How to Say Thank You in Punjabi — And 15 Other Polite Phrases

Politeness goes a long way in Punjabi culture. Whether you're visiting a gurdwara, meeting your partner's family, or chatting with neighbours in Punjab, knowing a handful of courteous expressions will earn you genuine warmth and respect. Here are 16 phrases to keep in your back pocket.

Saying Thank You

1. ਧੰਨਵਾਦ (Dhannvaad)

The most formal way to say "thank you" in Punjabi. Use it in official settings, with elders, or when you want to show deep gratitude. The word comes from Sanskrit and carries a respectful weight.

2. ਸ਼ੁਕਰੀਆ (Shukriya)

A slightly more casual "thank you," borrowed from Persian. You'll hear this across Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi conversations alike. It's versatile and works in almost any situation.

3. ਮਿਹਰਬਾਨੀ (Meharbani)

Literally "kindness," this word is used to express thanks with extra warmth — closer to "much obliged" in English. Often paired as ਬਹੁਤ ਮਿਹਰਬਾਨੀ (bahut meharbani) for "thank you very much."

Saying Please

4. ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ (Kirpa karke)

The standard "please" — literally "by your grace." Use it when making a request of someone you respect.

5. ਮਿਹਰਬਾਨੀ ਕਰਕੇ (Meharbani karke)

Another way to say "please," with a softer, more courteous tone. Common in formal Punjabi.

Apologising

6. ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ (Maaf karna)

"Forgive me" or "I'm sorry." This is the go-to apology phrase, whether you've bumped into someone on the street or need to ask for forgiveness in a serious conversation.

7. ਮੁਆਫ਼ੀ (Muaafi)

The noun form — "forgiveness." You'll hear ਮੁਆਫ਼ੀ ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹਾਂ (muaafi chaahunda haan) meaning "I seek forgiveness."

Other Polite Essentials

8. ਜੀ (Ji)

Add this after any word or name to make it respectful. "Haanji" means "yes, respectfully." It's the single most important politeness marker in Punjabi.

9. ਬੈਠੋ ਜੀ (Baitho ji) — "Please sit down"

10. ਆਓ ਜੀ (Aao ji) — "Please come in"

11. ਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ (Koi gall nahi) — "No problem / Don't mention it"

12. ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਮਿਹਰਬਾਨੀ (Tuhaadi meharbani) — "You're too kind"

13. ਰੱਬ ਰਾਖਾ (Rabb Rakha) — "May God protect you" (a polite goodbye)

14. ਸਤਿਕਾਰ ਨਾਲ (Satikaar naal) — "With respect"

15. ਚੰਗਾ ਫਿਰ (Changa phir) — "Alright then" (a friendly sign-off)

16. ਖ਼ੁਸ਼ ਆਮਦੀਦ (Khush aamdeed) — "Welcome"

Pronunciation Tips

Punjabi is a tonal language, so the pitch of your voice can change a word's meaning. Listen carefully to native speakers and mimic their rhythm. The "dh" in dhannvaad is an aspirated sound — push a puff of air as you say it. For "kh" sounds, think of the Scottish "loch."

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> Politeness isn't just vocabulary — it's tone, body language, and intention. Learn these phrases and use them with sincerity, and you'll connect with Punjabi speakers on a deeper level.

Related reading: Learn the full range of Punjabi greetings, or get started with the Gurmukhi alphabet to read these phrases in their native script.

Ready to practise these phrases with audio? Download Alfaazo and hear every word spoken by native speakers.