चिकन
chikaneveryday, meat
For chicken as food, Hindi uses चिकन (chikan). The bird itself is मुर्गी (murgi) for a hen and मुर्गा (murga) for a rooster.
Meaning: bird or its meat (noun)
Ways to say it
| Indian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| चिकन | chikan | everyday, meat |
| मुर्गी | murgi | hen |
| मुर्गा | murga | rooster |
Restaurants and shops use चिकन (chikan), as in चिकन करी (chikan kari). On a farm you would say मुर्गी (murgi) for the hen.
Which one should you use?
In Hindi मुर्ग़ (murgh) is the older word for chicken meat in dishes like मुर्ग़ मखनी (murgh makhani), and a chick is चूज़ा (chooza).
When do people say it?
Many Indians are vegetarian, so restaurant menus clearly separate vegetarian and नॉन वेज (non vej) dishes, which include chicken.
Did you know?
- The Hindi word मुर्गा (murga) is also used in a school punishment where a child squats and holds their ears, called "becoming a rooster".
Examples in context
- आज रात चिकन बनेगा।Aaj raat chikan banega.We will make chicken tonight.
- आँगन में एक मुर्गी घूम रही है।Aangan mein ek murgi ghoom rahi hai.A hen is walking around the yard.
Example conversation
Salma and her husband Faizan plan dinner at home in Lucknow.
- Salmaआज खाने में क्या बनाऊँ?Aaj khaane mein kya banaaoon?What should I cook today?
- Faizanचिकन बना लो।Chikan bana lo.Make chicken.
- Salmaठीक है, मैं बाज़ार से ले आती हूँ।Theek hai, main baazaar se le aati hoon.Okay, I will bring it from the market.
