Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to use the restroom while traveling? And instances when you couldn’t entirely communicate your needs to the locals?
It happens to the best of us, doesn’t it? When visiting Punjab or interacting with Punjabi-speaking people, knowing some basic restroom vocabulary in Punjabi can be handy.
Today, we’ll break down and learn Punjabi words and phrases related to restrooms, so you’ll never be at a loss for words again. How about that?
We’ll cover everything from the names of restroom components to the proper pronunciation of these terms.
Plus, we’ll give practical examples of how to use these words in everyday situations. Let’s dive in.
Essential Punjabi Restroom Vocabulary
Let’s kick off our discussion with some basic restroom vocabulary in Punjabi.
Knowing these terms will surely make your life easier when you’re out and about.
Bathroom
This word is a direct translation of “bathrooms” in English, and it’s commonly understood in Punjab.
For example, you can say, “ਮੈਨੂੰ ਬਾਥਰੂਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਾਣ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੈ।” (Mainu bathroom vich jaan di lor hai), which means “I need to go to the bathroom.”
Toilet
Another term used to refer to a restroom is “ਟੌਇਲੇਟ” (Toilet), also borrowed from English.
To ask for the nearest toilet, you can say, “ਨੇੜੇ ਦਾ ਟੌਇਲੇਟ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ?” (Nede da toilet kithe hai?), which translates to “Where is the nearest toilet?”
Restroom
A more traditional Punjabi term for a restroom is “ਇਸ਼ਨਾਨਘਰ” (Ishnaanghar).
You might hear this word when speaking with older generations or in rural areas.
For instance, you could say, “ਇਸ਼ਨਾਨਘਰ ਸਾਫ ਹੋਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ।” (Ishnaanghar saaf hona chahida hai.), meaning “The restroom needs to be cleaned.”
Men’s Restroom
When looking for a men’s restroom in Punjab, you’ll want to use the term “ਮਰਦਾਨਾ ਬਾਥਰੂਮ” (Mardana bathroom). Pretty simple, right?
Let’s see this term in action with examples:
- Imagine you’re in a Punjabi restaurant and need to find the men’s room. You could ask, “ਮਰਦਾਨਾ ਬਾਥਰੂਮ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ?” (Mardana bathroom kitthe hai?), meaning “Where is the men’s restroom?”
- If you walk into the men’s restroom and find it’s being cleaned. You might tell your friend, “ਮਰਦਾਨਾ ਬਾਥਰੂਮ ਸਾਫ ਹੋ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ।” (Mardana bathroom saaf ho riha hai), which translates to “The men’s restroom is being cleaned.”
Women’s Restroom
For a women’s restroom, you’ll need the term “ਔਰਤਾਂ ਦਾ ਬਾਥਰੂਮ” (Aurtaan da bathroom). Easy enough, right? Let’s practice with examples:
- Suppose you’re at a Punjabi mall and need to locate the women’s restroom. You could ask, “ਔਰਤਾਂ ਦਾ ਬਾਥਰੂਮ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ?” (Aurtaan da bathroom kitthe hai?), which means “Where is the women’s restroom?”
- Imagine waiting for your friend outside the women’s restroom, and someone asks you if it’s occupied. You could respond, “ਹਾਂ, ਔਰਤਾਂ ਦਾ ਬਾਥਰੂਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੋਈ ਹੈ।” (Haan, aurtaan da bathroom vich koi hai), meaning “Yes, someone is in the women’s restroom.”
Toilet Components And Accessories
When using the restroom, understanding the various toilet components and accessories is essential. Let’s look at each one, starting with the toilet seat.
Toilet Seat
The toilet seat is an essential toilet component that provides comfort and hygiene. In Punjabi, the toilet seat is called “ਸ਼ੌਚਾਲਯ ਸੀਟ” (Shochalay seat).
Usage example:
- If you need to use the toilet, you could ask, “ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਸ਼ੌਚਾਲਯ ਸੀਟ ਦੇਖਣਾ ਹੈ।” (Kirpā karkē shochalay seat dekhṇā hai) meaning “Can I see the toilet seat please?”
Toilet Bowl
The toilet bowl is the receptacle that holds the water and waste in a toilet. In Punjabi, the toilet bowl is called “ਸ਼ੌਚਾਲਯ ਬਾਊਲ” (Shochalay bowl).
