ਛੋਟਾ
choṭā
The Punjabi word for 'small' is ਛੋਟਾ (choṭā).
ਛੋਟਾ is used to describe something that is little in size or amount.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on the gender and number of the noun it describes. Use ਛੋਟੀ (choṭī) when describing a feminine noun. Use ਛੋਟੇ (choṭē) when describing masculine plural nouns. Finally, use ਛੋਟੀਆਂ (choṭī'ā̃) when describing feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
choṭā
Did you know?
- In Punjabi, ਛੋਟਾ is not just about size but also age. It is the standard way to refer to a 'younger' sibling or relative in a family hierarchy.
- The word ਛੋਟਾ is a direct descendant of the Ashokan Prakrit word *𑀙𑁄𑀝𑁆𑀝, meaning its roots can be traced back to ancient Indian inscriptions.
- While it means 'small', the word ਛੋਟਾ can also carry a connotation of having a 'lesser' rank or lower social status when applied to people.
Examples in context
- ਇਹ ਘਰ ਬਹੁਤ ਛੋਟਾ ਹੈ।ih ghar bahut chhota hai.This house is very small.
- ਮੈਨੂੰ ਇੱਕ ਛੋਟਾ ਕੱਪ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ।mainu ik chhota kapp chahida hai.I want a small cup.
- ਉਸ ਕੋਲ ਇੱਕ ਛੋਟਾ ਜਿਹਾ ਕੁੱਤਾ ਹੈ।us kol ik chhota jihā kuttā hai.He has a small dog.
Example conversation
Simran and Harman are looking at a new apartment.
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਹਰਮਨ, ਇਹ ਰਸੋਈ ਬਹੁਤ ਛੋਟਾ ਹੈ।Harman, eh rasoi bahut chhota hai.Harman, this kitchen is very small.
- ਹਰਮਨ Hermanਹਾਂ, ਪਰ ਇਹ ਘਰ ਸਸਤਾ ਹੈ।Han, par eh ghar sasta hai.Yes, but this house is cheap.
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਸਾਨੂੰ ਵੱਡਾ ਘਰ ਲੱਭਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ।Sanu vadda ghar labhna chahida hai.We should find a larger house.
- ਹਰਮਨ Hermanਠੀਕ ਹੈ, ਚਲੋ ਹੋਰ ਦੇਖੀਏ।Thik hai, chalo hor dekhiye.Okay, let's look at others.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ਛੋਟਾ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ਛੋਟਾ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
