The word hello in Punjabi is ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ or “Sat Sri Akal,” 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 that you do not know very well. As a traveler, learning this essential expression can help out. But what if there are other expressions that you can use? Well, you’ll learn about that and more today! Let’s start!
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 Akal.” 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. The use of this traditional greeting does not only show 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. Let’s get to know more about this in the sections below!
Hello For Muslim And Hindu Punjabis
To give a little background information: the magnificent Indian state of Punjab 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 Salam. Although many speak the Punjabi language, the official language in India is Hindi, and that of Pakistan is Urdu. “Sat Sri Akaal” 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 yet!
It is why knowing both formal and informal ways to say Hello in Punjabi is very handy!
Informal Ways To Say Hello In Punjabi
Some informal ways to say “hello” in Punjabi are ਸਾਨੂ ਕੀ “Saanu ki?”, ਕਿਦਾਨ “Kidaan?” and ਅਜ ਕਾਲ ਹੈ? “Ajj kal hai?” These are colloquial and may be used in casual or informal settings.
It’s also common to use hand gestures such as a slight bow with hands pressed together and Namaste, similar to Hindi culture. Another common gesture to say hello in Punjabi is to place the right hand over the heart and bow slightly.
Here is some basic vocabulary in the local language to help you get your conversations going after a “hello”:
- Greetings/Hello: ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ Sat Sri Akaal
- Bless you: ਜਿਉਂਦੇ ਰਹੋ Ji ayan nu
- How are you?: ਤੁਸੀ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ Tussi kevem ho
- I am fine: ਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ Me tikha ha
- Take care: ਆਪਣਾ ਖਿਆਲ ਰੱਖਣਾ Apna khiyala rakna
- (Touch the feet of elders when meeting and before leaving): ਪੈਰੀ ਪਉਣਾ Pairi Pauna
- Live well: ਜੁਗਜੁਗ ਜੀਉ Jugg jeeyo
Although it was said early that Punjabis are not big with 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 purely Punjabi but also among many of the Indian cultures and religious practices.
A slight bow of the head and hands pressed together in a prayer-like position, similar to the Namaste greeting in the Hindu culture, is a common way of showing respect and humility when greeting elders, spiritual leaders, or people in positions of authority.
The Ling App To Learn The Punjabi Language
Several language learning apps available can help you learn how to say “hello” in Punjabi and other traditional greetings. Some popular apps include Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone, and Memrise. These apps offer a variety of learning tools, such as interactive lessons, quizzes, and games to help you practice and improve your language skills. But did you know that there is one app that can change the language-learning process for you?
With Ling, you can learn a new language within 15 minutes of using the app every single day. 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 what are you waiting for? Try Ling today from the Play Store or App Store and start learning Punjabi the right way!
