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ऊबकर

B1 adverb 11 min read

ऊबकर

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ऊबकर in 30 Seconds

Explanation ऊबकर in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to express basic feelings. While 'ūbkar' might be a bit advanced because of its grammar, you can think of it as a way to say 'because I was bored.' Imagine you are at home and you have nothing to do. You get bored, so you go to play. In Hindi, you would say 'Main ūbkar khelne gayā.' At this level, don't worry too much about the 'conjunctive participle' rules. Just remember that 'ūbkar' is a special word that links two actions: first you got bored, then you did something else. It is like saying 'I got bored and then...' but in one short word. You will mostly use it with simple things like movies, games, or sitting at home. It helps you explain why you changed your activity. For example, 'Main film se ūbkar so gayā' (I got bored of the movie and went to sleep). Just remember to put the thing you are bored of before the word 'se' and then say 'ūbkar.'

At the A2 level, you are learning more about how verbs connect in Hindi. 'Ūbkar' is the 'kar' form of the verb 'ūbnā' (to get bored). This 'kar' ending is very useful because it helps you avoid saying 'and' (aur) all the time. Instead of saying 'Main bor huā aur bāhar gayā' (I got bored and went out), you can say 'Main ūbkar bāhar gayā.' This sounds much more natural and fluent. You should also start using the postposition 'se' correctly. Remember: [Thing] + se + ūbkar. You can use it to talk about your daily routine. If you are tired of eating the same breakfast, you can say 'Main is nāshte se ūbkar fal khā rahā hūm' (Bored of this breakfast, I am eating fruit). It is a great way to add 'flavor' to your sentences and show that one thing happened as a result of another. You might also hear this in simple stories or when people talk about why they are switching tasks at work or school.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'ūbkar' to describe more complex motivations and situations. This is the level where you move beyond simple physical actions to psychological states. 'Ūbkar' is perfect for this because it functions as an adverbial phrase of cause. You can use it to explain career changes, shifts in hobbies, or social behavior. For example, 'Vah apnī nīras naukri se ūbkar ab pahāṛon mein rahtā hai' (Having grown bored of his dull job, he now lives in the mountains). Notice how 'ūbkar' here explains a major life decision. You should also be able to distinguish between 'ūbkar' and 'bor hokar.' While 'bor hokar' is very common in spoken Hindi (Hinglish), using 'ūbkar' shows a better command of the language's native vocabulary. You can also start using it with inflected infinitives: 'Vah vahī bātein sun-sun kar ūbkar chalā gayā' (He, having become bored of hearing the same things over and over, left). This shows you understand how to use repetitive verbs to emphasize the cause of the boredom.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'ūbkar' with nuance and in more formal contexts. You should understand that 'ūbkar' can describe not just a passing feeling, but a profound sense of weariness or 'ennui.' In a debate or a formal essay, you might use it to describe social trends: 'Janatā rājnaitik vādon se ūbkar ab parivartan chāhtī hai' (The public, weary of political promises, now wants change). At this level, you should also be comfortable with synonyms like 'tang ākar' (fed up) or 'vimukh hokar' (indifferent) and know when 'ūbkar' is the better choice. 'Ūbkar' is specifically about the lack of interest and stimulation. You can also use it in literary analysis to describe a character's internal monologue. For example, 'Nāyak apne parivārik jhagṛon se ūbkar shānti kī talāsh mein nikal paṛtā hai' (The hero, bored/weary of his family quarrels, sets out in search of peace). Your use of 'ūbkar' should feel integrated into your overall sentence structure, showing a smooth transition from the cause (boredom) to the effect (the action).

At the C1 level, your use of 'ūbkar' should reflect an understanding of its stylistic and rhythmic properties in Hindi prose. You can use it to create complex, multi-layered sentences that explore the human condition. For instance, you might use it to describe the existential boredom of modern life: 'Ādhunik manushya upbhoktāvād kī chamak-dhamak se ūbkar ab ādyātmiktā kī or muṛ rahā hai' (Modern man, having become weary of the glitter of consumerism, is now turning toward spirituality). Here, 'ūbkar' is not just about being 'bored' with a toy; it is about a deep-seated cultural fatigue. You should also be able to use it in creative writing to set a specific mood—one of lethargy, stagnation, or the quiet desperation that leads to a sudden change. You can experiment with placing 'ūbkar' in different parts of the sentence for emphasis, though its standard position is most common. You should also be able to recognize its use in classical Hindi poetry or high-level journalism, where it might be used to critique the monotony of bureaucratic systems or traditional social structures.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'ūbkar' and can use it as a native speaker would—with all its subtle emotional and cultural baggage. You understand that 'ūbkar' is part of a larger family of 'kar' participles that define the flow of Hindi thought. You can use it to articulate philosophical arguments about the nature of desire and boredom, perhaps referencing the idea that 'ūb' (boredom) is the inevitable result of repetitive pleasure. You might use it in a sophisticated critique of a film or a book: 'Lekhak ne kahānī ko itnā khīñchā hai ki pāṭhak ūbkar kitāb band karne par majbūr ho jātā hai' (The author has stretched the story so much that the reader, out of boredom, is forced to close the book). At this level, you can also play with the word's associations, perhaps using it ironically or in a very specific register to evoke a particular historical or social setting. You are fully aware of how 'ūbkar' contrasts with more modern, globalized terms and you choose it specifically for its resonance and its ability to convey a uniquely South Asian sense of 'ennui.' Your use is effortless, grammatically flawless, and contextually perfect.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ऊबकर in 30 Seconds

Means 'out of boredom' or 'having become bored.'
Derived from the verb 'ūbnā' plus the participle suffix '-kar.'
Used to explain the reason for changing an activity or leaving a place.
Almost always used with the postposition 'se' (e.g., 'kaam se ūbkar').

