ਸਹੇਲੀ
sahelī
The English word 'girlfriend' is translated into Punjabi as ਸਹੇਲੀ (sahelī).
The term ਸਹੇਲੀ is used to refer to a female partner in a romantic relationship, though its meaning can change based on the situation. In modern, urban Punjabi, speakers often use the transliterated English word ਗਰਲਫ੍ਰੈਂਡ to refer specifically to a girlfriend and to avoid any confusion.
Meaning: a female partner in a romantic relationship (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ਸਹੇਲੀ can mean 'girlfriend', it is also a colloquial term for a 'female friend'. To ensure you are understood specifically in a romantic context and to avoid this ambiguity, you can use the transliterated word ਗਰਲਫ੍ਰੈਂਡ.
How do you pronounce it?
sahelī
Did you know?
- In Punjabi folk songs and poetry, ਸਹੇਲੀ often appears as a confidante or a 'wingwoman' who helps the protagonist deliver secret messages to a lover.
- A man referring to his female friend as ਸਹੇਲੀ is linguistically odd, as the word's essence is rooted in feminine social bonds between women.
- In formal Punjabi literature, words like ਪ੍ਰੇਮਿਕਾ (premika) might be used for a female lover, which is much more heavy and serious than the casual ਸਹੇਲੀ.
Example conversation
Ravinder is talking to Preet about his social life.
- ਰਵਿੰਦਰ Ravinderਪ੍ਰੀਤ, ਮੈਂ ਆਪਣੀ ਸਹੇਲੀ ਨਾਲ ਬਾਹਰ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹਾਂ।Preet, main apni saheli naal bahar ja riha han.Preet, I am going out with my girlfriend.
- ਪ੍ਰੀਤ Preetਅੱਛਾ, ਤੁਸੀਂ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਹੋ?Achha, tusi kithe ja rahe ho?Oh, where are you going?
- ਰਵਿੰਦਰ Ravinderਅਸੀਂ ਇੱਕ ਨਵੇਂ ਰੈਸਟੋਰੈਂਟ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਹਾਂ।Asi ik nave restaurant ja rahe han.We are going to a new restaurant.
- ਪ੍ਰੀਤ Preetਬਹੁਤ ਵਧੀਆ, ਆਪਣੀ ਸਹੇਲੀ ਨੂੰ ਮੇਰਾ ਸਲਾਮ ਕਹਿਣਾ।Bahut vadiya, apni saheli nu mera salam kehna.Very good, give my regards to your girlfriend.
