ਸਮਾਂ
samā̃
The Punjabi word for time is ਸਮਾਂ (samā̃).
ਸਮਾਂ is used to refer to a measurement of a quantity of time.
Meaning: measurement of a quantity of time (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ਸਮਾਂ is the native Punjabi word for time, the loanword ਵਕਤ (waqt) is also very commonly used, especially in more formal or poetic contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
samā̃
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the word for 'time' can be used to refer to 'fate' or 'destiny', implying that time dictates what happens to a person.
- While ਸਮਾਂ is the native term, the word ਵਕਤ is borrowed from Arabic via Persian and is the preferred choice in Punjabi poetry and songwriting to evoke emotion.
- In rural Punjabi dialects, people may use the word for 'time' to refer to a specific season or harvest period rather than a clock hour.
Examples in context
- ਹੁਣ ਸਾਉਣ ਦਾ ਸਮਾਂ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ।It's time to go to bed.This sentence shows how to use ਸਮਾਂ to indicate a specific time for an action.Tatoeba #3786046 by RadiumCat, translation #31220 by CK
- ਹੁਣ ਉੱਪਰ ਜਾਣ ਦਾ ਸਮਾਂ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ।It's time to go up.Tatoeba #3786045 by RadiumCat, translation #3785909 by Barra
- ਮੇਰੇ ਕੋਲ ਹੁਣ ਬਹੁਤ ਘੱਟ ਸਮਾਂ ਹੈ।mere kol hun bahut ghat samāṁ hai.I have very little time now.
Example conversation
Aman and Preet are discussing their schedule at a cafe.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਕੀ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਕੋਲ ਕੁਝ ਸਮਾਂ ਹੈ?kī tuhāḍe kol kujh samāṁ hai?Do you have some time?
- ਪ੍ਰੀਤ Preetਹਾਂ, ਅਮਨ, ਮੇਰੇ ਕੋਲ ਸਮਾਂ ਹੈ।hāṁ, Aman, mere kol samāṁ hai.Yes, Aman, I have time.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਮੈਂ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਨਾਲ ਗੱਲ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹਾਂ।maiṁ tuhāḍe nāl gall karnā chāhundā hāṁ.I want to talk with you.
- ਪ੍ਰੀਤ Preetਠੀਕ ਹੈ, ਦੱਸੋ ਕੀ ਗੱਲ ਹੈ।ṭhīk hai, dasso kī gall hai.Okay, tell me what is the matter.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ਸਮਾਂ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
