Signification
Expressing gratitude or acknowledging someone's kindness.
Contexte culturel
In both East and West Punjab, 'Meharbani' is a common linguistic thread that survived partition. It is used by Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims alike, showcasing the shared Persian influence on the region. While 'Meharbani' is common, the word 'Mehar' (Grace) is often used in a spiritual sense to refer to God's grace (Guru di Mehar). Saying 'Meharbani' can subtly invoke this sense of divine blessing. In countries like Canada and the UK, 'Meharbani' is often used by the youth to show 'Tehzeeb' (etiquette) when speaking to community leaders or elders, even if they speak English most of the time. The use of 'Meharbani' is part of a wider system of polite speech that includes using 'Tusi' (formal you) instead of 'Tu' (informal you).
The 'Ji' Rule
Always add 'Ji' after 'Meharbani' when talking to elders for maximum politeness: 'Meharbani Ji'.
Don't Overuse
If you say it every 5 seconds, it loses its formal charm. Mix it with 'Shukriya'.
Signification
Expressing gratitude or acknowledging someone's kindness.
The 'Ji' Rule
Always add 'Ji' after 'Meharbani' when talking to elders for maximum politeness: 'Meharbani Ji'.
Don't Overuse
If you say it every 5 seconds, it loses its formal charm. Mix it with 'Shukriya'.
The 'Karke' Combo
Master 'Meharbani karke' + [Verb] to sound like a native speaker making a request.
Accepting Compliments
When someone praises you, say 'Tuhadi meharbani' instead of 'I know' or just 'Thanks'. It's the Punjabi way of being humble.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'Please sit down' formally.
____ ਕਰਕੇ ਬੈਠੋ।
'ਮਿਹਰਬਾਨੀ ਕਰਕੇ' is the standard way to say 'Please' in a formal request.
Which of these is the most formal way to thank an elder?
How do you say 'Thank you' to your grandfather?
Adding 'Tuhadi' (Your) and 'Ji' (Respectful marker) to 'Meharbani' makes it very respectful.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are asking a stranger for the time.
Using 'Meharbani karke' is the polite way to start a request with a stranger.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ਮੈਂ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਮਦਦ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ ਹਾਂ। B: ____।
When someone offers help, 'Meharbani' is a polite response.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Thank You Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercices____ ਕਰਕੇ ਬੈਠੋ।
'ਮਿਹਰਬਾਨੀ ਕਰਕੇ' is the standard way to say 'Please' in a formal request.
How do you say 'Thank you' to your grandfather?
Adding 'Tuhadi' (Your) and 'Ji' (Respectful marker) to 'Meharbani' makes it very respectful.
Situation: You are asking a stranger for the time.
Using 'Meharbani karke' is the polite way to start a request with a stranger.
A: ਮੈਂ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਮਦਦ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ ਹਾਂ। B: ____।
When someone offers help, 'Meharbani' is a polite response.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is extremely common in West Punjab (Pakistan) and is often preferred there due to its Persian roots.
No, it only means 'Thank you' or 'Please'. To say 'You're welcome', use 'ਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ' (Koi gall nahi).
'Meharbani' is Persian-rooted and common in speech; 'Dhanyavad' is Sanskrit-rooted and more common in formal writing or Hindu contexts.
No, it is a secular word used by people of all faiths in Punjab.
It is spelled as 'مہربانی'.
Yes, it is the perfect word for a professional relationship with a superior.
It is a feminine noun (e.g., 'Badi meharbani', not 'Bada meharbani').
In some poetic contexts, yes, but in 99% of daily life, it means 'kindness' or 'thank you'.
You can, but it might sound a bit formal. 'Shukriya' or 'Good job' (in English) is more common.
It literally means 'Your kindness'.
Expressions liées
ਸ਼ੁਕਰੀਆ
synonymThank you
ਧੰਨਵਾਦ
synonymThank you
ਮਿਹਰਬਾਨ
builds onKind person
ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ
similarPlease
ਸ਼ੁਕਰ ਹੈ
similarThank God
