Sylheti phrasebook
Sourced from Wikivoyage. Text is available under the CC-by-SA 3.0 license.
Sylheti is often considered a dialect of Bengali, but due to significant differences between them and lack of mutual intelligibility, a strong argument can be made for them to be considered different languages. Sylheti has not been given an official status by the government of Bangladesh, and there is much debate to whether it should be so recognized. There are greater differences between Sylheti and Bengali, than between Assamese and Bengali, which are recognised as separate languages. Most Sylhetis are bilingual to at least some degree, as they are taught Bengali at all levels of education in Bangladesh. Sylhet was part of the ancient kingdom of Kamarupa, and has many common features with Assamese, including the existence of a larger set of fricatives than other East Indo-Aryan languages. According to George Abraham Grierson, "the inflections also differ from those of regular Bengali, and in one or two instances assimilate to those of Assamese".
Pronunciation
Pronouncing Syloti words will be much easier if you note:
The most challenging pronunciation for an English speaker will be to pronounce the "r/र" when it comes at the end of a Syloti word. For example, "rear" in English is either pronounced as or as whereas the "r" is almost invariably uttered as "eh" or "ah". To separate English pronunciation from Syloti pronunciation and to break the confusion in English speakers who are prone to pronuncing "rear" as r-eh without a second thought, you are now to pronounce the word "rear" as if it is a Syloti vocabulary, pronouncing it as whereas the "r" pronunciation remain just as how it was at the start and so continues to end with the same "r" pronunciation. Please note "rear", "blade", "age", "side", "bloke" and "but" are all an example for exercising reasons only. This is due to the common English words easily read into English pronunciation. On the contrary to the "r" at the end of a Syloti word, the "r" in Phutr পুত্র and Mutr মূত্র is silent.
Sylheti speakers have picked up a lot of Bengali accent that if said in its own Syloti accent, the meaning changes, for example:
Sylheti also has commonality between vocabulary use of other languages'.
For example:
Other examples of the Sylheti word Dur দূর:
Example A
Example B
Example C
Example D
Literally Dur दुर means far just like the Bengali (দূর) and the Hindi (दूर) while Oee वही means 'there' - similar to the Hindi (वहीं). An example of a phrase: "Ôhee dekho" वही देखो translate to "look, there!"
Example E
Example F
Xor शर (Move!) is a substitute to the above Durxor also implying in no respect. Worse is to pronounce it in Bengali accent Shor সর (सर) (Move!), for Shuwor शुवर pronounced, in Syloti, means swine.
Xoriza शरीजा (Move away you!) is a substitute to Durhoza (in Example D) implying in no respect. To pronounce it in the Bengali dialect "Shorējā" সরেজা (सरेजा) (Move out!) would be a misnomer that leads to an alternative wording - Suar ho ja सुअर हो जा (be you swine) in Hindi and similarly in Syloti, Shuwor hoi za शुवर है जा pronounced .
Example G
Shiẏāl শিয়াল (िशयाल) (Bengali for Jackal):
Other charecteristic correspondences include:
; the /h/ of Bengali: to the /ôh/ and the silent ħ of Sylheti
; the /k/ of Bengali: to the /kh/ of Sylheti
; the /p/ of Bengali: to the /ph/ of Sylheti
; the /j/ of Bengali: to the /z/ of Sylheti
; the /e/ at the near end of a Bengali word: to the /o/ at the near end of a Sylheti word
1st e.g:
- "a" ( আ / ा ) will always be pronounced as "ah" almost like the English "ah". So, where a Syloti "blade" is written, pronunciation will be as .
- "e" ( এ / ে ) will always be pronounced as "eh/air" just as in hair. So, where a Syloti "age" is written, pronunciation will be as: .
- "i" ( ই / ी ) will always be pronounced as "ee" as in ink/keep. So, where a Syloti "side" is written, pronunciation will be as: .
- "o" ( ও ) will either be pronounced as "ô/awe" as in awesome or as "ou" as in soup. So, where a Syloti "bloke" is written, pronunciation will be either: or .
