Punjabi Alphabet (پن٘جابی)

The Punjabi alphabet is an alternative way to write Punjabi with the Perso-Arabic script developed and used by Punjabi Language Activists in Punjab. It is based on the Shahmukhi script with eight extra letters, and can be used to write all the sounds of Punjabi. It is generally written in the Nasta'liq calligraphic style. It can also be used to write the Pothohari, Hindko and Saraiki dialects.

Notable features

Type of writing system: abjad
Direction of writing: right to left in horizontal lines
Used to write Punjabi
The Gurumukhi sounds ñ (ਞ), ṅ (ਙ), ṇ (ਣ), nh (ੰ/ં) are all written with ں‎ nun ghunna (nun without dot). In initial and medial positions, the dot is retained.
ے‎ (Bari ye) is only found in the final position, when writing the sounds e (ਏ) or æ (ਐ), and in initial and medial positions, it takes the form of ی‎
The eight extra letters (with their Devanagari equivalents) are: ٻ (ॿ) - a voiced bilabial implosive [ɓ], ڄ (ॼ) a voiced palatal implosive [ʄe], ݙ (ॾ) - a voiced alveolar implosive [ɗ], ڳ (ॻ) - a voiced velar implosive [ɠ], and ݨ (ण) - a retroflex nasal [ɳ]
ਲ਼ is written with ݪ
ݢ is used for both sounds (n) and (k) in certain conditions

Punjabi alphabet

Download an alphabet chart (Excel)

Sample text

سارے لوگ حقاں تے عزت دے ݪحاظ ناݪ آزاد پیدا ہوݨدے نیں۔ او عقل سمجھ تے چنڳے مندے دی پچھاݨ رکھدے نیں، ایس ݪئ اوہناں ݢوں اک دوڄے ناݪ بھراواں آݪا سلوک کرݨا چائدا اے

Transliteration

Sārā manukhkhī parivār āpaṇī mahimā, śān ate hakkāņ de pakhkhoņ janama toņ hī āzād hai ate sute sidh sāre lok barābar han. Unhāņ sabhanā nūņ tarak ate zamīr dī saugāt milī hoī hai ate unhāņ nūņ bharātarībhāv dī bhāvanā rakhadiāņ āpas vic vicaraṇā cāhīdā hai.

Translation

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
(Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

A keyboard layout for the Punjabi script is available from:
https://punjabi-keyboard.sourceforge.io/

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