Learning Punjabi: a practical guide
This is a written companion to the free Punjabi course on LanguagePath: what the language is like, how it sounds, the phrases you will use first, how the course is structured, and what to watch out for. Everything here comes from the same lessons you can practise interactively above.
What Punjabi is like
Punjabi is easy to structure. There's no word for "a" or "the" — ਪਾਣੀ just means "water" or "the water" depending on context. The verb usually comes at the end: ਮੈਨੂੰ ਪਾਣੀ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ (I want water) literally reads "to-me water is-needed". To want something, say ਮੈਨੂੰ … ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ; for feminine words like ਚਾਹ (tea) it becomes … ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ. The little word ਹੈ (hai) means "is/are", and starting a question with ਕੀ (kee) makes it a yes/no question.
Words you may already know
Pronunciation notes
Punjabi is written in the Gurmukhi alphabet. A few letters sound different from English — learn them and you can read any Punjabi word aloud.
- ਖ — an aspirated "kh" — a k with a puff of air, like the "kh" in "khaki"., as in ਖਾਣਾ = KHAA-naa (to eat).
- ਟ — "t" with the tongue curled back (retroflex) — it sounds different from the English t., as in ਟਾਇਲਟ = TAA-i-laṭ (toilet).
- ਹ — a soft, breathy "h" — breathed out, quieter than the English h., as in ਹਾਂ = haan (yes) · ਹੋ = ho (is).
- ਚ — "ch" as in "chair", like the ch in cheese., as in ਚਾਹ = chaah (tea).
- ਣ — "n" with the tongue curled back, a bit like the "ng" in "sing"., as in ਪਾਣੀ = PAA-nee (water).
- ੋ — the "o" in "go" — written as a vowel sign above the consonant., as in ਦੋ = do (two) · ਸੋ = so (to sleep).
- ੁ — a short "u" as in "put"., as in ਦੁੱਧ = dudh (milk).
- ਾ — a long "aa" as in "father"., as in ਮਾਂ = maan (mother).
First phrases
The pocket phrases below are the ones learners reach for most often. Say each one out loud a few times before moving on.
| Punjabi | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ | sat sree a-KAAL | Hello / goodbye |
| ਜੀ ਆਇਆਂ ਨੂੰ | JEE aa-ee-an noon | Welcome |
| ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ? | KI-ven ho | How are you? |
| ਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ | main THEEK haan | I'm fine |
| ਹਾਂ | HAAN | Yes |
| ਨਹੀਂ | na-heen | No |
| ਮੇਰਾ ਨਾਮ Alex ਹੈ | MAY-raa naam Alex hay | My name is... |
| ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ | KIR-pa KAR-kay | Please |
| ਧੰਨਵਾਦ | DHUN-vaad | Thank you |
| ਬਹੁਤ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ | BA-hut DHUN-vaad | Thanks a lot |
| ਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ | KO-ee GALL na-heen | You're welcome |
| ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ | MAA-f KAR-naa | Sorry / excuse me |
| ਇੱਕ | ikk | 1 |
| ਦੋ | do | 2 |
| ਤਿੰਨ | tinn | 3 |
| ਚਾਰ | chaar | 4 |
| ਪੰਜ | panj | 5 |
| ਦਸ | das | 10 |
| ਪਾਣੀ | PAA-nee | water |
| ਚਾਹ | chaah | tea |
| ਦੁੱਧ | dudh | milk |
| ਰੋਟੀ | RO-tee | bread |
| ਦਾਲ | daal | lentils |
| ਹਿਸਾਬ, ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ | hi-SAAB, KIR-pa KAR-kay | the bill, please |
| ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ? | s-TAY-shan KIT-thay hay | Where is the station? |
| ਸੱਜੇ | SAJ-jay | to the right |
| ਖੱਬੇ | KHAB-bay | to the left |
| ਸਿੱਧਾ | SID-dhaa | straight ahead |
| ਇਹ ਕਿੰਨੇ ਦਾ ਹੈ? | ih KIN-nay daa hay | How much is this? |
| ਕੀ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਕੋਲ … ਹੈ? | kee tu-HAA-day kol ... hay | Do you have...? |
How the Punjabi course is structured
The course has 12 short lessons that build on each other. Each one introduces a few new pieces and then asks you to construct sentences you have never seen, before revealing the answer:
- Greetings & being polite — ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ · ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ? · ਧੰਨਵਾਦ
- Polite words — ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ · ਧੰਨਵਾਦ · ਹਾਂ / ਨਹੀਂ
