Wish Meaning in Punjabi: Definition, Use, Translation, and Examples

Words deliver emotions, hopes and culture. One such word is “wish.” We use it every day — to greet, to bless, to hope or to express desire. But what about the meaning of “wish” in Punjabi? And how does it work in genuine speech?

This post discusses everything about “wish” in Punjabi—its translation, pronunciation, uses, sentence examples and cultural context. Whether a student, language learner or simply an individual that wants to learn the meaning and grammar of Punjabi you should find this guide as accessible as it is easy.

What Is the Meaning of “Wish” in Punjabi?

The English word “wish” means a desire, hope, or expression of goodwill.

In Punjabi, “wish” is commonly translated as:
  ਇੱਛਾ (Ichchha) or ਚਾਹਤ (Chahat) — meaning desire or longing.
  ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾ (Shubhkamna) — meaning greeting, blessing, or good wish.

Basic Translations

English	Punjabi	Pronunciation	Meaning
Wish	ਇੱਛਾ	Ichchha	Desire or longing
Wish	ਚਾਹਤ	Chahat	Hope or personal desire
Wish	ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾ	Shubhkamna	Good wish, greeting, or blessing

So you see, the Punjabi interpretation of ‘wish’ differs in slight hue depending on context.

Understanding the Word “Wish”

Wish is a noun and a verb.

It is a noun describing a wish and/or hope.

• Example: “It’s my desire to be in Punjab someday.”

Its verb form denotes the act of hoping, or blessing.

• Example: “I wish you success.”
  

In Punjabi:

• “ਮੇਰੀ ਇੱਛਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਮੈਂ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਜਾਵਾਂ।” (Meri ichchha hai ki main Punjab jawan.)
  
• “ਮੈਂ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਕਾਮਯਾਬੀ ਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾ ਕਰਦਾ ਹਾਂ।” (Main tuhanu kamyabi di shubhkamna karda haan.)

Common Ways to Use “Wish” in Punjabi

Let’s look at how “wish” is used in real sentences, both formally and informally.

When expressing desire or hope

• English: I wish to learn Punjabi.
  
• Punjabi: ਮੈਂ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਸਿੱਖਣ ਦੀ ਇੱਛਾ ਰੱਖਦਾ ਹਾਂ। (Main Punjabi sikhhan di ichchha rakhda haan.)
  

When offering good wishes

• English: I wish you a happy birthday.
  
• Punjabi: ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਜਨਮਦਿਨ ਦੀਆਂ ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ। (Tuhanu janadin diyan shubhkamnawan.)
  

When expressing regret or unreal conditions

• English: I wish I had studied harder.
  
• Punjabi: ਕਾਸ਼ ਮੈਂ ਹੋਰ ਮਿਹਨਤ ਨਾਲ ਪੜ੍ਹਦਾ। (Kaash main hor mehnat naal parhda.)
  

When blessing someone politely

• English: We wish you good luck.
  
• Punjabi: ਅਸੀਂ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਚੰਗੀ ਕਿਸਮਤ ਦੀ ਕਾਮਨਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਾਂ। (Asin tuhanu changi kismat di kamna karde haan.)

Pronunciation Guide

Here’s how you can say “wish” in Punjabi correctly:

• ਇੱਛਾ (Ichchha): Pronounced “itch-chaa”, soft “ch” sound.
  
• ਚਾਹਤ (Chahat): Pronounced “chaa-hut”, like “charm” with a gentle tone.
  
• ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾ (Shubhkamna): Pronounced “shoob-kaam-naa”, formal greeting tone.
  

If you are greeting someone formally, “Shubhkamna” is the most respectful term.

Cultural Meaning of “Wish” in Punjabi Context

In Punjabi culture, wishing is not just about words—it’s about emotion and blessings. The act of giving wishes or “ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾ” (Shubhkamna) is deeply tied to tradition and respect.

Common Punjabi Situations Involving “Wish”:

1. Festivals:
   
   • “ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਦੀਵਾਲੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ।” (Tuhanu Diwali diyan shubhkamnawan.)
     
   • Translation: “Wishing you a happy Diwali.”
     
2. Birthdays:
   
   • “ਜਨਮਦਿਨ ਮੁਬਾਰਕ!” (Janamdin Mubarak!)
     
   • Translation: “Happy Birthday!”
     
3. Weddings:
   
   • “ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਵਿਆਹ ਦੀਆਂ ਲੱਖ ਲੱਖ ਵਧਾਈਆਂ।” (Tuhanu vyah diyan lakh lakh vadhaiyan.)
     
   • Translation: “Many congratulations and best wishes on your wedding.”
     
4. New Year:
   • “ਨਵਾਂ ਸਾਲ ਮੁਬਾਰਕ!” (Nava Saal Mubarak!)
     
   • Translation: “Happy New Year!”
     

