ਰੂਹ
rooh
The English word 'soul' is translated into Punjabi as ਰੂਹ (rooh).
ਰੂਹ refers to the spirit or essence of a person that is often believed to live on after death. It is frequently used in poetic, spiritual and religious contexts to describe the eternal essence of a human being.
Meaning: the spirit or essence of a person that is often believed to live on after the person's death (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ਰੂਹ is used for the soul, other forms exist for specific nuances: ਆਤਮਾ is a common and general formal term for soul. ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ emphasizes the divine aspect, often referring to the supreme soul or the universal spirit. And ਜੀਵ can refer to the soul in philosophical or religious contexts, specifically meaning a living being or creature.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ਰੂਹ is understood in daily speech, but it carries a more profound, poetic and formal weight than common words for 'life' or 'mind'. Other terms like ਆਤਮਾ, ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ and ਜੀਵ are considered formal.
How do you pronounce it?
rooh
Did you know?
- In Punjabi spiritual discourse, the 'soul' is often discussed as a bride seeking union with the 'divine groom', a metaphor common in the works of Baba Farid and Bulleh Shah.
- The word ਰੂਹ is a linguistic traveler that passed from Arabic into Persian before entering Punjabi. This makes it a shared spiritual term across much of the Islamic and South Asian cultural history.
- Punjabi speakers often use the word ਰੂਹ in expressions of deep longing or heartache, suggesting that the soul itself is physically aching or yearning.
Examples in context
- ਆਪਣੀ ਰੂਹ ਦਾ ਖਿਆਲ ਰੱਖੋTake care of your soul.
- ਰੂਹ ਅਮਰ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ।rooh amar hundī hai.The soul is immortal.
- ਉਸ ਦੀ ਰੂਹ ਬਹੁਤ ਸ਼ਾਂਤ ਹੈ।us dī rooh bahut shānt hai.Her soul is very peaceful.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing spirituality.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਕੀ ਰੂਹ ਅਮਰ ਹੈ?Ki rooh amar hai?Is the soul immortal?
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਹਾਂ, ਮੇਰਾ ਮਤਲਬ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਰਹਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ।Han, mera matlab hai ki eh hamesha rehndi hai.Yes, I mean that it exists forever.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਇਹ ਬਹੁਤ ਡੂੰਘੀ ਗੱਲ ਹੈ, ਕਿਰਨ।Eh bahut doonghi gall hai, Kiran.That is a very deep thought, Kiran.
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਸੱਚਮੁੱਚ, ਅਮਨ, ਇਹ ਜੀਵਨ ਦਾ ਰਾਜ਼ ਹੈ।Sachmuch, Aman, eh jeevan da raaz hai.Indeed, Aman, this is the secret of life.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ਰੂਹ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