- "u" ( উ / ু ) will always be pronounced as "ooh" as in oops/boohoo. So, where a Syloti "but" is written, pronunciation will be as: .
The most challenging pronunciation for an English speaker will be to pronounce the "r/र" when it comes at the end of a Syloti word. For example, "rear" in English is either pronounced as or as whereas the "r" is almost invariably uttered as "eh" or "ah". To separate English pronunciation from Syloti pronunciation and to break the confusion in English speakers who are prone to pronuncing "rear" as r-eh without a second thought, you are now to pronounce the word "rear" as if it is a Syloti vocabulary, pronouncing it as whereas the "r" pronunciation remain just as how it was at the start and so continues to end with the same "r" pronunciation. Please note "rear", "blade", "age", "side", "bloke" and "but" are all an example for exercising reasons only. This is due to the common English words easily read into English pronunciation. On the contrary to the "r" at the end of a Syloti word, the "r" in Phutr পুত্র and Mutr মূত্র is silent.
Sylheti speakers have picked up a lot of Bengali accent that if said in its own Syloti accent, the meaning changes, for example:
| Bengali accent | Literal meaning | Syloti accent | Alternative meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shatbar সাতবার | Seven-times | Xatbar হাতবার | Lots of time |
| Shesh-kale শেষকালে | End times | Xesh-khalor হেষকালর | |
| End of time |
Sylheti also has commonality between vocabulary use of other languages'.
For example:
Dur-ga: दूर-गा Sanskrit for go-away, Dur-ja: দূর-জা Bengali for go-away and Durza: দূরজা Sylheti for go-away, are literally all the same; on the contrary, all the Dur... ga, ja and za's are said as a figure of speech to imply as to "damn you" or to "damn it".
Other examples of the Sylheti word Dur দূর:
Example A
Dur দূর , meaning "far", is also said as a figure of speech equivalent to "stop it!" or when in awe like "no way!".
Example B
Durho दुरहो (be gone/get lost) has literally the same meaning to the Hindi equivalent "Dur ho" दूर हो , and along its meanings, it also is meant to imply as to "damn it". It is similar to "Dur" दुर (in Example A) but if said with an addition e.g. "Durho, xasa ni?!" दुरहो, शाच्चा नीॽ! i.e. "Really? Get lost!" Its meaning assimilates to the English version of "get lost", when said in an awesome mood.
Example C
Durho za दुरहो जा (away with you/dispel) is literally the same as Hindi "Dur ho ja" दूर हो जा and is also the same as "Durza" दुरजा already mentioned above.
Example D
Durohee दुरवही pronounced means "faraway"
Example E
Durohee za दुरवही जा pronounced means "go far-faraway" (extremely informal). Durohee zaoka दुरवही जावका (pronounced) is the formal version.
Example F
Durxor दुरशर pronounced is metaphorically understood as "Move! Damn it!". The literal meaning is go-away but can also be understood as to the English "get lost" said in an angry mood.
Example G
Durho-durho khoroh दुरहो दुरहो कर हो pronounced meaning "say: damn you."
