भोक लाग्यो
bhok lagyo
To say 'hungry' in Nepali, use भोक लाग्यो (bhok lagyo).
This phrase is used to express that a person is affected by hunger or is desirous of food.
Meaning: affected by hunger, desirous of food (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'hunger has struck' or 'hunger has happened'.
Which one should you use?
While भोक लाग्यो is the standard way to say you are hungry, the form भोक लागेको छ is a continuous or present perfect construction meaning 'hunger has been felt' or 'is felt', which is often used to describe a continuous state of hunger.
How does it change in a sentence?
Additionally, when saying 'I am hungry', you must use the dative case malai (to me) instead of the nominative ma (I).
How do you pronounce it?
bhok lagyo
Did you know?
- If you use the subject म ('I') instead of मलाई ('to me') when saying you are hungry, it can sound as if you are claiming to be the physical embodiment of hunger itself.
- The verb लाग्नु used in भोक लाग्यो is a versatile term for bodily sensations. It is the same verb used to say you feel cold जाडो लाग्यो or feel sleepy निद्रा लाग्यो.
- The sensation of hunger in Nepali is expressed using the same linguistic logic as weather. Saying भोक लाग्यो is structurally similar to saying 'it is raining' or 'the wind is blowing'.
Examples in context
- मलाई भोक लाग्यो।I am hungry.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say 'I am hungry' using the form भोक लाग्यो.Tatoeba #11763993 by taro, translation #409602 by CC
- मलाई धेरै भोक लाग्यो।malāī dhērai bhoka lāgyō.I am very hungry.
- के तपाईंलाई भोक लाग्यो?kē tapā'īnlā'ī bhoka lāgyō?Are you hungry?
Example conversation
Avinash and Anita are walking home from work.
- अविनाश Avinashअनीता, मलाई भोक लाग्यो।Anita, malai bhok lagyo.Anita, I am hungry.
- अनीता Anitaमलाई पनि भोक लाग्यो।Malai pani bhok lagyo.I am hungry too.
- अविनाश Avinashके हामी रेस्टुरेन्ट जाने?Ke hami restaurant jane?Shall we go to a restaurant?
- अनीता Anitaहुन्छ, जाऔं।Hunchha, jaaun.Okay, let's go.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
