How to Say "Underwear" in Punjabi

ਕੱਛਾ

kacchā

The Punjabi word for underwear is ਕੱਛਾ (kacchā).

While ਕੱਛਾ can refer to any type of underwear, it is most commonly used to refer specifically to men's briefs or loincloth-style undergarments.

Meaning: clothes worn next to the skin (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

Literally, ਕੱਛਾ refers to a loincloth or a piece of cloth worn around the waist.

kacchā

In some traditional contexts, calling a man his ਕੱਛਾ (kacchā) can be used as an insult to imply he is stripped of his dignity or status.
The concept of the ਕੱਛਾ is closely related to the 'langot', a traditional wrestling loincloth used by 'pehlwans' to provide support and protection during bouts.
Using ਕੱਛਾ in a formal or polite setting can be perceived as unexpectedly blunt or even slightly taboo.

ਉਸਨੇ ਨਵਾਂ ਕੱਛਾ ਖਰੀਦਿਆ।
Usne navā kacchā kharidiā.
He bought new underwear.
ਮੈਨੂੰ ਆਪਣਾ ਕੱਛਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਮਿਲ ਰਿਹਾ।
Mainū apnā kacchā nahī̃ mil rihā.
I cannot find my underwear.
ਕੱਛਾ ਸਾਫ਼ ਰੱਖੋ।
Kacchā sāf rakho.
Keep the underwear clean.

Herman and Kiran are doing laundry at home.

ਹਰਮਨ Herman

ਕਿਰਨ, ਕੀ ਤੂੰ ਮੇਰਾ ਕੱਛਾ ਦੇਖਿਆ ਹੈ?
Kiran, kī tū̃ merā kacchā dekhīā hai?
Kiran, have you seen my underwear?
ਕਿਰਨ Kiran

ਹਾਂ, ਮੈਂ ਉਸਨੂੰ ਧੋਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਟੋਕਰੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਸੀ।
Hā̃, maĩ usnū dhōṇ vālī ṭokrī vicã rakhiā sī.
Yes, I put it in the laundry basket.
ਹਰਮਨ Herman

ਧੰਨਵਾਦ, ਉਹ ਉੱਥੇ ਹੀ ਹੋਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ।
Dhanvād, uhã othe hī hōṇā chāhīdā hai.
Thanks, it should be right there.
ਕਿਰਨ Kiran

ਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ, ਹਰਮਨ।
Koī gall nahī̃, Herman.
No problem, Herman.

Sources

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