Fricatives
Sylheti is distinguished by a wide range of fricative sounds, which correspond to aspirated stops in closely related languages such as Bengali; a lack of the breathy voiced stops seen in many other Indic languages; word-final stress; and a relatively large set of loanwords from Arabic, Persian, Bengali and Assamese.Phonology
A notable characteristic of spoken Sylheti is the correspondence of /x/ to the /sh/ of Bengali, like the "ch" in Scottish "Loch" (Lokh) or the "j" in Latin American Spanish "Jalapeño" (Halapeo); e.g:Shiẏāl শিয়াল (िशयाल) (Bengali for Jackal):
Xial शीअल (Sylheti for Jackal)
Shoriṣhā সরিষা (सरिषा) (Bengali for mustard): Xoirox शैरश (Sylheti for mustard)
Shun̐ṭki শুঁটকি (शुँटकि) (Bengali for sundried fish): Xuṭki शुटकी (Sylheti for sundried fish)
Shvoshur শ্বশুর (श्वशुर) (Bengali for Father-in-law): Xowxur श्वशुर (Sylheti for Father-in-law)
Other charecteristic correspondences include:
; the /h/ of Bengali: to the /ôh/ and the silent ħ of Sylheti
; the /k/ of Bengali: to the /kh/ of Sylheti
; the /p/ of Bengali: to the /ph/ of Sylheti
; the /j/ of Bengali: to the /z/ of Sylheti
; the /e/ at the near end of a Bengali word: to the /o/ at the near end of a Sylheti word
1st e.g:
(in Bengali) Sileṭ (in Sylheti) Siloṭ
2nd e.g: (in Bengali) Kisher (in Sylheti) Khixor
3rd e.g: (in Bengali) _____er (_____'s) (in Sylheti) _____or (_____'s)
Writing
Although not widely known, Sylheti was formerly written in its own script, Syloti Nagri, (or ꠍꠤꠟꠐꠤ ꠘꠣꠉꠞꠤ, Sylheti Nāgrī, the name of its parent writing system) similar in style to Kaithi but with differences, though nowadays it is invariably written in Bengali script. Bangladesh does not recognise Sylheti as a separate language, therefore literature, warning signs and notices are all written in the Bengali language.
In the 19th century, the British tea-planters in the area referred to Sylheti as Sylhettia. In Assam, the language is still referred to as Srihattiya, the name used in ancient literature. Sylhet has a rich heritage of literature in the Syloti Nagri script going back at least 200 years. The Sylheti script includes 5 independent vowels, 5 dependent vowels attached to a consonant letter and 27 consonants. The Syloti Nagri alphasyllabary differs from the Bengali alphabet as it is a form of Kaithi, a script (or family of scripts) which belongs to the main group of North Indian scripts of Bihar. The writing system's main use was to record religious poetry, described as a rich language and easy to learn.
During the 1971 Liberation War, when all Syloti Nagri printing presses were destroyed, the writing system came to a halt. After Bangladesh gained independence, the government of the newly formed Bangladesh mandated Bangla studies and the use of the Bengali alphabets as a curriculum to be taught at all levels of education. Efforts to establish Sylheti as a modern language were vigorously opposed by political and cultural forces allied to successive Bangladeshi governments.
Note that these characters are not used in writing Sylheti: Bengali alphabets lack similarity to Syloti Nagri script. Due to this, below are the Devanagari scrip representing the Syloti Nagri. To see Syloti characters visit www.omniglot.com.
Note that a few characters below have dual pronunciation:
Note that the following characters below have triple pronunciation:
=====Independent vowels=====
The Anusvara symbol:
In the 19th century, the British tea-planters in the area referred to Sylheti as Sylhettia. In Assam, the language is still referred to as Srihattiya, the name used in ancient literature. Sylhet has a rich heritage of literature in the Syloti Nagri script going back at least 200 years. The Sylheti script includes 5 independent vowels, 5 dependent vowels attached to a consonant letter and 27 consonants. The Syloti Nagri alphasyllabary differs from the Bengali alphabet as it is a form of Kaithi, a script (or family of scripts) which belongs to the main group of North Indian scripts of Bihar. The writing system's main use was to record religious poetry, described as a rich language and easy to learn.
During the 1971 Liberation War, when all Syloti Nagri printing presses were destroyed, the writing system came to a halt. After Bangladesh gained independence, the government of the newly formed Bangladesh mandated Bangla studies and the use of the Bengali alphabets as a curriculum to be taught at all levels of education. Efforts to establish Sylheti as a modern language were vigorously opposed by political and cultural forces allied to successive Bangladeshi governments.
