Punjabi Vocabulary - 75+ Words You'll Actually Use ਸ਼ਬਦ ਭੰਡਾਰ
Browse essential Punjabi vocabulary by category. Every word is shown in Gurmukhi script with romanization and an example sentence - click any card for the full breakdown. The list focuses on words you'll hear in real conversation, not textbook filler.
Categories covered
- Greetings - Sat Sri Akal, Namaste, Kivein ho, Theek haan, Dhannvaad, Maaf karna, and more.
- Family - basic kinship words. For the full family tree see the family terms page.
- Food - roti, daal, sabzi, chai, lassi, paani, and core kitchen vocabulary.
- Body - head, hands, eyes, heart, and other body parts.
- Emotions - happy, sad, angry, scared, tired and other feelings.
- Time - today, tomorrow, yesterday, morning, night. For numbers and months see numbers.
- Nature - sun, moon, sky, river, tree, fire.
- Common verbs - to go, to come, to eat, to drink, to speak, to listen.
How to study Punjabi vocabulary
The fastest way to retain new Punjabi words is to learn them in groups (by category), say them out loud as you read them, and use them in a sentence the same day. Don't try to memorise long lists in one sitting - five new words a day, repeated for a week, will stick far better than fifty in one go. Once you know a category, test yourself with the flashcard quiz in "English → Punjabi" mode to lock recall in both directions.
If you're brand new, pair this page with the Gurmukhi alphabet so you can sound out every word yourself. For full sentences, move to the phrasebook.
Frequently asked questions
How many words do I need to start speaking Punjabi?
About 200–300 high-frequency words will let you understand most everyday conversation. The 75+ words on this page cover the most common categories - start here.
Should I learn Gurmukhi or romanized Punjabi?
Both. Romanization helps you pronounce words quickly, but learning Gurmukhi unlocks reading Punjabi books, signs, music lyrics, and Gurbani. Every word on this site is shown in both.
What's the difference between formal and informal Punjabi?
Adding "ji" (ਜੀ) after a name or sentence shows respect - used with elders, strangers, or in religious contexts. Informal speech drops "ji" and uses "tu" instead of "tussi" for "you".