Language is a delicate balance of grammar, vocabulary and dialogue. This is why at Punjabi in 5 we have dedicated modules in each of these subject areas. For many the dialogue aspect can be the most satisfying part. Although grammar and vocabulary can be dry subjects in this quest, they still provide a very helpful foundation.
Today’s post will focus on how to make small talk when you first meet someone in Punjabi.
Greetings
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ਸਤਿ ਸੀ੍ ਅਕਾਲ (Sat Sri Akal) – Sikh greeting
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ਅੱਸਲਾਮ ਅਲੇਕੁਮ (As-salamu alaykum) – Muslim greeting
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ਨਮਸਤੇ (Namaste) – Hindu greeting
How are you?
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ਕੀ ਹਾਲ ਹੈ? (kee haal haa)
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ਕਿੱਦਾਂ? (kiddhan) – more of a slang term, similar to “what’s up”. It is used in informal settings
I am well
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ਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ (main theek han)
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ਮੈਂ ਵੀ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ (main vee theek han) – I am also well
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ਠੀਕ ਠਾਕ (theek thaak) – more of a slang term, less formal
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ਮੈਂ ਵਧੀਆ (main vadhyia)
I am well, how are you?
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ਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ, ਤੁਵਾਡਾ (ਤੇਰਾ) ਕੀ ਹਾਲ ਚਾਲ? (main theek han, twada (tera) kee haal chaal). Tera is used for informal setting
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ਠੀਕ ਠਾਕ, ਤੁਸੀਂ ਸੁਣਾੳ? (theek, thaak, tusee sunao). Tusee sunao means “you tell me”
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ਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ, ਤੂੰ ਦੱਸ? (main theek han, tun das), Tun is used in an informal setting.
What is your name?
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ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਨਾਂ ਕੀ ਹੈ? (twada naan kee haa). Twada is used in a formal, respectful setting
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ਤੇਰਾ ਨਾਂ ਕੀ ਹੈ? (tera naan kee haa). Tera is used in an informal setting
My name is ___
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ਮੇਰਾ ਨਾਂ ___ ਹੈ (mera naan ____ haa)
Where are you from?
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ਤੁਸੀ ਕਿਥੋਂ ਹੋ? (tusee kithon ho)
I am from _____
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ਮੈਂ _____ ਤੋਂ ਹਾਂ (main ____ thon han)
What else is going on?
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ਹੋਰ ਦੱਸੋ (hör daso) formal
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ਹੋਰ ਦੱਸ (hör das) informal
Nothing much
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ਕੁਛ ਨਾਹੀਂ (ਨੀ) (kuch nahi, or nee). Nee is a more informal pronunciation
Very Nice to meet you
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ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਮਿਲ ਕੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਖੁਸ਼ੀ ਹੋਈ (twaanu mil ke, bahut kushee hoyee) this is used in a more formal setting
Stay focused. Consistency is key in practicing a second language. The results are cumulative and you will start to see significant improvement in your Punjabi.
- This course is perfect for beginners to practice everyday interactions.
- Learn basic Punjabi dialogue expressions including meetings and greetings, courtesy, basic requests and more.
- Test yourself with over 100 exam questions with answer explanations
- Quickly improve your fluency with additional audio only testing
- Kickstart your Punjabi learning journey with our course on high yield vocabulary used everyday.
- Learn common adjectives, directions, house items, and more.
- Test yourself with over 100 exam questions with answer explanations
- Quickly improve your fluency with additional audio only testing