Signification
To preserve one's reputation.
Contexte culturel
In villages, 'Nakk' is tied to the 'Pagg' (turban). If someone's 'Nakk' is kept, their turban remains high. Second-generation Punjabis in the UK/Canada use this to describe succeeding in Western careers while keeping traditional values. In business, keeping the 'Nakk' means delivering on a promise to a client to maintain the firm's brand. Many folk songs (Boliyan) mention 'Nakk' as a feature of beauty and pride. A 'sharp nose' is a sign of nobility.
Use with 'Lya'
Always use 'ਰੱਖ ਲਿਆ' (rakh lya) for past events to sound more natural.
Gender Matters
Remember 'Nakk' is masculine. Don't say 'Meri Nakk'.
Signification
To preserve one's reputation.
Use with 'Lya'
Always use 'ਰੱਖ ਲਿਆ' (rakh lya) for past events to sound more natural.
Gender Matters
Remember 'Nakk' is masculine. Don't say 'Meri Nakk'.
The 'Log' Factor
This idiom is almost always about what 'other people' think. Use it in social contexts.
Passive Form
Use 'ਨੱਕ ਰਹਿ ਗਿਆ' (Nakk reh gaya) when you want to express relief that a disaster was avoided.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
ਮੇਰੇ ਪੁੱਤਰ ਨੇ ਇਮਤਿਹਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਾਸ ਹੋ ਕੇ ਮੇਰਾ _______ ਲਿਆ।
The context is passing an exam, which is a positive event that saves honor.
Which sentence correctly uses the idiom?
Choose the correct sentence:
Winning a match for the country is a significant event involving honor.
Match the situation to the likely outcome.
Situation: You forgot to bring a gift to a wedding, but your friend quickly gives you one to present.
The friend saved you from embarrassment.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ਵਿਆਹ ਦੀ ਰੋਟੀ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਸੀ? B: ਬਹੁਤ ਵਧੀਆ ਸੀ, ਸਾਡਾ _______।
'Nakk reh gaya' is the passive form meaning 'honor was saved'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Nakk Idioms
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesਮੇਰੇ ਪੁੱਤਰ ਨੇ ਇਮਤਿਹਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਾਸ ਹੋ ਕੇ ਮੇਰਾ _______ ਲਿਆ।
The context is passing an exam, which is a positive event that saves honor.
Choose the correct sentence:
Winning a match for the country is a significant event involving honor.
Situation: You forgot to bring a gift to a wedding, but your friend quickly gives you one to present.
The friend saved you from embarrassment.
A: ਵਿਆਹ ਦੀ ਰੋਟੀ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਸੀ? B: ਬਹੁਤ ਵਧੀਆ ਸੀ, ਸਾਡਾ _______।
'Nakk reh gaya' is the passive form meaning 'honor was saved'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsMostly yes, but it can be used for small things like behaving well at a dinner party.
Yes, you can say 'ਮੈਂ ਆਪਣਾ ਨੱਕ ਰੱਖ ਲਿਆ' (I saved my own face), but it's more common to use it for others.
'Izzat' is the noun for honor; 'Nakk' is the metaphorical symbol. They are often interchangeable.
Not at all. It is a very positive and respectful idiom.
Use 'ਉਸਨੇ ਮੇਰਾ ਨੱਕ ਵੱਢ ਦਿੱਤਾ' (He cut my nose).
Yes, especially in journalism and literature.
Yes, anyone can 'keep the nose' of their family or group.
Yes, it's very common in professional reputation management.
Because it's the most prominent part of the face; if it's damaged, everyone sees it.
Younger people might just say 'Izzat bacha layi' (saved the honor).
Expressions liées
ਨੱਕ ਵੱਢਣਾ
contrastTo bring shame.
ਇੱਜ਼ਤ ਰੱਖਣੀ
synonymTo preserve honor.
ਨੱਕ ਰਹਿ ਜਾਣਾ
similarHonor being saved (passive).
ਨੱਕ ਦਾ ਵਾਲ
specialized formA very dear person.
ਮੂੰਹ ਰੱਖਣਾ
similarTo keep a promise/face.
