How to Say “What is this called?” in Punjabi
The Standard Phrase
What is this called? in Punjabi is most commonly asked as:
ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ਕੀ ਕਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ?
Transliteration: Is nu ki kehnde han?
This phrase can be used in a variety of situations, whether you are pointing at an object, a food item, or something unfamiliar.
Breaking Down the Phrase
- ਇਸ (Is) – This
- ਨੂੰ (nu) – to (object marker)
- ਕੀ (ki) – what
- ਕਹਿੰਦੇ (kehnde) – call/say
- ਹਨ (han) – are (plural/polite form)
Pronunciation Tips
- Practice breaking the phrase into smaller parts: “Is nu” (this to), “ki” (what), “kehnde han” (call are).
- The “kh” in “kehnde” is pronounced with a slight breath, similar to the “kh” in “khaki.”
- The “han” at the end is soft; don’t stress the ‘h’ too much.
Listening to native speakers or using language learning tools like Talkpal can help you perfect your pronunciation.
When and How to Use This Phrase
Common Situations
- Shopping: When you see a new fruit or item in a Punjabi market, point to it and ask, “Is nu ki kehnde han?”
- Visiting Friends: If someone offers you a dish you haven’t tried before, you can ask, “Is nu ki kehnde han?”
- Learning Vocabulary: Use this question to build your word bank by asking about objects around you during language practice sessions.
Politeness and Cultural Insight
Punjabi culture values politeness. You can add a polite tone by saying:
ਮਿਹਰਬਾਨੀ ਕਰਕੇ, ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ਕੀ ਕਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ?
Transliteration: Mehrbani karke, is nu ki kehnde han?
This means, “Please, what is this called?”
Variations and Related Questions
If you want to be more specific, you can modify the question:
- ਉਹ ਨੂਂ ਕੀ ਕਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ? (“Uh nu ki kehnde han?”) – What is that called?
- ਇਸ ਚੀਜ਼ ਨੂੰ ਕੀ ਕਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ? (“Is cheez nu ki kehnde han?”) – What is this thing called?
These variations are helpful when you want to distinguish between objects close to you or further away.
Tips for Expanding Your Punjabi Vocabulary
- Carry a small notebook or use a language learning app to jot down new words you learn after asking this question.
- Practice repeating the new words aloud and use them in sentences.
- Engage with native speakers whenever possible to hear the correct pronunciation and usage.
How Talkpal Can Help You Learn Punjabi
Talkpal offers interactive tools and AI-powered conversation practice to help you gain confidence in speaking Punjabi. You can practice asking questions like “Is nu ki kehnde han?” in real-life scenarios and receive instant feedback on your pronunciation and grammar. Visit the Talkpal – AI language learning blog for more tips, resources, and engaging lessons tailored to Punjabi learners.
Conclusion
Learning how to ask “What is this called?” in Punjabi is a simple yet powerful tool for building your vocabulary and engaging in conversations. By practicing this phrase, understanding its context, and using resources like Talkpal, you can accelerate your Punjabi language learning journey and connect more deeply with Punjabi culture. Start using “Is nu ki kehnde han?” today and watch your confidence grow with every new word you learn!
