Hey there, folks! Kiddan? If you are a Punjabi enthusiast, chances are you would be familiar with the word kiddan, which means ‘how are you’ in slang. You see, it is one of those unique Punjabi words that have blurred the state border and are recognized beyond the region, in the entire country, thanks to their usage in popular media. In this article, we will explore some unique words in Punjabi that are not spoken so commonly these days. These words are a testament to the richness and diversity of the Punjabi language and will help you gain a deeper understanding of Punjabi culture and the mindset of its people.
For beginners learning Punjabi, exploring fun and playful words can be a great way to build confidence and stay motivated. Punjabi, like many languages, has a rich tradition of wordplay, puns, and playful expressions, which add a sense of humor and help learners understand the nuances of the language and the culture. Ready to learn where to start? Keep reading!
Let’s Learn Unique Punjabi Words
Whether you’re a Punjabi or love to explore new languages, this article is perfect for anyone who wants to add fun and uniqueness to their language skills. From the quirky and playful to the profound and philosophical, these words will captivate your imagination and leave you with a new appreciation for this lovely language. So, without further ado, let’s dive into Punjabi vocabulary and discover some truly unique words!
| English Meaning | Punjabi Word | Roman Transcription |
|---|---|---|
| How are you?/ What’s up? | ਕਿੱਦਾਂ | Kidāṁ |
| Trouble | ਸਿਆਪਾ | Si’āpā |
| Fancy Punjabi girl | ਪਟੋਲਾ | Paṭōlā |
| Dashing, well-built Punjabi boy | ਗਬਰੂ | Gabarū |
| An aimless ride/drive | ਗੇੜੀ | Gēṛī |
| Idle | ਵਿਹਲਾ | Vihalā |
| Itch | ਖੁਰਕ | Khuraka |
| Wait | ਉਡੀਕ | Uḍīka |
| An urge | ਚੁਲ | Cula |
| Evening | ਤਰਕਾਲਾਂ | Tarakālāṁ |
| Small alley | ਬੀਹ | Bīha |
| Water melon | ਹਦਵਾਣਾ | Hadavāṇā |
| Kitten | ਬਲੂੰਗਰਾ | Balūgarā |
| Extreme cold | ਕੱਕੜ | Kakaṛa |
| A stick | ਡੰਗੋਰੀ | Ḍagōrī |
Amusing Punjabi Phrases
Punjabi is a language that exudes joy and is known for its unique blend of humor and warmth. Punjabi folks love to express themselves in their special way, using colorful idioms, proverbs, and playful words. Some Punjabi slang words and phrases are so hilarious that you will die laughing once you learn in what context they are used. So, get ready for some fun, folks!
#1 Saanu Ki – What Is It To Us?
Written as ਸਾਨੂੰ ਕੀ (Sānū kī), this phrase is generally spoken after hours of many gossips, indicating ‘how it doesn’t matter to us.’
#2 Main Tere Chittar Maarne – I’ll Give You A Good Thrashing!
ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੇ ਚਿੱਤਰ ਮਾਰਨੇ (Maiṁ tērē citara māranē) is a famous slang used by Punjabi moms across the globe to put their young ones in place, even after they’ve grown up into adults. The word chittar literally means a shoe or a slipper.
#3 Khair Chaddo Hun Mitti Pao – Leave It!
Ḵẖaira chaḍō huṇa miṭī pā’ō (ਖ਼ੈਰ ਛੱਡੋ ਹੁਣ ਮਿੱਟੀ ਪਾਓ) has a similar context as Saanu Ki, though it is often spoken to conclude a meaningless discussion. For instance, when the older generation criticizes the younger ones for having a different lifestyle than theirs, which is something beyond their control. So, they crib about it and end it with these words.
#4 Ki Raula Paya Ne – What A Noise!
Kī raulā pā’i’ā nē (ਕੀ ਰੌਲਾ ਪਾਇਆ ਨੇ) is often told to someone who behaves messy, or who makes a lot of noise, creates trouble, or whines a lot. The meaning of the word Raula is noise. Another way to say the same thing is Raula Pay Gaya, meaning ‘shit has hit the roof.’
#5 Main Tey Ungali Pharai Si – I Offered You A Little Help!
The complete sentence is Main te ungali pharai si tu te pauncha hi phar lita (Maiṁ tē uṅgalī phaṛā’ī sī tū tē paun̄cē hī phaṛa lītā – ਮੈਂ ਤੇ ਉਂਗਲੀ ਫੜਾਈ ਸੀ ਤੂੰ ਤੇ ਪੌਂਚੇ ਹੀ ਫੜ ਲੀਤਾ). It means, ‘I had offered you my finger, but you grabbed my sleeve.’ The implication is that I offered you a little help, but you crossed the boundary and demanded more. The context is when someone tries to take undue advantage of your goodness.
#6 Aankhaan Ne Ke Tich Button – Do You Have Buttons Instead Of Eyes?
This one is my favorite that I regularly use to chid my sister! Akhāṁ nē kē ṭica baṭana (ਅੱਖਾਂ ਨੇ ਕੇ ਟਿਚ ਬਟਨ) is a humorous way to tell someone to get their eyes checked when they are not able to spot something kept right before their eyes. Aankhaan means eyes, and tich buttons are tiny, brass snap buttons.
#7 Dur Phitey Munh – Go, Take A Walk
ਦੂਰ ਫਿਟੇ ਮੂੰਹ is pronounced as Dūra phiṭē mūha. This famous slang means ‘get lost, you idiot.’ The word Dur is a slang way of saying ‘far.’ People say it to someone when annoyed or slightly offended.
#8 Chal Hat Pare – Go Away
Cāla haṭa parē (ਚਾਲ ਹਟ ਪਰੇ) is the ultimate answer to someone’s continuous blabbering. Dole it out to someone who just can’t stop irritating you with their nonstop chatter, or quit being annoying. This is the ultimate expression to shoo away someone.
#9 Thand Rakh Yaar – Take A Chill Pill
This simple phrase, Ṭhaḍa rakh yāra (ਠੰਡ ਰੱਖ ਯਾਰ), is used to calm down someone or tell them to take a chill pill. In this context, the meaning of the word Thand is chill, while Yaar is the slang for the word dude.
#10 Hor Ki Chalda – What’s Up
Hōra kī caladā (ਹੋਰ ਕੀ ਚਲਦਾ) is a very common sentence, meaning what’s up. It is a conversation starter, just like the term Kiddan.
Have Fun Learning Punjabi With Ling!
Did you enjoy learning these amusing, quirky sentences in a new language? Comment below to let us know!
As we’ve learned above, mastering Punjabi is fun when you have the right tools and techniques. But more than that, language learning is about how willing and flexible you are to open your mind to something new. For the rest, Ling – a language-learning platform offering more than 60 languagessupportsort you.
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