Welcome to our guide on the different ways to say “little” in Punjabi! Whether you are a beginner learning the language or simply curious about Punjabi vocabulary, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express “little” in various contexts. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Little” in Punjabi
When you want to use a formal expression for “little” in Punjabi, you can employ the term “ਥੋੜਾ” (thōṛā). It is widely used in formal conversations, written materials, and when addressing elders or respected individuals.
Here are a few examples demonstrating the usage of “ਥੋੜਾ” (thōṛā) in formal contexts:
ਇਹ ਕਿਤਾਬ ਥੋੜੀ ਮਾਤਰਾ ਵਿਚ ਉਪਲਬਧ ਹੈ।
Translation: This book is available in limited quantity.
ਕੁਝ ਮਿੰਟਾਂ ਦੀ ਥੋੜੀ ਵੈਟ ਕਰੋ।
Translation: Wait a little while, please.
Informal Ways to Say “Little” in Punjabi
In informal settings, Punjabi speakers often make use of the term “ਥੋੜਾ” (thōṛā), but there are other phrases and expressions widely used as well. These informal alternatives help strengthen bonds and add warmth to conversations.
Let’s explore a few popular informal ways to say “little” in Punjabi:
- ਠੀਕ-ਠੁੱਠਾ (thīk-thuthā):
This phrase is commonly used in casual conversations to mean “a little bit.” Here are a couple of examples:
ਤੁਸੀਂ ਠੀਕ-ਠੁੱਠਾ ਗਾਇਕ ਹੋ!
Translation: You are a decent singer!
ਇਹ ਰਾਸ਼ਿਆਂ ਥੋੜੀ ਠੀਕ-ਠੁੱਠੀ ਹਨ।
Translation: These dishes are slightly spicy.
- ਛੋਟਾ (cẖẖōṭā):
This term translates to “small/little” and can be used to describe objects, people, or quantities. Here are a couple of examples:
ਵਿਹਾਰ ਲਈ ਅਸੀਂ ਕੁਝ ਛੋਟੇ ਥਾਲ਼ੇ ਲਿਆਏ।
Translation: We brought some small plates for the picnic.
ਉਹ ਛੋਟੀ ਉਮਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੀ ਬੋਲਣਾ ਸਿਖ ਗਿਆ।
Translation: He learned to talk at a young age.
- ਥੋੜਾ-ਥੋੜਾ (thōṛā-thōṛā):
This expression is used to convey the idea of “a little at a time” or “bit by bit.” Check out these examples:
ਉਹ ਅੰਨ ਥੋੜਾ-ਥੋੜਾ ਖਿਲਾਵੇਗਾ।
Translation: He will feed the baby food gradually.
ਸੁਪਨੇ ਥੋੜਾ-ਥੋੜਾ ਜੀਵ ਕਰੋ।
Translation: Fulfill your dreams step by step.
Regional Variations in Saying “Little” in Punjabi
Across different regions in Punjab, variations in regional dialects might reflect in the choice of words for expressing “little.” However, the core phrases mentioned earlier remain widely understood across the Punjabi-speaking population.
It is fascinating to observe how Punjabi dialects bring their unique flavor to language. For example, in the Majhi dialect spoken around Lahore and Amritsar, you may encounter the variant “ਥੌੜਾ” (thaurṛā) instead of “ਥੋੜਾ” (thōṛā).
Remember, while regional variations add richness to language, the core vocabulary remains consistent.
We hope this guide helps you grasp the various ways to say “little” in Punjabi. Practice using these expressions in different contexts to become more fluent. Happy learning!
