Punjabi Transliteration for Directions: Right, Left and Straight
For basic Punjabi directions in transliteration, learn the standalone words for right, left, straight, behind and above, then recognise the complete commands for turning right, turning left and going straight. The transliterations are a focused starter set, not a complete conversation for asking or giving directions.
Start with these expressions
| English | Transliteration | Native script |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | sidha | ਸਿੱਧਾ |
| Behind | pichhe | ਪਿੱਛੇ |
| Up or above | utte | ਉੱਤੇ |
| Right | sajje | ਸੱਜੇ |
| Left | khabbe | ਖੱਬੇ |
| Turn right. | sajje muro. | ਸੱਜੇ ਮੁੜੋ। |
| Turn left. | khabbe muro. | ਖੱਬੇ ਮੁੜੋ। |
| Go straight. | sidha jao. | ਸਿੱਧਾ ਜਾਓ। |
Use labels differently from complete commands
The most useful distinction is between a direction label and a complete instruction. A label gives you a location or movement idea, such as right, left, straight, behind or above. It is useful for recognising a direction, but it is not presented here as a full sentence.
The three command entries are different: they express turning right, turning left and going straight. When someone is guiding you, choose one of these command forms rather than treating a single direction word as a complete instruction. The meaning of the straight entry is also supported by a dictionary passage defining it as “straight”, while the behind entry is documented with the meaning “behind” [1][2]. The above-related entry is documented with the spatial sense “over, on, upon” [3].
Keep the scope narrow: these transliterations show the English mappings supplied for this direction set. They do not by themselves establish pronunciation rules, regional alternatives, politeness levels or a full question-and-answer exchange.
[1] Source: dsal.uchicago.edu.
[2] Source: dsal.uchicago.edu.
[3] Source: dsal.uchicago.edu.
Try it
You are telling a driver to take the road on the right. Which complete Punjabi direction command from the table should you choose?
Choose your answer before reading on.
Check your answer:
Use expression 6 in the table above.
Choose the command whose English meaning is “Turn right.” The single-word entry for right is a direction label, whereas this row gives the complete instruction needed in the situation.
Cover the English column and test yourself: first identify the five direction labels, then match each of the three complete commands to its English instruction.
Practise speaking with Bhol. Learn words and sentences written in English letters.