In each of these examples, “wish” means more than a phrase—it reflects respect, warmth, and community spirit.

Synonyms of “Wish” in Punjabi

English Word	Punjabi Equivalent	Meaning
Desire	ਇੱਛਾ	Inner longing
Hope	ਉਮੀਦ	Expectation or optimism
Blessing	ਆਸ਼ੀਰਵਾਦ	Sacred goodwill
Prayer	ਅਰਦਾਸ	Spiritual wish or prayer
Greeting	ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾ	Polite expression of good wishes

These synonyms show how flexible the word “wish” can be in Punjabi expression.

Examples of “Wish” in Punjabi Sentences

I wish you success.

ਮੈਂ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਸਫਲਤਾ ਦੀ ਕਾਮਨਾ ਕਰਦਾ ਹਾਂ। (Main tuhanu safalta di kamna karda haan.)

She wished to visit Amritsar.

ਉਸਦੀ ਇੱਛਾ ਸੀ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ ਜਾਵੇ। (Usdi ichchha si ki oh Amritsar jaave.)

He wishes everyone happiness.

ਉਹ ਸਭ ਨੂੰ ਖੁਸ਼ੀ ਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ। (Oh sabh nu khushi di shubhkamna karda hai.)

I wish I could see the Golden Temple.

ਕਾਸ਼ ਮੈਂ ਸੋਨੇ ਦਾ ਮੰਦਰ ਦੇਖ ਸਕਦਾ। (Kaash main Sone da Mandir dekh sakda.)

Best wishes for your future.

ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਭਵਿੱਖ ਲਈ ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ। (Tuhade bhavikh layi shubhkamnawan.)

The Emotional Depth Behind “Wish”

In Punjabi, a wish is often connected to feelings of blessing (ਦੁਆ), love (ਪਿਆਰ), and goodwill (ਨੇਕੀ). When you wish someone, it’s not just verbal—it’s heartfelt.

For example, a Punjabi elder might say:

“ਰੱਬ ਕਰੇ ਤੂੰ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਖੁਸ਼ ਰਹੇ।” (Rabb kare tu hamesha khush rahe.)
Meaning: “May God keep you always happy.”

That’s not just a sentence—it’s a spiritual wish rooted in compassion.

Common Punjabi Phrases Containing “Wish”

• Best wishes always: ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਦੀਆਂ ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ (Hamesha diyan shubhkamnawan)
  
• Good wishes: ਚੰਗੀਆਂ ਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ (Changiyan kamnawan)
  
• With best wishes: ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ ਸਮੇਤ (Shubhkamnawan samet)
  
• Warm wishes: ਗਰਮਜੋਸ਼ ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ (Garajosh shubhkamnawan)
  
• Heartfelt wishes: ਦਿਲੋਂ ਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ (Dilon kamnawan)
  

These are often used in greeting cards, letters, and social media captions.

Difference Between “Wish” and “Blessing” in Punjabi

While both are positive expressions, they differ slightly in tone and meaning:

• Wish (ਇੱਛਾ / ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾ): Can be personal or polite, used for greetings, desires, or good luck.
  
• Blessing (ਆਸ਼ੀਰਵਾਦ): More sacred, often used by elders or in religious contexts.
  

Example:

• Wish: “ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਜਨਮਦਿਨ ਦੀਆਂ ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ।” (Happy birthday wishes.)
  
• Blessing: “ਰੱਬ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਲੰਮੀ ਉਮਰ ਦੇਵੇ।” (May God bless you with a long life.)

How to Say “Best Wishes” in Punjabi

The most natural and respectful way to say “Best Wishes” in Punjabi is:
  ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ (Shubhkamnawan)

You can use it in different contexts:

• For exams: ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਇਮਤਿਹਾਨ ਲਈ ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ। (Tuhade imtihaan layi shubhkamnawan.)

• For marriage: ਵਿਆਹ ਦੀਆਂ ਲੱਖ ਲੱਖ ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ। (Vyah diyan lakh lakh shubhkamnawan.)

• For success: ਸਫਲਤਾ ਲਈ ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ। (Safalta layi shubhkamnawan.)

FAQs About Wish Meaning in Punjabi

What is the literal meaning of “wish” in Punjabi?
The literal meaning is ਇੱਛਾ (Ichchha) — a desire or longing.

How do you say “I wish you” in Punjabi?
“I wish you” = “ਮੈਂ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾ ਕਰਦਾ ਹਾਂ” (Main tuhanu shubhkamna karda haan.)

What is the difference between “Ichchha” and “Shubhkamna”?

Ichchha means personal wish or desire.

Shubhkamna means a good or polite wish for someone.

How do you write “Wish you all the best” in Punjabi?
“ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵਧੀਆ ਦੀਆਂ ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ।” (Tuhanu sab ton vadhiya diyan shubhkamnawan.)