Devanagari देवनागरी characters for Sylheti writing
Transcript faithful to pronunciation
Sylheti phrases will be written in Transcription faithful to pronunciation. Therefore, although the 'क' (ch) is equivalent to the English "chemist" and to the Scottish "Loch", its transcript will be written as either or . To remove confusion, the same will apply to all corresponding words and phrases. Note that these characters are not used in writing Sylheti: Bengali alphabets lack similarity to Syloti Nagri script. Due to this, below are the Devanagari scrip representing the Syloti Nagri. To see Syloti characters visit www.omniglot.com.
Note that a few characters below have dual pronunciation:
- The क (ch) is equivalent to the English "chemist" and to the Scottish "Loch".
- The च (c) is equivalent to both "centimeter" and "change"
- The छ (s) is equivalent to both "Scene" or "Schist"
- The ह (h/ħ mute) is equivalent to "host or "honour".
Note that the following characters below have triple pronunciation:
- The व (o/v/w) is equivalent to "Odin" "Versus" "Woden"
- The ख (k/kh/x) is equivalent to "Kahn", "Khan" or "Xan".
- The श (sh/x/ħ mute) is equivalent to "shush"& "hush", or to "Xan" & "Han", or else to "hour".
=====Independent vowels=====
| Dewnagri alphabets | Transliteration | Equivalent/Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| अ | a | as in Apple | |
| इ | i | as in Ink | |
| उ | u | as in Oops | |
| ए | e | as in Eggs | |
| व | o or w | as in Odin or Woden |
Dependant vowels
| Consonant + Dependant vowel | Transliteration | Equivalent/Comments |
|---|---|---|
| पा | ph+a | as in phantom |
| पी | ph+i | as in Phoenix |
| पु | ph+u | as in Phut |
| पे | ph+e | as in Pheasant |
| छो | s+o/ou | as in Sop or Soup |
Grapheme signs
The Dvisvara symbol:| Consonant + Doishor | Transliteration | Equivalent/Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| पै | ph+oi | the 'oi' as in (the sarcasm greeting) ahoy | Or as in oil or ointment |
| Consonant + Anushor | Transliteration | Equivalent/Comments |
|---|---|---|
| पं | ph+ŋ / ph+ng | the 'ŋ' in knot, knowledge, gnat or the 'ng' in English & Bangla |
Consonants
| Dewnagri alphabets | Transliteration | Equivalent/Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| क | ch | as in Chemist or Loch | |
| ख | k, kh/x | as in Kahn, Khan or Xan | |
| ग | g | as in Goat | |
| घ | gh | as in Ghee | |
| च | c | as in Centimeter or Change | |
| छ | s | as in Science or Schist | |
| ज | z | as in Zeus | |
| झ | j | as in Jason | |
| ट | ṭ | like a Tick-tock clock | |
| ठ | ṭh | as in Treasure | |
| ड | ḍ | as in Dream | |
| ढ | ḍh | as in Drought | |
| त | t | as in Tintin | |
| थ | th | as in Tight | |
| द | d | as in Door | |
| ध | dh | as in Dough | |
| प | ph | as in Phone | |
| फ | f | as in First | |
| ब | b | as in Bon | |
| भ | bh | as in Boohoo | |
| म | m | as in Money | |
| न | n | as in Nice | |
| र | r | as in Raw | |
| ल | l | as in Law | |
| ड़ | wr | as in Writing | |
| श | sh, x/ħ mute | as in Shush, Xan or Hour | |
| ह | h, ħ mute | as in Host or Honour |
Grammar
Grammar conflict between Sylheti and Bengali
In Syloti: "Ekh deshor ghali arokh deshor bholi", meaning "a phrase in one language mislead a phrase to another language". Or in Bengal accent: "Ek desher ghali arek desher bholi", Conflicting grammar
"shor" সর (सर) in Bengali means move.
- "shuwor" शुवर in Syloti means pig or swine
- In Syloti move is pronounced xor शर .
- In Bengali pig or swine is shūkor শূকর (शूकर)
"much chilam" মুছ ছিলাম (मुछ छीलाम) in Bengali means I've wiped.