The Hindi word ऊबकर (ūbkar) is a quintessential example of the conjunctive participle in Hindi grammar, functioning as an adverbial phrase that describes the reason or the state preceding an action. At its core, it translates to 'having become bored' or more naturally in English, 'out of boredom.' It is derived from the root verb ऊबना (ūbnā), which means 'to get bored' or 'to be weary of something.' When you add the suffix -कर (-kar), you create a link between the state of boredom and the subsequent action taken to alleviate that boredom. This word is incredibly common in daily conversation because it explains the 'why' behind many human behaviors—why we switch channels, why we leave a party early, or why we start a new hobby. It captures that specific moment when the feeling of monotony reaches a tipping point, leading to a change in activity.

Grammatical Function: It acts as an adverbial participle, indicating that the first action (becoming bored) was completed or reached a significant state before the second action occurred.
Emotional Nuance: It often carries a slight tone of restlessness or dissatisfaction, suggesting that the subsequent action was perhaps impulsive or a desperate attempt to find engagement.

वह फिल्म से ऊबकर हॉल से बाहर निकल गया। (Vah film se ūbkar hall se bāhar nikal gayā.)

Translation: Out of boredom with the movie, he walked out of the hall.

In South Asian social contexts, where gatherings can sometimes be long and ritualistic, you might hear younger people use this word to explain why they retreated to their phones or left a conversation. It is not necessarily rude, but it is honest about one's internal state. It contrasts with 'bore hokar' (the Hinglish version), where 'ūbkar' feels slightly more grounded in traditional Hindi vocabulary. Understanding this word requires understanding the Hindi concept of 'ūb,' which is not just lack of interest, but a heavy sense of repetitive stagnation. When someone does something 'ūbkar,' they are effectively breaking a cycle of monotony.

बच्चे खिलौनों से ऊबकर अब मिट्टी में खेल रहे हैं। (Bacche khilaunon se ūbkar ab miṭṭī mein khel rahe hain.)

Translation: Having grown bored of the toys, the children are now playing in the dirt.

Furthermore, 'ūbkar' is used in literary descriptions to show character development. A character might change their entire life path 'apnī nīras zindagī se ūbkar' (out of boredom with their dull life). This makes it a powerful tool for storytelling, as it provides an internal psychological motivation for external physical movement. It bridges the gap between a feeling and a deed.

मैं घर में बैठे-बैठे ऊबकर टहलने चला गया। (Main ghar mein baiṭhe-baiṭhe ūbkar ṭahalne chalā gayā.)

Morphology: Root: ऊब (Boredom) + ना (Infinitive) -> ऊबना (To get bored) -> ऊब + कर (Conjunctive marker).

वह अपनी पुरानी नौकरी से ऊबकर अब पेंटिंग सीख रही है। (Vah apnī purānī naukri se ūbkar ab painting sīkh rahī hai.)

Sentence Placement: It usually appears in the middle of the sentence, immediately following the object or activity that caused the boredom.

Using ऊबकर (ūbkar) correctly requires a basic understanding of the Hindi conjunctive participle structure. In Hindi, when two actions are performed by the same subject, and one happens as a result of or immediately after the other, the first verb takes the -kar ending. Because boredom is a state that precedes an action, 'ūbkar' effectively sets the scene for what follows. You are not just saying 'I was bored and I left,' but rather 'Having become bored, I left.' This creates a tighter causal link. To use it effectively, you should follow the pattern: [Subject] + [Cause of Boredom] + से (se) + ऊबकर + [Main Action].

लोग भाषण से ऊबकर तालियाँ बजाने लगे। (Log bhāṣaṇ se ūbkar tāliyāṃ bajāne lage.)

Translation: Out of boredom with the speech, people started clapping (ironically or to end it).

One important nuance is the use of the postposition 'se' (से). In Hindi, you are bored 'from' something. Therefore, 'ūbkar' is almost always preceded by 'se'. For example, 'shahar kī bhīṛ-bhāṛ se ūbkar' (bored/weary from the city's crowd). This construction is vital; omitting 'se' would make the sentence grammatically incomplete. You can also use it with verbs in their inflected infinitive form to describe being bored of an ongoing action. For instance, 'paṛhte-paṛhte ūbkar' (having become bored of reading and reading).

वह रोज़ाना वही खाना खाकर ऊबकर आज बाहर गया है। (Vah rozānā vahī khānā khākar ūbkar āj bāhar gayā hai.)

With Infinitives: When you are bored of doing something specific, use the oblique infinitive (ending in -ne) + se. Example: 'Sone se ūbkar' (Bored of sleeping).
With Nouns: When bored of an object or place. Example: 'Is kamre se ūbkar' (Bored of this room).

In more complex sentences, 'ūbkar' can be used to show a life-changing decision. 'Vah sansār se ūbkar sanyāsī ban gayā' (Having become weary of the world, he became a monk). Here, 'ūbkar' carries a much heavier philosophical weight than just being bored with a movie. It suggests a deep, existential weariness. This versatility—from trivial daily annoyances to major life shifts—makes 'ūbkar' an essential word for B1-level learners who are moving beyond simple descriptions to explaining motivations.

मैं इस शोर से ऊबकर शांति की तलाश में गाँव चला गया। (Main is shor se ūbkar shānti kī talāsh mein gāon chalā gayā.)

Common Pairs: Often paired with verbs like 'chhōṛnā' (to leave), 'badalnā' (to change), or 'jānā' (to go).

छात्र पढ़ाई से ऊबकर खिड़की के बाहर देखने लगा। (Chhātra paṛhāī se ūbkar khiṛkī ke bāhar dekhne lagā.)

