ਸ਼ੁਭ ਦੁਪਹਿਰ
Shubha dupahira
The English phrase 'good afternoon' is translated into Punjabi as ਸ਼ੁਭ ਦੁਪਹਿਰ (Shubha dupahira).
ਸ਼ੁਭ ਦੁਪਹਿਰ is used to express a greeting during the afternoon.
Meaning: greeting said in the afternoon (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ਸ਼ੁਭ (shubha) meaning 'good/auspicious' and ਦੁਪਹਿਰ (dupahira) meaning 'afternoon'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ਸ਼ੁਭ ਦੁਪਹਿਰ is a formal way to say 'good afternoon' and is rarely used in casual daily conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
Shubha dupahira
When do people say it?
In most social situations, Punjabi speakers are more likely to use the universal greeting ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ (Sat Sri Akal) regardless of the time of day, rather than time-specific greetings like ਸ਼ੁਭ ਦੁਪਹਿਰ. ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ can be used throughout the day as a general greeting.
Did you know?
- The word ਸ਼ੁਭ is related to the Armenian word սուրբ meaning 'holy'. Both descend from a common root meaning 'to shine'.
- The word ਪਹਿਰ used in ਦੁਪਹਿਰ refers to a traditional three hour window. Historically the day was divided into eight such units to track time.
- In Punjabi culture the concept of an 'auspicious' start to a time period is highly valued. This is why ਸ਼ੁਭ is used for formal greetings rather than a simple word for 'nice'.
Examples in context
- ਸ਼ੁਭ ਦੁਪਹਿਰ, ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ?shubh dupahar, kivein ho?Good afternoon, how are you?
Example conversation
Simran and Ravinder meet at a cafe.
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਸ਼ੁਭ ਦੁਪਹਿਰ, ਰਵਿੰਦਰ!Shubh dupahar, Ravinder!Good afternoon, Ravinder!
- ਰਵਿੰਦਰ Ravinderਸ਼ੁਭ ਦੁਪਹਿਰ, ਸਿਮਰਨ। ਕੀ ਹਾਲ ਹੈ?Shubh dupahar, Simran. Ki haal hai?Good afternoon, Simran. How are things?
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ, ਧੰਨਵਾਦ।Main theek han, dhanvaad.I am fine, thank you.
- ਰਵਿੰਦਰ Ravinderਚਲੋ, ਅੰਦਰ ਚੱਲੀਏ।Chalo, andar challiye.Come on, let's go inside.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ਦੁਪਹਿਰ, ਸ਼ੁਭ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
