A yes-no question is usually formed the same as a statement and sometimes with an additional phrase that indicates that a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer is expected in response.
kī (what): In formal language, the word kī (what) is added to the beginning of a statement to indicate that it is a direct yes-no question. The response to this kind of question can simply be hā(n) (yes) or nahī(n) (no).
tū(n) kallh nū(n) kitāb paṛhēngā
You will read the book tomorrow
kī tū(n) kallh nū(n) kitāb paṛhēngā?
Will you read the book tomorrow?
The first sentence is interpreted as a sentence and second interpreted as a question because the second sentence starts with kī (what)
uhanē khatam nahī(n) kītā ajē
He/she didn’t complete it yet
kī uhanē khatam nahī(n) kītā ajē?
Did he/she not complete it yet?
The first sentence is interpreted as a sentence and second interpreted as a question because the second sentence starts with kī (what)
ihanē ajj sakūl jāṇā hae
He/she is to go to school today
kī ihanē ajj sakūl jāṇā hae?
Is he/she to go to school today?
The first sentence is interpreted as a sentence and second interpreted as a question because the second sentence starts with kī (what)
In informal speech, kī is mostly left out and the listener can understand a yes-no question was asked based on just tone.
mae(n) itthē pahilā(n) vī āiā hā(n)
I have come here before also
mae(n) itthē pahilā(n) vī āiā hā(n)?
Have I come here before also?
While both sentences are spelled exactly the same, the second is understood as a question based just on tone
hae nā (isn’t it): In informal language, the phrase hae nā (isn’t it) can be added to the end of a sentence to express it as a yes-no question. This can also be used for a rhetorical question and is not used in formal language.
ki nahī(n) (or not): In informal language, the phrase ki nahī(n) (or not) can also be added to the end of a sentence to express it as a yes-no question.
These are some common responses that can be given for yes-no questions
| Punjabi | English |
|---|---|
| hā(n) | Yes |
| nahī(n) | No |
| nā | No |
| jī | Yes (respectful) |
| āho | Yeah (casual) |
| shāid | Maybe |
| patā nahī(n) | Don’t know |
| bilakul | Definitely |
| bilakul nahī(n) | Definitely not |
| jarūr | For sure |
| bēshak | No doubt |
| kiu(n) nahī(n)? | Why not? |