- "mutr chilam" मुत्र छीलाम in Syloti means I'v pissed
- In Syloti I've wiped is phooch chilam पुछ़ छीलाम .
"bhukh" ভূখ (भूख) in Bengali means starving.
- "bhukh" भुख in Syloti means hungry
- In Syloti starving is uphwash उपवाश .
- In Bengali hungry is Kṣidā ক্ষিদা (िक्षदा) .
"moho māyā" মোহ মায়া (मोह मा़या) in Bengali means love illusion.
- "moho maea" मोह माएा in Syloti means love affection
"mēgh" মেঘ (मेघ) in Bengali means cloud.
- "megh" मेघ in Syloti means rain
- In Sanskrit megh मेघ means both rain and cloud.
- In Syloti cloud is called badol बादल or ashmani xaz अशमानी शाज (decor of the sky).
- In Bengali rain is called brishti বৃষ্টি (वृष्टि) .
"anōyar" আনওয়ার in Bengali is a male name meaning lighting.
- "'anwar"' अनवार in Syloti means pomegranate fruit
- anar আনার (आनार) or ḍalim ডালিম (डािलम) in Bengali means pomegranate fruit.
- anar अनार in Syloti refers to the legendary slave girl named anarkoli अनारकली meaning pomegranate-blossom.
- In Urdu anwar انور means light borrowed from the Arabic nūr نور meaning illuminate.
"naṛa" নাড়া (नाड़ा) in Bengali means to stir or to move.
- "naṛa" नारा in Syloti means to cheer: 1. Hip hip - Hooray! 2. Narae Takbir - Allahu Akbar! 3. Joy Bangla! 4. Jay Hind! etc.
- A waist drawstring acting as a belt is also called a nara .
"torkāri" তরকারি (तरकारि) in Bengali, means curry.
- "torkhari" तरकारी in Syloti, means vegetables.
"hyām̐" হ্যাঁ (ह्यँा) in Bengali is an informal yes.
- "he?!"/"hi?!" हे?!/ही?! in Syloti, means what?! and is just as rude as it is in English; "Ji?" is formal.
"ôm̐yā" অঁ্যা (अँ्या) in Bengali mean "hey".
- "ħôe" हए in Syloti is an informal yes.
"ēi" এই (एइ) in Bengali is an informal "excuse me" (for getting attention).
- "ħei" हेइ in Syloti means hey you! (implying in no respect)
- In Syloti excuse me (for getting attention) is e-re एरे or o-go वगो or o-ba वबा .
"hēshyē" হেস্যে (हेस्ये) in Bengali means laughter.
- "xeshe" शेशे or "bade" बादे in Syloti means later.
- laughter in Syloti is called ħashi हाशी
- later in Bengali is called pore পরে (परे) .
Sylheti literature
Sylheti today only survives as a spoken language: Although Sylhet has a rich heritage of literature in the Syloti Nagri script; it is not educated in schools. The liberation from East-Pakistan to Bangladesh was initiated on the principals of protecting the Bengali language. As a result of the formation in 1971, Sylheti literature has become extremely rare, almost extinct by recognition. Sylheti pupils in Bangladesh are preached in schools to recognize Sylheti as a dialect of Bengali and not a separate language. This teaching has convinced most of the Sylheti people into believing Sylheti as a form of corrupt Bengali.The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.Sylheti translation of the Universal Declaration:
शकल मानुश जन्म हैं अजाद अर इज्जत व अधीकार लैअ ۞ तारार होश अर ज्ांन-बुद्धी ताकाए जानो एक-जन अरक-जनर लगे रुहानी भाइैत्ता ब्एबहार ताके ۞
Hokhol manuh zonmo oin azad ar izzot o adikhar loia. Tarar housh ar gian-buddhi takhae zanu ekh-zon arokh-zonor loge ruhani bhaīitta bebohar takhe. (in Transcription, faithful to pronunciation)
- (Syloti word to word gloss) All humans' born happen free and dignity plus rights with. Their conscious and judgement-intelligence bearing ensure a-person another-person's with spiritual brotherhood conduct stay.