You will encounter ऊबकर (ūbkar) in a variety of settings, ranging from middle-class household conversations to high-brow Hindi literature. In a typical Indian home, you might hear a mother say, 'Baccha ghar mein baiṭhe-baiṭhe ūbkar rone lagā' (The child, having become bored of sitting at home, started crying). It is a standard way to explain the restlessness of children or the elderly. In Bollywood movies, especially in the 'parallel cinema' or 'indie' genre that focuses on realism, characters often express their dissatisfaction with life using this term. It captures the 'ennui' of urban existence.

महानगर की भागदौड़ से ऊबकर कई लोग अब पहाड़ों में बस रहे हैं। (Mahānagar kī bhāgdauṛ se ūbkar kaī log ab pahāṛon mein bas rahe hain.)

Translation: Out of boredom/weariness with the metropolitan hustle, many people are now settling in the mountains.

In Hindi literature and journalism, 'ūbkar' is used to describe societal trends. A news report might state that voters, 'purāne vādon se ūbkar' (having grown bored of old promises), chose a new leader. It implies a sense of fatigue that leads to action. In classic literature, authors like Premchand or modern writers like Krishna Sobti use 'ūbkar' to describe the internal psychological state of characters trapped in domestic or social monotony. It is a word that signifies the transition from passive suffering to active change.

Furthermore, in the digital age, you might see it in blog posts or social media captions. A YouTuber might say, 'Main apnī purānī lifestyle se ūbkar ye nayā channel shurū kar rahā hūm' (Bored with my old lifestyle, I am starting this new channel). While 'bor hokar' is more likely in a quick WhatsApp text, 'ūbkar' is preferred when the speaker wants to sound more articulate or when the boredom described is more profound than just a passing moment of disinterest.

दर्शक नीरस मैच से ऊबकर स्टेडियम से जाने लगे। (Darshak nīras match se ūbkar stadium se jāne lage.)

Literary Usage: Often used to signify a turning point in a narrative where the protagonist decides to break free from tradition or routine.

Lastly, in educational settings, teachers might use it to describe student behavior: 'Bachche lambe lecture se ūbkar bātein karne lage' (The children, bored of the long lecture, started talking). It is a natural, descriptive word that fits into almost any context where human motivation needs to be explained through the lens of boredom.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using ऊबकर (ūbkar) is forgetting the postposition से (se). In English, we say 'bored with' or 'bored of,' but in Hindi, the grammatical relationship is always 'from' (se). Saying 'Main film ūbkar bāhar gayā' is incorrect; it must be 'Main film se ūbkar bāhar gayā.' This 'se' acts as the bridge connecting the cause of the boredom to the participle. Without it, the sentence feels disjointed and the 'ūbkar' has no object to attach itself to.

Incorrect: वह काम ऊबकर घर गया। (Vah kaam ūbkar ghar gayā.)
Correct: वह काम से ऊबकर घर गया। (Vah kaam se ūbkar ghar gayā.)

Another common mistake is confusing ऊबना (ūbnā) with उबाना (ubānā). 'Ūbnā' is an intransitive verb meaning 'to get bored' (yourself). 'Ubānā' is a transitive verb meaning 'to bore someone else.' Therefore, 'ūbkar' can only be used by the person who is actually feeling the boredom. You cannot say 'ūbkar' if you are the one causing the boredom to others. If you want to say 'Having bored the audience, the speaker sat down,' you would use a completely different construction (unhe ubākar). Always remember: 'ūbkar' is about the subject's own internal state.

Confusing Participles: Do not confuse 'ūbkar' (having become bored) with 'ūbte hue' (while being bored). 'Ūbkar' implies the state of boredom reached a point that triggered an action. 'Ūbte hue' implies the action was done simultaneously while feeling bored.

Finally, avoid using 'ūbkar' when the feeling is just a temporary lack of interest. 'Ūbkar' suggests a certain level of completion or intensity. If you just feel a bit bored at this very moment, you might say 'bor ho rahā hūm.' Use 'ūbkar' when that boredom has actually pushed you to do something else. For example, 'Vah baithe-baithe ūbkar khāne lagā' (Bored of just sitting, he started eating). It describes a reaction to the boredom, not just the boredom itself.

Don't say: 'Main ūbkar hūm.' (I am bored-having-done.)
Say: 'Main ūb gayā hūm.' (I have become bored.)

While ऊबकर (ūbkar) is a standard and very useful word, Hindi offers several synonyms and alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific type of boredom being described. The most common colloquial alternative is बोर होकर (bor hokar). This is a classic 'Hinglish' term that combines the English word 'bore' with the Hindi conjunctive participle 'hokar.' It is used almost universally in casual urban settings among friends and family. However, in formal writing or when speaking with elders, 'ūbkar' sounds much more sophisticated and rooted in the language.

ऊबकर vs. बोर होकर: 'Ūbkar' is pure Hindi, formal, and sounds more sincere. 'Bor hokar' is casual, modern, and very common in cities.
ऊबकर vs. थककर: 'Thakkar' means 'having become tired.' Sometimes people use these interchangeably when they are 'tired' of a situation, but 'ūbkar' specifically targets the mental monotony, whereas 'thakkar' targets physical or mental exhaustion.

Another alternative is परेशान होकर (pareshān hokar), which means 'having become troubled or annoyed.' If the boredom has reached a level of frustration, 'pareshān hokar' might be more appropriate. For instance, if a slow internet connection makes you 'bored' but also angry, you might say 'pareshān hokar computer band kar diyā.' In contrast, 'ūbkar' implies a more passive, weary kind of boredom. There is also the phrase तंग आकर (tang ākar), which means 'having become fed up.' This is stronger than 'ūbkar' and suggests that the person can no longer tolerate the situation.

वह शोर से तंग आकर कमरे से बाहर चला गया। (Vah shor se tang ākar kamre se bāhar chalā gayā.)

Comparison: 'Tang ākar' (fed up) is more intense than 'ūbkar' (bored).

