घूमने जाना
to go for a tour
Literally: to go for wandering
Use this phrase for any leisure-based travel or outing, from a park walk to a global vacation.
In 15 Seconds
- Means going out for fun, travel, or a simple walk.
- Very versatile; used for both local outings and international trips.
- Conjugate the verb 'jaana' while 'ghoomne' stays the same.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to for saying you're heading out for fun. Whether it's a quick walk in the park, a mall trip, or a full-blown vacation to the mountains, this covers it all.
Key Examples
3 of 6Texting a friend to hang out
चलो शाम को कहीं घूमने चलते हैं।
Let's go somewhere for a walk/outing this evening.
Telling a colleague about vacation
मैं अगले हफ्ते मनाली घूमने जा रहा हूँ।
I am going to Manali for a trip next week.
A formal request for leave
मुझे परिवार के साथ घूमने जाने के लिए छुट्टी चाहिए।
I need leave to go on a trip with my family.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'ghoomna' is central to Indian social life, often involving large family groups or circles of friends. It reflects a culture that values collective leisure and the simple act of 'wandering' as a way to bond. While 'yatra' was the historical term for travel (usually religious), 'ghoomne jaana' rose with the middle class as a term for modern tourism and leisure.
The 'Phirne' Echo
If you want to sound like a local, add 'phirne' to make it 'ghoomne-phirne jaana'. It sounds more natural and rhythmic in casual talk.
Not for Errands
Avoid using this for chores. If you say you're 'ghoomne' to the bank, people will think you're just going there to enjoy the AC, not to do work!
In 15 Seconds
- Means going out for fun, travel, or a simple walk.
- Very versatile; used for both local outings and international trips.
- Conjugate the verb 'jaana' while 'ghoomne' stays the same.
What It Means
घूमने जाना (Ghoomne jaana) is the heartbeat of Indian leisure. It literally means "to go for a wander." But in real life, it’s much broader. It describes any movement away from home for enjoyment. If you are bored at home, you say this. If you are planning a trip to Paris, you use this. It’s about the joy of movement without a strict chore attached.
How To Use It
You treat जाना (jaana) as the main verb. You conjugate it based on who is going and when. For example, "I am going" becomes Main ja raha hoon. Just stick ghoomne in front of it. It’s like a modular block for your sentences. You can add a destination before it or just leave it general. It’s very flexible and hard to mess up.
When To Use It
Use it when you’re making plans with friends on WhatsApp. Use it when your boss asks about your weekend plans. It’s perfect for that Friday afternoon feeling. You’ll hear it at dinner tables when families discuss summer holidays. It’s also great for small talk. Asking someone "Where did you go?" (Aap kahan ghoomne gaye?) is a classic icebreaker.
When NOT To Use It
Don’t use this if you’re going to work or the grocery store. Unless, of course, you find buying milk a thrilling adventure! It implies leisure. If you use it for a business meeting, people will think you aren't taking it seriously. Also, avoid it for very formal religious pilgrimages where yatra is more respectful. Using it for a funeral or a hospital visit would be a major social gaffe.
Cultural Background
In India, "ghoomna" is a social glue. Families often go for a "night walk" after dinner just to ghoomna. It’s not about the destination; it’s about the company. The phrase evokes memories of ice cream at India Gate or hill station trips. It represents a break from the daily grind of a busy, crowded life. It’s the ultimate "reset" button for most Indians.
Common Variations
You’ll often hear घूमने-फिरने जाना (Ghoomne-phirne jaana). Adding phirne makes it sound more casual and rhythmic. People also say Bahar jaana (to go out), but that’s less descriptive. Ghoomne specifically implies you are looking around and enjoying the sights. If someone says they are "ghooming," they are likely having a great time exploring somewhere new.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social context. The key is to conjugate the verb 'jaana' correctly for the subject and tense.
The 'Phirne' Echo
If you want to sound like a local, add 'phirne' to make it 'ghoomne-phirne jaana'. It sounds more natural and rhythmic in casual talk.
Not for Errands
Avoid using this for chores. If you say you're 'ghoomne' to the bank, people will think you're just going there to enjoy the AC, not to do work!
The Post-Dinner Ritual
In many Indian neighborhoods, 'ghoomne jaana' after dinner is a social event where you'll meet all your neighbors doing the same thing.
Examples
6चलो शाम को कहीं घूमने चलते हैं।
Let's go somewhere for a walk/outing this evening.
Here, it implies a casual local hangout.
मैं अगले हफ्ते मनाली घूमने जा रहा हूँ।
I am going to Manali for a trip next week.
Used here for a specific holiday destination.
मुझे परिवार के साथ घूमने जाने के लिए छुट्टी चाहिए।
I need leave to go on a trip with my family.
Even in formal settings, this phrase is perfectly acceptable.
मेरा बहुत मन है कहीं घूमने जाने का।
I really feel like going out somewhere.
Expresses a strong desire or mood.
तुम तो बस सारा दिन घूमने जाते रहते हो!
You just keep going out all day long!
A lighthearted jab at a friend who is never home.
आज तुम्हें कहाँ घूमने जाना है?
Where do you want to go for an outing today?
Simple question for daily plans.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the sentence: 'We want to go for a tour.'
हम सब ___ जाना चाहते हैं।
In the construction 'want to go to [verb]', the oblique form 'ghoomne' is used before 'jaana'.
Complete the sentence for a past tense trip.
कल हम पार्क ___ गए थे।
To say you went to the park for leisure, 'ghoomne' is the appropriate choice.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
How Formal is 'Ghoomne Jaana'?
Used with friends: 'Chalo ghoomne chalein!'
Casual hangout
Standard daily use with family or acquaintances.
Weekend plans
Used in offices for vacation talk.
Applying for leave
When to use 'Ghoomne Jaana'
Local Park
Evening walk
Foreign Country
Summer vacation
Shopping Mall
Window shopping
Road Trip
Driving to the hills
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it can mean anything from a 5-minute walk to a 5-week international tour. It's all about the purpose being leisure.
Yes, it is perfectly neutral. You can say Main chhuttiyon mein ghoomne ja raha hoon (I am going on a trip during my holidays).
Ghoomna is the act of wandering, while ghoomne jaana is the specific action of 'going out' to do it.
It's okay, but yatra par jaana is more respectful and common for pilgrimages.
You would say Mujhe ghoomne jaana hai. It's a very common way to express boredom.
No, it's a standard collocation used by everyone from children to the elderly.
Usually no. For business, use kaam se jaana (to go for work). Ghoomne jaana implies you are there for fun.
Yes, Mall ghoomne jaana is a very common phrase for window shopping or hanging out at the mall.
No, ghoomne stays the same. Only the verb jaana changes (e.g., ja raha hoon vs ja rahi hoon).
Using it for a one-way move or a serious commute. Remember, it must involve an element of leisure or exploration.
Related Phrases
सैर करना
यात्रा करना
टहलना
बाहर जाना
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free