- Numbers 1–10 — ਇੱਕ · ਦੋ · ਤਿੰਨ · ਦਸ
- I want" — ਮੈਨੂੰ … ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ — ਮੈਨੂੰ … ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ · ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ
- Food & drink — ਪਾਣੀ · ਚਾਹ · ਰੋਟੀ · ਦਾਲ
- Getting around — ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ? · ਸੱਜੇ · ਖੱਬੇ · ਸਿੱਧਾ
- Questions & "do you have…?" — ਕੀ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਕੋਲ … ਹੈ? · ਮੇਰੇ ਕੋਲ
- Family & people — ਪਰਿਵਾਰ · ਮਾਂ · ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ · ਦੋਸਤ
- Time, days & weather — ਅੱਜ · ਕੱਲ੍ਹ · ਮੌਸਮ
- Small talk & your name — ਮੇਰਾ ਨਾਮ … ਹੈ · Alex
- Health & emergency — ਮਦਦ! · ਡਾਕਟਰ · ਸਮਝ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਈ
- Tying it together — ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ · ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ · ਸੁਆਦ · a capstone scene
Inside the lessons
Here is how a few of the lessons explain the language, with worked examples and the word-by-word breakdown the course uses.
Greetings & being polite
Key pieces: ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ · ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ? · ਧੰਨਵਾਦ
Start with the greeting you'll hear everywhere in Punjab: ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ — hello. Some write it ਸਤ ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ . It literally means "Truth is timeless." Say it out loud.
- ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ (sat sree a-KAAL) — hello / goodbye
- ਜੀ ਆਇਆਂ ਨੂੰ (JEE aa-ee-an noon) — welcome
- ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ? (KI-ven ho) — how are you?
- ਧੰਨਵਾਦ (DHUN-vaad) — thank you
To say “Hello” in Punjabi: ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ (sat sree a-KAAL). Built from sat sree akal = hello / goodbye.
To ask how someone is: ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ? . The friendly reply is ਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ — I'm fine.
- ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ? (KI-ven ho) — how are you?
- ਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ (main THEEK haan) — I'm fine
- ਬਹੁਤ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ (BA-hut DHUN-vaad) — thank you very much
- ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ (MAA-f KAR-naa) — excuse me / sorry
To say “Hello, how are you?” in Punjabi: ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ, ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ? (sat sree a-KAAL, KI-ven ho). Built from sat sree akal = hello; kiven ho? = how are you?.
Polite words
Key pieces: ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ · ਧੰਨਵਾਦ · ਹਾਂ / ਨਹੀਂ
Politeness is easy in Punjabi. ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ = please, and ਧੰਨਵਾਦ = thank you. Say them out loud.
- ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ (KIR-pa KAR-kay) — please
- ਧੰਨਵਾਦ (DHUN-vaad) — thank you
- ਬਹੁਤ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ (BA-hut DHUN-vaad) — thank you very much
- ਹਾਂ (HAAN) — yes
- ਨਹੀਂ (na-heen) — no
To say “Thank you very much” in Punjabi: ਬਹੁਤ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ (BA-hut DHUN-vaad). Built from bahut = very; dhunvaad = thank you.
For "you're welcome" or "no problem", use ਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ — literally "it's nothing".
To say “You're welcome” in Punjabi: ਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ (KO-ee GALL na-heen). Built from koi = any; gall = a matter; nahin = not.
To say "excuse me" or "sorry" before interrupting: ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ .
To say “Yes, please” in Punjabi: ਹਾਂ, ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ (HAAN, KIR-pa KAR-kay). Built from haan = yes; kirpa karke = please.
Numbers 1–10
Key pieces: ਇੱਕ · ਦੋ · ਤਿੰਨ · ਦਸ
Numbers are the fastest win. Listen and repeat: ਇੱਕ, ਦੋ, ਤਿੰਨ .
