ਮੇਰਾ
mera
The English word 'my' is translated into Punjabi as ਮੇਰਾ (mera).
The word is a possessive determiner used to indicate that something belongs to the speaker.
Meaning: belonging to me (det)
Which one should you use?
The form you choose depends on the gender and number of the noun that follows it. Use ਮੇਰਾ for masculine singular nouns, ਮੇਰੀ for feminine nouns and ਮੇਰੇ for masculine plural nouns or to show honorific respect to a single person.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Punjabi, the form of 'my' must agree with the noun it modifies. ਮੇਰਾ (mera) is used for masculine singular nouns. Use ਮੇਰੇ (mere) when the noun being possessed is masculine plural or when you are using an honorific form to show respect to a singular person.
How do you pronounce it?
mera
Did you know?
- The Punjabi word ਮੇਰਾ is a cognate of the Romani word 'miro'. This connection reveals the ancient migration of people and languages from the Indian subcontinent toward Europe.
- The use of ਮੇਰੇ for honorifics is a key part of the 'Tusi' versus 'Tu' social hierarchy in Punjabi. Choosing the wrong form of 'my' can accidentally signal a lack of respect to an elder.
- In some Punjabi cultural contexts, referring to something as ਮੇਰਾ can be used figuratively to express deep emotional bonds rather than legal ownership.
Examples in context
- ਮੇਰਾ ਘਰMy house
- ਮੇਰੀ ਕਿਤਾਬMy book
- ਮੇਰੇ ਦੋਸਤMy friends
- ਇਹ ਮੇਰਾ ਘਰ ਹੈ।ih merā ghar hai.This is my house.
- ਮੇਰਾ ਭਰਾ ਸਕੂਲ ਗਿਆ।merā bharā sakūl giā.My brother went to school.
- ਮੇਰਾ ਨਾਮ ਅਰਜੁਨ ਹੈ।merā nām arjun hai.My name is Arjun.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a lost item at a park.
- ਪ੍ਰੀਤ Preetਕੀ ਇਹ ਮੇਰਾ ਬੈਗ ਹੈ?kī ih merā baig hai?Is this my bag?
- ਗੁਰਪ੍ਰੀਤ Gurpreetਨਹੀਂ, ਇਹ ਮੇਰਾ ਬੈਗ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ।nahī̃, ih merā baig nahī̃ hai.No, this is not my bag.
- ਪ੍ਰੀਤ Preetਫਿਰ ਇਹ ਕਿਸਦਾ ਹੈ?phir ih kisdā hai?Then whose is it?
- ਗੁਰਪ੍ਰੀਤ Gurpreetਸ਼ਾਇਦ ਇਹ ਕਿਸੇ ਹੋਰ ਦਾ ਹੈ।shāyad ih kise hor dā hai.Maybe it belongs to someone else.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ਮੇਰਾ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