Bengali translation of the Universal Declaration:
Shomosto manush shwadhīnbhabe shoman morjyada ebong odhikar niye jonmogrohoṇ kore. Tn̐ader bibek ebong buddhi ache; shutorang shokoleroi eke oporer proti bhratṛ'twosulabh monobhab niye achoroṇ kora uchit. (in Transcription, faithful to pronunciation)
- (Bangla word to word gloss) All human free-manner-in equal dignity and right taken birth-take do. Their reason and intelligence is; therefore everyone-indeed one another's towards brotherhood-ly attitude taken conduct do should.
Phrase list
Basics
Cultural notes on greetings:
There are no greetings based on time elements in Sylheti such as in English good morning, good afternoon, etc. Each religion has its own greetings. Muslims and Hindus greet each other by sharing "Adab" meaning "Greetings" and everyone keeps to their own religious greetings, exchanging them among their own religion. As a custom, both Muslims and Hindus alike greet by "the touching of the feet" of their elder family members. The Hindu "Pronam" meaning "Greetings" also has the same meaning to "Nomoskar" and to "the touching of the feet" while the Muslim "Adab" has two meanings, "Geetings" and "Humblest respect".Greeting
Hello. (formal Muslim Adab): Assalamu alaikum.
Slamalikum
Walaikum-salam.
Khodom-busi.
Hello. (formal Hindu Pronam):
Nomoskar.
Abhinondon.
- (bending forward with folded hands touching the chest).
Choron-sporsho.
- (the touching of the feet)
Dondiowta.
- (bowing forehead down and touching the ground).
Hello. (informal lit. How are you?)
Bhala ni?
Welcome
Marhaba
Aokar
Congratualations
Mubaraka
Happy Congregation (on Fridays)
Jumma Mubarokh
Happy Eid
Eid Mubarokh
Happy Anniversary
Shalgura Mubarokh
Happy Birthday
Zonmodin Mubarokh
Good dawn.
Fota Mubarokh.
Good morning.
Biyan Mubarokh.
Good afternoon.
Duiphor/Madhan Mubarokh.
Good evening.
Beil/Hainja Mubarokh.
Good night.
Raitkhur gum Mubarokh.
Good Luck.
Allahr Haola. (lit. God's Authority)
Good bye.
Khuda/Allah Hafiz. (Muslim lit. God/Allah be with you) Pronam. (Hindu)
Forms of Address
Mr _____. (Muslim) _____ Miah. Miah _____.
Mr _____. (Hindu) Sri _____.
Ms _____. (Muslim) _____ Begum. Begum _____.
Ms _____. (Hindu) Srimoti _____.
Sir (Muslim) Jonab Huzur
Sir (Hindu) Babu Moshai
Respectable _____. (Muslim) _____shahab.
Respectable _____. (Hindu) _____babu.
Dr (Muslim) Dakhtor shahab
Dr (Hindu) Dakhtor babu
Meeting
Cultural notes on formalities:
In Western cultures, using phrases like “please, thank you, you're welcome, excuse me, sorry”, etc. are so ingrained that saying them is done without a second thought. Not so for the people of the Indian subcontinent. Saying such phrases in an inappropriate circumstance might embarrass the person, or change the gravity of the phrase itself. Some of these phrases are only said in a sincere sense. Don’t let this lead you to believe people of the Indian Subcontinent are bad mannered – nothing could be further from the truth. Instead of "please" and "thank you" use formal phrases and words; it replaces the western culture into Indian (sub-continental) good manners. Some sentiments are communicated through body language rather than verbally. To show your sincerity, a smile can be just the same. Despite all this, the use of verbal formalities in Sylhet is far more used than other places in Bangladesh.Hello. (lit. How are you?)
Bhala ni? (informal)
How are you?
(Aphne) bhala asoin ni? (formal) (Tumi) bhala aso ni? (informal) (Tui) bhala asos ni? (implying in no respect)
Fine, thanks be to God.
