Signification
Calling someone on the telephone.
Contexte culturel
For Punjabis living in Canada or the UK, 'Phon karnā' is a lifeline. Calls are often scheduled around time zones and can last for hours, involving the whole family passing the phone around. In villages, people often speak very loudly on the phone, a habit from the days of poor network connectivity. It is not considered rude, but rather a sign of enthusiasm. When calling a business in Punjab, it is common to use 'Ji' after the person's title to show respect. Even the act of calling is framed politely. Younger Punjabis heavily use 'Call' instead of 'Phon' and often use English phrases like 'I'll call you back' even while speaking Punjabi.
Use 'nū̃'
Always remember to put 'nū̃' after the person you are calling. It's the most common grammar mistake for beginners.
Past Tense Change
Remember that 'karnā' becomes 'kītā' in the past. 'Main phon kītā' (I called).
Signification
Calling someone on the telephone.
Use 'nū̃'
Always remember to put 'nū̃' after the person you are calling. It's the most common grammar mistake for beginners.
Past Tense Change
Remember that 'karnā' becomes 'kītā' in the past. 'Main phon kītā' (I called).
Sound Native
Use 'Phon lāuṇā' if you want to sound more like a local from a Punjabi village.
Greeting First
When you call, always start with 'Sat Sri Akal' before saying why you called. It's essential etiquette.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'karnā'.
ਮੈਂ ਕੱਲ੍ਹ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਫੋਨ ______। (I will call you tomorrow.)
Since the sentence mentions 'ਕੱਲ੍ਹ' (tomorrow), the future tense 'ਕਰਾਂਗਾ' is required.
Which sentence correctly says 'Call the police'?
Choose the correct translation:
The recipient (police) needs the 'nū̃' particle, and the verb should be in the imperative form 'karo'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ਕੀ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਰਾਮ ਨੂੰ ਫੋਨ ਕੀਤਾ? B: ਨਹੀਂ, ਮੈਂ ਹੁਣ ______।
B is saying they haven't called yet but will do it 'now' (future/immediate intent).
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are in a meeting and can't talk.
'I will call later' is the appropriate response when you are busy.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Call vs. Answer
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesਮੈਂ ਕੱਲ੍ਹ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਫੋਨ ______। (I will call you tomorrow.)
Since the sentence mentions 'ਕੱਲ੍ਹ' (tomorrow), the future tense 'ਕਰਾਂਗਾ' is required.
Choose the correct translation:
The recipient (police) needs the 'nū̃' particle, and the verb should be in the imperative form 'karo'.
A: ਕੀ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਰਾਮ ਨੂੰ ਫੋਨ ਕੀਤਾ? B: ਨਹੀਂ, ਮੈਂ ਹੁਣ ______।
B is saying they haven't called yet but will do it 'now' (future/immediate intent).
Situation: You are in a meeting and can't talk.
'I will call later' is the appropriate response when you are busy.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsYes, 'Call karna' is very common and understood by everyone, especially in cities.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
You say 'ਮੈਂ ਫੋਨ ਤੇ ਹਾਂ' (Main phon te hā̃).
'Phon karna' is the standard 'to call'. 'Phon launa' is slightly more informal and literally means 'to connect the call'.
You say 'ਮੈਨੂੰ ਵਾਪਸ ਫੋਨ ਕਰੋ' (Mainū̃ vāpas phon karo).
No, you don't say 'Phon te karna'. Just 'Phon karna'.
You say 'ਮੈਂ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਕਾਲ ਮਿਸ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤੀ' or 'ਮੈਂ ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਫੋਨ ਨਹੀਂ ਚੁੱਕ ਸਕਿਆ'.
It is always 'Phon karna' because 'Phon' is treated as a masculine noun in Punjabi.
Expressions liées
ਫੋਨ ਚੁੱਕਣਾ
contrastTo answer the phone
ਫੋਨ ਕੱਟਣਾ
contrastTo hang up the phone
ਮੈਸੇਜ ਕਰਨਾ
similarTo send a text message
ਫੋਨ ਲਾਉਣਾ
synonymTo dial/connect a call
ਮਿੱਸਡ ਕਾਲ ਮਾਰਨਾ
specialized formTo give a missed call
