ਰੱਬ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀ ਆਤਮਾ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ੇ
rabb unhān dī ātamā nū shāntī bakhshe
The English phrase 'rest in peace' is expressed in Punjabi as ਰੱਬ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀ ਆਤਮਾ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ੇ (rabb unhān dī ātamā nū shāntī bakhshe).
This phrase is used as a formal and respectful way to express condolences or a wish for the deceased, similar to 'Rest in Peace'.
Meaning: blessing or expression of hope (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'May God grant peace to their soul'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ (unhān) is used here as a respectful/honorific way to say 'his' or 'her' when referring to a single person. To refer to a single person, change ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ (unhān – their) to ਉਸ (us – his/her) to create ਰੱਬ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਆਤਮਾ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ੇ, which means 'May God grant his/her soul peace'.
How do you pronounce it?
rabb unhān dī ātamā nū shāntī bakhshe
Did you know?
- In many Punjabi households, this sentiment is expressed through the ritual of reading a 'Path' from the Guru Granth Sahib to help the soul find the peace mentioned in the phrase.
- The word ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ੇ (grant) shares a root with the Persian word for 'pardon' or 'forgiveness', suggesting that peace is a gift granted by divine mercy.
- If you were to use the word ਸਾਂਦ (sānd) instead of ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ (shāntī), you would be using an older, more native Punjabi root for the concept of quiet or stillness.
Examples in context
- ਮੇਰੀ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਰੱਬ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀ ਆਤਮਾ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ੇ।Meri ardaas hai ki Rabb unhan di aatma nu shanti bakhshe.It is my prayer that God rest their soul in peace.
Example conversation
Simran and Aman are discussing the passing of a relative.
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਮੈਨੂੰ ਸੁਣ ਕੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਦੁੱਖ ਹੋਇਆ।Mainu sun ke bahut dukh hoyia.I am very sad to hear this.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਹਾਂ, ਉਹ ਬਹੁਤ ਚੰਗੇ ਇਨਸਾਨ ਸਨ।Han, oh bahut change insaan san.Yes, he was a very good person.
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਰੱਬ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀ ਆਤਮਾ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ੇ।Rabb unhan di aatma nu shanti bakhshe.May God grant his soul peace.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਆਮੀਨ, ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ ਸਿਮਰਨ।Ameen, tuhada dhanvaad Simran.Amen, thank you Simran.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ਨੂੰ, ਰੱਬ, ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
