Essential Punjabi Phrases: From Sat Sri Akal to Kiddan
Learn the most important Punjabi phrases with Gurmukhi script and romanization — perfect for connecting with Punjabi speakers worldwide.
Punjabi is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 125 million native speakers across India, Pakistan, and diaspora communities on every continent. Whether you are visiting Amritsar, attending a Punjabi wedding, or simply want to connect with Punjabi-speaking friends, these phrases will get you started.
Greetings: Formal and Casual
| Gurmukhi | Romanization | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ | Sat Sri Akal | God is the ultimate truth | Formal greeting, all ages |
| ਕਿੱਦਾਂ? | Kiddan? | What's up? | Casual, among friends |
| ਸੱਸਰੀਕਾਲ | Sassrikaal | Hello (shortened form) | Semi-formal, common shortening |
| ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ? | Kiven ho? | How are you? | Polite, to elders or strangers |
Sat Sri Akal literally translates to "God is the ultimate truth" and originated as a Sikh greeting, but it is now used universally among Punjabi speakers in India regardless of religion. In casual settings, young people often greet each other with just "Kiddan?" — think of it as the Punjabi equivalent of "What's up?"
The standard reply to "Kiven ho?" is "Main theek haan, tussi sunao" (ਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ, ਤੁਸੀਂ ਸੁਣਾਓ) meaning "I'm fine, tell me about you."
Gratitude and Politeness
- Dhannvaad (ਧੰਨਵਾਦ) — Thank you
- Meherbani (ਮਿਹਰਬਾਨੀ) — Kindness / Please (used for polite requests)
- Maaf karna (ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ) — Forgive me / Sorry
Food Phrases You Will Actually Use
Punjabi culture revolves around food and hospitality. Refusing food can almost be considered impolite, so knowing these phrases matters.
| Gurmukhi | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ਰੋਟੀ ਖਾ ਲਓ | Roti kha lao | Have some roti (bread) |
| ਲੱਸੀ ਪੀਓ | Lassi peeo | Drink some lassi |
| ਬਹੁਤ ਸੁਆਦ ਹੈ | Bahut suaad hai | It's very tasty |
| ਮੱਕੀ ਦੀ ਰੋਟੀ ਤੇ ਸਰ੍ਹੋਂ ਦਾ ਸਾਗ | Makki di roti te sarson da saag | Corn bread with mustard greens |
Makki di roti te sarson da saag is the iconic Punjabi dish, especially during winter. Mentioning it by name shows cultural familiarity and will likely start a conversation about who makes the best version.
Family Terms: The Punjabi Specificity
Punjabi has remarkably specific terms for family relationships, far more precise than English:
- Bebe (ਬੇਬੇ) — Mother (rural/traditional)
- Baapu ji (ਬਾਪੂ ਜੀ) — Father (respectful)
- Taya ji (ਤਾਇਆ ਜੀ) — Father's elder brother
- Chacha ji (ਚਾਚਾ ਜੀ) — Father's younger brother
- Maasi ji (ਮਾਸੀ ਜੀ) — Mother's sister
- Bhua ji (ਭੂਆ ਜੀ) — Father's sister
The suffix "ji" adds respect and is used almost universally when addressing elders.
Bhangra and Celebration Expressions
At any Punjabi celebration, you will hear:
- Balle balle! (ਬੱਲੇ ਬੱਲੇ) — An exclamation of joy, like "Wonderful!"
- Chakk de! (ਚੱਕ ਦੇ) — "Go for it!" or "Pick it up!" (energy and encouragement)
- Oye hoye! (ਓਏ ਹੋਏ) — General exclamation of excitement or surprise
Phrases for the Gurdwara
If you visit a Sikh gurdwara (temple), these phrases show respect:
- Waheguru (ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ) — "Wonderful God," used as a devotional exclamation
- Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh — The formal Sikh greeting meaning "The Khalsa belongs to God, Victory belongs to God"
- Langar (ਲੰਗਰ) — The communal kitchen; you can say "Langar bahut changaa si" (The langar was very good)
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Punjabi is an expressive, musical language, and even a few well-placed phrases can build warm connections. Our app teaches these phrases and many more with native audio, Gurmukhi script practice, and spaced repetition to help you remember what you learn.
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