In literary contexts, you might find विमुख होकर (vimukh hokar), meaning 'having turned away from' or 'having become indifferent.' This is very formal and usually refers to turning away from worldly pleasures or a specific person. For B1 learners, mastering 'ūbkar' and knowing 'bor hokar' is sufficient for 90% of conversations. As you progress to B2 and C1, you can start incorporating 'tang ākar' and 'pareshān hokar' to add more emotional precision to your Hindi.

Summary of Alternatives: Casual: Bor hokar. Intense: Tang ākar. Exhausted: Thakkar. Formal/Indifferent: Vimukh hokar.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root of 'ūbkar' is related to the feeling of being 'stifled' or 'suffocated' by a situation, which is why boredom in Hindi often carries a heavier emotional weight than just 'having nothing to do.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /uːb.kəɾ/

US /ub.kər/

The primary stress is on the first syllable 'Ūb', with a secondary, lighter stress on 'kar'.

Rhymes With

डूबेकर (Dūbkar - though not a common word) खूबकर (Khūbkar - rare) कर (Kar) भर (Bhar) डर (Dar) घर (Ghar) पर (Par) सर (Sar)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'u' short like in 'put' (it should be long 'oo').
Over-emphasizing the 'kar' (it should be a quick suffix).
Pronouncing 'b' as 'v' (common in some regional accents but incorrect for standard Hindi).
Making the 'a' in 'kar' too long (it's a schwa sound).
Rolling the 'r' too heavily (it should be a soft tap).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text once the root 'ūbnā' is known.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of the postposition 'se'.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but natural integration takes practice.

Listening 3/5

Commonly used in movies and daily speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ऊबना (To get bored) कर (Participle suffix) से (Postposition) बोर (Bore/Boredom) होना (To be/become)

Learn Next

तंग आना (To be fed up) परेशान होना (To be troubled) नीरस (Dull/Tasteless) उबाऊ (Boring) मन भर जाना (To be satiated/bored)

Advanced

विमुख (Indifferent) वैराग्य (Detachment) नश्वरता (Transience) प्रपंच (Delusion/Worldly affairs) शून्यता (Emptiness/Void)

Grammar to Know

Conjunctive Participle (-kar)

खाकर (khākar - having eaten), जाकर (jākar - having gone), ऊबकर (ūbkar - having become bored).

Use of 'se' with 'ūbnā'

किताब से ऊबना (To be bored with a book).

Repetitive Participles for Duration

बैठे-बैठे ऊबकर (Having become bored of sitting for a long time).

Compound Verbs with Participles

ऊबकर चला गया (Bored, he left - 'chalā gayā' is the compound verb).

Oblique Infinitive with 'se'

पढ़ने से ऊबकर (Bored of reading).

Examples by Level

मैं फिल्म से ऊबकर सो गया।

I got bored of the movie and went to sleep.

Simple use of 'se ūbkar' with a basic past tense verb.

बच्चा खिलौने से ऊबकर रोने लगा।

The child got bored of the toy and started crying.

Shows the cause-and-effect relationship in a simple sentence.

वह घर में ऊबकर बाहर गया।

He got bored at home and went out.

Uses 'ghar mein' as the location of boredom.

मैं पढ़ाई से ऊबकर खेलने गया।

I got bored of studying and went to play.

Common A1 context: school and play.

लोग भाषण से ऊबकर चले गए।

People got bored of the speech and left.

Plural subject with the verb 'chale gae'.

वह टीवी से ऊबकर किताब पढ़ने लगा।

He got bored of the TV and started reading a book.

Shows a change in activity.

हम खेल से ऊबकर बैठ गए।

We got bored of the game and sat down.

First person plural usage.

बिल्ली दूध से ऊबकर भाग गई।

The cat got bored of the milk and ran away.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

वह रोज़ाना एक ही काम से ऊबकर अब नई नौकरी ढूँढ रहा है।

Bored of doing the same work every day, he is now looking for a new job.

Uses 'ek hī kaam' (the same work) as the cause.

हम बारिश से ऊबकर घर के अंदर ताश खेलने लगे।

Bored of the rain, we started playing cards inside the house.

Shows how an external factor causes boredom leading to an action.

तुम इस पुराने फोन से ऊबकर नया फोन कब खरीदोगे?

When will you buy a new phone, having grown bored of this old one?

Interrogative sentence using 'ūbkar'.

वह अपनी छुट्टियों से ऊबकर वापस काम पर आ गया।

He got bored of his holidays and came back to work.

Contrasts holidays with work.

बच्चे कार्टून से ऊबकर अब बाहर साइकिल चला रहे हैं।

The kids got bored of cartoons and are now riding cycles outside.

Shows a transition from indoor to outdoor activity.

मैं इंतज़ार करते-करते ऊबकर वहाँ से चला गया।

I got bored of waiting and left from there.

Uses the repetitive participle 'intezār karte-karte' for emphasis.

वह शहर की भीड़ से ऊबकर गाँव में रहने लगा।

Bored with the city's crowd, he started living in a village.

Uses 'se' to show the source of boredom.

लोग पुरानी राजनीति से ऊबकर बदलाव चाहते हैं।

People are bored with old politics and want change.

Abstract noun 'rājnīti' used with 'ūbkar'.

वह अपनी नीरस दिनचर्या से ऊबकर कुछ नया करना चाहता था।

Having grown bored of his dull routine, he wanted to do something new.

Use of 'nīras dincharyā' (dull routine) adds B1 level vocabulary.

छात्र लंबी छुट्टियों से ऊबकर स्कूल खुलने का इंतज़ार करने लगे।

Bored with the long holidays, the students started waiting for the school to open.

Shows a paradoxical situation (bored of holidays).

मैं इस मोबाइल गेम से ऊबकर अब किताबें पढ़ने लगा हूँ।

Having become bored of this mobile game, I have now started reading books.

Present perfect continuous sense with 'lagā hūm'.

