Family relationships are an essential part of any culture, and Punjabi culture is no exception. Whether you’re a native Punjabi speaker or just curious about the language, knowing how to say “brother-in-law” can help you connect and communicate with Punjabi-speaking individuals on a deeper level. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to address a brother-in-law in Punjabi, providing tips, examples, and a glimpse into regional variations. Before diving into the details, it’s worth mentioning that Punjabi has several dialects spoken in different regions. While the primary focus of this guide is the standard Punjabi language, some regional variations will be mentioned if they significantly differ from the standard form. Now, let’s explore the various ways to say “brother-in-law” in Punjabi!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say Brother-in-Law in Punjabi
In formal settings, it’s important to use respectful language to address family members. Here are the formal ways to say “brother-in-law” in Punjabi:
a) ਸਾਲੇ (Sālé)
The word “ਸਾਲੇ” (Sālé) is used as a formal term for “brother-in-law” in Punjabi. It can be used to address your spouse’s brother or your sister’s husband.
Example:
ਮੇਰੇ ਭੈਣ ਦਾ ਸਾਲੇ (ਅਰਜੁਨ) ਇਕ ਵਖਰੇ ਮੁਲਾਜ਼ਮ ਹਨ।
(Mērē bhaiṇ dā sālé (Arjun) ik vakhre mulāzam han.)
Translation: My sister’s brother-in-law (Arjun) is a dedicated employee.
b) ਜੇਠ ਪੁਤਰ (Jēth Puttar)
Another formal term used to address your wife’s elder brother or your elder brother’s husband is “ਜੇਠ ਪੁਤਰ” (Jēth Puttar). It signifies respect and acknowledges the seniority of the person within the family.
Example:
ਜੇਠ ਪੁਤਰ ਨੇ ਸਾਡੇ ਲਈ ਵਧੀਆ ਸਲਾਹਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ।
(Jēth Puttar nē sādē lai vadhīā salāhā dittā.)
Translation: Our brother-in-law (elder brother of my wife) gave us good advice.
c) ਨਨਾ (Nānā)
In Punjabi, the term “ਨਨਾ” (Nānā) is used as a formal term for addressing your spouse’s elder brother. It also implies respect to the person’s seniority within the family hierarchy.
Example:
ਕੌਣ ਹੈ ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਨਨਾ? (ਜੀਤ)
(Kaun hai tuhādā nānā? (Jīt))
Translation: Who is your elder brother-in-law? (Jīt)
2. Informal Ways to Say Brother-in-Law in Punjabi
Informal situations call for a more casual approach to address family members. Here are the informal terms used to say “brother-in-law” in Punjabi:
a) ਵੇਰ (Vēr)
The term “ਵੇਰ” (Vēr) is commonly used in informal conversations to address your brother-in-law. It’s a simple and widely understood way to refer to your sibling’s husband or your spouse’s brother.
Example:
ਮੇਰੇ ਵੇਰ (ਰਵੀ) ਨੂੰ ਮਯੰਦਰ ਜਾਣ ਦਾ ਸ਼ੌਕ ਹੈ।
(Mērē vēr (Ravī) nū̃ mayandar jāṇ dā shauk hai.)
Translation: My brother-in-law (Ravī) loves to go to gardens.
b) ਸਾਲਾ (Sālā) / ਸਾਲੀ (Sālī)
In informal settings, “ਸਾਲਾ” (Sālā) is used to address your spouse’s brother, while “ਸਾਲੀ” (Sālī) is used for your sibling’s husband. These terms are more colloquial and popular among Punjabi-speaking communities.
Example:
ਸਾਡੇ ਸਾਲੇ (ਰਣਜੀਤ) ਨੇ ਕਿਸਮਤ ਭੱਜ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਹੈ।
(Sādē sālé (Ranjīt) nē kismat bhaṭṭ dittī hai.)
Translation: Our brother-in-law (Ranjīt) is lucky.
Conclusion
Family relationships hold tremendous importance in Punjabi culture, and knowing how to address your brother-in-law in Punjabi can foster stronger bonds and effective communication. In formal settings, you can use terms like “ਸਾਲੇ” (Sālé), “ਜੇਠ ਪੁਤਰ” (Jēth Puttar), or “ਨਨਾ” (Nānā) to respect their seniority and show proper etiquette. In informal situations, the terms “ਵੇਰ” (Vēr), “ਸਾਲਾ” (Sālā), or “ਸਾਲੀ” (Sālī) are commonly used to address your brother-in-law casually. Remember, using the appropriate term in the right context enhances your understanding and connection with Punjabi-speaking individuals.
Take these phrases and examples as a starting point, and feel free to explore more about Punjabi culture and language to deepen your knowledge. Happy learning!
