Punjabi Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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Punjabi

[pʌnˈdʒɑːbi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

language group

Punjabi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by over 125 million people worldwide. It is the native language of the Punjabi people, primarily in Punjab, a region divided between India and Pakistan. It is written in Gurmukhi script in India and Shahmukhi script in Pakistan.

Synonyms

Punjabi language, panjabi.

Examples of usage

  • She speaks Punjabi fluently.
  • Punjabi is one of the official languages of India.
  • They studied Punjabi culture and language.
  • Punjabi literature has a rich history.
Context #2 | Noun

ethnic group

Punjabi refers to the ethnic group associated with the Punjab region in South Asia. Punjabis have a rich cultural heritage that includes music, dance, and cuisine. They are known for their vibrant festivals and traditions.

Synonyms

Punjabi community, Punjabi people.

Examples of usage

  • The Punjabi community celebrated their harvest festival.
  • Many Punjabis have migrated to different parts of the world.
  • She wore traditional Punjabi attire at the wedding.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'Punjabi'

The term 'Punjabi' is derived from the word 'Punjab,' which means 'Land of Five Rivers' in Persian, referring to the five major rivers in the region: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. The linguistic history of Punjabi dates back to the 11th century when it began to evolve from the ancient Indo-Aryan languages. Initially, Punjabi was primarily an oral language until the 16th century when it began to be written down. The Gurmukhi script was developed in the 15th century by Guru Angad, the second Guru of Sikhism, to standardize the written form of the language. In contrast, the Shahmukhi script, a variant of the Persian script, is used predominantly in Pakistan. Punjabi literature gained prominence with the works of poets like Bulleh Shah and Waris Shah, who expressed the cultural and spiritual essence of the Punjabi people through their poetry. The language flourished during the Sikh Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries, and its role expanded further with the emergence of print media in the 20th century. Today, Punjabi is recognized as one of the official languages of India and Pakistan, reflecting its widespread use and significance in the region.