ਚਾਚਾ
chaachaa
The Punjabi word for uncle is ਚਾਚਾ (chaachaa).
The term ਚਾਚਾ refers specifically to a paternal uncle, which is your father's brother.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ਚਾਚਾ is the specific term for a paternal uncle, speakers use different variations depending on the level of respect or the specific relation being addressed.
How do you pronounce it?
chaachaa
Did you know?
- The term ਚਾਚਾ (chaachaa) is frequently used as a friendly, informal way to address a middle-aged man on the street, even if you are not related to him.
- In some Punjabi families, a man's sister's husband is called ਪਾਹੂਆ (paahuaa), a term that is entirely distinct from ਚਾਚਾ (chaachaa).
- Adding the suffix ਜੀ (jee) to ਚਾਚਾ (chaachaa) to make it ਚਾਚਾ ਜੀ (chaachaa jee) is not just a formality but often a requirement to avoid sounding rude to an elder.
Examples in context
- ਮੇਰੇ ਚਾਚਾ ਜੀ ਬਹੁਤ ਚੰਗੇ ਹਨ।mere chāchā jī bahut changē han.My uncle is a very good person.
- ਚਾਚਾ ਜੀ ਕੱਲ੍ਹ ਆਉਣਗੇ।chāchā jī kall āuṇgē.Uncle will come tomorrow.
Example conversation
Aman and Preet are looking at an old family photograph.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਪ੍ਰੀਤ, ਇਹ ਮੇਰਾ ਚਾਚਾ ਹੈ।Preet, eh mera chacha hai.Preet, this is my uncle.
- ਪ੍ਰੀਤ Preetਉਹ ਬਹੁਤ ਸੋਹਣੇ ਲੱਗ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ।Oh bahut sohne lag rahe han.He looks very handsome.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਹਾਂ, ਉਹ ਕੈਨੇਡਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ।Han, oh Canada vich rehnde han.Yes, he lives in Canada.
- ਪ੍ਰੀਤ Preetਕੀ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਮਿਲਿਆ ਹੈ?Ki tusi unhan nu milya hai?Have you met him?