Usage example:
- If the toilet bowl is clogged, you could say, “ਸ਼ੌਚਾਲਯ ਬਾਊਲ ਬੰਦ ਹੈ।” (Shochalay bowl band hai), which translates to “The toilet bowl is clogged.”
Flush
The flush is the mechanism that releases water to move waste and fluids out of the toilet bowl and into the sewage system. In Punjabi, the flush is called “ਫਲਸ” (Phalas).
Usage example:
- When you’re done using the toilet, you’ll want to flush. In Punjabi, you can say “ਫਲਸ ਚਲਾਓ” (Phalas chalao), which means “Flush the toilet.”
Toilet Paper
Ah, toilet paper, the unsung hero of the restroom. Without it, we’d be in quite a predicament!
The Punjabi people call it ਟਾਇਲਟ ਪੇਪਰ (ṭā’ilṭ pēpar), and it’s an absolute must-have in any restroom.
Usage example:
- Uh-oh, looks like we’ve run out of toilet paper. Time to say, “ਟਾਇਲਟ ਪੇਪਰ ਖਤਮ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ।” (Ṭā’ilṭ pēpar khatam ho giā hai) This means “The toilet paper has run out.”
Toilet Brush
Let’s be honest here, cleaning the toilet bowl isn’t the most glamorous task, but it’s gotta be done.
That’s where the trusty toilet brush comes in. In Punjabi, they call it ਟਾਇਲਟ ਬ੍ਰਸ਼ (ṭā’ilṭ brush).
Usage example:
- Time to clean the toilet bowl? Grab the toilet brush and say, “ਟਾਇਲਟ ਬ੍ਰਸ਼ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਟਾਇਲਟ ਸਾਫ ਕਰੋ।” (Ṭā’ilṭ brush de nāl ṭā’ilṭ sāf karo), which translates to “Clean the toilet bowl with the toilet brush.”
Plunger
When it comes to clogged toilets, the plunger is our saving grace. In Punjabi, it’s known as ਪਲੰਜਰ (palanjr).
Usage example:
- No plunger in sight? Uh-oh. You can say, “ਪਲੰਜਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ।” (Palanjr nahī̃ hai), meaning “There is no plunger.”
Washing And Hygiene-Related Vocabulary:
Washing and maintaining hygiene are crucial aspects of our daily lives. Let’s take a look at some common terms related to washing and hygiene in Punjabi.
Washbasin
A washbasin, or bathroom sink, is a bathroom fixture for washing hands, face, or teeth. In Punjabi, it is known as “ਮੁਹਾਸ਼ਣ” (Muhāshṇ).
Usage example:
- Suppose you need to wash your hands. You could say, “ਮੁਹਾਸ਼ਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਾਣੀ ਹੈ?” (Muhāshṇ vich pānī hai?) meaning “Is there water in the washbasin?”
Faucet/Tap
A faucet or tap is a valve used to control water flow. In Punjabi, it is called “ਨਲ” (Nal).
Usage example:
- If you need to turn on the tap, you could say, “ਨਲ ਚਾਲੂ ਕਰੋ।” (Nal chālū karo), meaning “Turn on the tap.”
Soap
Soap is a cleaning agent for washing body parts and objects. In Punjabi, it is known as “ਸਾਬਣ” (Sāban).
Usage example:
- Suppose you’re out of soap and need to buy more. You could say, “ਮੈਂ ਸਾਬਣ ਲੈਣ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹਾਂ।” (Main sāban lain jā rihā hān) meaning “I’m going to buy soap.”
Towel
A towel is a cloth used for drying oneself or other surfaces. In Punjabi, a towel is called “ਤੌਲੀ” (Tauli).
Usage example:
- Imagine you’ve just finished washing your face and need a towel to dry it off. You could ask, “ਤੌਲੀ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ?” (Tauli kitthe hai?), meaning “Where is the towel?”
Shower
A shower is a plumbing fixture that sprays water over a person’s body to clean them. In Punjabi, a shower is called “ਸ਼ਾਵਰ” (Shaavar).
Usage example:
- If you’re getting ready for a party, you might say, “ਮੈਂ ਹੁਣ ਸ਼ਾਵਰ ਲਵਾਉਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਹਾਂ।” (Main hun shaavar lavāun vālā hān), meaning “I’m going to take a shower now.”
