Punjabi · Question Words
ki
What
Question word for things; also turns statements into yes-no questions.
ਇਹ ਕੀ ਹੈ?
What is this?
'ਕੀ' (ki) is derived from the Sanskrit word 'किम्' (kim), which is used as a pronoun for questioning. Its use in Punjabi preserves its original interrogative function.
'ਕੀ' is ubiquitous in conversational Punjabi across all contexts, used informally for inquiries. It is spoken commonly in everyday language and understood by all speakers.