For support workers, carers, and NDIS workers who care for Punjabi-speaking clients — these phrases will help you communicate with dignity and respect.
🌟 Why this matters: Australia's Punjabi-speaking elderly population is growing rapidly. Many arrived in Australia in the 1980s–90s and are now in their 70s and 80s. Bilingual support workers are in high demand.
Daily Care Phrases
| Gurmukhi | Romanised | English |
|---|---|---|
| ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ ਜੀ | Sat Sri Akal ji | Hello (respectful Sikh greeting) |
| ਕੀ ਹਾਲ ਹੈ ਅੱਜ? | Ki haal hai ajj? | How are you feeling today? |
| ਕੀ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਠੀਕ ਹੋ? | Ki tuseen theek ho? | Are you okay? |
| ਰੋਟੀ ਖਾਓ ਜੀ | Roti khao ji | Please eat (said with respect) |
| ਦਵਾਈ ਲੈਣ ਦਾ ਵੇਲਾ ਹੈ | Davaayi lain da vela hai | It's time to take your medicine |
| ਨਹਾਉਣ ਦਾ ਵੇਲਾ ਹੈ | Nahaun da vela hai | It's time for a bath / shower |
| ਕੀ ਮੈਂ ਮਦਦ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ ਹਾਂ? | Ki main madad kar sakda haan? | Can I help you? |
| ਕੀ ਕੁਝ ਦਰਦ ਹੈ? | Ki kuch dard hai? | Do you have any pain? |
| ਡਾਕਟਰ ਆਵੇਗਾ | Daaktar aavega | The doctor is coming |
| ਤੁਸੀਂ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਹੋ | Tuseen surakhiyat ho | You are safe |
Body & Pain Vocabulary
| English | Gurmukhi | Romanised |
|---|---|---|
| Head | ਸਿਰ | Sir |
| Chest | ਛਾਤੀ | Chhaati |
| Stomach | ਢਿੱਡ / ਪੇਟ | Dhidd / Pet |
| Back | ਪਿੱਠ | Pitth |
| Leg / foot | ਲੱਤ / ਪੈਰ | Latt / Pair |
| Arm / hand | ਬਾਂਹ / ਹੱਥ | Baanh / Hath |
| Pain / hurts | ਦਰਦ / ਦੁੱਖਦਾ ਹੈ | Dard / Dukhda hai |
| Very painful | ਬਹੁਤ ਦਰਦ ਹੈ | Bahut dard hai |