Bathtub
A bathtub is a big container for holding water where people can sit or lie down to wash their bodies. In Punjabi, a bathtub is called “ਨਹਾਣ ਟਬ” (Nahān tab).
Usage example:
- If you’re visiting a friend and want to ask if they have a bathtub, you could say, “ਤੁਸੀਂ ਨਹਾਣ ਟਬ ਹੈ ਜਾਂ ਨਹੀਂ?” (Tusīn nahān tab hai jān nahi?), which means “Do you have a bathtub or not?”
Drain
The drain is a pipe or opening in a sink or bathtub that allows water to flow out. In Punjabi, a drain is called “ਨਾਲੀ” (Nālī).
Usage example:
- Suppose you accidentally drop something down the drain. In that case, you might say, “ਮੈਂ ਆਪਣਾ ਇੱਕ ਅਯਾਤ ਨਾਲੀਵਿੱਚ ਗਿਰਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ।” (Main apna ik āyāt nālī vich girā ditta hai), which means “I accidentally dropped my item down the drain.”
Bidet
A bidet is a fixture used for personal hygiene after using the toilet, typically consisting of a small basin with a faucet and spray nozzle. In Punjabi, a bidet is known as “ਬਿਦੈਟ” (Bidet).
Usage example:
- If you’re not familiar with using a bidet, you might ask, “ਬਿਦੈਟ ਵਰਤਣਾ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੈ?” (Bidet varatna kiven hai?) or “How do I use the bidet?” in English.
How To Ask For Directions To A Restroom
If you need a restroom and don’t know where to go, don’t worry; asking for directions in Punjabi is simple! Here are some common phrases you can use to ask for the nearest restroom:
- “ਬਾਥਰੂਮ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ?” (Bathroom kitthe hai?) – Where is the restroom?
- “ਮੈਨੂੰ ਬਾਥਰੂਮ ਲੱਭਣਾ ਹੈ।” (Mainu bathroom labhna hai) – I need to find the restroom.
- “ਕੀ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਬਾਥਰੂਮ ਦਿਖਾ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ?” (Ki tusi mainu bathroom dikhha sakde ho?) – Can you show me where the restroom is?
More Punjabi Restroom Vocabulary
Ready to boost your mental Punjabi dictionary? That’s great!
Let’s have another set of restroom vocabulary for when you travel to regions in Punjabi.
So, what else do we need to know? Let’s find out!
English | Punjabi | Pronunciation |
Urinal | ਪੇਸ਼ਾਬ ਦਾ ਬਰਤਨ | Pē-śāb dā bar-tan |
Changing Table | ਚੇਂਜਿੰਗ ਟੇਬਲ | Cē-ṅjiṅg ṭē-bal |
Hand Dryer | ਹੈਂਡ ਡਰਾਇਅਰ | Haiṇḍ ḍa-rā’ar |
Bathroom Stall | ਬਾਥਰੂਮ ਸਟਾਲ | Bā-thrūm sa-ṭāl |
Trash Can | ਰੱਦੀ ਬਾਲ੍ਹੜ | Raḍ-ḍī bāl-haṛ |
Air Freshener | ਏਅਰ ਫ੍ਰੈਸ਼ਨਰ | E’ar fraiṣ-nar |
Exhaust Fan | ਇਗਜ਼ੋਸਟ ਫੈਨ | Ig-zō-saṭ fain |
Floor Mat | ਫਲੋਰ ਮੈਟ | Ph-lōr maṭ |
Bathroom Scale | ਬਾਥਰੂਮ ਸਕੇਲ | Bā-thrūm skēl |
Shower Curtain | ਸ਼ਵਰ ਪਰਦਾ | Śav-ar par-dā |
And there you have it! Isn’t it amazing how learning these terms can make your restroom experience in Punjab so much smoother?
Keep practicing, and don’t forget to use these words when the situation calls for it.
Learn Restroom Vocabulary With Ling!
As you can see, learning basic restroom vocabulary in Punjabi can be incredibly helpful for non-native speakers, especially those traveling to Punjabi-speaking regions.
By knowing the proper terms for various restroom fixtures and appliances, you can easily navigate public restrooms and communicate any issues or concerns you may have.
If you want to learn more about the Punjabi language and 60+ other languages, consider downloading the Ling app.
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