Common Punjabi Phrases for Kids
February 24, 2026
Learn essential Punjabi phrases like 'Sat Sri Akaal', 'Dhanvaad', and 'Kidaa Haal Hai' with pronunciation guides.
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These everyday Punjabi phrases are a great way to start using the language at home. Each phrase includes the Gurmukhi script, a Roman pronunciation guide, and when to use it.
Greetings
| Gurmukhi | Punjabi (Roman) | English | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ | Sat Sri Akaal | God is the ultimate truth | The standard Sikh greeting — say it when meeting anyone |
| ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕਾ ਖਾਲਸਾ, ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫ਼ਤਹਿ | Waheguru 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 ਹਾਂ | Theek Haa | I’m fine | Responding to “How are you?” |
Polite Words
| Gurmukhi | Punjabi (Roman) | English | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ਧੰਨਵਾਦ | Dhanvaad | Thank you | Whenever someone helps you or gives you something |
| ਜੀ | Ji | Respected one / Yes | Add after names to show respect (e.g., “Mama Ji”) |
| ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ | Maaf Karna | Please forgive me / Sorry | When you want to apologize |
| ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ | Kirpa Karke | Please | When making a polite request |
Everyday Phrases
| Gurmukhi | Punjabi (Roman) | English | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ਹਾਂ ਜੀ | Haa Ji | Yes (respectfully) | When answering elders |
| ਨਹੀਂ | Nahee | No | When you need to say no |
| ਚੰਗਾ | Changa | Good / OK | To agree or acknowledge |
| ਬਹੁਤ ਵਧੀਆ! | Bahut Vadhia! | Very good! / Excellent! | When something is great |
| ਚੱਲ, ਚੱਲੀਏ | Chal, Challiye | Let’s go | When it’s time to leave |
At the Table
| Gurmukhi | Punjabi (Roman) | English | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ਰੋਟੀ ਖਾ ਲੈ | Roti Khaa Lai | Eat your food | You’ll hear this a lot at home! |
| ਪਾਣੀ ਦੇ ਦਿਓ | Paani De Dio | Please give me water | When you’re thirsty |
| ਬਹੁਤ ਸੁਆਦ ਸੀ | Bahut Suaad Si | It was very tasty | After a delicious meal |
Family Phrases
| Gurmukhi | Punjabi (Roman) | English | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ਮੇਰਾ ਨਾਂ ___ ਹੈ | Mera 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 ਹਾਂ | Mai Pyaar Karda/Kardi Haa | I love you | Telling someone you love them |
Tips for Parents
- Start with greetings — Have your child say “Sat Sri Akaal” every morning
- Use “Ji” — Practice adding “Ji” after names to build the habit of respectful speech
- Meal times — Use Punjabi table phrases during dinner
- Praise in Punjabi — Say “Bahut Vadhia!” when your child does something well
- Be consistent — Even a few phrases a day builds familiarity over time
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
- My Family in Punjabi — Learn the Punjabi words for family members
- The Colors of Punjabi — Learn the names of common colors in Punjabi
- Punjabi Animal Names for Kids — Learn common animal names in Punjabi
- Gurdwara Etiquette: A Quick Reference — Put your phrases to use during Gurdwara visits
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to questions parents often ask — and great conversation starters.
What does the Sikh greeting Sat Sri Akaal mean?
Sat Sri Akaal (ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ) means “God is the ultimate truth.” It is the everyday Sikh greeting used when meeting anyone.
How do you say thank you in Punjabi?
Thank you is Dhanvaad (ਧੰਨਵਾਦ). For please, say Kirpa Karke (ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ).
How do you ask how are you in Punjabi?
Politely, say Kidaa Haal Hai? (ਕਿਦਾਂ ਹਾਲ ਹੈ?). Informally, with friends, you can just say Kiddaa? (ਕਿੱਦਾਂ?).