pendjabi
/pɛn.dʒa.bi/masculine
pendjabi is the French word for Punjabi.
The term pendjabi refers to the language spoken in the Punjab region of eastern Pakistan and northern India.
Meaning: language spoken in the Punjab region, in eastern Pakistan and Northern India (name)
Which one should you use?
The word pendjabi can serve as a masculine noun to name the language or as an adjective to describe things pertaining to the people, culture or language of the Punjab. When referring to a person who is a resident of or an immigrant from the Punjab, the capitalized forms Pendjabi or Pendjabie are used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the language itself, use the masculine article le to form le pendjabi.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɛn.dʒa.bi/
Did you know?
- Because French requires gender agreement for adjectives, describing a 'Punjabi woman' requires the feminine form pendjabie, whereas the language itself always remains masculine le pendjabi.
- In French academic literature, pendjabi is frequently discussed alongside the concept of 'diglossia', referring to the use of different scripts like Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi for the same language.
- The term is derived from the roots for 'five' and 'waters' in the region, but the French spelling 'pendjabi' focuses on the phonetic representation of the name rather than its Sanskrit roots.
Examples in context
- Le pendjabi est la seule langue indo-européenne avec des tons.Punjabi is the only Indo-European language with tones.This sentence describes pendjabi as an Indo-European language with tones.Tatoeba #11128173 by Rovo, translation #9594848 by shekitten
- Il étudie le pendjabi pour son travail.He is studying Punjabi for his work.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are discussing language classes at a cafe.
- ChloéTu apprends une nouvelle langue cette année ?Are you learning a new language this year?
- HugoOui, j'apprends le pendjabi avec un professeur.Yes, I am learning Punjabi with a teacher.
- ChloéC'est passionnant, Hugo !That's exciting, Hugo!
- HugoMerci, c'est une langue magnifique.Thanks, it is a beautiful language.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “punjabi” translations and entries pendjabi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pendjabi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
