ਕੱਛੂਕੁੰਮਾ
kachhūkumma
The Punjabi word for turtle is ਕੱਛੂਕੁੰਮਾ (kachhūkumma).
This noun refers to a land or marine reptile characterized by having a shell.
Meaning: land or marine reptile with a shell (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
kachhūkumma
Did you know?
- In some regional Punjabi dialects, the word for a turtle can be used as a playful, gentle teasing term for someone who is moving too slowly through a task.
- In Punjabi folklore and spiritual storytelling, the turtle is not merely an animal but a profound symbol of endurance and a 'stable' foundation for the universe.
- In some rural Punjabi contexts, the word for shell, ਕੁੰਮਾ (kumma), is also used metaphorically to describe a hard or protective outer layer of something else.
Example conversation
Harman and Manpreet are visiting a zoo.
- ਹਰਮਨ Hermanਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ, ਉਹ ਦੇਖੋ ਕੱਛੂਕੁੰਮਾ!Manprīt, uh dēkhō kachhūkkummā!Manpreet, look at that turtle!
- ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ Manpreetਇਹ ਕਿੰਨਾ ਛੋਟਾ ਹੈ!Ih kinnā chōṭā hai!It is so small!
- ਹਰਮਨ Hermanਕੱਛੂਕੁੰਮਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਸਿਰ ਅੰਦਰ ਕਰ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ।Kachhūkkummā āpaṇā sir andar kar rihā hai.The turtle is pulling its head inside.
- ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ Manpreetਹਾਂ, ਇਹ ਬਹੁਤ ਦਿਲਚਸਪ ਹੈ।Hā̃, ih bahut dilchasap hai.Yes, it is very interesting.
