Greetings

1. ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ

   Sat Sri Akaal

   Hello (traditional Sikh greeting)

   Usage

   Most common greeting in Punjabi Sikh community — means "God is truth, eternal"

   Grammar Note

   Written in Gurmukhi script (developed by Guru Angad). Literally "Truth, Sacred, Timeless" — expressing core Sikh theological concepts.

2. ਧੰਨਵਾਦ

   Dhannavaad

   Thank you

   Usage

   Standard expression of gratitude

   Grammar Note

   From Sanskrit "dhanya" (blessed) + "vaad" (expression). Same root as Hindi "dhanyavaad".

3. ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ

   Kirpaa karke

   Please

   Usage

   Polite word used when making a request

   Grammar Note

   Literally "by your grace". "Kirpaa" is also an important Sikh theological concept meaning divine grace.

4. ਤੁਸੀਂ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ?

   Tusseen kivein ho?

   How are you?

   Usage

   Common greeting asking about wellbeing

   Grammar Note

   "ਤੁਸੀਂ" is the polite/plural "you". "ਤੂੰ" is used for close relationships. Punjabi distinguishes honorific registers.

5. ਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ

   Main theek haan

   I am fine

   Usage

   Reply to "how are you"

   Grammar Note

   Punjabi "be" verb changes by person: "ਹਾਂ" (I am), "ਹੋ" (you are), "ਹੈ" (he/she is).

6. ਜੀ ਆਇਆਂ ਨੂੰ

   Ji aaiyaan nu

   Welcome (traditional Punjabi greeting)

   Usage

   Traditional Punjabi welcome to guests and visitors

   Grammar Note

   Literally "to those who have come". Embodies Punjabi hospitality culture "ਮਹਿਮਾਨਨਵਾਜ਼ੀ" (mehmaan-nawaazi).

7. ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ

   Maaf karnaa

   Sorry / Excuse me

   Usage

   Apology or getting someone's attention

   Grammar Note

   "Maaf" from Arabic/Persian. Common across Sikh and Muslim communities. "Maaf kar diyo" is a more formal apology.

8. ਮੈਨੂੰ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਉਂਦੀ

   Mainuu Punjabi naheen aundi

   I don't know Punjabi

   Usage

   Essential phrase when communication breaks down

   Grammar Note

   "Knowing a language" in Punjabi uses "aaunaa" (to come) with a dative subject. "Punjabi mainuu naheen aundi" = "Punjabi doesn't come to me".

9. ਚੰਗਾ ਹੋਇਆ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਆ ਗਏ

   Changaa hoiaa tusin aa gae

   Good you came / Long time no see

   Usage

   Warm greeting when meeting someone after a long time

   Grammar Note

   "Changaa" (good) is widely versatile. "Changi gall" (good thing), "changaa laggaa" (it felt good/was pleased).

10. ਰੱਬ ਰਾਖਾ

    Rabb raakhaa

    God protect you (farewell blessing)

    Usage

    Traditional Punjabi farewell blessing

    Grammar Note

    "Rabb" from Arabic (Lord/God), used across Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu Punjabi communities. "Waheguru" is the specifically Sikh term for God.

11. ਟਾਇਲਟ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ?

    Taa-i-lat kit-the hai?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    One of the most essential phrases while traveling. Useful in public places and shops

    Grammar Note

    "Kitthe" is the Punjabi question word for location. Basic word order: "noun + kitthe + hai".

12. ਮੈਂ ਫਿਰ ਆਵਾਂਗਾ

    Main phir aa-van-ga

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop

13. ਬਹੁਤ ਮਜ਼ਾ ਆਇਆ

    Ba-hut ma-za aa-i-aa

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said when parting ways

14. ਧੰਨਵਾਦ, ਫਿਰ ਮਿਲਾਂਗੇ

    Dhann-vaad, phir mi-laan-ge

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual way to say goodbye

15. ਸ਼ੁਭ ਰਾਤ

    Shubh raat

    Good night

    Usage

    Said before going to sleep, e.g. to a guesthouse host

16. ਮੈਂ ਬਾਹਰ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹਾਂ / ਜਾ ਰਹੀ ਹਾਂ

    Main baahar ja reha haan / ja rahi haan

    I'm heading out

    Usage

    Said when leaving the guesthouse. Masculine/feminine forms

17. ਮੈਂ ਵਾਪਸ ਆ ਗਿਆ / ਆ ਗਈ

    Main vaapas aa gia / aa gai

    I'm back

    Usage

    Said when returning to the guesthouse. Masculine/feminine forms

18. ਮੈਂ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਚੱਲਦਾ ਹਾਂ / ਚੱਲਦੀ ਹਾਂ

    Main pehlan chalda haan / chaldi haan

    I'll be going now

    Usage

    Said when leaving before others, e.g. at a meal. Masculine/feminine forms

19. ਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ

    Koi gal nahi

    You're welcome

    Usage

    Response to being thanked (literally "it's no big deal")

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