ਦੁਨੀਆ
dunīā/d̪ʊ.niː.äː/
The English word 'world' is translated into Punjabi as ਦੁਨੀਆ (dunīā).
ਦੁਨੀਆ is used to refer to the physical planet as well as the abstract concept of the world or human existence.
Meaning: inhabited planet (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ਦੁਨੀਆ is the common word for 'world', ਸੰਸਾਰ is often used in more philosophical, spiritual or poetic contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as dunīā. It has three syllables.
Did you know?
- The root of ਦੁਨੀਆ comes from an Arabic word meaning 'lower' or 'nearer', subtly implying that the physical world is the lesser, temporary realm compared to the spiritual one.
- The word ਦੁਨੀਆ is frequently used in the phrase ਦੁਨੀਆਦਾਰੀ, which refers to the art of navigating social expectations and worldly diplomacy.
- In Punjabi poetry and song, ਦੁਨੀਆ is often personified as a fickle or deceptive entity that tests a person's faith and patience.
Examples in context
- ਇਸ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੇ ਲੋਕ ਹਨ।is dunī'ā vich bahut sārē lōk han.There are many people in this world.
- ਉਹ ਪੂਰੀ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਵਿੱਚ ਮਸ਼ਹੂਰ ਹੈ।uh pūrī dunī'ā vich mashhūr hai.He is famous in the whole world.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their future dreams.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਮੈਂ ਸਾਰੀ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਦੇਖਣੀ ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹਾਂ।Main sari duniya dekhni chaunda han.I want to see the whole world.
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਤੁਸੀਂ ਕਿੱਥੋਂ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰੋਗੇ, ਅਮਨ?Tusi kithon shuru karoge, Aman?Where will you start, Aman?
- ਅਮਨ Amanਮੈਂ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਯੂਰਪ ਜਾਣਾ ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹਾਂ।Main pehla Europe jana chaunda han.I want to go to Europe first.
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਇਹ ਇੱਕ ਵਧੀਆ ਯੋਜਨਾ ਹੈ।Eh ik vadiya yojna hai.That is a great plan.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ਦੁਨੀਆ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ਦੁਨੀਆ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