Bhala asi, Shukur Allahr. Bhala asi, dondiowta ekh matro Allahr.
(I'm) fine, and you?
(Ami) bhala asi, ar aphne?
What is your name?
Aphnar nam kita? (formal) Tomar nam kita? (informal) Tor nam kita re? (implying in no respect)
My name is ______ .
Amar nam ______ .
Nice to meet you.
Bhala laglo aphnar log phaia. (formal) Bhala laglo tumar log phaia. (informal)
Notes on corresponding words to English:
Sylheti does have corresponding words to English, but this does not mean that the context in which it is used always correspond likewise. Phrases such as “thanks” (shukria) are use but they are not replied back to like in English; “you’re welcome”. English words are sometimes used the same, but remember just like the French have trouble with pronouncing the English 'th' - so do the Sylhetis, and therefore the 'th' is pronounced as 't'.Same here.
Ami hoi o. (lit. me too)
Long time no see!
Oto buile na dekhlam!
What?
Ji? (formal - as in pardon?/sorry?) Kita? (informal - as in come-again?/what?) Khixor? (implying in no respect - as in what nonsense?) Hi? or He? (extremely rude - as in What? Err!)
What is this?
Okhṭa kita?
Using "Ji" as yes or affirmative:
With the words for "yes" and "no" - "ji" is added before it to make polite formalities. Sometimes, listeners simply reply with ji, as an acknowledgment to the speaker. Yes.
Ji hoe. (formal) Hoe. (informal)
No.
Ji na. (formal) Na. (informal)
The word 'please'.
'Please' is a bad expression when requesting a grocer for a grocery bag. Please is only used when you (plea to a) request for an aid: e.g. "Please, complete this for me." i.e. "Doea-khori amar o khan ta adae khori laiba?”Please.
Doea-khori. (informal)
Thank you.
Shukria. (highly formal) Doniobad. (formal)
You're welcome. (lit. It was nothing)
Kichchu hoito nae
You're welcome!
Marhaba
Welcome (lit. Please come in.)
Aoka
You're most/always welcome.
Aphnar phroti marhaba. (formal) Tumar phroti marhaba. (informal)
Excuse me. (getting attention)
E-re!
The phrase "I'm sorry".
I'm Sorry (Ami dukhkhito) is never verbally said in Sylheti but instead sorrow is expressed with a humble prayer. When 'sorry' is said in English it is understood only as forgive me.
Excuse me/Pardon me (to pass by someone)
Maf khorba ami rasta sai. Dekhi.
Sorry (forgive me)
Maf khorba (highly formal) Maf khoroka (formal) Maf khorbae (informal)
I love you.
Ami tumare bhalaphai.
I like you.
Tumare amar bhala lage. Tumare amar phosond aise.
See ya!
Dekha hoibo.
See you later.
Bade dekha hoibo.
See you later, then.
Te ar dekha hoibo.
People and places
People
Boy Phua
A boy's...
Ekh Phuar ___.
Girl
Furi
A girl's...
Ekh furir ___.
Man
Beṭa
A man's...
Ekh beṭar ___.
Woman
Beṭi
A woman's...
Ekh Beṭir ___.
A person
Ekh manush/manux
A person's...
