Getting around in Punjabi
Left, right, the station, one ticket, where is the toilet. Play the ten Punjabi words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Punjabi phrases in this lesson
- ਟਾਇਲਟ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਹੈ?TOY-let KIT-thay hai
- Where is the toilet?
- ... ਕਿਵੇਂ ਜਾਈਏ?ki-VEN JAA-ee-ay
- How do I get to...?
- ਖੱਬੇKHAB-bay
- To the left
- ਸੱਜੇSA-jay
- To the right
- ਸਿੱਧੇ ਜਾਓSID-dhay JAA-o
- Straight ahead
- ਇੱਥੇIT-thay
- Here
- ਰੇਲਵੇ ਸਟੇਸ਼ਨRAIL-way STA-shun
- Train station
- ਬੱਸBAS
- Bus
- ਹਵਾਈ ਅੱਡਾha-VAA-ee AD-daa
- Airport
- ਇੱਕ ਟਿਕਟIK TI-kat
- One ticket, please
Khabbe (left). Point with your hand when you say it; visual confirmation avoids confusion in noisy streets or markets. Directions in Punjabi often include landmarks rather than street names.
Sajje (right). Together, khabbe and sajje are your two essential direction words. Locals may also use phone-side as a direction cue: "the side with the petrol pump."
Sidhe jaao (go straight). The most optimistic of all direction phrases. Confirm with a follow-up: "kitna door" (how far) to gauge the distance.
Amritsar Junction is the major hub, with connections to Delhi, Mumbai, and the rest of India. The Golden Temple is a short auto ride from the station. Trains can run late; build in buffer time.
Ik tikat. Tickets in India can be booked on the IRCTC app in advance, which saves queuing. At the station, say your destination with "ik tikat" and the ticket seller will name the price.