My Family in Punjabi
Learn the Punjabi words for family members — from 'Mata Ji' to 'Pita Ji', 'Bebe' to 'Dada Ji'.
Punjabi has specific words for every family relationship — far more precise than English. Learning these words helps children understand the value Punjabi culture places on family bonds.
Immediate Family
| Gurmukhi | Punjabi (Roman) | English |
|---|---|---|
| ਮਾਤਾ ਜੀ | Mata Ji | Mother |
| ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ | Pita Ji | Father |
| ਭਰਾ | Bhra / Veer | Brother |
| ਭੈਣ | Bhain | Sister |
Grandparents
| Gurmukhi | Punjabi (Roman) | English |
|---|---|---|
| ਦਾਦਾ ਜੀ | Dada Ji | Paternal Grandfather |
| ਦਾਦੀ ਜੀ (ਬੇਬੇ) | Dadi Ji (Bebe) | Paternal Grandmother |
| ਨਾਨਾ ਜੀ | Nana Ji | Maternal Grandfather |
| ਨਾਨੀ ਜੀ | Nani Ji | Maternal Grandmother |
Father’s Side
| Gurmukhi | Punjabi (Roman) | English |
|---|---|---|
| ਤਾਇਆ ਜੀ | Taya Ji | Father’s Elder Brother |
| ਤਾਈ ਜੀ | Tayi Ji | Father’s Elder Brother’s Wife |
| ਚਾਚਾ ਜੀ | Chacha Ji | Father’s Younger Brother |
| ਚਾਚੀ ਜੀ | Chachi Ji | Father’s Younger Brother’s Wife |
| ਭੂਆ ਜੀ | Bhua Ji | Father’s Sister |
| ਫੁੱਫੜ ਜੀ | Phuphar Ji | Father’s Sister’s Husband |
Mother’s Side
| Gurmukhi | Punjabi (Roman) | English |
|---|---|---|
| ਮਾਮਾ ਜੀ | Mama Ji | Mother’s Brother |
| ਮਾਮੀ ਜੀ | Mami Ji | Mother’s Brother’s Wife |
| ਮਾਸੀ ਜੀ | Masi Ji | Mother’s Sister |
| ਮਾਸੜ ਜੀ | Masarh Ji | Mother’s Sister’s Husband |
The Respect Suffix — “Ji”
In Punjabi culture, adding ਜੀ (Ji) after a name or title shows respect. Children are taught from a young age to address elders with “Ji”:
- Mama → Mama Ji
- Dada → Dada Ji
- Even with names: Gurpreet → Gurpreet Ji
This small word carries deep meaning — it shows love, respect, and good manners.
Did You Know?
- Punjabi distinguishes between paternal and maternal relatives with completely different words. In English, “uncle” could be anyone — in Punjabi, you’d know exactly which uncle by the word used!
- The word ਵੀਰ (Veer) for brother also means “brave one” — it’s a term of endearment and respect.
- Want to practice family relationships through a quiz? Try the Family Ties Quiz!
Practice at Home
Help your child learn by pointing to family photos and saying the Punjabi relationship word:
- “This is your Dada Ji (paternal grandfather)”
- “This is your Masi Ji (mother’s sister)”
The more your child hears these words in context, the more natural they become.
More Punjabi Vocabulary
- Gurmukhi Picture Dictionary — Browse 570+ Punjabi words with pictures, Gurmukhi script, and pronunciation
- Learn to Count in Punjabi — Numbers 1-10 in Gurmukhi with pronunciation guides
- Common Punjabi Phrases for Kids — Essential greetings, polite words, and everyday phrases
- The Colors of Punjabi — Learn the names of common colors in Punjabi
- Punjabi Animal Names for Kids — Learn common animal names in Punjabi
- The Tapestry of Relations — A deeper guide to Sikh family relationship titles with Gurbani context
- Family Tree Worksheet — A printable family tree activity
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to questions parents often ask — and great conversation starters.
Why does Punjabi have so many words for uncle and aunt?
Punjabi names each relationship precisely. For example, Chacha is your father’s younger brother while Mama is your mother’s brother — so you always know exactly which relative is meant.
What does adding Ji to a name mean?
Ji (ਜੀ) is a respect suffix. Saying Dada Ji or Masi Ji shows love, respect and good manners toward elders.
What is the difference between Dada Ji and Nana Ji?
Dada Ji is your father’s father (paternal grandfather) and Nana Ji is your mother’s father (maternal grandfather).