Language Guide
Punjabi Language
Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ) is the native language of Punjab — one of India's most vibrant states and the heartland of Sikh culture. With over 150 million speakers worldwide, it is the 10th most spoken language globally.
150M+ speakers • Gurmukhi script • Indo-Aryan family • Official language of Punjab
Punjabi Tools
Language Facts
- Native name
- ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi)
- Script
- Gurmukhi (ਗੁਰਮੁਖੀ)
- Speakers
- 150M+ worldwide
- Language family
- Indo-European, Indo-Aryan
- Direction
- Left to right
- Official in
- Punjab (India), Punjab (Pakistan)
- ISO code
- pa
Key Facts
- 10th most spoken language in the world
- Largest immigrant language in Canada after English and French
- Gurmukhi script developed by Guru Angad Dev Ji (1504–1552)
- Sacred language of Sikhism — the Guru Granth Sahib is in Punjabi
- Large diaspora in UK (Birmingham, London), Canada (Toronto, Vancouver), USA
- Punjabi music (Bhangra, Giddha) is globally popular
Gurmukhi Script Reference
Gurmukhi has 35 consonants and uses vowel diacritics. It runs left to right, like Devanagari.
Independent Vowels
| Gurmukhi | Romanization |
|---|---|
| ਅ | A |
| ਆ | Aa |
| ਇ | I |
| ਈ | Ee |
| ਉ | U |
| ਊ | Oo |
| ਏ | E |
| ਐ | Ai |
| ਓ | O |
| ਔ | Au |
Punjabi Translation Tools
Type Punjabi Online
Type English phonetics and get Gurmukhi output instantly. No special keyboard needed.
Try Punjabi Typing Tool →Frequently Asked Questions
What script is used for Punjabi?
Punjabi in India uses the Gurmukhi script (ਗੁਰਮੁਖੀ), standardized by Guru Angad Dev Ji in the 16th century. In Pakistan, Punjabi is written in Shahmukhi (a Perso-Arabic script). Our typing and translation tools output Gurmukhi.
How many people speak Punjabi?
Punjabi is spoken by over 150 million people worldwide, making it the 10th most spoken language globally. Major communities exist in India (Punjab, Haryana, Delhi), Pakistan (Punjab province), Canada, UK, and USA.
Is Punjabi similar to Hindi?
Yes, both are Indo-Aryan languages descended from Sanskrit and share significant vocabulary — particularly everyday words. Spoken Punjabi and Hindi are partially mutually intelligible. However, Punjabi uses Gurmukhi script while Hindi uses Devanagari, making a translator necessary for written text.
How do I type Punjabi using an English keyboard?
Use our English to Punjabi Typing tool — type English phonetics and the tool converts it to Gurmukhi script instantly. No special keyboard or software required.
What is the significance of Gurmukhi script?
Gurmukhi is the sacred script of Sikhism. The Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of Sikhism) is written in Gurmukhi. The script was formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Sikh Guru, in the 16th century to give Punjabi its own distinct written form.