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
