Grief is a universal human emotion, but expressing it can be challenging, especially when navigating the intricacies of a different language and culture. Learning the language and understanding what locals say as condolence terms, such as Punjabi phrases for expressing grief, can bridge this gap.
In this blog post, we’ll help you express grief in the Punjabi language. This knowledge will prove invaluable when you find yourself in Punjab, facing circumstances that require you to convey your sympathy to a family member or victims’ families.
Table Of Contents
Common Punjabi Phrases For Expressing Grief
Now that we understand the importance of language in grief and why learning Punjabi phrases for expressing condolences is valuable let’s look into some common phrases that will help you navigate these emotional situations with grace and respect. These phrases will help you find the right word more easily without consulting any other resources.
| English | Punjabi | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|
| I am very sorry to hear this | ਮੈਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਸੁਣ ਕੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਅਫ਼ਸੋਸ ਹੋਇਆ | Mainu sun ke bahut afasos ho’ia |
| We are deeply saddened by the news of your loss | ਸਾਨੂੰ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਇਸ ਦੁੱਖ ਦੀ ਖਬਰ ਸੁਣਕੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਦੁਖ ਹੋਇਆ | Saanu tuhaadi dukh di khabar sunke bahut dukh ho’ia |
| May God grant peace to the departed soul. | ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਿਛੜੀ ਆਤਮਾ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ ਦੇਵੇ | Waheguru vichari aatma nu shaanti deve |
| I am with you in your time of grief | ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਦੁਖ ਦੀ ਘੜੀ ਵਿਚ ਮੈਂ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਨਾਲ ਹਾਂ | Tuhaadi dukh di ghadi vich main tuhaade naal haan |
| May God give you the strength to bear this | ਰੱਬ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਸਹਿਣ ਦਾ ਬਲ ਦੇਵੇ | Rab tuhaanu ih sahin da bal deve |
| We are here for you in this moment of sorrow | ਅਸੀਂ ਇਸ ਦੁੱਖ ਦੀ ਘੜੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਨਾਲ ਹਾਂ | Assi is dukh di ghadi vich tuhaade naal haan |
By learning these phrases, you’re not just speaking the language but you’re also showing empathy, understanding, and respect for Punjabi culture.
The Significance Of Language In Grief
Whether it’s the comforting words of a friend, relatives offering prayers for the death of a loved one, or heartfelt condolences for the untimely death of a family member, words have the power to convey our deepest feelings. When we’re grieving and feel sadness, finding the right words becomes even more crucial.
In Punjabi culture, death is followed by some religious rituals in order to make the onward journey of the departed soul as peaceful as possible. These customs and traditions also offer solace and support to those who are mourning. Understanding these cultural nuances is essential to genuinely connect with people during difficult times.
Cultural Insights
Punjabi culture is rich with traditions that guide the expression of grief. When someone passes away, it’s customary for family and friends to gather for a mourning period. Moreover, the community plays a central role in times of grief. The concept of Sangat or community support is crucial.
Friends and neighbors come together to offer condolences, help with practical matters, and provide emotional support. Learning Punjabi phrases for expressing grief not only allows you to participate in these support networks effectively but also shows that you value the importance of community during times of sorrow.
When To Use Spoken Punjabi Grief Phrases
Now that we’ve explored the cultural insights and the significance of learning Punjabi phrases for bereavement, let’s dive into real-life scenarios where these phrases can be invaluable. Here are some examples of when and how to use these Punjabi grief phrases:
At A Funeral
When attending a Punjabi funeral or memorial service for a family that lost a wife, husband, son, or daughter, offering condolence or prayers is customary. You can use phrases like sat sri akaal (ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ) as a greeting followed by Waheguru vichari aatma nu shaanti deve (ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਿਛੜੀ ਆਤਮਾ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ ਦੇਵੇ) which means, “May God grant peace to the departed soul.” This way, you express your sympathy in spoken words and pray for the deceased person to find peace on their onward journey.
Visiting A Bereaved Family
If you visit the family of the deceased to offer your spoken condolence, phrases like Rab tuhaanu ih sahin da bal deve (ਰੱਬ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਸਹਿਣ ਦਾ ਬਲ ਦੇਵੇ) which means, “May God give you the strength to bear this loss.” You can also say, Mainu sun ke bahut afasos ho’ia (ਮੈਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਸੁਣ ਕੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਅਫ਼ਸੋਸ ਹੋਇਆ) which means, “I am sorry to hear this.” This phrase conveys your sorrow.
Supporting A Friend
If a Punjabi friend is going through the loss of a deceased loved one, relative, or teacher, expressing spoken condolence in their language can be incredibly meaningful. You can say, tuhaadi dukh di ghadi vich main tuhaade naal haan (ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਦੁਖ ਦੀ ਘੜੀ ਵਿਚ ਮੈਂ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਨਾਲ ਹਾਂ). It means, “I am with you in your time of grief.”
Expressing Condolence In Writing
If you’re sending a card or a message to express your condolence, including Punjabi phrases can convey your heartfelt sympathy even from a distance. Make sure that you express praise for the deceased, and pray that the family will soon find peace and strength to bear their loss.
Remember, using these phrases isn’t just about saying condolence words with the right pronunciation. It’s about offering genuine comfort and support. It’s about being present for someone in their time of need, respecting their culture, and showing that you care.
How Do You Say Grief In Punjabi?
Grief in Punjabi is expressed as dukh (ਦੁੱਖ). It is pronounced as du-kha.
FAQs About Expressing Grief In Punjabi
What Do Sikhs Say When Someone Dies?
Sikhs often say Waheguru di marzi (God’s will) and Waheguru ji da bhana mannana (accept God’s will). They also offer prayers for the departed soul, saying Waheguru ji kirpa karaan (May God have mercy) to seek peace for the deceased.
How To Express Condolences In Punjabi?
In Punjabi, condolences are expressed with phrases like:
- I am very sorry – Mainu bahut afsos hai (ਮੈਨੂੰ ਬਹੁਤ ਅਫਸੋਸ ਹੈ)
- I am with you in your grief – Tuhaade dukh vich main tuhaade naal haan (ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਦੁੱਖ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੈਂ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਨਾਲ ਹਾਂ)
- May God give you strength to bear this loss – Rabb tuhaanu ih sahin da bal deve (ਰੱਬ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਸਹਿਣ ਦਾ ਬਲ ਦੇਵੇ)
What Is The Sikh Prayer For Grief?
The Sikh prayer for grief is Ardaas, a collective prayer asking Waheguru (God) for strength and peace for the departed soul. During grief, Sikhs recite Sohila Sahib or Japji Sahib, seeking divine grace and comfort. They also pray for acceptance of God’s will and spiritual resilience for the family.
Explore Punjabi Phrases On Ling
If you’re intrigued by the idea of using Punjabi phrases to express grief and connect with Punjabi culture, you can explore a wonderful resource: Ling. This app, available in the Play Store and App Store, offers a treasure trove of language lessons and cultural insights, including Punjabi.
Engaging in comprehensive language lessons on Ling can deepen your understanding of this beautiful culture and enrich your ability to connect with people in meaningful ways. Ready to give it a try? Download it now!
