ਭਾਸ਼ਾ
bhāśā/ˈpäː˩.ʃäː(˧)/Gurmukhi, feminine
The English word 'language' is translated into Punjabi using several forms, most commonly ਭਾਸ਼ਾ (bhāśā). Wiktionary also lists ਬੋੱਲੀ (bollī) and ਜ਼ਬਾਨ (zabān).
Meaning: body of words used as a form of communication (noun)
Ways to say it
| Punjabi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ਭਾਸ਼ਾ | bhāśā | /ˈpäː˩.ʃäː(˧)/ | Gurmukhi, feminine |
| ਬੋੱਲੀ | bollī | Gurmukhi, feminine | |
| ਜ਼ਬਾਨ | zabān | Gurmukhi, feminine | |
| بولی | pnb | Western Punjabi | |
| بھاشا | pnb | Western Punjabi |
All the terms provided refer to a body of words used as a form of communication. Depending on the context, you may use a term that is formal, informal or more poetic.
Which one should you use?
ਭਾਸ਼ਾ is the most standard and formal term for 'language'. ਬੋਲੀ is an informal way to refer to a language. ਜ਼ਬਾਨ is used in poetry or literature to mean 'tongue' or 'language', often carrying a more emotive or metaphorical weight.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Majhi dialect, speakers commonly use ਬੋਲੀ to refer to language.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the Punjabi forms for 'language' are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
bhāśā is pronounced /ˈpäː˩.ʃäː(˧)/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- Punjabi is written in two different scripts: Gurmukhi is used in India and Shahmukhi is used in Pakistan, meaning the words ਭਾਸ਼ਾ and بھاشا are the same word in different alphabets.
- The word ਜ਼ਬਾਨ literally means 'tongue' and is used in idioms about keeping promises, such as giving one's 'word' or 'tongue'.
- The term ਬੋਲੀ is also the name of a traditional form of rhythmic, singing-style poetry and folk songs performed during festivals.
Examples in context
- ਮੈਂ ਹੋਰ ਭਾਸ਼ਾਵਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਬੋਲਦਾ ਹਾਂ।I speak in other languages as well.
- ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਇੱਕ ਮਿੱਠੀ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਹੈ।Panjābī ikka miṭṭī bhāṣā hai.Punjabi is a sweet language.
- ਉਸਨੂੰ ਨਵੀਂ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਸਿੱਖਣੀ ਪਸੰਦ ਹੈ।Usnū navī bhāṣā sikkhaṇī pasand hai.She likes learning a new language.
Example conversation
Aman and Kiran are talking about their studies.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਕਿਰਨ, ਕੀ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਕੋਈ ਹੋਰ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਜਾਣਦੇ ਹੋ?Kiran, kī tusīñ kōī hōr bhāshā jāṇdē hō?Kiran, do you know any other language?
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਹਾਂ, ਮੈਂ ਫਰੈਂਚ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਸਿੱਖ ਰਹੀ ਹਾਂ।hāñ, main phran̄ch bhāshā sikkha rahī hāñ.Yes, I am learning the French language.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਕੀ ਉਹ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਔਖੀ ਹੈ?kī uh bhāshā aukhī hai?Is that language difficult?
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਥੋੜ੍ਹੀ ਔਖੀ ਹੈ, ਪਰ ਮਜ਼ੇਦਾਰ ਹੈ।thōṛhī aukhī hai, par mazēdār hai.It is a bit difficult, but it is fun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “language” translations and entries ਭਾਸ਼ਾ, بولی, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
