The word “hello” in Punjabi is Sat sri akaal (ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ), and it is one of the most commonly used Punjabi greetings.
It is a phrase both men and women use, and it can be said in any situation.
For instance, this phrase would be appropriate if you see someone on the street or at work whom you do not know very well.
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As a traveler, learning this essential expression in the Punjabi language can help you enjoy your trips more.
But what if there are other expressions that you can use? Well, you’ll learn about that and more today! Let’s start!
Table Of Contents
Formal Ways Of Saying Hello In Punjabi
Here is a list of ways to greet someone hello in a formal manner.
| English | Punjabi | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (formal Sikh/ Hindu greeting in Indian Punjab) | ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ | Sat sri akaal |
| Hello (formal Muslim greeting in Pakistani Punjab) | ਅਦਾਬ | Aadaab |
| Hello (formal Muslim greeting in Pakistani Punjab) | ਅੱਸਲਾਮ ਅਲੈਕਮ | Asalaam alaikam |
Informal Ways Of Saying Hello In Punjabi
Here is a list of ways to greet someone hello in an informal manner in Punjabi culture.
| English | Punjabi | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | ਹੈਲੋ | Hello |
| Hello (informal greeting used by Pakistani Punjabis) | ਸਲਾਮ | Salaam |
| How are you? | ਕਿੱਦਾਂ | Kiddaan |
| What’s up? | ਕੀ ਹਾਲ ਚਾਲ? | Ki haal chaal? |
| How are you? | ਕੀ ਹਾਲ ਆ? | Ki haal aa? |
| All good? | ਸਬ ਚੰਗਾ? | Sab changa? |
Hello For Muslim And Hindu Punjabis
To give a little background information: the magnificent Indian state of Punjab was split into two parts during the partition in 1947.
The vast Indian subcontinent broke out to become Pakistan and India. Muslim Punjabis moved to Punjab, which was on the side of Pakistan, and Hindu Punjabis stayed in India.
This is why you have two formal ways of saying hello in Punjabi: Sat sri akaal and Salaam.
Although many speak the Punjabi language, it is one of the official languages in India, while that of Pakistan is Urdu.
Sat sri akaala is a traditional greeting for Punjabi Sikhs in personal and professional settings.
It is often used as a salutation at the beginning or end of a letter or conversation.
It is also a respectful way to greet elders or spiritual leaders.
Despite war and separation, the culturally rich Punjab state remains beautiful to behold, and the people more so.
Local Punjabi people find interactive techniques to communicate with groups of foreigners, even if they are not Punjabi speakers!
It is why knowing both formal and informal ways to say Hello in Punjabi is very handy!
Punjabi Phrases To Further The Conversation
It’s common to use hand gestures such as a slight bow with hands pressed together in a Namaste, similar to Hindu culture.
Another common gesture to say hello in Punjabi is to place the right hand over the heart and bow slightly.
Here are some basic Punjabi words and phrases to help you get your conversations going after a “hello”:
- Greetings/Hello: Sat sri akaal (ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ)
- Bless you: Jiundē raho (ਜਿਉਂਦੇ ਰਹੋ)
- How are you: Tusi kiven ho? (ਤੁਸੀ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ?)
- I am fine: Main theek haan (ਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ )
- Take care: Aapaṇaa khiaal rakhaṇaa (ਆਪਣਾ ਖਿਆਲ ਰੱਖਣਾ)
- Touch the feet of elders when meeting and before leaving: Pairi pauna (ਪੈਰੀ ਪਉਣਾ)
Saying Hello In Punjabi
In the Punjabi culture, greeting someone with a warm and respectful hello is considered an essential aspect of social etiquette.
When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to use the formal greeting of Sat sri akaal.
It is a traditional greeting that translates to “God is Truth.”
It is commonly used as a polite way of saying hello and can also be used to say goodbye in the Indian region of Punjabi.
The use of this traditional greeting not only shows respect to the person you are meeting.
But also a way to acknowledge and honor the Punjabi culture and its values.
Another critical aspect of the Punjabi culture of greeting is the use of physical touch to show affection and respect.
In traditional Punjabi greetings, it is common to shake hands, hug, or even touch the feet of elders as a sign of respect.
This physical touch is seen as a way to express love and affection for the person you greet and is often accompanied by traditional greetings.
How Do You Say Hello In Punjabi?
In Punjabi, you either say sat ari akaal (most common way of saying hello and the most formal too) or you say kiddaan which is an informal way of greeting someone.
Top 5 Tips To Master “Hello” In Punjabi For Travelers
- Learn the right greeting for the right context: Punjabi greetings change based on religion and setting. Using the right one shows awareness and earns respect. Start with:
- Hello (Sikh) – Sat Sri Akal (ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ)
- Hello (Hindu) – Namaste (ਨਮਸਤੇ)
- Hello (Muslim) – Salaam (ਸਲਾਮ)
- Use the Ling app to learn Punjabi pronunciation: The Ling app helps you get pronunciation right with audio examples and practice tools—perfect for learning on the move between cities or during downtime at hostels.
- Practice with locals in low-stakes situations: Test out greetings with shopkeepers, chai vendors, or hotel staff. Start simple:
- How are you? – Ki haal hai? (ਕੀ ਹਾਲ ਹੈ?)
- I’m good – Main theek haan (ਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ)
- Pair your greeting with a gesture: A warm smile or slight head nod adds authenticity. Folded hands (like Namaste) work well in formal or spiritual settings.
- Watch local interactions: Observe how locals greet one another—note the tone, body language, and when to say what. Mimicking real-life usage builds confidence fast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hello In Punjabi
How Do You Greet Someone In Punjabi?
In Punjabi, to greet someone, you say Sat sri akaal, which means truth is external or God is the eternal truth. In an informal situation, you can also kiddaan.
How Do Sikhs Say Hello?
Sikhs typically greet each other with Sat Sri Akaal, which means “God is the eternal truth.” It’s a respectful and common greeting among Sikhs, emphasizing their religious devotion. Additionally, Waheguru Ji Da Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Di Fateh is used, especially in formal or religious contexts, meaning “The Khalsa belongs to God, and victory belongs to God.”
What Is What’s Up In Punjabi?
The Punjabi equivalent to the English slang “what’s up” is “how are you?” or “how are you dealing?” In Punjabi, the term for this is ki haal chaal or kiddaan?
There Is More To Punjabi Than Only Saying Hello
Although it was said earlier that Punjabis are not big on gestures, touching the feet of elders and letting the elder touch your head or raise their hand to you as they bless you is a significant gesture and entirely meaningful to them.
This is not only done among those who are from the Punjab region but also among many of the Indian cultures and religious practices.
Now that we talked about the formal and informal ways of saying hello in Punjabi and Punjabi greetings according to the different religions of Punjab, you’re sufficiently informed to enjoy your travel to Punjab or a Punjabi-speaking region.
Explore More Punjabi With Ling
With the Ling app, you can tap into the Punjabi culture notes to learn Punjabi in its cultural context.
Plus, not only does it have interactive features, but it also comes with in-depth lessons that’ll help you master the grammar and cultural notes related to your target language!
We also have a chatbot that can help you process your understanding faster.
So, download the Ling app today and make your travels smoother!
