Hindi vs. Punjabi: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 26, 2024
Hindi is an Indo-Aryan language primarily spoken in India, using Devanagari script, while Punjabi is spoken in Punjab, India and Pakistan, using Gurmukhi or Shahmukhi script.
Key Differences
Hindi is a prominent language in India, used extensively in government, media, and education. It's written in the Devanagari script. Punjabi, on the other hand, is the language of the Punjab region, spanning India and Pakistan, and is written in Gurmukhi script in India and Shahmukhi in Pakistan. While Hindi is recognized as one of the official languages of India, Punjabi has a regional significance in the Punjab area.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
In terms of grammar, Hindi has a more Sanskritized vocabulary and follows a subject-object-verb (SOV) order. Its grammar is characterized by gendered nouns and a complex tense system. Punjabi, while also following an SOV order, often features more Persian and Arabic loanwords, especially in Pakistan. It has a simpler tense system and unique phonetic tones that distinguish meaning.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
Hindi is influenced by languages like Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic, reflecting India's diverse linguistic history. It is also mutually intelligible with Urdu. Punjabi, with its distinct cultural identity, is influenced by languages such as Sanskrit and Persian, but also incorporates elements from Central Asian languages due to historical invasions. This results in a different phonetic and lexical repertoire from Hindi.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
The literature in Hindi includes ancient scriptures, poetry, and modern prose, reflecting India's rich cultural heritage. Punjabi literature is renowned for its poetic forms like Ghazals and Qawwali, deeply rooted in Sufi traditions. While Hindi literature often explores themes related to Indian philosophy and society, Punjabi literature frequently celebrates the vibrancy of Punjab's folk culture.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
In terms of global presence, Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in the world, with a significant diaspora. It's a lingua franca in many parts of India. Punjabi, though more regionally concentrated, has a substantial international presence, especially in countries like the UK, Canada, and the USA, where large Punjabi communities reside.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Structure
Complex tense system, gendered nouns
Simpler tense system, tonal language
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Feb 26, 2024
Linguistic Influences
Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic
Sanskrit, Persian, Central Asian languages
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Feb 26, 2024
Literary Characteristics
Diverse, including ancient to modern literature
Rich in poetry, Sufi traditions, folk culture
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Feb 26, 2024
Global Presence
Widely spoken worldwide, large diaspora
Concentrated in Punjab, significant diaspora
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Feb 26, 2024
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Hindi and Punjabi Definitions
Hindi
Hindi vocabulary is heavily influenced by Sanskrit.
हिंदी शब्दावली में संस्कृत का गहरा प्रभाव है। (Hindi vocabulary is deeply influenced by Sanskrit.)
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Punjabi
Punjabi uses the Gurmukhi script in India and Shahmukhi in Pakistan.
ਭਾਰਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖੀ ਲਿਪੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਲਿਖੀ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ। (In India, Punjabi is written in Gurmukhi script.)
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Hindi
Hindi is an Indo-Aryan language predominantly spoken in India.
मैं हिंदी सीख रहा हूँ। (I am learning Hindi.)
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Jan 13, 2024
Punjabi
Punjabi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the Punjab region.
ਮੈਂ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਸਿੱਖ ਰਿਹਾ ਹਾਂ। (I am learning Punjabi.)
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Jan 13, 2024
Hindi
Hindi is one of India's official languages.
भारत में हिंदी एक आधिकारिक भाषा है। (In India, Hindi is an official language.)
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
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Punjabi
Punjabi is known for its rich oral and musical traditions.
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਆਪਣੀ ਅਮੀਰ ਮੌਖਿਕ ਅਤੇ ਸੰਗੀਤ ਪਰੰਪਰਾਵਾਂ ਲਈ ਜਾਣੀ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ। (Punjabi language is known for its rich oral and musical traditions.)
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Jan 13, 2024
Hindi
Hindi utilizes the Devanagari script.