वह अकेलेपन से ऊबकर एक कुत्ता घर ले आया।

Bored/weary of loneliness, he brought a dog home.

Emotional motivation for an action.

लोग एक ही तरह के विज्ञापनों से ऊबकर टीवी बंद कर देते हैं।

People get bored of the same kind of advertisements and turn off the TV.

General habitual action described with 'ūbkar'.

वह अपनी पुरानी आदतों से ऊबकर अब खुद को बदलना चाहती है।

Bored with her old habits, she now wants to change herself.

Internal psychological shift.

गायक अपनी प्रसिद्धि से ऊबकर गुमनामी में जीने लगा।

The singer, bored/weary of his fame, started living in anonymity.

Contrasts 'prasiddhi' (fame) and 'gumnāmī' (anonymity).

हम इस बहस से ऊबकर चुप हो गए।

We became bored of this argument and fell silent.

Shows how boredom can end a conflict.

आधुनिक जीवन की कृत्रिमता से ऊबकर वह प्रकृति की गोद में चला गया।

Weary of the artificiality of modern life, he went into the lap of nature.

Uses high-level terms like 'kṛtrimatā' (artificiality) and 'prakṛti kī god' (lap of nature).

लेखक अपनी ही कहानियों के दोहराव से ऊबकर अब कविताएँ लिख रहा है।

The author, bored with the repetition of his own stories, is now writing poems.

Focuses on professional stagnation and creative shift.

वह समाज के खोखले रीति-रिवाजों से ऊबकर विदेश चली गई।

Weary of the hollow customs of society, she went abroad.

Social critique using 'khokhle rīti-rivāz'.

दर्शक फिल्म की धीमी गति से ऊबकर इंटरवल में ही बाहर आ गए।

The audience, bored by the slow pace of the film, came out during the interval itself.

Specific context of film criticism.

वह अपनी भौतिक सुख-सुविधाओं से ऊबकर शांति की तलाश में भटक रहा है।

Bored with his material comforts, he is wandering in search of peace.

Contrasts material wealth with spiritual peace.

वैज्ञानिक एक ही तरह के प्रयोगों से ऊबकर अब नए क्षेत्रों में शोध कर रहा है।

The scientist, bored with the same kind of experiments, is now researching in new fields.

Professional context involving research.

पार्टी की शोर-शराबे से ऊबकर वह छत पर अकेला खड़ा रहा।

Bored with the noise of the party, he stood alone on the roof.

Shows a desire for solitude.

वह अपनी उबाऊ ज़िंदगी से ऊबकर एडवेंचर ट्रिप पर निकल गया।

Bored with his boring life, he set out on an adventure trip.

Uses 'ubāū' (boring) and 'ūbkar' (out of boredom) together.

महानगर की यांत्रिक जीवनशैली से ऊबकर वह अब जैविक खेती की ओर आकर्षित हो रहा है।

Weary of the mechanical lifestyle of the metropolis, he is now attracted toward organic farming.

Sophisticated vocabulary like 'yāntrik jīvanshailī' (mechanical lifestyle).

कवि संसार की नश्वरता और इसके प्रपंचों से ऊबकर वैराग्य की बातें करने लगा है।

The poet, weary of the world's transience and its delusions, has started talking about detachment.

Philosophical usage involving 'nashvartā' (transience) and 'vairāgya' (detachment).

वह राजनीति के गिरते स्तर से ऊबकर अब सामाजिक कार्यों में अपना समय बिताती है।

Bored/weary of the falling standards of politics, she now spends her time in social work.

Abstract social commentary.

दार्शनिक तर्क-वितर्क की सीमाओं से ऊबकर मौन की गहराई में उतर गया।

The philosopher, weary of the limits of debate, descended into the depths of silence.

Metaphorical use of 'ūbkar' with 'maun' (silence).

वह अपनी ही सफलता के बोझ से ऊबकर अब साधारण जीवन जीना चाहता है।

Weary of the burden of his own success, he now wants to live a simple life.

Paradoxical use of 'success' as a cause of boredom/weariness.

जनता पुराने ढर्रे के प्रशासन से ऊबकर अब क्रांतिकारी बदलाव की मांग कर रही है।

The public, weary of the old-style administration, is now demanding revolutionary change.

Journalistic style.

वह बौद्धिक विलासिता से ऊबकर अब शारीरिक श्रम को महत्व देने लगा है।

Bored with intellectual luxury, he has now started valuing physical labor.

Contrast between 'bauddhik vilāsitā' and 'shārīrik shram'.

कलाकार अपनी पुरानी शैली से ऊबकर अब अमूर्त कला के साथ प्रयोग कर रहा है।

The artist, bored with his old style, is now experimenting with abstract art.

Creative evolution described through 'ūbkar'.

अस्तित्व की अर्थहीनता से ऊबकर वह अक्सर शून्य की ओर ताकता रहता है।

Weary of the meaninglessness of existence, he often keeps staring toward the void.

Existentialist usage with 'arthhīnatā' (meaninglessness) and 'shūnya' (void).

वह अपनी ही चेतना के अंतहीन द्वंद्वों से ऊबकर निर्वाण की खोज में निकल पड़ा।

Weary of the endless conflicts of his own consciousness, he set out in search of Nirvana.

High-level psychological and spiritual context.

इतिहास की पुनरावृत्ति से ऊबकर मानवता अब शायद किसी नए युग की प्रतीक्षा कर रही है।

Weary of the repetition of history, humanity is perhaps now waiting for some new era.

Anthropological/Historical scale of 'ūbkar'.

वह शब्दों के जाल और उनकी अपर्याप्तता से ऊबकर संगीत की शरण में चला गया।

Weary of the web of words and their inadequacy, he took refuge in music.

Linguistic critique using 'aparyāptatā' (inadequacy).