- ਇੱਕ (ikk) — 1
- ਦੋ (do) — 2
- ਤਿੰਨ (tinn) — 3
- ਚਾਰ (chaar) — 4
- ਪੰਜ (panj) — 5
- ਛੇ (chhe) — 6
- ਸੱਤ (satt) — 7
- ਅੱਠ (atth) — 8
- ਨੌ (nau) — 9
- ਦਸ (das) — 10
To say “Two teas, please” in Punjabi: ਦੋ ਚਾਹ, ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ (do chaah, KIR-pa KAR-kay). Built from do = two; chaah = tea; kirpa karke = please.
To ask "how much is it?": ਇਹ ਕਿੰਨੇ ਦਾ ਹੈ? A key phrase for shopping.
To say “How much is it?” in Punjabi: ਇਹ ਕਿੰਨੇ ਦਾ ਹੈ? (ih KIN-nay daa hay?). Built from ih = this; kinne da = how much; hai = is.
To say “It's ten rupees” in Punjabi: ਦਸ ਰੁਪਏ (das ru-PA-yay). Built from das = ten; rupaye = rupees.
I want" — ਮੈਨੂੰ … ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ
Key pieces: ਮੈਨੂੰ … ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ · ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ
The magic phrase to ask for anything: ਮੈਨੂੰ … ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ — I want… Replace the … with the thing you need.
There's no "a" or "the" in Punjabi — just say the noun. ਪਾਣੀ is just "water".
To say “I want water” in Punjabi: ਮੈਨੂੰ ਪਾਣੀ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ (mai-NOO PAA-nee cha-HEE-daa hay). Built from mainu = to me; paani = water; chahida hai = is needed / I want.
The word after ਮੈਨੂੰ changes with the noun's gender. For most things it's ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ ; for feminine words like ਚਾਹ (tea) it's ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ . Don't worry about getting it perfect — people understand you.
To say “I want tea” in Punjabi: ਮੈਨੂੰ ਚਾਹ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ (mai-NOO chaah cha-HEE-dee hay). Built from mainu = to me; chaah = tea; chahidi hai = I want (feminine).
To say “I want a ticket” in Punjabi: ਮੈਨੂੰ ਟਿਕਟ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ (mai-NOO TICKET cha-HEE-dee hay). Built from mainu = to me; ticket = ticket; chahidi hai = I want. ≈ English ticket.
To say “I want the bill” in Punjabi: ਮੈਨੂੰ ਹਿਸਾਬ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ (mai-NOO hi-SAAB cha-HEE-daa hay). Built from mainu = to me; hisaab = the bill; chahida hai = I want.
Food & drink
Key pieces: ਪਾਣੀ · ਚਾਹ · ਰੋਟੀ · ਦਾਲ
Eating in Punjab? Key words: ਪਾਣੀ (water), ਚਾਹ (tea), ਰੋਟੀ (flatbread).
- ਪਾਣੀ (PAA-nee) — water Memory hook: ≈ Hindi पानी.
- ਚਾਹ (chaah) — tea Memory hook: ≈ Hindi चाय.
- ਦੁੱਧ (dudh) — milk Memory hook: ≈ Hindi दूध.
- ਰੋਟੀ (RO-tee) — flatbread / bread
- ਦਾਲ (daal) — lentils Memory hook: ≈ Hindi दाल.
- ਚੌਲ (chol) — rice
- ਲੱਸੀ (LAS-see) — lassi (a drink)
To say “Dal and rice, please” in Punjabi: ਦਾਲ ਅਤੇ ਚੌਲ, ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ (daal a-TAY chol, KIR-pa KAR-kay). Built from daal = lentils; ate = and; chol = rice.
ਅਤੇ means "and". ਸੁਆਦ means "taste" — say ਬਹੁਤ ਸੁਆਦ! for "very tasty!".
To say “It's delicious!” in Punjabi: ਬਹੁਤ ਸੁਆਦ! (BA-hut swaad!). Built from bahut = very; swaad = tasty / delicious.
To say “The bill, please” in Punjabi: ਹਿਸਾਬ, ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ (hi-SAAB, KIR-pa KAR-kay). Built from hisaab = the bill; kirpa karke = please.
Getting around
Key pieces: ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ? · ਸੱਜੇ · ਖੱਬੇ · ਸਿੱਧਾ
The most useful question in any town: … ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ? — where is…?
- ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ? (s-TAY-shan KIT-thay hay) — where is the station?
- ਸੱਜੇ (SAJ-jay) — to the right
- ਖੱਬੇ (KHAB-bay) — to the left
- ਸਿੱਧਾ (SID-dhaa) — straight ahead
- ਬਾਥਰੂਮ (BAATH-room) — the bathroom Memory hook: ≈ English bathroom.
