayā yahān na thūkēn). This uses the formal 'en' ending and 'kripaya' for politeness.

It is a public health measure to prevent the spread of diseases like Tuberculosis and COVID-19, and to keep public infrastructure clean from paan stains.

Yes, if an animal spits, you can use the same verb. For example, 'Llama thūktā hai' (The llama spits).

The noun 'Thūk' is masculine. For example, 'Mera thūk' (My spit).

The past tense follows the transitive rule with the particle 'ne'.

'Thūknā' is the general action. 'Thūk denā' is a compound verb that emphasizes the completion or the 'outward' nature of the act. It's more common in spoken Hindi.

No. Hindi uses 'hū-ba-hū' or 'shakal milnā' for that. 'Thūknā' is only for the literal act of spitting.

Not always. While it usually means condemnation, as a sound effect it can be used to ward off the evil eye ('nazar na lage').