Punjabi Transliteration Guide: Useful Phrases
For a heritage learner, the most useful Punjabi transliteration set here is a compact repair sequence: say you did not understand, ask the speaker to repeat or slow down, then use courtesy expressions such as apology, thanks, or “no problem.” You can also ask how to say an unknown word in Punjabi.
Start with these expressions
| English | Transliteration | Native script |
|---|---|---|
| I didn't understand. | mainu samajh nahi aaya. | ਮੈਨੂੰ ਸਮਝ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਇਆ। |
| Speak slowly | hauli bolo | ਹੌਲੀ ਬੋਲੋ |
| Can you repeat? | fer dasso | ਫੇਰ ਦੱਸੋ |
| Please speak slowly | kirpa karke hauli bolo | ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਹੌਲੀ ਬੋਲੋ |
| Sorry, can you repeat? | maaf karna, fer dasso. | ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ, ਫੇਰ ਦੱਸੋ। |
| No problem | koi gal nahi | ਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ |
| Thank you | dhannvaad | ਧੰਨਵਾਦ |
| How do you say this in Punjabi? | eh panjabi vich ki kehnde han | ਇਹ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੀ ਕਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ |
Separate the problem from the repair request
Use one practical distinction: reporting that you missed the meaning is different from asking the speaker to change what they do next. If the problem has already happened, choose the expression meaning “I didn’t understand.” If you want the speaker to continue more clearly, choose the request meaning “Speak slowly,” “Please speak slowly,” or “Can you repeat?” If you need both, use the combined apology-and-repeat expression.
The dictionary excerpt records mainu as meaning “me; to me” [1] and nahi as “not, no” [2]. These entries help you recognise smaller word meanings inside a longer utterance, but they do not by themselves prove the grammar or conversational use of every complete sentence. Treat the phrase rows as ready-to-use utterances rather than a rule for creating new ones. After someone helps, use the thank-you or no-problem expression to close the exchange. The question about how to say something in Punjabi is useful when you want to turn a conversation gap into vocabulary practice.
[1] Source: dsal.uchicago.edu.
[2] Source: dsal.uchicago.edu.
Try it
Someone says something you miss, and you want them to speak slowly. Which single expression should you choose?
Choose your answer before reading on.
Check your answer:
Use expression 4 in the table above.
Choose the expression meaning “Please speak slowly.” It directly asks for a slower pace and includes the polite wording, rather than merely reporting that you did not understand.
Practise a three-part response for your next family conversation: report the misunderstanding, request repetition or slower speech, then acknowledge the help with thanks. Use the Punjabi transliteration shown for each selected phrase and keep the situation simple.
Practise speaking with Bhol. Learn words and sentences written in English letters.
