ਯਾਰ
yār/jäːɾ/
The Punjabi word for "dude" is ਯਾਰ (yār).
ਯਾਰ is a colloquial term used to address a man or a friend. While it is often used as a vocative to address someone directly, it is also frequently used as an interjection to express surprise, emphasis or frustration, much like how English speakers use "dude" in phrases such as "Dude, really?"
Meaning: colloquial: man (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ਯਾਰ means "friend" or "companion".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ਯਾਰ is an informal term used among peers. In similar informal settings among friends, you might also hear the term Veer, which translates to "brother".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In regions such as East Punjab and Pakistan, the term Gabru is used to refer to a young and energetic person.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as yār (/jäːɾ/).
Did you know?
- In Sufi poetry, ਯਾਰ is often used as a spiritual term to refer to the Divine or a spiritual guide rather than a human friend.
- The word ਯਾਰ is so central to Punjabi social identity that 'friendship' is often discussed through the lens of ਯਾਰੀ (yārī), a concept emphasizing lifelong loyalty and sacrifice.
- Because ਯਾਰ originates from Persian, it can also be used in poetry and romantic songs to mean 'beloved' or 'sweetheart'.
Examples in context
- ਕੀ ਹਾਲ ਹੈ ਯਾਰ?ki haal hai yaar?What's up, dude?
- ਉਸਨੇ ਮੇਰਾ ਕੰਮ ਬਿਖਰਾ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਯਾਰ।usne mera kamm bikhra ditta yaar.He messed up my work, dude.
- ਚੱਲ ਹੁਣ, ਯਾਰ।chall hun, yaar.Let's go now, dude.
Example conversation
Kiran and Ravinder are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਯਾਰ, ਮੈਨੂੰ ਬਹੁਤ ਭੁੱਖ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ।Yaar, mainu bahut bhukh laggi hai.Dude, I am very hungry.
- ਰਵਿੰਦਰ Ravinderਅਸੀਂ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਖਾਈਏ?Asi kithe khaiye?Where should we eat?
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਉਸ ਨਵੇਂ ਕੈਫੇ ਚੱਲੋ।Us nave cafe challo.Let's go to that new cafe.
- ਰਵਿੰਦਰ Ravinderਠੀਕ ਹੈ, ਚਲੋ ਫਿਰ।Thik hai, challo phir.Okay, let's go then.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ਯਾਰ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
