Every culture has a way of passing on wisdom, and one of the most beautiful ways is through proverbs. Proverb is a short saying that conveys something or a particle of life in words. Punjabi proverbs are also known as “Kahavataan” or “Lokoktiyaan.”
The Punjabi maxims are replete with realism, sarcasm, and attitude towards life in general. They are part of Punjabi rich life and people inherit them in day-to-day life, folk songs, and even jokes to warn or advice in a lighter vein.
Proverbs give sense and taste to a language. If you are quite familiar with Punjabi proverbs, then learning the language makes one aware of the Punjabi nation’s attitude, mentality, and life philosophy as well.
What Are Proverbs
A proverb is a short popular saying which conveys moral or practical wisdom. It owes a great debt to common experience and observation.
Example
“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” means don’t expect success until it occurs. Even in Punjabi, the same holds good in other words but with the same meaning.
Proverbs mirror society. They show the way people live, what’s important to them, and what experiences they have gained through their ancestors.
Meaning of Proverbs in Punjabi
In Punjabi, Proverbs are also called Kahavataan or Lokoktiyaan.
Kahavataan is a word which is used to quote that of common people which they apply when they spend their life.
Lokoktiyaan are common people’s proverbs which take their implication from the life as well as culture of mankind.
They are short sentences which are sense-full. Punjabi proverbs take examples which are close to agriculture, animals, climate, food, and love because they come under Punjab life.
For example:
“Jis thaal chon khanda, usi ch thukda nahi.”
Do not offend the same person or place that helped you.
Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
Punjabi Proverbs Meaning
Proverbs are not sentences, they are a part of Punjabi culture. They are for the acquisition of moral teachings, for career, and for guiding the path to live life sensibly. And here’s why they matter:
Life Lessons Educate – Proverbs teach us what to do or not to do in life in easy words.
Beauty to Language – They provide rhythm, wit, and intelligence to the Punjabi language.
Represent Culture and Tradition – Most of the Punjabi proverbs are rural, agrarian, and family-life-based.
Easy to Recall – As they are short and easy to recall, everybody, young or old, can recall.
Pass Wisdom Across Generations – Elders pass them to pass children with respect, honesty, and diligence.
Punjabi Proverbs and Their English Meanings
Here are some Punjabi proverbs along with their English meanings:
| Punjabi Proverb (in English Alphabet) | English Meaning | Lesson |
| Jinna da khanda, ohna da gaana | The one who gives you food has the right to be obeyed | Be thankful to those who give you something |
| Neki kar, dariya vich paa | Do good and never mind | Always do good for no reward |
| Doodh da jala, chhachh v foonk foonk ke peenda | Once bitten, twice shy | People get cautious after bad experience |
| Jeda beejenga, ohi katenga | You sow, so you reap | Your actions shape your destiny |
| Aamdani atthanni, kharcha rupaiya | Expenditure high, income low | Live within your means |
| Billi de sapne ch chhichhde | The cat dreams of cream | All people dream as their nature |
| Naach na jaane, aangan tedha | Faults done by oneself but blame others | They always find excuses for their own fault |
| Ghar da jogi jog naheen | One doesn’t give respect to the saint at home | One doesn’t respect one’s own talent |
| Jisne doodh na ditta, ohda makhhan vi na kha | Don’t credit the other | Credit him who does it |
| Thoda khanda, zyada khush rehnda | He who eats less remains happy | Simplicity is peace |
All these are common sense. You can use them seriously as well as in everyday conversation.
How Punjabi Proverbs Are Used in Everyday Life
Punjabis tend to use proverbs unconsciously when they are speaking. They do not even call them proverbs because each person would get the implication from the context. Some of the following are the situations under which Punjabi proverbs are used very often:
Giving Advice:
If a child is reluctant to study, then an older individual would say, “Jeda beejenga, ohi katenga” – You will reap what you sow.
Teaching Honesty:
When a person attempts to be dishonest, one is told, “Neki kar, dariya vich paa” – Put good deeds, don’t look for a reward.
Warning Someone:
When the individual goes on repeating the same wrong things over and over, one would tell him or her, “Doodh da jala, chhachh v foonk foonk ke peenda.”
Motivation:
When things get tough in life, the parent would tell him or her, “Thoda khanda, zyada khush rehnda.” It means convenience brings happiness.
Punjabis also use proverbs to tickle other people’s funny bones. For instance: “Billi de sapne ch chhichhde” when someone has very ambitious ideas for nothing.
Relation of Punjabi Proverbs with Punjabi Values
There is a good connection between Punjabi Proverbs and Punjabi values including respect, gratitude, hard work, and family. They let us know how much Punjabi people appreciate good attitudes and honesty.
