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My Family in Punjabi

February 24, 2026

Learn the Punjabi words for family members — from 'Mata Ji' to 'Pita Ji', 'Bebe' to 'Dada Ji'.

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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

GurmukhiPunjabi (Roman)English
ਮਾਤਾ ਜੀMata JiMother
ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀPita JiFather
ਭਰਾBhra / VeerBrother
ਭੈਣBhainSister

Grandparents

GurmukhiPunjabi (Roman)English
ਦਾਦਾ ਜੀDada JiPaternal Grandfather
ਦਾਦੀ ਜੀ (ਬੇਬੇ)Dadi Ji (Bebe)Paternal Grandmother
ਨਾਨਾ ਜੀNana JiMaternal Grandfather
ਨਾਨੀ ਜੀNani JiMaternal Grandmother

Father’s Side

GurmukhiPunjabi (Roman)English
ਤਾਇਆ ਜੀTaya JiFather’s Elder Brother
ਤਾਈ ਜੀTayi JiFather’s Elder Brother’s Wife
ਚਾਚਾ ਜੀChacha JiFather’s Younger Brother
ਚਾਚੀ ਜੀChachi JiFather’s Younger Brother’s Wife
ਭੂਆ ਜੀBhua JiFather’s Sister
ਫੁੱਫੜ ਜੀPhuphar JiFather’s Sister’s Husband

Mother’s Side

GurmukhiPunjabi (Roman)English
ਮਾਮਾ ਜੀMama JiMother’s Brother
ਮਾਮੀ ਜੀMami JiMother’s Brother’s Wife
ਮਾਸੀ ਜੀMasi JiMother’s Sister
ਮਾਸੜ ਜੀMasarh JiMother’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