جناب
janab
The Urdu word for "mister" is جناب (janab).
جناب is a common formal term equivalent to "Mister" in English. It is used as a polite and respectful way to address an adult male, functioning either as a standalone honorific or as a title followed by a person's name.
Meaning: title of adult male (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
جناب is a polite and formal term used to show respect, similar to using "sir" or "mister" in English. Other formal alternatives include Sahib, while the informal term Bhai (which translates to "brother") is used to address people in more casual settings.
How do you pronounce it?
janab
Did you know?
- Although it is used to address people, جناب is actually a noun that refers to a 'presence' or 'side' in its original Arabic sense.
- If you use جناب too often in a single conversation, it can come across as being ironic or mockingly polite.
- While جناب is a formal title, it is often paired with صاحب as جناب صاحب to create an even higher level of deference and formality.
Examples in context
- جناب احمد یہاں موجود ہیں۔janāb ahmad yahāñ maujūd hain.Mr. Ahmad is present here.
Example conversation
Sarah is greeting Ali at an office.
- سارہ Saraجناب، آپ کا انتظار تھا۔Janab, aap ka intezar tha.Mister, we were waiting for you.
- علی Aliشکریہ سارہ، میں وقت پر آ گیا۔Shukriya Sarah, mein waqt par aa gaya.Thank you Sarah, I arrived on time.
- سارہ Saraکیا میں آپ کی فائل لے آؤں؟Kya mein aap ki file lay aoon?Shall I bring your file?
- علی Aliجی ہاں، مہربانی کر کے لے آئیں۔Ji haan, meherbani kar ke lay aayen.Yes, please bring it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries جناب, CC BY-SA 4.0.
