Introduction

Some fundamental Punjabi phrases are more valuable than others.

Why not concentrate on mastering these words first? We chose to write this post for you specifically for that reason.

The essential Punjabi phrases covered in this post will help you communicate better if you’re just beginning to learn Punjabi or are already fluent.

If you’re soon traveling to a Punjabi-speaking place, these will be especially useful to you.

Basic Punjabi Words and Sentences That You Must Know

The following are the basic Punjabi words and sentences that you must know:

1.Hello.

Hailō maiṁ hāṁ

To greet someone or in place of hello, you can use this phrase.

2. How are you?

Tusī kivēṁ hō

If you want to ask someone if he or she is fine using this phrase

3.Fine. Thanks, and you?

Vadhī’ā atē dhanavāda

Use this phrase to tell someone that you are fine.

4. What is your name?

Tuhāḍā nāma kī hai

To ask someone’s name formally use this phrase.

5. My name is ______ .

Mērā nāma hai

To tell someone your name uses this phrase.

6. Nice to meet you.

Tuhānū milakē achā lagi’ā

To tell someone you are pleased by meeting someone use this phrase.

7. I can’t speak Punjabi [well].

Maiṁ pajābī nahīṁ bōla sakadā

To tell someone you don’t know Punjabi use this phrase.

8. Do you speak English?

Kī tusīṁṁṁ agrēzī bōladē hō

To ask someone if he/ she speaks English use this phrase.

9. I don’t understand.

Mainū samajha nahīṁ ā’undī

Use this phrase to tell that you are unable to understand something.

10. Where is the toilet?

Ṭā’ilaṭa kithē hai

To ask about washroom use this phrase.

Other important Punjabi phrases:

1. What is your phone number?

Tuhāḍā phōna nabara kī hai

If you want to have someone’s phone number, you can use the above phrase.

2. Where are you from?

Tusī kithō hō

You can use this phrase to know where a person is.

3. What do you do?

Tusīṁ kī karadē hō

You can use this phrase to find out someone’s profession.

4.What do you mean?

Kī matalaba tuhāḍā

If you are looking to know the meaning of what someone said, you can use this phrase.

5. I do not understand.

Mainū samajha nahīṁ ā’undā

You can use this phrase if you do not understand something.

6.What do you think?

Tuhānū kī lagadā hai

To know someone’s opinion, you can use this phrase.

7. Could you speak a little slower?

Kī tusīṁ haulī bōla sakadē hō

If you want someone to speak slowly, you can use this phrase.

8. Could you repeat that?

Kī tusīṁ isanū dōharā sakadē hō

If you didn’t understand something that someone said, and you want him or her to repeat something. You can use the above phrase.

9. See you soon

Jaladī miladē hāṁ

To tell someone you’ll meet or see someone soon, you can use the above phrase.

10. Where can I find …….?

Maiṁ kithē labha sakadā hāṁ

For instance, if you are looking for a place, a hotel, a restaurant, or anything else, you can use this phrase.

For example: Where can I find a medical store/ tea shop/ general store?

11. Can you help me?

Kī tusī mērī madada kara sakadē hō?

If you need/ want to help someone, you can use this phrase.

12. How much does this/that cost?

Isadī kīmata kinī hai

To know the cost of something, use this phrase.

13. I am hungry.

Maiṁ bhukhā hāṁ

If you are hungry and you want to tell someone, use this phrase.

14. I’m thirsty.

Mainū pi’āsa lagī hai

Use this phrase to tell someone you are thirsty.

15. I’m lost

Maiṁ gu’āca gi’ā hāṁ

Use this phrase to tell someone you are lost

16. What time is it?

Samāṁ kī hai

Use this phrase to ask someone the time

Basic Punjabi words that you should know:

• Home – Kar
• Come – Ithy ah
• Go – Jaa
• Sit – Bah
• Sorry – Mauf karna
• Welcome – Savāgata hai
• Yes – Aaho
• I am fine – Main theek haan
• Pleased to meet you – Tu-adey nal mil kar bahut khusi hoi
• Thank You – Shukriā
• What is your name? – Tuhada naan ki hai?
• My name is – Mera naan haga …
• Where are you from? – Tusi kithe dey ho?
• What Happened – Ki hoya
• Good morning – Śubha savēra
• Good evening – sata srī akāla
• Good night – śubha rāta
• No – Nahi
• Right – Sajjey
• Left – Khabbey
• Shopping – Khareedna
• Thank you – Shukriya
• Understand – Samajhō
• I – Main
• He – Oh
• She – Oh
• It – Eh
• you – Tu, Tui
• This – Ah
• That – Oh
• Hello – Sata srī akāla
• Laugh – Hus
• Happy – Khush
• Inside – Andar
• Far – Door
• Near – Paas
• Water – Panni
• Sleep – Sutte
• Eat – Khana
• Drink – Pinna
• How are you? – Tussi kiwen ho? / ki gal hai?

Conclusion

We hope these foundational words and phrases will improve your ability to speak Punjabi confidently.

The first few times won’t be simple, so practice is the only and best option.

And always remember to prioritize the most important terms first rather than attempting to memorize all the phrases we shared with you today.