ਚਾਬੀ
chābī
The Punjabi word for 'key' is ਚਾਬੀ (chābī).
ਚਾਬੀ refers to a device designed to open and close a lock.
Meaning: device designed to open and close a lock (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
chābī
Did you know?
- The word ਚਾਬੀ is actually a linguistic traveler from Europe, having been borrowed into Punjabi via Portuguese through the word 'chave'.
- Punjabi culture often associates the keeping of the ਚਾਬੀ (keys) to the house with the matriarch of the family, symbolizing her authority and control over the household.
- In some regional dialects, ਚਾਬੀ can be used colloquially to refer to a small wrench or a tool used for tightening bolts.
Examples in context
- ਮੇਰੀ ਚਾਬੀ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ?merī chābī kithe hai?Where is my key?
- ਉਸ ਕੋਲੋਂ ਇੱਕ ਚਾਬੀ ਮੰਗੋ।us kolō ik chābī maṅgo.Ask him for a key.
- ਇਹ ਚਾਬੀ ਕੰਮ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰ ਰਹੀ।ih chābī kamm nahīṁ kar rahī.This key is not working.
Example conversation
Harman and Manpreet are looking for the house keys near the door.
- ਹਰਮਨ Hermanਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ, ਕੀ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਕੋਲ ਚਾਬੀ ਹੈ?Manpreet, ki tuhade kol chabi hai?Manpreet, do you have the key?
- ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ Manpreetਨਹੀਂ, ਹਰਮਨ, ਮੇਰੇ ਕੋਲ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ।Nahi, Harman, mere kol nahi hai.No, Harman, I don't have it.
- ਹਰਮਨ Hermanਮੈਂ ਆਪਣੀ ਚਾਬੀ ਭੁੱਲ ਗਿਆ ਹਾਂ।Main apni chabi bhull gaya han.I forgot my key.
- ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ Manpreetਮੈਂ ਅੰਦਰੋਂ ਲਿਆ ਕੇ ਦਿੰਦੀ ਹਾਂ।Main andron lya ke dindi han.I will bring it from inside.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ਚਾਬੀ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
