جناب
janab
The English phrase "Mr." is translated into Urdu as جناب (janab).
جناب is a polite and respectful way to address a man. It functions similarly to "Mr." or "Sir" in English. You can use it as a standalone way to address someone, such as saying "Sir," or place it before a name to function as "Mr." (for example, جناب احمد for "Mr. Ahmed").
Meaning: abbreviation of mister (noun)
Which one should you use?
While جناب can be used alone as a standalone address like "Sir," it is also used before a name to function as "Mr."
How do you pronounce it?
janab
Did you know?
- While جناب is typically used for men, in formal correspondence and high-level diplomacy it can be used as a gender-neutral honorific for people of high status.
- The word جناب is often paired with the suffix 'sahib' in spoken Urdu to add an extra layer of extreme respect, creating a double-honorific effect.
- Although used in Urdu, the word جناب actually traces its roots back to Arabic and was originally a part of Classical Persian.
Examples in context
- جناب احمدMr. Ahmed
- علی صاحبMr. Ali
- رضا بھائیMr. Raza or Brother Raza
- عرفان جیMr. Irfan
- علی بھائی صاحبMr. Ali or Brother Ali
- جناب احمد کہاں ہیں؟janab ahmad kahan hain?Where is Mr. Ahmad?
- جناب علی سے ملیں۔janab ali se milein.Meet Mr. Ali.
- جناب، یہ آپ کا خط ہے۔janab, yeh aap ka khat hai.Sir, this is your letter.
Example conversation
Omar is introducing a guest to Fatima.
- عمر Omarفاطمہ، یہ جناب خان ہیں۔Fatima, yeh Janab Khan hain.Fatima, this is Mr. Khan.
- فاطمہ Fatimaآپ سے مل کر خوشی ہوئی، جناب۔Aap se mil kar khushi hui, Janab.It is nice to meet you, Mr.
- عمر Omarجناب خان میرے پرانے دوست ہیں۔Janab Khan mere purane dost hain.Mr. Khan is an old friend of mine.
- فاطمہ Fatimaخوش آمدید، جناب خان۔Khush amdeed, Janab Khan.Welcome, Mr. Khan.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries جناب, CC BY-SA 4.0.
