Signification
Expressing the physical need for water.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Chabeel' is central to Punjabi culture. It involves serving free cold water or sweetened milk-water to travelers. It's a way to honor the thirst of the martyrs. It is considered rude to only offer water. Usually, a small sweet (like a piece of jaggery or a biscuit) is offered alongside water to a guest who says they are thirsty. In villages, people still prefer drinking water from a 'Ghara' (clay pot), which keeps the water naturally cool and adds a distinct earthy flavor. When someone says they are thirsty, it is common for the host to ask 'Thanda ya taja?' (Cold or fresh/room temperature?)
The 'Nu' Rule
Always remember that sensations (thirst, hunger, pain) in Punjabi use the 'nu' (to) particle. You are the recipient of the feeling.
Don't just say 'Water'
If you are at someone's house, saying 'Mainu pyaas laggi hai' is more polite than just saying 'Paani lao' (Bring water).
Signification
Expressing the physical need for water.
The 'Nu' Rule
Always remember that sensations (thirst, hunger, pain) in Punjabi use the 'nu' (to) particle. You are the recipient of the feeling.
Don't just say 'Water'
If you are at someone's house, saying 'Mainu pyaas laggi hai' is more polite than just saying 'Paani lao' (Bring water).
Gender Agreement
Don't change 'Laggi' to 'Lagga' even if you are a man. The verb agrees with 'Pyaas' (feminine).
Teste-toi
How do you say 'I am thirsty' in Punjabi?
Select the correct phrase:
'ਮੈਨੂੰ ਪਿਆਸ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ' is the correct dative construction for thirst.
Fill in the missing word.
ਮੈਨੂੰ ______ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ। (I am thirsty)
'ਪਿਆਸ' (Pyaas) means thirst.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ਬਹੁਤ ਗਰਮੀ ਹੈ। B: ਹਾਂ, ਮੈਨੂੰ ______ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ।
In the heat (garmi), one feels thirsty (pyaas).
Match the phrase to the situation.
You have been running for 30 minutes and your throat is dry.
Thirst is the logical result of running.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
English vs Punjabi Structure
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSelect the correct phrase:
'ਮੈਨੂੰ ਪਿਆਸ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ' is the correct dative construction for thirst.
ਮੈਨੂੰ ______ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ। (I am thirsty)
'ਪਿਆਸ' (Pyaas) means thirst.
A: ਬਹੁਤ ਗਰਮੀ ਹੈ। B: ਹਾਂ, ਮੈਨੂੰ ______ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ।
In the heat (garmi), one feels thirsty (pyaas).
You have been running for 30 minutes and your throat is dry.
Thirst is the logical result of running.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, you can say 'Gyaan di pyaas' (thirst of knowledge), but it's more common in formal or poetic writing.
Yes, you can just say 'ਪਿਆਸ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ' (Pyaas laggi hai), omitting the 'Mainu'.
'Pyaas' is standard Punjabi. 'Treh' is a more traditional, often rural synonym. Both are understood.
Because 'Pyaas' is a feminine noun in Punjabi grammar.
Say 'ਮੈਨੂੰ ਪਿਆਸ ਨਹੀਂ ਲੱਗੀ' (Mainu pyaas nahi laggi).
Absolutely. It's a very common way to ask for water from a waiter.
No, it is a neutral and direct statement of fact. Adding 'ji' at the end makes it very polite.
Say 'ਕੀ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਪਿਆਸ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ?' (Ki tuhanu pyaas laggi hai?)
Add 'ਬਹੁਤ' (bohut) before 'ਪਿਆਸ': 'ਮੈਨੂੰ ਬਹੁਤ ਪਿਆਸ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ।'
Yes, many Punjabi songs use 'Pyaas' to describe longing for a lover or for one's homeland.
Expressions liées
ਮੈਨੂੰ ਭੁੱਖ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ
similarI am hungry.
ਪਾਣੀ ਪਿਲਾਓ
builds onGive me water to drink.
ਪਿਆਸ ਬੁਝਾਉਣਾ
specialized formTo quench thirst.
ਮੈਨੂੰ ਤਰੇਹ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ
synonymI am thirsty (dialectal).