- ਬਾਜ਼ਾਰ (baa-ZAAR) — the market Memory hook: ≈ English bazaar.
To say “Where is the station?” in Punjabi: ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ? (s-TAY-shan KIT-thay hay). Built from station = station; kitthe hai? = where is.
To say “Where is the bathroom?” in Punjabi: ਬਾਥਰੂਮ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ? (BAATH-room KIT-thay hay). Built from bathroom = bathroom; kitthe hai? = where is.
ਸੱਜੇ = to the right, ਖੱਬੇ = to the left, ਸਿੱਧਾ = straight on.
To say “Turn right” in Punjabi: ਸੱਜੇ ਮੁੜੋ (SAJ-jay mu-ro). Built from sajje = to the right; muro = turn.
Questions & "do you have…?"
Key pieces: ਕੀ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਕੋਲ … ਹੈ? · ਮੇਰੇ ਕੋਲ
To ask if someone has something: ਕੀ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਕੋਲ … ਹੈ? — do you have…?
Start with ਕੀ to make it a yes/no question — it's like a question mark at the front.
To say “Do you have water?” in Punjabi: ਕੀ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਕੋਲ ਪਾਣੀ ਹੈ? (kee tu-HAA-day kol PAA-nee hay). Built from kee = question marker; tuhade kol = do you have; paani = water; hai = is.
To say "I have": ਮੇਰੇ ਕੋਲ … ਹੈ .
To say “I have a ticket” in Punjabi: ਮੇਰੇ ਕੋਲ ਟਿਕਟ ਹੈ (MAY-ray kol TICKET hay). Built from mere kol = I have; ticket = ticket; hai = is.
ਕੀ … ਹੈ? also asks "is there…?" — so ਕੀ ਵਾਈ-ਫ਼ਾਈ ਹੈ? is "is there wifi?".
To say “Is there wifi?” in Punjabi: ਕੀ ਵਾਈ-ਫ਼ਾਈ ਹੈ? (kee WAI-fai hay). Built from kee = is there; wai-fai = wifi; hai = is.
Family & people
Key pieces: ਪਰਿਵਾਰ · ਮਾਂ · ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ · ਦੋਸਤ
Family words: ਪਰਿਵਾਰ (family), ਮਾਂ (mother), ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ (father).
- ਪਰਿਵਾਰ (pa-ri-VAAR) — family
- ਮਾਂ (maan) — mother
- ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ (pi-TAA jee) — father
- ਭਾਈ (bhaa-ee) — brother
- ਭੈਣ (bhain) — sister
- ਦੋਸਤ (dost) — friend Memory hook: ≈ Hindi/Urdu दोस्त.
To say “This is my mother” in Punjabi: ਇਹ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਂ ਹੈ (ih MAY-ree maan hay). Built from ih = this; meri = my; maan = mother; hai = is.
To say “I have a brother” in Punjabi: ਮੇਰੇ ਕੋਲ ਇੱਕ ਭਾਈ ਹੈ (MAY-ray kol ikk bhaa-ee hay). Built from mere kol = I have; ikk = one; bhaa-ee = brother; hai = is.
Punjabi is full of respect — add ਜੀ after names and titles: ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ, ਮਾਤਾ ਜੀ.
To say “I love my family” in Punjabi: ਮੈਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਪਿਆਰ ਕਰਦਾ ਹਾਂ (main aa-p-NAY pa-ri-VAAR noon PYAAR kar-daa haan). Built from main = I; apne parivaar nu = my family; pyaar karda haan = (I) love.
Time, days & weather
Key pieces: ਅੱਜ · ਕੱਲ੍ਹ · ਮੌਸਮ
Today is ਅੱਜ , tomorrow is ਕੱਲ੍ਹ .
- ਅੱਜ (ajj) — today
- ਕੱਲ੍ਹ (kal) — tomorrow / yesterday
- ਹੁਣ (hun) — now
- ਸਵੇਰੇ (sa-VAY-ray) — in the morning
- ਮੌਸਮ (MAU-sam) — the weather Memory hook: ≈ Hindi मौसम.
