Punjabi phrases for kids

Short phrases you can use with your child tonight — hear each one, then say it together.

Say this one tonight ਧੰਨਵਾਦ dhannvaad "Thank you." Say it when your child passes you something at dinner — then teach them to answer ਧੰਨਵਾਦ, ਮੰਮੀ ਜੀ. Hear it & see variants →

Recorded phrases

ਜਨਮ ਦਿਨ ਮੁਬਾਰਕ janam din mubaarak · happy birthday ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ maaf karnaa · sorry ਧੰਨਵਾਦ dhannvaad · thank you

More phrases — not recorded yet

These don't have their own page yet. As each one gets a recording, it moves up to the list above.

Greetings

ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲSat Sri Akaal
God is the ultimate truth
The standard Sikh greeting — say it when meeting anyone
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕਾ ਖਾਲਸਾ, ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫ਼ਤਹਿWaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
The Khalsa belongs to God, Victory belongs to God
A formal Sikh greeting
ਕਿੱਦਾਂ?Kiddaa?
How are you? (informal)
With friends and family
ਕਿਦਾਂ ਹਾਲ ਹੈ?Kidaa Haal Hai?
How are you?
A polite way to ask someone how they are
ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂTheek Haa
I'm fine
Responding to "How are you?"

Polite words

ਜੀJi
Respected one / Yes
Add after names to show respect (e.g., "Mama Ji")
ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇKirpa Karke
Please
When making a polite request

Everyday phrases

ਹਾਂ ਜੀHaa Ji
Yes (respectfully)
When answering elders
ਨਹੀਂNahee
No
When you need to say no
ਚੰਗਾChanga
Good / OK
To agree or acknowledge
ਬਹੁਤ ਵਧੀਆ!Bahut Vadhia!
Very good! / Excellent!
When something is great
ਚੱਲ, ਚੱਲੀਏChal, Challiye
Let's go
When it's time to leave

At the table

ਰੋਟੀ ਖਾ ਲੈRoti Khaa Lai
Eat your food
You'll hear this a lot at home!
ਪਾਣੀ ਦੇ ਦਿਓPaani De Dio
Please give me water
When you're thirsty
ਬਹੁਤ ਸੁਆਦ ਸੀBahut Suaad Si
It was very tasty
After a delicious meal

Family phrases

ਮੇਰਾ ਨਾਂ ___ ਹੈMera Naa ___ Hai
My name is ___
Introducing yourself
ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਨਾਂ ਕੀ ਹੈ?Tuhaada Naa Ki Hai?
What is your name?
Asking someone's name (polite)
ਮੈਂ ਪਿਆਰ ਕਰਦਾ/ਕਰਦੀ ਹਾਂMai Pyaar Karda/Kardi Haa
I love you
Telling someone you love them

Five things that work at home

  1. Start with greetings — Have your child say "Sat Sri Akaal" every morning.
  2. Use "Ji" — Practise adding "Ji" after names to build the habit of respectful speech.
  3. Meal times — Use Punjabi table phrases during dinner.
  4. Praise in Punjabi — Say "Bahut Vadhia!" when your child does something well.
  5. Be consistent — Even a few phrases a day builds familiarity over time.

Keep going

Gurmukhi picture dictionary Numbers in Punjabi Colours in Punjabi Animal names in Punjabi Family names guide The Punjabi Classroom

Free printables — plus a letter for Sikh parents

New tracing sheets, coloring pages and printables land through the year, and I write a weekly letter for parents raising Sikh children far from Punjab. Both free, no spam.

Get them by email

For parents & teachers · unsubscribe anytime