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The Colors of Punjabi

February 24, 2026

Learn the names of common colors in Punjabi with Gurmukhi script and pronunciation guides — from 'Laal' (red) to 'Neela' (blue).

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Colors are everywhere — and learning their names in Punjabi is a fun, visual way for kids to build vocabulary. Here are the most common colors with Gurmukhi script and pronunciation.

Common Colors

GurmukhiPunjabi (Roman)EnglishHint
ਲਾਲLaalRedThe color of a ripe apple
ਨੀਲਾNeelaBlueThe color of the sky
ਹਰਾHaraGreenThe color of grass
ਪੀਲਾPeelaYellowThe color of the sun
ਚਿੱਟਾChittaWhiteThe color of milk
ਕਾਲਾKaalaBlackThe color of night
ਸੰਤਰੀSantriOrangeThe color of an orange
ਗੁਲਾਬੀGulabiPinkThe color of a rose (Gulab)
ਜਾਮਣੀJaamniPurpleThe color of Jamun (Indian berry)
ਭੂਰਾBhooraBrownThe color of soil

Pronunciation Tips

  • Laal — Long “aa” sound, like “lah-l”
  • Neela — “Nee” as in “knee” + “la”
  • Chitta — The double “tt” is a hard sound with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth
  • Gulabi — Named after the Gulab (rose) flower!
  • Jaamni — Named after the Jamun fruit, a dark purple Indian berry

Colors in Punjabi Culture

  • Kesri/Basanti (ਕੇਸਰੀ/ਬਸੰਤੀ) — Saffron/orange-yellow is an important color in Sikh tradition, representing courage and sacrifice. You’ll see it on the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag).
  • Neela (ਨੀਲਾ) — Blue is traditionally associated with the Nihang Sikhs, the warrior order known for their blue robes and tall turbans.
  • Chitta (ਚਿੱਟਾ) — White represents peace and is often worn during prayer or at the Gurdwara.

Practice Activity

Play a color scavenger hunt around the house:

  1. Point to something red — “Eh Laal hai!” (This is red!)
  2. Point to something blue — “Eh Neela hai!” (This is blue!)
  3. Ask your child: “Eh ki rang hai?” (What color is this?)

Useful Phrase

To ask “What color is this?” in Punjabi:

ਇਹ ਕੀ ਰੰਗ ਹੈ? — Eh ki rang hai?

To answer: ਇਹ ਲਾਲ ਹੈ — Eh Laal hai (This is red)

More Punjabi Vocabulary