ਰੱਬ
rabb/ɾəb.bə̆/
The English word 'God' is translated into Punjabi as ਰੱਬ (rabb).
The term ਰੱਬ refers to a deity.
Meaning: deity (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ਰੱਬ is the common everyday word for God, ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ is a more formal and respectful term often used in religious or poetic contexts. Additionally, ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ is specifically used in Sikhism to refer to the Timeless Being or God.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is rabb. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- The word ਰੱਬ is borrowed from Classical Persian and Arabic, showing the deep influence of Islamic history and the Persian language on the development of Punjabi.
- While ਰੱਬ is the most common term, a Punjabi speaker might use the phrase ਰੱਬ ਰਾਖਾ (rabb rakha), which literally translates to 'God is the protector', as a way to say 'goodbye'.
- In many Punjabi songs and folk poetry, musicians use the word ਰੱਬ to express a deep, almost desperate longing for a beloved person, treating the human subject as if they were a divine entity.
Examples in context
- ਰੱਬ ਸਭ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਹੈ।Rabb sab de naal hai.God is with everyone.
- ਰੱਬ ਸਭ ਭਲਾਈ ਕਰੇ।Rabb sab bhalaee kare.May God bless everyone.
- ਸਾਨੂੰ ਰੱਬ ਦਾ ਸ਼ੁਕਰਾਨਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ।Saanu Rabb da shukrana karna chaahida hai.We should thank God.
Example conversation
Two friends are sitting in a park reflecting on life.
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਹਰਮਨ, ਕੀ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਰੱਬ 'ਤੇ ਭਰੋਸਾ ਹੈ?Harmen, kee tainu Rabb te bharosa hai?Harmen, do you have faith in God?
- ਹਰਮਨ Hermanਹਾਂ ਸਿਮਰਨ, ਮੈਨੂੰ ਰੱਬ 'ਤੇ ਪੂਰਾ ਵਿਸ਼ਵਾਸ ਹੈ।Haan Simran, meinu Rabb te poora vishwas hai.Yes Simran, I have full faith in God.
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਰੱਬ ਸਭ ਦਾ ਭਲਾ ਕਰੇਗਾ।Rabb sab da bhala karega.God will make everything better.
- ਹਰਮਨ Hermanਸੱਚੀ ਗੱਲ ਹੈ, ਸਿਮਰਨ।Sachi gall hai, Simran.That is true, Simran.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ਰੱਬ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ਰੱਬ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
