ਕਿਉਂ
kioṅ
The Punjabi word for "why" is ਕਿਉਂ (kioṅ).
The word ਕਿਉਂ is used as an interrogative adverb to ask for the reason behind an action or a situation.
Meaning: (interrogative) for what reason (adv)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, ਕਿਉਂ is invariable. It does not change its form based on the gender or number of the subject.
How do you pronounce it?
kioṅ
Did you know?
- While English uses 'why' to seek reasons, in many Punjabi dialects, adding a specific tone to ਕਿਉਂ can transform it from a genuine question into an expression of disbelief or a rhetorical challenge.
- In the Punjabi diaspora, speakers often blend ਕਿਉਂ with English words in a practice called 'Punglish'. A speaker might start a sentence with ਕਿਉਂ but finish the reason in English, mixing the two linguistic structures.
- The word ਕਿਉਂ is part of a melodic set of interrogatives including ਜਿਉਂ 'as' and ਏਉਂ 'thus' that are frequently used in Punjabi folk songs.
Examples in context
- ਤੂੰ ਕਿਉਂ ਆਇਆ?Why did you come?
- ਕੀਉਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਇਆ ਸੀ?Why didn't you come?
- ਤੁਸੀਂ ਕਿਉਂ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਹੋ?Tusi kioṅ jā rahe ho?
- ਤੁਸੀਂ ਕਿਉਂ ਰੋ ਰਹੇ ਹੋ?tusi kyon ro rahe ho?Why are you crying?
- ਉਸਨੇ ਕਿਉਂ ਝੂਠ ਬੋਲਿਆ?usne kyon jhooth bolia?Why did he lie?
- ਅਸੀਂ ਅੱਜ ਕਿਉਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਜਾ ਸਕਦੇ?asi ajj kyon nahi ja sakde?Why can't we go today?
Example conversation
Preet and Aman are talking about a cancelled plan.
- ਪ੍ਰੀਤ Preetਅਮਨ, ਤੁਸੀਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਏ ਕਿਉਂ?Aman, tusī̃ nahī̃ āye kyũ?Aman, why didn't you come?
- ਅਮਨ Amanਮੈਂ ਬਹੁਤ ਥੱਕਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ ਸੀ।Maĩ bahut thakiyā hoiyā sī̃.I was very tired.
- ਪ੍ਰੀਤ Preetਤੁਸੀਂ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਦੱਸਿਆ ਕਿਉਂ ਨਹੀਂ?Tusī̃ maĩnū̃ dassiyā kyũ nahī̃?Why didn't you tell me?
- ਅਮਨ Amanਮੈਨੂੰ ਯਾਦ ਨਹੀਂ ਰਿਹਾ।Maĩnū̃ yād nahī̃ rihā.I didn't remember.
