Meaning
To be negatively affected by surroundings.
Cultural Background
In villages, 'Hawa Lagna' is a serious warning. It implies that the city is a place of moral danger that strips a person of their 'Ghairat' (honor) and 'Sadaagi' (simplicity). Often used to describe the 'Westernization' of children who prefer English over their mother tongue or fast food over traditional meals. Urdu speakers in the UK/USA use this to describe relatives who visit from Pakistan and suddenly start acting 'more British than the British'. Poets use 'Hawa' to symbolize the changing times (Zamana). 'Hawa Lagna' in poetry can be a profound commentary on the loss of traditional values.
Gender Alert
Always remember 'Hawa' is feminine. If you say 'Hawa lag gaya', people will understand you, but it sounds very uneducated.
Sarcasm Tool
You can use this idiom sarcastically with friends. If a friend buys a new iPhone and starts acting cool, say 'Bhai ko Apple ki hawa lag gayi hai!'
Meaning
To be negatively affected by surroundings.
Gender Alert
Always remember 'Hawa' is feminine. If you say 'Hawa lag gaya', people will understand you, but it sounds very uneducated.
Sarcasm Tool
You can use this idiom sarcastically with friends. If a friend buys a new iPhone and starts acting cool, say 'Bhai ko Apple ki hawa lag gayi hai!'
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
جب سے وہ لندن گیا ہے، اسے وہاں کی _______ گئی ہے۔
Because 'Hawa' is feminine and the action happened in the past, 'lag gayi' is correct.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'Hawa Lagna'?
Choose the correct scenario:
The idiom is used for negative social influence.
Complete the dialogue.
Mother: 'Your brother doesn't help me anymore.' Sister: 'He is always on his phone. _______.'
This correctly uses the idiom to explain the brother's change in behavior due to phone use.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesجب سے وہ لندن گیا ہے، اسے وہاں کی _______ گئی ہے۔
Because 'Hawa' is feminine and the action happened in the past, 'lag gayi' is correct.
Choose the correct scenario:
The idiom is used for negative social influence.
Mother: 'Your brother doesn't help me anymore.' Sister: 'He is always on his phone. _______.'
This correctly uses the idiom to explain the brother's change in behavior due to phone use.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsTechnically no. It almost always implies a loss of simplicity or a negative influence. For positive changes, use 'behtar hona' (becoming better).
No. 'Hawa mein udna' means being arrogant because of success. 'Hawa lagna' means being changed by your environment.
It is common in literature and journalism, but in a formal business setting, it might be too informal.
Related Phrases
ہوا میں اڑنا
similarTo be overconfident.
رنگ لگنا
synonymTo be influenced by company.
زمین پر رہنا
contrastTo stay grounded.
