ਤੁਸੀਂ
tusī̃
The Punjabi word for "you" is ਤੁਸੀਂ (tusī̃).
ਤੁਸੀਂ is a subject pronoun used to address the person being spoken to. It serves as both a way to address multiple people and a way to address a single person with respect.
Meaning: subject pronoun: the person being addressed (pron)
Which one should you use?
While ਤੁਸੀਂ is used for the plural "you" and the polite singular "you", the form ਤੂੰ is used specifically for a single person in informal or intimate settings. For even higher levels of formality or when addressing dignitaries, the form ਆਪ may be used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on its role in a sentence. When "you" is the object (for example, "I saw you"), use ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ. To express the possessive "your", use ਤੁਹਾਡਾ.
How do you pronounce it?
tusī̃
Did you know?
- Using the intimate form ਤੂੰ is common between close friends or when speaking to children, but it can also be used in religious hymns to express a direct, soul-to-soul connection with the Divine.
- When using the possessive ਤੁਹਾਡਾ, the word's ending changes to match the gender and number of the object being owned, not the person you are talking to.
- The distinction between ਤੂੰ and ਤੁਸੀਂ is so central to social hierarchy that switching from one to the other during a conversation can signal a sudden change in the emotional tone or relationship.
Examples in context
- ਤੁਸੀਂ ੲਿਥੋਂ ਕਦੋਂ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਹੋ?When do you leave here?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's departure using ਤੁਸੀਂ.Tatoeba #3788506 by RadiumCat, translation #66332 by CK
- ਜੇ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਮੇਰੀ ਥਾਂ ਤੇ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਕਰਦੇ?What would you do if you were in my place?This sentence is useful for a hypothetical situation using ਤੁਸੀਂ.Tatoeba #2057549 by RadiumCat, translation #17717 by CK
- ਮੇਰੇ ਵਾਪਸ ਅਾੳੁਣ ਤੇ ਕੀ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਇੱਥੇ ਹੋਵੋਗੇ?Will you still be here when I get back?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's future presence using ਤੁਸੀਂ.Tatoeba #3801932 by RadiumCat, translation #3801927 by patgfisher
- ਤੁਸੀਂ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ?How are you?
Example conversation
Two friends are meeting at a cafe.
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਤੁਸੀਂ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ?tusi kive ho?How are you?
- ਅਮਨ Amanਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ, ਤੁਸੀਂ?main thik han, tusi?I am fine, and you?
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਮੈਂ ਵੀ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ।main vi thik han.I am also fine.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਚਲੋ, ਕੁਝ ਖਾਧੀਏ।chalo, kujh khadiye.Let's eat something.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ਤੁਸੀਂ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
