Basic Greetings and Common Phrases in Bengali

Knowing how to greet someone or use common phrases can make a significant difference when communicating in Bengali. Whether you are visiting Bangladesh, interacting with Bengali speakers, or simply interested in the language, these greetings and phrases will help you connect better. From saying hello to asking for directions, your journey into the world of Bengali will be much smoother. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate everyday interactions in Bengali.

1. Basic Greetings

Hello

  • Saalam Alaikum (সালাম আলাইকুম): A common greeting that means "Peace be upon you." It’s often used among Muslims.
  • Nomoskar (নমস্কার): A respectful greeting, much like "namaste," used primarily by Bengali Hindus.

How are you?

  • Tumi kemon acho? (তুমি কেমন আছো?): This is a casual way to ask "How are you?" to someone you know well.
  • Apni kemon achen? (আপনি কেমন আছেন?): A more formal way to ask the same question, suitable for elders or strangers.

Good morning

  • Shubho shokal (শুভ সকাল): This means "Good morning."

Good evening

  • Shubho sandhya (শুভ সন্ধ্যা): This one translates to "Good evening."

Good night

  • Shubho ratri (শুভ রাত্রি): Used to wish someone a "Good night."

Goodbye

  • Biday (বিদায়) or Alvida (আলবিদা): Both can be used to say goodbye in Bengali.

2. Expressing Gratitude

Thank you

  • Dhonnobad (ধন্যবাদ): The most basic way to say "Thank you."

Thank you very much

  • Onk dhonnobad (অনেক ধন্যবাদ): If you’d like to say "Thank you very much," this is your phrase.

You’re welcome

  • Apnar swagat (আপনার স্বাগতম): This phrase means "You’re welcome."

3. Common Expressions

Yes

  • Haan (হ্যাঁ): This means "Yes."

No

  • Na (না): Simply means "No."

Please

  • Daya kore (দয়া করে): This phrase translates to "Please."

Excuse me

  • Kshama korun (ক্ষমা করুন): Used to politely get someone’s attention or to apologize.

I’m sorry

  • Ami dukkhito (আমি দুঃখিত): This means "I’m sorry."

4. Making Small Talk

What’s your name?

  • Tomar naam ki? (তোমার নাম কি?): This is how you ask "What’s your name?" in a casual tone.
  • Apnar naam ki? (আপনার নাম কি?): A more formal version of the same question.

My name is…

  • Amar naam… (আমার নাম…): Follow this with your name to introduce yourself.

Where are you from?

  • Tumi kothay theko? (তুমি কোথায় থেকো?): This is a casual way to ask "Where are you from?"
  • Apni kothay theken? (আপনি কোথায় থাকেন?): Use this for a formal or respectful inquiry.

I am from…

  • Ami… theke aschi (আমি… থেকে আসছি): Follow this with your location to answer "Where are you from?"

5. Asking for Help

Can you help me?

  • Tumi ki amake sahajjo korte parbe? (তুমি কি আমাকে সাহায্য করতে পারবে?): Asking someone if they can help you in a casual way.
  • Apni ki amake sahajjo korte parben? (আপনি কি আমাকে সাহায্য করতে পারবেন?): A more formal request for help.

Where is…?

  • …kothay? (…কোথায়?): You can use this phrase to ask the location of something, for example:
    • Bazar kothay? (বাজার কোথায়?): "Where is the market?"
    • Hospital kothay? (হাসপাতাল কোথায়?): "Where is the hospital?"

How much is this?

  • Eta koto? (এটা কতো?): Use this question when you want to inquire about the price of an item.

6. Food and Drink

I am hungry

  • Ami bhokto (আমি ভক্ষণবোধ করছি): This means "I am hungry."

I am thirsty

  • Ami peshar proyojon (আমি পানির প্রয়োজন): Means "I am thirsty."

What do you recommend?

  • Tumi ki poddo sahojo kore? (তুমি কি পদে সুপারিশ করবে?): This question asks for food recommendations.

Delicious

  • Swaadishto (স্বাদিশ্ঠ): A word to express that something is delicious.

7. Time and Weather

What time is it?

  • Ekhaney koto bajey? (এখানে কত বাজে?): Ask this question when you want to know the time.

It’s hot

  • Eta gorom (এটা গরম): Means "It’s hot."

It’s cold

  • Eta thanda (এটা ঠাণ্ডা): Means "It’s cold."

8. Numbers

One

  • Ek (এক)

Two

  • Dui (দুই)

Three

  • Tin (তিন)

Four

  • Char (চার)

Five

  • Pach (পাঁচ)

Knowing these basic numbers can help you navigate more practical situations, like shopping or asking for directions.

Conclusion

Armed with these basic greetings and common phrases in Bengali, you are well on your way to connecting with Bengali speakers. Remember that the key to learning any language is practice and engagement. Don’t hesitate to use these phrases in conversation, even if you make mistakes. The effort will be appreciated, and it can lead to further interactions and friendships. Start integrating these phrases into your daily routine, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you become comfortable using Bengali in your words and actions!