To say “See you tomorrow” in Punjabi: ਕੱਲ੍ਹ ਮਿਲਾਂਗੇ (kal mee-LAA-ngay). Built from kal = tomorrow; meelange = we'll meet.
Ask about the weather: ਮੌਸਮ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੈ? "Hot" is ਗਰਮ , "cold" is ਠੰਡਾ .
To say “It's cold today” in Punjabi: ਅੱਜ ਠੰਡਾ ਹੈ (ajj THAN-daa hay). Built from ajj = today; thanda = cold; hai = is.
To say “It's very hot” in Punjabi: ਬਹੁਤ ਗਰਮ ਹੈ (BA-hut ga-ram hay). Built from bahut = very; garam = hot; hai = is.
Small talk & your name
Key pieces: ਮੇਰਾ ਨਾਮ … ਹੈ · Alex
Introduce yourself: ਮੇਰਾ ਨਾਮ … ਹੈ — my name is…
To say “My name is Alex” in Punjabi: ਮੇਰਾ ਨਾਮ Alex ਹੈ (MAY-raa naam Alex hay). Built from mera = my; naam = name; Alex = your name; hai = is.
To ask someone's name: ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਹੈ?
To say “What's your name?” in Punjabi: ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਹੈ? (tu-HAA-daa naam kee hay?). Built from tuhada = your; naam = name; kee = what; hai = is.
To say “Where are you from?” in Punjabi: ਤੁਸੀਂ ਕਿੱਥੋਂ ਹੋ? (tu-SEEN KIT-thon ho?). Built from tusi = you; kitthon = from where; ho = are.
To say “Pleased to meet you” in Punjabi: ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਮਿਲ ਕੇ ਖੁਸ਼ੀ ਹੋਈ (tu-HAA-noon mil ke khu-SHEE HO-ee). Built from tuhanu mil ke = to meet you; khushi hoi = (I am) happy.
Health & emergency
Key pieces: ਮਦਦ! · ਡਾਕਟਰ · ਸਮਝ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਈ
The most important words if you need help: ਮਦਦ! (help), ਡਾਕਟਰ (doctor), ਫਾਰਮੇਸੀ (pharmacy).
- ਮਦਦ! (ma-DAD) — help!
- ਡਾਕਟਰ (DAK-tar) — doctor
- ਫਾਰਮੇਸੀ (phaar-MAY-see) — pharmacy
- ਹਸਪਤਾਲ (has-pa-TAAL) — hospital
- ਦਵਾਈ (da-VAA-ee) — medicine
To say “Help!” in Punjabi: ਮਦਦ! (ma-DAD). Built from madad = help.
To say “I don't understand” in Punjabi: ਮੈਨੂੰ ਸਮਝ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਈ (mai-NOO sa-majh na-heen AA-ee). Built from mainu = to me; samajh = understand; nahin aayi = didn't come.
Need a doctor? ਮੈਨੂੰ ਡਾਕਟਰ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ — I need a doctor.
To say “I need a doctor” in Punjabi: ਮੈਨੂੰ ਡਾਕਟਰ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ (mai-NOO DAK-tar cha-HEE-daa hay). Built from mainu = to me; doctor = doctor; chahida hai = is needed. ≈ English doctor.
To say “I'm sick” in Punjabi: ਮੈਂ ਬੀਮਾਰ ਹਾਂ (main bee-MAAR haan). Built from main = I; bimaar = sick; haan = am.
Tying it together
Key pieces: ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ · ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ · ਸੁਆਦ · a capstone scene
Great — you've built a real toolbox. This capstone uses only words you've met. Build each line yourself before revealing.
To say “Hello, how are you?” in Punjabi: ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ, ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ? (sat sree a-KAAL, KI-ven ho). Built from sat sree akal = hello; kiven ho? = how are you?.
To say “I want tea, please” in Punjabi: ਮੈਨੂੰ ਚਾਹ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ, ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ (mai-NOO chaah cha-HEE-dee hay, KIR-pa KAR-kay). Built from mainu chaah chahidi hai = I want tea; kirpa karke = please.
To say “Where is the station?” in Punjabi: ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ? (s-TAY-shan KIT-thay hay). Built from station kitthe hai = where is the station.
To say “How much is it?” in Punjabi: ਇਹ ਕਿੰਨੇ ਦਾ ਹੈ? (ih KIN-nay daa hay). Built from ih kinne da hai = how much is it.