शासक अपनी असीमित शक्तियों से ऊबकर अब एक साधारण नागरिक की स्वतंत्रता चाहता है।

The ruler, weary of his unlimited powers, now wants the freedom of an ordinary citizen.

Ironical use of power as a source of weariness.

वह समाज की पाखंडपूर्ण नैतिकता से ऊबकर अब अपने स्वयं के मूल्यों को गढ़ रहा है।

Weary of the hypocritical morality of society, he is now forging his own values.

Ethical/Philosophical rebellion.

वैज्ञानिक ब्रह्मांड के रहस्यों की जटिलता से ऊबकर अब सरल सत्य की खोज में है।

The scientist, weary of the complexity of the universe's mysteries, is now in search of a simple truth.

Intellectual fatigue.

वह अपनी स्मृतियों के बोझ से ऊबकर अब वर्तमान के क्षण में जीना सीखना चाहता है।

Weary of the burden of his memories, he now wants to learn to live in the moment of the present.

Psychological healing context.

Common Collocations

फिल्म से ऊबकर

काम से ऊबकर

बैठे-बैठे ऊबकर

पढ़ाई से ऊबकर

ज़िंदगी से ऊबकर

बातचीत से ऊबकर

खाने से ऊबकर

शहर से ऊबकर

खेल से ऊबकर

इंतज़ार से ऊबकर

Common Phrases

एक ही चीज़ से ऊबकर

— Being bored of the same thing repeatedly. Used when monotony is the main issue.

Main ek hī chīz se ūbkar ab badlāv chāhtā hūm.

घर में बैठे-बैठे ऊबकर

— Bored of sitting at home for a long time. Very common during lockdowns or holidays.

Ghar mein baiṭhe-baiṭhe ūbkar vah bīmār mehsoos kar rahā hai.

शोर से ऊबकर

— Bored/weary of the noise. Used when looking for peace.

Vah shor se ūbkar shānti kī talāsh mein gayā.

पुरानी यादों से ऊबकर

— Bored/weary of old memories. Implies a desire to move on.

Vah purānī yādon se ūbkar nayā jīvan shurū kar rahā hai.

भीड़ से ऊबकर

— Bored/weary of the crowd. Common for people seeking solitude.

Bhīṛ se ūbkar vah pahāṛon par chalā gayā.

नौकरी से ऊबकर

— Bored with one's job. Often used to explain career shifts.

Naukri se ūbkar usne apnā business shurū kiyā.

संसार से ऊबकर

— Weary of the world. A philosophical or spiritual phrase.

Sanyāsī sansār se ūbkar jangal chalā gayā.

बहस से ऊबकर

— Bored of the argument. Used to describe ending a conflict.

Main is faltū kī bahas se ūbkar chup ho gayā.

रूटीन से ऊबकर

— Bored of the routine. (Note: 'Routine' is used in Hinglish).

Routine se ūbkar humne trip plan kiyā.

इंतज़ार से ऊबकर

— Bored of waiting. Describes the restlessness of waiting.

Main tumhāre intezār se ūbkar so gayā thā.

Often Confused With

ऊबकर vs उबाकर (ubākar)

This is the causative form, meaning 'having bored someone else.' Example: 'Sabko ubākar vah baith gayā' (Having bored everyone, he sat down).

ऊबकर vs उबालकर (ubālkar)

This means 'having boiled.' It sounds similar but is completely different. Example: 'Paani ubālkar piyo' (Drink water after boiling it).

ऊबकर vs ऊबते हुए (ūbte hue)

This means 'while getting bored.' It describes an action done simultaneously with the feeling, not as a result of it.

Idioms & Expressions

"दाल-भात से ऊबकर"

— Bored of the 'ordinary' or 'staple' things in life. Metaphorically means wanting something exciting.

Vah roz kī dāl-bhāt se ūbkar ab spice chāhtā hai.

Informal/Metaphorical

"चार दीवारों से ऊबकर"

— Bored of the 'four walls' (being stuck inside).

Chār dīvāron se ūbkar vah bāhar nikal gayā.

Common/Literary

"किताब के कीड़ों से ऊबकर"

— Bored of 'bookworms' or just constant studying.

Kitābī kīṛon se ūbkar vah khelne chalā gayā.

Informal

"पुरानी लकीरों से ऊबकर"

— Bored of 'old lines' (traditional ways). Implies wanting to innovate.

Purānī lakīron se ūbkar usne nayā rāstā chunā.

Literary

"भीड़ की चाल से ऊबकर"

— Bored of the 'movement of the crowd' (following the herd).

Bhīṛ kī chāl se ūbkar usne alag pahchān banāī.

Neutral

"मशीनी ज़िंदगी से ऊबकर"

— Bored of a 'mechanical life' (repetitive/unfeeling).

Mashīnī zindagī se ūbkar vah kalā kī or muṛā.

Neutral

"झूठे वादों से ऊबकर"

— Bored/weary of false promises. Often used in political contexts.

Jhūṭhe vādon se ūbkar log ab sacchāī chāhte hain.

Formal

"चेहरों के नकाब से ऊबकर"

— Bored of the 'masks of faces' (hypocrisy).

Vah chehron ke nakāb se ūbkar akelā rahne lagā.

Poetic

"किस्मत के खेल से ऊबकर"

— Bored/weary of the 'game of fate.'

Kismat ke khel se ūbkar usne khud mehnat karnī shurū kī.

Neutral

"दुनिया की रस्मों से ऊबकर"

— Bored/weary of the world's customs.

Duniyā kī rasmon se ūbkar vah sanyāsī ban gayā.

Literary

Easily Confused

ऊबकर vs ऊब (Ūb)

Both relate to boredom.

Ūb is the noun (boredom), while ūbkar is the adverbial participle (having become bored).

Mujhe ūb ho rahī hai (I am feeling boredom) vs. Main ūbkar chalā gayā (I left out of boredom).