हिंदी देवनागरी लिपि में लिखी जाती है। (Hindi is written in Devanagari script.)
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Punjabi
Punjabi incorporates Persian and Arabic loanwords.
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਫ਼ਾਰਸੀ ਅਤੇ ਅਰਬੀ ਦੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਹਨ। (Punjabi has many Persian and Arabic loanwords.)
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Punjabi
Punjabi is the 10th most spoken language in the world.
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਸਵੀਂ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਬੋਲੀ ਜਾਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਹੈ। (Punjabi is the 10th most spoken language in the world.)
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Hindi
The literary and official language of northern India that is based on these dialects. It is written in Devanagari and uses Sanskrit as a resource language.
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Jan 12, 2024
Hindi
The name given by Europeans to that form of the Hindustani language which is chiefly spoken by native Hindus. In employs the Devanagari character, in which Sanskrit is written.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
Hindi
The most widely spoken of modern Indic vernaculars; spoken mostly in the north of India; along with English it is the official language of India; usually written in Devanagari script
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 12, 2024
Hindi
Hindi is mutually intelligible with Urdu.
हिंदी औरउर्दू एक-दूसरे की समझने योग्य हैं। (Hindi and Urdu are mutually intelligible.)
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Punjabi
The Indic language spoken by most people in Punjab in northwestern India
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Jan 12, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What influences Punjabi's vocabulary?
Punjabi's vocabulary is influenced by Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
Are Hindi and Punjabi mutually intelligible?
They are not mutually intelligible due to different linguistic structures.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
Is Hindi spoken outside of India?
Yes, Hindi is spoken in several countries with Indian diasporas.
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Feb 26, 2024
What is unique about Punjabi's phonetics?
Punjabi is a tonal language, where tone can alter the meaning of words.
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Feb 26, 2024
Is Hindi used in Indian media and entertainment?
Hindi is extensively used in Indian cinema, television, and news.
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Feb 26, 2024
What regions primarily speak Punjabi?
Punjabi is mainly spoken in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan.
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Feb 26, 2024
What is the main script for Hindi?
Hindi is primarily written in the Devanagari script.
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Feb 26, 2024
Do Hindi and Punjabi share common roots?
Both languages are part of the Indo-Aryan language family and share some common linguistic roots.
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Feb 26, 2024
What role does Punjabi play in Sikhism?
Punjabi is the sacred language of Sikhism and is used in religious texts and ceremonies.
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Feb 26, 2024
How significant is Punjabi's global presence?
Punjabi has a significant global presence, especially in the UK, Canada, and the USA.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
What role does Hindi play in Indian education?
Hindi is a key medium of instruction in many Indian schools and universities.
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Feb 26, 2024
How is Punjabi cuisine reflected in its language?
Punjabi language richly describes its diverse and flavorful cuisine.
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Feb 26, 2024
Can Hindi speakers easily learn Punjabi?
While there are similarities, Hindi speakers may need practice due to differences in script and phonetics.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
Is Gurmukhi script exclusive to Punjabi?
Yes, the Gurmukhi script is primarily used for the Punjabi language.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
Does the Indian constitution recognize Hindi?
Hindi, in the Devanagari script, is an official language of India.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
Are there different dialects of Hindi?
Yes, Hindi has several dialects, including Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, and Awadhi.
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Feb 26, 2024
What international influence does Punjabi have?
Punjabi has a significant cultural impact, especially in music and diaspora communities worldwide.
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Feb 26, 2024
How does Punjabi music contribute to its culture?
Punjabi music, especially Bhangra and folk, is integral to its vibrant cultural identity.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
How does the Hindi film industry impact the language?
Bollywood greatly popularizes and influences modern Hindi usage worldwide.
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Feb 26, 2024
Does Punjabi have a rich literary tradition?
Punjabi boasts a rich literary heritage, including poetry, folklore, and Sufi writings.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 26, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
