ਜਾਨੂ
Jaanu
The English word 'sweetheart' is translated into Punjabi as ਜਾਨੂ (Jaanu).
ਜਾਨੂ is a term used to address a person who is very much liked or loved by someone. It is a common way to address a lover in casual conversation, poetry and songs.
Meaning: a person very much liked or loved by someone (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term ਜਾਨੂ is an affectionate or diminutive form derived from ਜਾਨ, which literally means 'life'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ਜਾਨੂ is an informal and highly affectionate term, typically used between romantic partners. The term Jaani is also an informal way to say 'sweetheart' or 'dear' when addressing loved ones.
How do you pronounce it?
Jaanu
Did you know?
- The concept of 'life' (ਜਾਨ) as a synonym for 'love' is a shared poetic tradition across Punjabi, Urdu and Persian, linking the two regions through their romantic vocabulary.
- While English speakers might use 'sweetheart' for a child, ਜਾਨੂ is almost exclusively reserved for romantic interests and would sound strange if used by a parent to a child.
- The suffix 'u' in ਜਾਨੂ is a common linguistic feature in Punjabi and Hindi used to create 'baby talk' or diminutive forms to make a word sound cuter and more affectionate.
Examples in context
- ਤੂੰ ਮੇਰੀ ਜਾਨੂ ਹੈਂ।tū mērī jānū hai.You are my sweetheart.
- ਮੇਰਾ ਜਾਨੂ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ?mērā jānū kitthē hai?Where is my sweetheart?
- ਉਹ ਮੇਰੀ ਜਾਨੂ ਹੈ।ōha mērī jānū hai.She is my sweetheart.
Example conversation
A couple is talking affectionately on the phone.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਹੈਲੋ, ਮੇਰੀ ਜਾਨੂ, ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ?hēllō, mērī jānū, kivē hō?Hello, my sweetheart, how are you?
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ, ਅਮਨ।mai ṭhīka hāṁ, aman.I am fine, Aman.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਮੈਂ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਬਹੁਤ ਯਾਦ ਕਰ ਰਿਹਾ ਸੀ।mai tainū bahuta yāda kara rihā sī.I was missing you a lot.
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਮੈਂ ਵੀ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਯਾਦ ਕਰ ਰਹੀ ਸੀ।mai vī tainū yāda kara rahī sī.I was missing you too.