Common mistakes and things to watch out for
- ਲੱਸੀ (LAS-see): a drink.
Culture and etiquette
Masala chai is life
Chai (tea) is the heart of Punjabi hospitality. Guests are always offered a hot cup, usually with milk and sugar. It's polite to accept — and refusing at first, then taking it when pressed again, is a warm little dance.
Greet with folded hands
"Sat Sri Akal" is the greeting heard across Punjab. A slight bow with hands folded together, like a gentle prayer gesture, goes with it. In Muslim households you'll hear "Adaab" with a hand raised to the forehead.
Langar — food for everyone
Langar is a free community meal served in every gurdwara, open to anyone of any faith. The classic Punjabi plate is makki di roti (corn flatbread) with sarson da saag (mustard greens), finished with a glass of creamy lassi.
Music runs deep
Bhangra is the energetic folk dance of the harvest; Giddha is the graceful women's dance. Punjabi folk, pop and bhangra music travel the world, and celebrations are always full of song and dance.
Family first
Extended families stay close. Elders are deeply respected — you'd address older men and women with the respectful "ji", and many touch an elder's feet as a sign of deep respect and blessing.
Land of five rivers
"Punjab" literally means "land of five rivers". The region spans India and Pakistan — Punjabi is spoken and the same "Sat Sri Akal" greeting works on both sides. That's why you'll see both 🇮🇳 and 🇵🇰 here.
Example dialogues
At a café
You: ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ! ਇੱਕ ਚਾਹ, ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ। (sat sree a-KAAL! ikk chaah, KIR-pa KAR-kay.) — Hello! One tea, please.
Waiter: ਜੀ, ਦੁੱਧ ਅਤੇ ਖੰਡ ਨਾਲ? (JEE, dudh a-TAY khand naal?) — Yes, with milk and sugar?
You: ਹਾਂ, ਦੁੱਧ ਨਾਲ, ਖੰਡ ਨਹੀਂ। (HAAN, dudh naal, khand na-heen.) — Yes, with milk, no sugar.
Waiter: ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਚਾਹ, ਜੀ। (tu-HAA-dee chaah, JEE.) — Your tea, sir.
You: ਬਹੁਤ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ! (BA-hut DHUN-vaad!) — Thank you very much!
At the train station
You: ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ, ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ? (MAA-f KAR-naa, s-TAY-shan KIT-thay hay?) — Excuse me, where is the station?
Local: ਇੱਧਰ, ਸੱਜੇ ਪਾਸੇ। (ID-dhar, SAJ-jay PAA-say.) — Over here, to the right.
You: ਧੰਨਵਾਦ। ਇੱਕ ਟਿਕਟ ਦਿੱਲੀ ਲਈ, ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ। (DHUN-vaad. ikk TICKET DIL-lee la-EE, KIR-pa KAR-kay.) — Thanks. A ticket to Delhi, please.
Ticket: ਪੰਜ ਸੌ ਰੁਪਏ। ਟ੍ਰੇਨ ਸਵੇਰੇ ਨੌਂ ਵਜੇ ਹੈ। (panj sau ru-PA-yay. train sa-VAY-ray nau va-JAY hay.) — Five hundred rupees. The train is at nine in the morning.
At a restaurant
Waiter: ਜੀ, ਕੀ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ? (JEE, kee cha-HEE-daa hay?) — Yes, what would you like?
You: ਮੈਨੂੰ ਦਾਲ ਅਤੇ ਰੋਟੀ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ। (mai-NOO daal a-TAY RO-tee cha-HEE-dee hay.) — I would like dal and roti.
You: ਅਤੇ ਇੱਕ ਲੱਸੀ, ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ। (a-TAY ikk LAS-see, KIR-pa KAR-kay.) — And a lassi, please.
Waiter: ਜੀ ਸਾਰ, ਆਉਂਦਾ ਹੈ। (JEE saar, AA-un-daa hay.) — Yes sir, coming right up.
You: ਹਿਸਾਬ, ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ। ਧੰਨਵਾਦ! (hi-SAAB, KIR-pa KAR-kay. DHUN-vaad!) — The bill, please. Thank you!
Written by the LanguagePath editorial team from our own course material. Pronunciation guides are approximate English respellings; tap any phrase in the app above to hear it. Native-speaker review of every course is ongoing — tell us if you spot an error.