There are certain words in any language that are something more than the words. “Give up” is one of them which we just so happen to use very often in English to give up, quit, or leave hopes. While learning Punjabi, you might sometimes feel like learning how to pronounce this word consciously and naturally.
“Give up” can simply be translated as “Haar maan lena,” “Chhad dena,” or “Tyag dena.” They are all slightly different in meaning depending on contexts.
Knowing the correct pronunciation of this word will enable you to convey more effectively in Punjabi when communicating with people via common conversations, use of inspirational words, or even tantrums.
Definition of Give Up
“Give up” in English means to lay down something, to refrain, or to concede. It can also mean to give up a habit, employment, dream, or hope itself.
Punjabi uses different words for the expression:
Haar maan lena – to give up or relinquish hope.
Chhad dena – to leave doing something or to abandon.
Tyag dena – to abandon or to give up willingly.
They are used as per the sense or feeling of the sentence.
Punjabi Common Translations of “Give Up”
| English Sentence | Punjabi Equivalent (in English Alphabet) | Meaning |
| Give up | Haar maan lena / Chhad dena | Try and give up, leave making attempts |
| Give up hope | Asha chhad dena | Lose hopes |
| Never lose heart | Kabhi haar na maan | Keep trying, never give up |
| Give up smoking | Tambaku chhad dena | Smoking is quit |
| Give up on someone | Kisi te asha chhad dena | Lose hope on someone |
| Give up too early | Jaldihaar maan lena | Giving up too early |
Examples in Sentences
Mainhaar nahi maanuga.
I will not give up.
Oh ne koshish chhad ditti.
He gave up attempts.
Asin asha nahi chhadni chahidi.
We shouldn’t give up hopes.
Main tambaku chhad ditta.
I gave up smoking.
Oh ne sapne chhad ditta.
She lost her dream.
Kabhihaar na maan.
Never give up.
These are simple examples you could use in daily life or learning the basics of Punjabi grammar.
When to Use “Give Up” in Punjabi
It can be used in different situations according to the situation or feeling:
When someone gives up hope:
“Main haar maan liti” – I gave up.
When someone gives up an addiction:
“Main nashe chhad ditte” – I left bad habits.
When someone gives up attempting:
“Oh koshish karna chhad ditta” – He gave up trying.
When you are encouraging someone:
“Tuhaar na maan” – Don’t give up.
It is a reversible word of deep emotional as well as functional meaning in use.
Difference Between “Haar Maan Lena” and “Chhad Dena”
Though both are close to “give up,” there is subtle variation in use.
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
| Haar maan lena | To lose hope or give up | Main haar maan liti – I gave up |
| Chhad dena | To leave or to give up something | Main kaam chhad ditta – I left work |
If it is a feeling or loss declaration, then use haar maan lena.
If it is an action or ritual declaration, then use chhad dena.
Pronunciation Guide
To actually pronounce these words correctly, here’s the quick version:
Haar maan lena – “Haar” is defeat, “maan lena” is to accept.
Chhad dena – “Chhad” is to leave behind, “dena” is to give.
Tyag dena – “Tyag” is to give up, “dena” is to give.
As the sound is light and melodic in Punjabi language, read slowly in the initial phase so that the sound can be assigned proper pronunciation.
Usage of “Give Up” in Different Tenses
Positive:
Main haar maan liti – I gave up.
Negative:
Main haar nahi maanugi – I won’t give up.
Question:
Ki tu haar maan lita – Did you give up
Command:
Haar na maan – Don’t give up.
Replacement of the assisting verbs and verb endings alters the emotion and tense.
Emotional Widespread Use of “Give Up” in Punjabi
Punjabi is too general. “Main haar maan liti” does not always imply that the person has lost hope. Always in frustration, fatigue, or grief.
Example:
Main zindagi ton haar maan liti – I have given up on life.
It expresses tremendous sorrow, not that one is giving up trying something.
However, “Main koshish nahi chhadan lagga” means “I am not going to give up trying.” It is a statement of determination and perseverance.
Hence, “give up” in Punjabi can be an act of inspiration or desperation. It depends upon context.
Most Common Reasons to Give “Give Up” in Punjabi
Motivation and Inspiration:
“Tuhaar na maan, safalta milu gi.”
Do not lose hope, success will be yours.
Problems of an Individual:
“Main koshish kar kar thak gaya, par haar nahi manni.”
I tried my best and never lost heart.
Habits and Addictions:
“Main nashe chhad ditte.”
I stopped taking drugs.
Dreams and Goals:
“oh ne apne sapne chhad ditte.”
He lost his dreams.
Mistakes to Avoid
Never translate “give up” word for word.
For instance: “dena.” means to give, but “give up” doesn’t mean to “dena upar.” Use chhad dena or haar maan lena always.
Never mix emotional and practical meanings.
“Main khaana chhad ditta” is not “I lost hope,” but “I stopped eating.”
Don’t use incorrect gender endings.
Male: Main haar maan lita
Female: Main haar maan liti
Master the correct helping verbs of tense and person.
SI, SAN, KAR, KARNAA
Simple Practice Sentences
| English | Punjabi (English Alphabet) |
| I surrendered | Main haar maan lita/liti |
| You surrendered | Tu haar maan lita |
| He surrendered | Oh haar maan lita |
| We lose | Asin haar maan liti |
| Never surrender | Haar na maan |
| I will never give up | Main kabhihaar nahi maanuga |
“Never Give Up” – Punjabi Inspirational Slogan
“Never give up” is the most inspirational line in the world. One can even call it “Kabhi haar na maan” or “Kadi haar na maan” in Punjabi language.
You may tell it to inspire yourself or someone:
Kadi haar na maan, tu kar sakda hai.
Never give up, you can do it.
Zindagi vich mushkilan taan aundiyan ne, parhaar nahi manni.
In life, problems will come, but never give up.
The Punjabi people like to use this sentence in songs, speeches, and movies to check the strength and courage.
Also Read: The Importance of a Houston Accident Report for Legal and Insurance Purposes
Quick Summary Table
| English Phrase | Punjabi (English Alphabet) | Meaning |
| Give up | Haar maan lena / Chhad dena | To quit |
| Never give up | Kadi haar na maan | Keep trying |
| Give up hope | Asha chhad dena | To give up |
| To quit smoking | Tambaku chhad dena | To quit smoking |
| Never give up | Haar na maan | Be strong |
| I gave up | Main haar maan lita/liti | I quit |
FAQs
What is the Punjabi word for “Give up”?
It simply refers to quitting or leaving. Formal Punjabi words are “Haar maan lena” or “Chhad dena.”
How to write “Never give up” in Punjabi?
You can write as “Kadi haar na maan,” never give up.
How to translate “I gave up smoking” in Punjabi?
You can say “Main tambaku chhad ditta.”
Is “Give up” an ugly word?
Not necessarily. It can be alright if it is to give up vices and bad if it is to give up hope.
Punjabi “Hhaar maan lena” does not mean just to leave. It’s attitude, work and emotion. You don’t say “Haar maan lena” for depression or “Chhad dena” for giving up habits, both have the same meaning in Punjabi.
Those phrases you memorize, you can speak with ease and your message will be delivered in the right meaning. Next time whenever you are frustrated or tired, just remember this sweet Punjabi quote: Kadihaar na maan – Never give up.