ऊबकर vs उबाऊ (Ubāū)

Both relate to boredom.

Ubāū is an adjective used to describe something that causes boredom (boring).

Ye film ubāū hai (This film is boring).

ऊबकर vs थककर (Thakkar)

People often feel bored and tired at the same time.

Thakkar is physical or mental exhaustion; ūbkar is lack of interest or monotony.

Vah kaam se thakkar so gayā (He slept because he was tired from work).

ऊबकर vs तंग आकर (Tang ākar)

Both imply a negative state leading to action.

Tang ākar means 'fed up' or 'annoyed,' which is stronger and more aggressive than ūbkar.

Vah jhagṛe se tang ākar chalā gayā.

ऊबकर vs बोरियत (Boriyat)

It is the colloquial noun for boredom.

Boriyat is a noun; ūbkar is a verb-based participle.

Boriyat ki vajah se (Due to boredom) vs. Ūbkar (Having become bored).

Sentence Patterns

Subject + [Noun] + से ऊबकर + Verb-Past.

मैं फिल्म से ऊबकर सो गया।

Subject + [Verb-te Verb-te] + ऊबकर + Verb-Past.

वह बैठे-बैठे ऊबकर बाहर गया।

Subject + [Adjective] + [Noun] + से ऊबकर + Main Clause.

वह अपनी पुरानी नौकरी से ऊबकर अब पेंटिंग सीख रही है।

Subject + [Infinitive-ne] + से ऊबकर + Result.

लोग इंतज़ार करने से ऊबकर शोर मचाने लगे।

Cause Clause + से ऊबकर + Complex Action.

समाज की रूढ़ियों से ऊबकर उसने अपना अलग रास्ता बनाया।

Philosophical Subject + Abstract Noun + से ऊबकर + Existential State.

वह स्मृतियों के बोझ से ऊबकर वर्तमान में खो गया।

All

सब कुछ से ऊबकर + Verb.

सब कुछ से ऊबकर वह सो गया।

All

एक ही [Noun] से ऊबकर + Verb.

एक ही खाने से ऊबकर मैं बाहर गया।

Word Family

Nouns

ऊब (Ūb - Boredom)

उबाऊपन (Ubāūpan - Tediousness)

Verbs

ऊबना (Ūbnā - To get bored)

उबाना (Ubānā - To bore someone else)

Adjectives

उबाऊ (Ubāū - Boring/Tedious)

ऊबा हुआ (Ūbā huā - Bored person)

बोरियत (Boriyat - Boredom, colloquial)

नीरसता (Nīrastā - Dullness/Tastelessness)

थकावट (Thakāvaṭ - Tiredness)

बेचैनी (Bechainī - Restlessness)

एकाकीपन (Ekākīpan - Loneliness)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Hindi.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ūbkar' as an adjective. → Use 'ubāū' (उबाऊ).
'Ūbkar' is an adverbial participle (having become bored). You cannot say 'ūbkar film'. You must say 'ubāū film' (boring film).
Omitting the 'se' (से). → Always use 'se' before 'ūbkar'.
In Hindi, you are bored 'from' something. 'Main film ūbkar gayā' is wrong; 'Main film se ūbkar gayā' is correct.
Confusing 'ūbkar' with 'ubākar'. → Use 'ūbkar' for yourself, 'ubākar' for others.
'Ūbkar' means you are bored. 'Ubākar' means you bored someone else. They are different verb forms (intransitive vs. causative).
Using 'ūbkar' to mean 'tired'. → Use 'thakkar' (थककर).
While they overlap, 'ūbkar' is about lack of interest, 'thakkar' is about lack of energy. Don't use 'ūbkar' if you just need a nap after physical work.
Pronouncing 'ū' as a short vowel. → Pronounce it as a long 'oo'.
A short 'u' can change the feel of the word or make it hard to understand. It should be 'ūbkar', rhyming with 'dūbkar'.

Tips

The 'Se' Rule

Always remember to use 'se' before 'ūbkar'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Think of it as 'bored FROM something'.

Use Hinglish for Speed

If you forget 'ūbkar' in a casual conversation, 'bor hokar' is a perfectly acceptable substitute that everyone will understand.

Repetition for Effect

Use 'baiṭhe-baiṭhe ūbkar' (bored of just sitting) to sound more like a native speaker. Doubling the verb adds a sense of duration.

Long 'U' Sound

Make sure to stretch the first vowel. 'Uub-kar' not 'Ub-kar'. The length of the vowel reflects the 'long' feeling of boredom.

Existential Boredom

In literature, 'ūbkar' can mean a deep soul-weariness. Don't be surprised to see it in philosophical texts about leaving the world.

Causal Link

Use 'ūbkar' to connect two sentences. Instead of 'I was bored. I went out.', use 'I, having become bored, went out.' It makes your writing more cohesive.

Catch the Verb

When you hear 'ūbkar', immediately listen for the next verb. That next verb is the action the person took to escape their boredom.

Avoid Rudeness

Be careful when saying you are 'ūbkar' with a person's talk. It's better to say you are 'ūbkar' with the 'topic' or the 'situation'.

The Sigh Mnemonic

Associate the word with a long sigh 'Uuuuuuub'. It helps you remember both the meaning and the long vowel sound.

Verb-kar Pattern

Remember that 'ūbkar' follows the standard '-kar' participle pattern. Once you master this, you can use hundreds of other verbs similarly (khākar, jākar, dekhkar).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ūb' as the sound of a long, bored sigh: 'Oooooob.' Then add 'kar' which means 'having done.' So, 'ūbkar' is what happens 'after the sigh'—you do something else!

Visual Association

Imagine a person sitting on a chair looking at a clock. The clock hands are moving slowly. Suddenly, the person jumps up and runs outside. That jump is 'ūbkar'.