Respect:
“Jinna da khanda, ohna da gaana” reminds us in the context of gratitude towards others who help us.
Hard Work:
“Jeda beejenga, ohi katenga” reminds us that our success is because of our hard work.
Humility:
“Naach na jaane, aangan tedha” illustrates that we should be forgiving of our own faults and not blaming others.
Simplicity:
“Thoda khanda, zyada khush rehnda” is an inspiration for a simple and peaceful life.
These are proverbial values codified in Punjabi culture and transmitted over the ages.
Punjabi Proverbs in Literature and Song
Punjabi writers, poets, and artists use proverbs primarily to express wisdom and feeling. Proverbs give rhythm and culturalisation to folk songs. There are quotations in traditional Punjabi folk songs, like quotations about love, family, and village life.
Writers such as Bulleh Shah and Waris Shah used such quotes to illustrate human emotions and realities. Such sayings make humans emotionally connected with their origins and daily lives.
Punjabi-English Proverb Similarities
There are numerous Punjabi proverbs with similar English proverb meanings, but not word for word. This is a reflection that human experience and wisdom never end.
| English Proverb | Punjabi Equivalent (in English Alphabet) | Stated Meaning |
| Actions are more audible than speech | Kamm bolde ne | Deeds show your worth, not words |
| Don’t bite the hand that feeds you | Jis thaal chon khanda, usi ch thukda nahi | Don’t insult the one feeding you |
| Early bird catches the worm | Jo savere uthda, oh safal hunda | Get up early and be successful |
| Practice makes one perfect | Abhyaas insaan nu kamil bana dinda | Repetition makes man perfect |
| Where there’s a will, there’s a way | Jithe ichha, othe raah | Where there is desire, there is the way |
How to Learn Punjabi Proverbs
Punjabi proverbs can be learned in an engaging way as well as informatively. It is quite easy to learn them. Here are some simple steps to learn them simply:
Listen to Elders:
Listen with great attention when your parents or grandparents use proverbs while speaking in Punjabi.
Write Them Down:
Keep a notebook of fresh proverbs that you hear and note down their meaning along with it.
Use Them in Sentences:
Attempt to use one proverb daily in a sentence so that you get used to it.
View Punjabi Song and Movies:
Movie and song words have very common proverbs. They help us learn pronunciation as well as tone.
Whenever you learn an English proverb, attempt to look for a matching one in Punjabi so that you know the meaning of the same.
Also Read: Punjab Past Continuous Tense: Simple Meaning, Usage, and Examples
Example Sentences Using Punjabi Proverbs
- Neki kar, dusre se koi nahi expect karna – Do not expect anything from others if you do well.
- Jeda beejenga, ohi katenga – Hard work would have positive results.
- Naach na jaane, aangan tedha – Self-criticism for your own weaknesses.
- Billi de sapne ch chhichhde – Happiness was anticipated but some think too much without making any efforts.
- Thoda khanda, zyada khush rehnda – Easy ones are happy.
Such usage will render your speech more natural and expressive in Punjabi.
Quick Summary Table
| Punjabi Word | English Meaning | Example |
| Kahavat | Proverb | Lok kahavataan sadi virasat da hissa ne |
| Lokokti | Folk saying | Lokoktiyaan Punjabi sabhyachar nu dikhaundiyan ne |
| Arth | Meaning | Har kahavat da apna arth hunda hai |
| Sikhya | Lesson | Kahavataan zindagi di sikhya dindiyan ne |
FAQs
What is a Punjabi proverb called
A Punjabi proverb is known as “Kahavat” or “Lokokti”.
Why are proverbs important
They teach us moral values, enhance our language, and tie us to our culture.
How do I learn Punjabi proverbs easily
Listen to old people, watch Punjabi TV, and note them down along with meanings.
Are there Punjabi proverbs in English
Yes, essentially, the majority of Punjabi proverbs convey the same meaning as English proverbs but using different words.
Is proverb suitable to be used in everyday conversations
Yes, incorporating proverbs into your dialogue will make your dialogue natural and knowledgeably expressed.
Punjabi proverbs are not phrases; they are the voice of experience and custom. They give vitality to the Punjabi language and make it wise and communicative. Every proverb imparts a life lesson, for relationship, and ethics.
Learning Punjabi proverbs not only makes you learn phrases, but also the life, feelings, and way of thinking of Punjabis. When you use a proverb like “Neki kar, dariya vich paa” or “Jeda beejenga, ohi katenga” the first time you speak in Punjabi next, it will put some flavor of elegance, sensibility, and wisdom in what you speak.