1️⃣ Why Polite Requests Matter
When speaking Punjabi, adding politeness shows respect and warmth — especially in formal settings or when talking to elders.
The most common way is to use ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ (kirpā karke → “please”).
It’s often placed at the start of the sentence.
2️⃣ Structures
- ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ + request
- ਤੁਸੀਂ… ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ? (Can you…?)
3️⃣ Examples
- ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਪਾਣੀ ਦਿਓ।
Kirpā karke mainū pāṇī dio.
→ Please give me water. - ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਦਰਵਾਜ਼ਾ ਖੋਲ੍ਹੋ।
Kirpā karke darvāzā kholho.
→ Please open the door. - ਤੁਸੀਂ ਮਦਦ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ?
Tusīṅ madad kar sakde ho?
→ Can you help? - ਕੀ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਹੌਲੀ ਬੋਲ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ?
Kī tusīṅ haulī bol sakde ho?
→ Can you speak slowly?
4️⃣ Useful Polite Words & Phrases
- ਜੀ – A respectful suffix (e.g., Hanji, Tuhānū dhanyavād ji)
- ਧੰਨਵਾਦ – Thank you
- ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ – Sorry / Excuse me
- ਬਹੁਤ ਮਿਹਰਬਾਨੀ – Many thanks
5️⃣ Cultural Note
Politeness in Punjabi isn’t only in words — it’s also in tone.
Even without “please,” soft intonation often makes requests polite. Adding “ਜੀ” after names or verbs also shows respect.
📝 Practice Challenge
Translate into Punjabi:
1️⃣ Please give me tea.
2️⃣ Can you help me with homework?
3️⃣ Please speak slowly.