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15 phrases · Punjabi with romanization, English and audio

  1. ਬੱਲੇ ਬੱਲੇ

    balle balle

    Hooray / Way to go

    Usage

    Punjab's signature cry of delight. Safe with anyone at a celebration or a dance

  2. ਚੱਕ ਦੇ ਫੱਟੇ

    chakk de phatte

    Go for it

    Usage

    The classic cheer of encouragement, for friends and teammates. With someone senior, "vadhiaa" is calmer

  3. ਕਮਾਲ

    kamaal

    Amazing

    Usage

    Praise for skill or workmanship, fine with any age including elders

  4. ਮਸਤ

    mast

    Great / Nice

    Usage

    Works for food, weather and mood alike. Safe with anyone

  5. ਸ਼ਾਨਦਾਰ

    shaandaar

    Splendid

    Usage

    A dignified compliment, safe with elders and people you have just met

  6. ਬਹੁਤ ਵਧੀਆ

    bahut vadhiaa

    Very good

    Usage

    The safest reaction to a meal or a tour. Fine with anyone

  7. ਵਾਹ ਬਈ

    vaah bai

    Wow!

    Usage

    An exclamation of admiration. "Bai" addresses someone familiar, so keep it for friends and shopkeepers

  8. ਠੀਕ ਹੈ

    thik hai

    Sounds right

    Usage

    A light "sounds good". Safe with anyone; add "ji" for someone senior

  9. ਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ

    koi gall nahin

    No problem

    Usage

    The reply to an apology or hesitation. Smooth and safe with anyone

  10. ਚੱਲ ਛੱਡ

    chall chhadd

    Let it go

    Usage

    Drops a subject without fuss. For friends your own age, not for elders

  11. ਜੁਗਾੜ

    jugaad

    Jugaad (improvised fix)

    Usage

    The knack of making do with what is at hand. Understood across India and often meant as praise

  12. ਟਾਈਮ ਪਾਸ

    taaim paas

    Timepass

    Usage

    From Indian English and understood nationwide. A light answer to "what were you up to?", for friends

  13. ਯਾਰ

    yaar

    Mate / Buddy

    Usage

    An address for a close friend. Only with peers, never with elders or strangers

  14. ਭਾਜੀ

    bhaaji

    Brother (address)

    Usage

    A warm, respectful address for a man you do not know; it softens exchanges with drivers and shopkeepers

  15. ਭੈਣ ਜੀ

    bhain ji

    Sister (address)

    Usage

    A polite address for a woman; the "ji" adds respect, so it works for peers and elders alike

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