ਜਾਨੀ
jaani
In Punjabi, the English word 'darling' is expressed as ਜਾਨੀ (jaani).
ਜਾਨੀ is an affectionate term of address for someone who is very dear to you. While it is commonly used in romantic contexts, it is also frequently used colloquially between close friends.
Meaning: often used as an affectionate term of address: person who is very dear to one (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is derived from the word ਜਾਨ, which means 'life' or 'soul'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more elegant and formal way to address a darling, you can use ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮ. In contrast, the word ਜਾਨ can be used informally to refer to one's 'soul' or 'life'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ਜਾਨੀ is used as an affectionate address for males or as a gender-neutral term of endearment. When calling out to a darling directly in the vocative case, the form changes to ਜਾਨੀਏ.
How do you pronounce it?
jaani
Did you know?
- In some colloquial contexts, ਜਾਨੀ can be used ironically between male friends to mock someone acting overly sentimental.
- While ਜਾਨੀ is common among friends, the more poetic ਪ੍ਰੀਤਮ is often found in classical Punjabi literature and Sufi poetry to describe a divine or eternal lover.
- Using ਜਾਨੀ with a stranger might be perceived as much more intense than 'darling' in English because it implies a 'soul-level' connection.
Examples in context
- ਮੇਰੀ ਜਾਨੀ, ਇੱਥੇ ਆ।meri jaani, ithe aa.My darling, come here.
Example conversation
A couple is talking at home.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਜਾਨੀ, ਕੀ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਚਾਹ ਪੀਓਗੇ?Jaani, ki tusi chah pioge?Darling, will you drink tea?
- ਪ੍ਰੀਤ Preetਹਾਂ, ਮੈਂ ਚਾਹ ਪੀਵਾਂਗੀ।Haan, main chah pivangi.Yes, I will drink tea.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਮੈਂ ਹੁਣੇ ਬਣਾਉਂਦਾ ਹਾਂ।Main hune banaunda haan.I will make it right now.
- ਪ੍ਰੀਤ Preetਤੁਸੀਂ ਬਹੁਤ ਚੰਗੇ ਹੋ!Tusi bahut changey ho!You are very kind!
