उल्लू
ullūeveryday, Hindi
The Hindi word for owl is उल्लू (ullū). It also appears in everyday speech as a mild insult for a foolish person.
उल्लू (ullū) names the bird. Calling a person उल्लू (ullū) means they are silly, and उल्लू बनाना (ullū banānā) means to fool someone.
Meaning: owl (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
Tamil, Bengali, Telugu and other languages of India use different words.
When do people say it?
In Hindu tradition the owl is the vehicle of the goddess Lakshmi, so it is also seen as linked to wealth.
Did you know?
- In Hindi, saying someone is a उल्लू का पट्ठा (ullū kā paṭṭhā) is a mild insult for a fool.
Examples in context
- रात को उल्लू बोल रहा था।rāt ko ullū bol rahā thā.An owl was hooting at night.
- तुमने मुझे उल्लू बना दिया।tumne mujhe ullū banā diyā.You made a fool of me.
Example conversation
Father and daughter Tina camp in a garden at night.
- Tinaपापा, यह आवाज़ कैसी है?pāpā, yah āvāz kaisī hai?Dad, what is that sound?
- Papaवह उल्लू है, रात को जागता है।vah ullū hai, rāt ko jāgtā hai.That is an owl, it stays awake at night.
- Tinaमुझे उल्लू देखना है।mujhe ullū dekhnā hai.I want to see the owl.
