Pronunciation: [pˈand͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The word "panj" is spelled as "pænz" in IPA phonetic transcription. It is a Persian word that is commonly used in Urdu and Hindi languages. The spelling of this word is consistent with the pronunciation of the letters in the word. The "a" in "panj" is pronounced as "æ" in "cat," and the "j" is pronounced as "z" in "zipper." Thus, the correct spelling of "panj" is "p-a-n-j" in English.
Panj is a term originating from the Persian language, specifically the Farsi dialect, and it has several meanings. Primarily, panj refers to the number "five," acting as the numerical equivalent of the digit five. It is frequently used in Iranian and Afghan cultures to denote the numerical quantity of five.
In addition to its numerical definition, panj is also utilized as a noun meaning "hand." This usage stems from the fact that the Persian word for hand is "dast," and panj is a compound formed by appending "j" to "pan," which means "five" in Farsi. Consequently, panj is associated with the physical structure of the hand, encompassing the palm, fingers, and thumb.
Furthermore, panj holds significance in the context of Afghan and Iranian lore. It refers to a mythical creature called a "panjshir," which is characterized as a benevolent and supernatural being with five heads, representing wisdom, strength, compassion, love, and courage. This legendary creature embodies virtues and serves as a symbol of power, protection, and balance.
Moreover, panj can be used metaphorically to describe a handful or a small quantity of something. It implies possessing a limited but valuable quantity of an item or substance.
Overall, panj has multiple connotations, referring to the number "five," the hand, a mythical creature, and as a metaphorical expression of a small yet valuable amount.
The word panj has its etymology in the Persian language. Panj means five in Persian, and it has been adopted into several other languages in the Middle East and Central Asia due to the influence of Persian. For example, in Pashto (an Iranian language spoken in Afghanistan and Pakistan), the word panj also means five.
