Punjabi Phrasebook - Real Conversations ਵਾਕਾਂਸ਼
Over 150 real phrases for real situations - not textbook Punjabi - across 15 everyday topics. Each phrase is shown in Gurmukhi script with romanization, a short note on when and how it's actually used, and a tap-to-hear pronunciation.
What's inside the phrasebook
- Greetings & small talk - Sat Sri Akal, hellos and goodbyes, "how was your day", "what's up", and the openers that keep a conversation going.
- Meeting someone new - names, where you're from, "I'm learning Punjabi", and making introductions.
- Politeness & requests - please, thank you, sorry, "excuse me", and asking for help the respectful way.
- Eating & hospitality - "have you eaten?", ordering chai at a dhaba, "have some more", and the language of a Punjabi welcome.
- Family conversation - talking to parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles. Pair with the family terms page.
- Weather, time & plans - the small talk of the seasons, "what time is it?", "let's go", and making plans to meet.
- Work, studies & shopping - "I'm busy", "how much is this?", bargaining in the market, and money basics.
- Feelings & wellbeing - happy, sad, "don't worry", "get well soon", and checking in on someone.
- Travel & directions - asking directions, fares, "I'm lost", and getting around.
- Celebrations & blessings - congratulations, "happy Vaisakhi", birthday wishes, and phrases you'll hear at the gurdwara and over langar.
Tips for sounding natural in Punjabi
Diaspora learners often speak Punjabi too literally. A few habits help you sound natural fast:
- Add "ji" with elders - it's the single biggest politeness signal in Punjabi. "Sat Sri Akal ji" lands better than "Sat Sri Akal" alone.
- Use "tussi" not "tu" for adults you don't know well. "Tu" is for siblings, very close friends, and children.
- Don't over-translate - "How are you" is "Kivein ho?", not a word-for-word translation.
- Learn intonation by listening - Punjabi rhythm is part of the meaning. Pair this page with Punjabi music or films.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say "hello" in Punjabi?
The most common formal greeting is "Sat Sri Akal" (ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ), used among Sikhs and widely in Punjab. "Namaste" (ਨਮਸਤੇ) is also used informally.
How do you say "thank you" in Punjabi?
"Dhannvaad" (ਧੰਨਵਾਦ) means thank you. Add "bahut" before it ("Bahut dhannvaad") for "thank you very much".
How do you say "I love you" in Punjabi?
"Main tuhanu pyar karda haan" (ਮੈਂ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਪਿਆਰ ਕਰਦਾ ਹਾਂ) - male speaker. Female speakers say "karda" → "kardi".
What's the difference between Sat Sri Akal and Namaste?
"Sat Sri Akal" is rooted in Sikh tradition - meaning "God is timeless / true". "Namaste" comes from the broader South Asian Hindu greeting tradition. Both are used in Punjab.