Word Web

Ūbnā (Verb) Ūb (Noun) Ubāū (Adjective) Se (Postposition) Kar (Suffix) Bor (Synonym) Naukri (Context) Film (Context)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences today explaining why you stopped doing something. Use 'ūbkar' and make sure to include the word 'se' before it.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit root 'उब्ज्' (ubj) or related Indo-Aryan roots signifying pressure, distress, or being overcome. In Prakrit and Old Hindi, it evolved into 'ūbnā' to represent the psychological distress of monotony.

Original meaning: To feel distressed or weary; to lose interest due to repetition.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

While 'ūbkar' is a common word, telling someone you are 'ūbkar' with their conversation can be seen as blunt or impolite. Use it carefully in social settings.

English speakers often use 'bored' as a temporary state. 'Ūbkar' in Hindi can range from that temporary state to a deep, life-altering weariness, similar to the French 'ennui'.

Premchand's stories often feature characters who, 'ūbkar' with their poverty or social constraints, take drastic steps. Modern Hindi poets like Dushyant Kumar use the theme of being weary/bored of the system. The movie 'Tamasha' (2015) depicts a protagonist who is 'ūbkar' with his mechanical corporate life.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

काम से ऊबकर
मीटिंग से ऊबकर
ऑफिस की राजनीति से ऊबकर
रूटीन से ऊबकर

Education

पढ़ाई से ऊबकर
लेक्चर से ऊबकर
होमवर्क से ऊबकर
परीक्षाओं से ऊबकर

Entertainment

फिल्म से ऊबकर
मैच से ऊबकर
गेम से ऊबकर
गानों से ऊबकर

Social Life

पार्टी से ऊबकर
बातों से ऊबकर
भीड़ से ऊबकर
अकेलेपन से ऊबकर

Travel

शहर से ऊबकर
इंतज़ार से ऊबकर
रास्ते से ऊबकर
होटल से ऊबकर

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप कभी अपनी नौकरी से ऊबकर कुछ और करना चाहते हैं? (Do you ever want to do something else out of boredom with your job?)"

"आप घर में बैठे-बैठे ऊबकर क्या करते हैं? (What do you do when you get bored of sitting at home?)"

"क्या आप कभी किसी फिल्म से ऊबकर बीच में ही बाहर आए हैं? (Have you ever walked out in the middle of a movie out of boredom?)"

"लोग अपनी ज़िंदगी से ऊबकर पहाड़ों पर क्यों जाते हैं? (Why do people go to the mountains out of boredom with their lives?)"

"जब आप पढ़ाई से ऊबकर परेशान हो जाते हैं, तो आपका पसंदीदा खेल कौन सा है? (When you are bored and troubled by studies, what is your favorite game?)"

Journal Prompts

लिखिए कि पिछली बार जब आप किसी चीज़ से ऊबकर कुछ नया करने गए थे, तो क्या हुआ था। (Write about what happened the last time you went to do something new out of boredom with something.)

क्या आपको लगता है कि ऊबकर लिए गए फैसले हमेशा सही होते हैं? (Do you think decisions taken out of boredom are always right?)

अपनी 'बोरिंग' दिनचर्या के बारे में लिखिए और बताइए कि आप उससे ऊबकर क्या बदलना चाहते हैं। (Write about your 'boring' routine and tell what you want to change out of boredom with it.)

एक ऐसी कहानी लिखिए जहाँ नायक अपनी प्रसिद्धि से ऊबकर कहीं दूर चला जाता है। (Write a story where the hero, bored with his fame, goes far away.)

क्या ऊबकर (ūbkar) कुछ नया सीखने का एक अच्छा कारण है? (Is being bored a good reason to learn something new?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is considered neutral to standard. It is more formal than 'bor hokar' but perfectly fine for daily conversation. You will see it in books and newspapers frequently. In very formal settings, it is the preferred way to describe the state of being bored.

Generally, no. In Hindi, you are bored 'from' or 'with' something, which requires the postposition 'se'. For example, 'kaam se ūbkar'. If you omit 'se', the sentence will sound broken and grammatically incorrect to a native speaker.

'Ūbkar' implies that the boredom reached a point where it caused the next action (sequential). 'Ūbte hue' means the action is happening while you are in the process of being bored (simultaneous). For example, 'ūbkar bāhar gayā' (got bored and left) vs. 'ūbte hue bātein kī' (talked while being bored).

Yes, you can be 'ūbkar' with a person. 'Main usse ūbkar ab bāt nahīm kartā' (Bored with him, I don't talk to him anymore). However, this can sound quite harsh, suggesting that the person's company is monotonous or uninteresting.

You don't usually use 'ūbkar' just to say 'I am bored.' To say 'I am bored,' you would say 'Main ūb gayā hūm' or 'Mujhe ūb ho rahī hai.' 'Ūbkar' is used when you want to say you did something *because* you were bored.

Meaning-wise, they are the same. 'Bor hokar' uses the English loanword 'bor' (bore) and is very common in modern Hinglish. 'Ūbkar' is the pure Hindi term and is preferred in literature, formal writing, and by more articulate speakers.

No, 'ūbkar' is a participle and does not change based on gender or number. Whether it's 'vah' (he), 've' (they), or 'main' (I), the word remains 'ūbkar'.

Common causes include 'kaam' (work), 'padhāī' (studies), 'film', 'bhāṣaṇ' (speech), 'intezār' (waiting), and 'dincharyā' (routine). It is used for anything that can become repetitive or monotonous.

While not etymologically the same as a literal sigh, the sound 'ū' in 'ūbkar' mimics the sound people make when they are weary or bored, making it an onomatopoeic-like experience for some speakers.

Yes. For example: 'Kyā tum is khel se ūbkar bāhar āe ho?' (Have you come out because you were bored of this game?). It is a natural way to ask about someone's motivation.