Beginners often spend too much time memorizing vocabulary without learning what to say when someone actually speaks to them. The sentences below give you a small but practical conversation toolkit: greet someone, ask how they are, introduce yourself, explain that you are learning, request slower speech, and end the conversation politely.
Punjabi is spoken in many regions and communities, so pronunciation and wording can vary. These examples use widely understood conversational Punjabi while also noting common Pakistani Punjabi forms such as ae, aan, and naa. The Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi lines are included as visual support, but you can focus entirely on the Roman Punjabi and sound guide if your goal is speaking.
Quick pronunciation table
The English pronunciation column breaks every sentence into easy sound-parts. Say each part separately first, then join the parts together slowly. Listen to a native speaker and copy the rhythm as well as the individual sounds.
| English | Roman Punjabi | English pronunciation (word by word) | Gurmukhi | Shahmukhi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hello / respectful greeting | Sat Sri Akal ji | sut | sree | uh-KAAL | jee | ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ ਜੀ | ست سری اکال جی |
| How are you? | Tusi kiven ho? | too-see | kee-vayn | ho | ਤੁਸੀਂ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ? | تُسیں کِیویں او؟ |
| I am fine | Main theek haan | main | theek | haan | ਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ | میں ٹھیک آں |
| What is your name? | Tuhada naam ki hai? | too-haa-daa | naam | kee | hai | ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਹੈ? | تُہاڈا ناں کی اے؟ |
| My name is ___ | Mera naam ___ hai | may-raa | naam | ___ | hai | ਮੇਰਾ ਨਾਮ ___ ਹੈ | میرا ناں ___ اے |
| I am learning Punjabi | Main Punjabi sikh reha/rahi haan | main | pun-jaa-bee | sikh | ray-haa / ray-hee | haan | ਮੈਂ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਸਿੱਖ ਰਿਹਾ/ਰਹੀ ਹਾਂ | میں پنجابی سِکھ رِہا/رہی آں |
| I did not understand | Mainu samajh nahi aayi | main-noo | suh-mujh | nuh-hee | aa-ee | ਮੈਨੂੰ ਸਮਝ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਈ | مینوں سمجھ نہیں آئی |
| Please speak slowly | Meharbani karke hauli bolo | mehr-baa-nee | kur-kay | how-lee | bo-lo | ਮਿਹਰਬਾਨੀ ਕਰਕੇ ਹੌਲੀ ਬੋਲੋ | مِہربانی کرکے ہولی بولو |
| What is this? | Eh ki hai? | eh | kee | hai | ਇਹ ਕੀ ਹੈ? | ایہہ کی اے؟ |
| See you again | Phir milange | feer | mil-aan-gay | ਫਿਰ ਮਿਲਾਂਗੇ | فیر ملاں گے |
1Sat Sri Akal ji
Sat Sri Akal is a widely recognized greeting, especially among Sikhs. Add ji to sound respectful when greeting an elder, teacher, or someone you have just met. The usual reply is the same phrase.
B: Sat Sri Akal ji. Tusi kiven ho?
2Tusi kiven ho?
This means “How are you?” The word tusi is a respectful or plural “you,” making it a safe choice for beginners. With close friends, you may hear more casual alternatives, but start with tusi.
3Main theek haan
This is the simplest answer to “Tusi kiven ho?” It means “I am fine.” You can follow it with tusi? to return the question naturally.
B: Main theek haan. Tusi?
4Tuhada naam ki hai?
Use this polite sentence to ask “What is your name?” In Pakistani Punjabi, you may hear naa and ae where another speaker uses naam and hai. Both versions are understandable.
5Mera naam ___ hai
Replace the blank with your name. This is a useful sentence pattern because you can practice it immediately without learning extra vocabulary.
B: Mera naam Sara hai.
6Main Punjabi sikh reha/rahi haan
This means “I am learning Punjabi.” A male speaker usually says reha, while a female speaker usually says rahi. Telling people that you are learning often encourages them to speak more patiently.
7Mainu samajh nahi aayi
Use this when you did not understand what was said. It is more useful than pretending to follow the conversation, and it creates a natural opportunity for the other person to repeat or explain.
8Meharbani karke hauli bolo
This means “Please speak slowly.” Hauli means slowly, and bolo means speak. Keep the request warm and add ji at the end when speaking respectfully.
I am learning Punjabi. Please speak slowly.
9Eh ki hai?
“What is this?” helps you turn objects around you into vocabulary lessons. Point to an object, ask the question, then repeat the answer aloud.
10Phir milange
This means “See you again” or “We will meet again.” It is a warm, natural way to end a conversation and is useful in both casual and polite situations.
Common Pakistani Punjabi variations
In Pakistani Punjabi conversation, you will often hear ae instead of hai, aan instead of haan, and naa instead of naam. For example, Mera naam Sara hai may sound like Mera naa Sara ae. These are natural regional differences, not mistakes.
Put the sentences into one short conversation
B: Sat Sri Akal ji. Mera naam Alex hai.
A: Tusi kiven ho?
B: Main theek haan. Main Punjabi sikh reha haan.
A: Bohat vadhiya!
B: Meharbani karke hauli bolo ji.
A: Theek hai.
B: Phir milange!
A simple three-day practice plan
Listen and copy
Say each line slowly five times. Focus on rhythm, not speed.
Build pairs
Practice question-and-answer pairs instead of isolated sentences.
Speak without reading
Cover the Roman Punjabi and respond using only the English prompt.
What should you learn next?
Once these sentences feel comfortable, build small groups of vocabulary around your daily life: family members, food, home, work, and common actions. The goal is not to memorize the entire language. It is to add useful words to sentence patterns you can already say.