Ways to say it
| Punjabi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ਦਿਲ | dil | /d̪ɪl/ | masculine |
| ਜਿਗਰਾ | jigrā | masculine | |
| ਹਿਰਦਾ | hirdā | /ɦɪɾ(ə̆).d̪äː/ | masculine |
The word ਦਿਲ is used to refer to the physical organ as well as the seat of emotions. Much like in English, it is used metaphorically to describe feelings, such as having a big heart or being broken-hearted. ਜਿਗਰਾ is used idiomatically to describe a person's courage or "guts", while ਹਿਰਦਾ is a term for the heart used in specific contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
In some contexts, ਜਿਗਰਾ literally means "liver" or "entrails", though it is commonly used to refer to bravery.
Which one should you use?
ਦਿਲ is the standard word for the physical organ or emotions. ਜਿਗਰਾ is used idiomatically to refer to courage or strength of character. ਹਿਰਦਾ refers to the heart in a more formal or literary sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
All three forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word ਦਿਲ is pronounced as /d̪ɪl/ (dil).
Did you know?
- In some traditional contexts, the phrase 'breaking the liver' using ਜਿਗਰਾ can be used to express extreme grief or the loss of a child.
- In Punjabi poetry and Sufi music, the ਦਿਲ is often personified as a rebellious entity that acts independently of the speaker's will.
- The word ਦਿਲ is a linguistic traveler that entered Punjabi from Classical Persian, connecting the language to the historical poetic traditions of the Middle East.
Examples in context
- ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਯਾਦ ਰਹੇਗੀ।Your memory will remain in my heart.
- ਦਿਲ ਇੱਕ ਅੰਗ ਹੈ।dil ik ang hai.The heart is an organ.
- ਡਾਕਟਰ ਨੇ ਦਿਲ ਦੀ ਜਾਂਚ ਕੀਤੀ।doctor ne dil di jaanch kiti.The doctor checked the heart.
- ਮੇਰਾ ਦਿਲ ਤੇਜ਼ ਧੜਕ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ।merā dil tez dharak rihā hai.My heart is beating fast.
Example conversation
Aman and Manpreet are talking about a medical report.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਕੀ ਡਾਕਟਰ ਨੇ ਦਿਲ ਬਾਰੇ ਕੁਝ ਕਿਹਾ?ki doctor ne dil bare kujh kiha?Did the doctor say anything about the heart?
- ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ Manpreetਹਾਂ, ਉਸਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਦਿਲ ਠੀਕ ਹੈ।han, usne kiha ki dil thik hai.Yes, she said the heart is fine.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਇਹ ਸੁਣ ਕੇ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਸਕੂਨ ਮਿਲਿਆ।ih sun ke mainu sukoon milia.I feel relieved to hear that.
- ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ Manpreetਤੁਸੀਂ ਹੁਣ ਆਪਣਾ ਧਿਆਨ ਰੱਖੋ।tusi hun apna dhian rakho.You take care of yourself now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heart” translations and entries ਦਿਲ, ਹਿਰਦਾ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ਦਿਲ, ਹਿਰਦਾ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
