ਪੁੱਤਰPuttarSon
Puttar (ਪੁੱਤਰ) means son in Punjabi. Beyond the literal relation, it is one of the language's warmest words — elders use it as an endearment for any child or younger person, girl or boy, related or not.
Who is your Puttar?
In Punjab's agrarian past a son meant hands for the fields and continuity of the family name, so puttar carried both pride and expectation. Yet the word long ago outgrew biology: a grandmother blessing a neighbour's daughter will still say "jeondi reh, puttar" — live long, child. Being called puttar by an elder is a small embrace, a signal that you are counted as their own.
How it's used
Parents and grandparents use it constantly, both to refer to a son and to address children affectionately; the clipped form putt is just as common. Example: "ਪੁੱਤਰ, ਰੋਟੀ ਖਾ ਕੇ ਜਾਈਂ" (Puttar, roti kha ke jaeen) — "Son, eat before you go."
Where Puttar comes from
Puttar comes from the Sanskrit putra, 'son' — the same root as the cousin-terms chachera and the word for a whole lineage.
Puttar vs similar terms
Puttar is your son; pota is your son's son and dohta your daughter's son — Punjabi never lumps grandsons in with sons. Hindi speakers can map puttar to beta, a word Punjabis also use informally.
Did you know?
Puttar isn't only for sons: elders lovingly call daughters, grandchildren and even grown strangers puttar or puttra as pure endearment.
Frequently asked questions
What does Puttar mean in Punjabi?
Puttar (ਪੁੱਤਰ) literally means son. In practice it doubles as a term of endearment that Punjabi elders use for any child or younger person, including daughters, much like saying "my child."
Can a girl be called Puttar?
Yes. Although the word grammatically means son, Punjabi elders routinely and affectionately call daughters and granddaughters puttar. It expresses closeness rather than gender.
What is the difference between Puttar and Pota?
Puttar means son — your own child. Pota means your son's son, a grandson through the male line. An elder may address a pota as puttar affectionately, but the kinship words themselves stay distinct.
Related terms
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