For Australian-born Punjabis heading back to visit family — this is a different experience from tourist travel. Here's how to prepare and what phrases you'll actually need.
🏡 This section is for the diaspora. These phrases are for reconnecting with grandparents, cousins, and the village — not for tourist navigation. The tone, vocabulary, and situations are different.
Phrases You'll Hear Constantly
| Gurmukhi | Romanised | English | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| ਰੋਟੀ ਖਾਧੀ? | Roti khaadhi? | Have you eaten? | How every relative greets you |
| ਕਿੰਨੇ ਸਾਲਾਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਆਏ! | Kinne saalan baad aaye! | After so many years you've come! | Every aunty, ever |
| ਆਸਟ੍ਰੇਲੀਆ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੈ? | Australia kivein hai? | How is Australia? | Asked by everyone |
| ਕਦੋਂ ਵਿਆਹ ਕਰਾਓਗੇ? | Kadon viah karaoge? | When will you get married? | Inevitable |
| ਹੋਰ ਲਓ | Hor lao | Take more (food) | Said while already piling your plate |
| ਦੇਖੋ ਕਿੰਨਾ ਵੱਡਾ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ! | Dekho kitna vadda ho gaya! | Look how big you've grown! | From every older relative |
Useful Responses
| Gurmukhi | Romanised | English |
|---|---|---|
| ਬੱਸ ਕਰੋ, ਢਿੱਡ ਭਰ ਗਿਆ | Bass karo, dhidd bhar gaya | Stop, my stomach is full |
| ਬਹੁਤ ਚੰਗਾ ਲੱਗਦਾ ਹੈ ਵਾਪਸ ਆ ਕੇ | Bahut changa lagda hai vaapas aa ke | It feels so good to be back |
| ਮੈਂ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਸਿੱਖ ਰਿਹਾ ਹਾਂ | Main Punjabi sikh reha haan | I'm learning Punjabi (they'll love this) |
| ਦੱਸੋ ਜੀ | Dasso ji | Please tell me / go ahead |
| ਯਾਦ ਨਹੀਂ | Yaad nahin | I don't remember |
| ਹੌਲੀ ਬੋਲੋ ਜੀ | Hauli bolo ji | Please speak slowly |
Addressing Relatives Correctly
Using the correct term of address shows respect and will delight your older relatives.
| Who | Gurmukhi | Romanised |
|---|---|---|
| Father's mother | ਦਾਦੀ ਜੀ | Daadi ji |
| Father's father | ਦਾਦਾ ਜੀ | Daada ji |
| Mother's mother | ਨਾਨੀ ਜੀ | Naani ji |
| Mother's father | ਨਾਨਾ ਜੀ | Naana ji |
| Father's brother (older than father) | ਤਾਇਆ / ਤਾਈ | Taaya / Tayi |
| Father's brother (younger than father) | ਚਾਚਾ / ਚਾਚੀ | Chacha / Chachi |
| Mother's brother | ਮਾਮਾ / ਮਾਮੀ | Mama / Mami |
| Father's sister | ਭੂਆ / ਫੁੱਫੜ | Bhua / Phuphar |