ਜਨਾਬ
janāb
The Punjabi word for "sir" is ਜਨਾਬ (janāb).
ਜਨਾਬ is used to address any male, especially if his name or proper address is unknown. It is frequently used in formal speech or written correspondence, often appearing as a title of respect before a person's name.
Meaning: address to any male, especially if his name or proper address is unknown (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ਜਨਾਬ is a formal way to address a male in respectful or professional contexts. Other formal options exist depending on the specific context of authority or respect: Sahib Ji is a polite and respectful way to say "sir", Maananiya Ji is used for someone in a position of high respect or authority and Sarpanch Ji is used for someone in a position of power, particularly in rural settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Punjab, Pakistan, the term Sahib Ji is used to address someone politely and respectfully. In Punjab, India, Maharaj Ji is a common way to address religious leaders.
How do you pronounce it?
janāb
When do people say it?
When addressing religious leaders, such as gurus or saints, the term Maharaj Ji is used to mean "great king" or "honorable ruler".
Did you know?
- If you use ਜਨਾਬ in a way that is too casual or overly flowery in a modern office, it can actually sound sarcastic, as if you are mockingly treating a peer like a grand dignitary.
- Although ਜਨਾਬ is used to address men, its Persian roots suggest a sense of 'presence' or 'side', implying the person is someone worth standing beside.
- In many formal Punjabi letters, ਜਨਾਬ might be paired with 'Sahaib' to create a redundant but extra-polite layering of respect.
Examples in context
- ਜੀ ਜਨਾਬ, ਮੈਂ ਸਮਝ ਗਿਆ।jī janāb, maiṁ samajh giā.Yes sir, I understood.
Example conversation
Simran is asking a man for directions on the street.
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਜਨਾਬ, ਕੀ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਦਦ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ?Janab, ki tusi meri madad kar sakde ho?Sir, can you help me?
- ਅਮਨ Amanਹਾਂ, ਦੱਸੋ ਕੀ ਗੱਲ ਹੈ?Han, dasso ki gall hai?Yes, tell me what is the matter?
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਰੇਲਵੇ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ?Railway station kithe hai?Where is the railway station?
- ਅਮਨ Amanਇਹ ਸਿੱਧਾ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਸੱਜੇ ਮੁੜੋ।Eh siddha ja ke sajje muro.Go straight and turn right.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ਜਨਾਬ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
