सिरदर्द हो रहा है

You can use this phrase exactly like you would in English. Just add it to the end of a sentence to explain why you are grumpy. If it is a small headache, you can say thoda sirdard. If your head is exploding, you can add bahut before sirdard. It is a simple subject-verb construction that works for everyone. You do not need to change the phrase based on your gender. The 'pain' (dard) is masculine, so the verb raha hai stays the same.

Use it when you are at the office and need a break. Use it when your neighbor is playing loud Bollywood music at 2 AM. It is perfect for texting a friend to cancel plans. You can also use it at a pharmacy to explain what is wrong. It is the universal 'get out of jail free' card for social events you want to avoid. Just rub your temples for extra dramatic effect.

Do not use this if you are trying to be overly poetic or dramatic. There are more intense words for 'splitting' headaches. Also, avoid using it if you are actually suffering from something much more serious. It is a literal physical description, so do not use it to mean 'you are a pain in my neck' unless you follow it with 'meri baat suno' (listen to me). Using it for a metaphorical 'headache' (a problem) requires a slightly different sentence structure.

In Indian households, a sirdard is often met with a suggestion for 'Chai'. Tea is the universal medicine for any head-related discomfort. You might also be offered a 'head massage' with oil (Champi). It is culturally acceptable to complain about a headache openly. People will usually sympathize and offer you a dark room or a strong ginger tea. It is a very 'human' expression that bridges the gap between formal and informal settings.

You can say Mere sir mein dard hai which means 'There is pain in my head.' This is slightly more static. The version with ho raha hai is more common for a headache that just started or is ongoing. If you want to say someone is giving you a headache, you say Tum mere sir mein dard kar rahe ho. This is a classic line used by parents everywhere in India. Use it sparingly unless you want to start a playful argument!