Ekhu manshor/manxor
Someone
Ekh-zon
Someone's
Ekh-zonor
Human-kind
Manshor zat
Swordsman
Axaidri
Hinduism
Hinduana
Hindu
Hindu
People of Hind (Indian)
Hindustani Bharotia
People of Sylhet
Silhoṭia
People of Assam (Assamese)
Ahomia
People of Assyria (Assyrian)
Ahura Ahuria
People of the Dhaka region
Dhakhaia
Everyone
Hokhol Hokkol
Places
Everything Xokholta
Dhaka
Dhakha
Assam
Axom
Sylhet
Silhot
Shallow wetland
Haor
Wetland
Bil
Seven wetlands
Xat bila
Family relationship
Paternal Grandparents Dadu
Maternal Grandparents
Nanu
Paternal Grandfather
Dadazi Dada
Paternal Grandmother
Bibizi Bibi (means my dad's mother) Dadi (means my granddad's wife)
Maternal Grandfather
Nanazi Nana
Maternal Grandmother
Nanizi Nani
Father
Baba (formal) Baph (informalt)
Dad
Abba Bazan Babazi Abbazan
Mother
Ma Mai
Mum
Maizi Amma Ammazan
Son
Phutr
Daughter
Zi Khonia (also means bride)
Big brother
Bhaisahab (Muslim) Dada (Hindu)
Little brother
Huru/Geda Bhai
Brother
Bhai
Big sister
Buai Boro apha Apha Didi (Hindu)
Little sister
Boni
Sister
Boin
Husband
Zamai {Zah-mah-ee] (Muslim) Beṭa Bor (Hindu)
Wife
Bow (Mislim) Bhodu (Hindu) Stri (formal)
Maternal uncle
Mamuzan Mamuzi Mama
Maternal uncle's wife
Mamani Mami
Maternal aunty/Auntie
Moi Moizi Khala Khala-amma
Maternal aunty's husband
Khaloo
Paternal uncle
Sasa-Abba Sasazan Sasazi Sasa
Paternal uncle's wife
Sasi-amma Sasizi Sasi
Paternal aunty/Auntie
Fufu-amma Fufuzi Fufu
Paternal aunty's husband
Fufazi Fufa
Father-in-law
Xoxur Abba (dad)
Mother-in-law
Xoṛi Amma (mum)
Brother-in-laws:
- Big sister's husband: Dulha-bhai
- The husbans's older brother: Bhawor
- The husband's younger brother: Dewor
- The wife's older brother: Shomondik
- The wife's older sister's husband: Zeṭa
- The wife's younger brother: Xala
Sister-in-laws:
- Big brother's wife: Bhabhi
- The husband's older brother's wife: Zaal
- The husband's older sister: Nonhori
- The husband's younger sister: Nonond
- The wife's's older sister: Zeṭali
- The wife's younger sister: Xali
Son-in-law
Damand (Muslim) Zamai (Hindu)
Daughter-in-law
Phuar-bow (Muslim) Bohu (Muslim) Phutro-bhodu (Hindu) Bowma (Hindu)
Friend
Bondu (male) Dusto (male) Bandobi (female)
Boyfriend/girlfriend
Shuna-bondu
Problems
Leave me alone.Amare ekhla takhte deoka/diba. (formal) Amare ekhla takhte deo. (informal) Amare ekhla takhte de. (implying in no respect)
Leave me alone, will you?
Amare ekhla takhte dibe ni?. (implying in no respect)
Get lost!
Dur hor
Let me go!
Amare saro!
I said, don't touch me!
Amare sois na khoisi!
I'll call the police.
Ami phulish dakhmu. Ami phulish daki laimu. Ami phulish daki dimu.
Police! Officer!
Phulish! Daroga!
Look out!
Dhekio !
Stop! Thief!
Sur! Sur! Ubais! Sur! Rakis! Sur! Uba-rakh! Sur!
Help!
Basao!
I need (some) help.
Amar (tura) shaejjo lage.
I need your help.
Aphnar shaejjo lage.
Please, help me.
Amare shaejjo khorba. (formal)
Please, can you help me?
Aphne amar shaejjo khorba ni? (formal)
It's an emergency.
Ekhṭa aphot goṭi gese.
Please, come quick!
Zoldi aoka
I'm lost.
Ami Harai gesi.
I lost my bag.
Amar beg/sola ṭa harai laise.
I lost my wallet.
Amar woleṭ/toli ṭa harai laise.
Where is the toilet? :
- Where is the flush toilet? : Bideshi ṭoeleṭ kun khano?
- Where is the squat toilet? : Lefṭin kun khano?
- Where is the washroom? : Hosailoe kun khano?
- Where is the bathroom? : Ghusol-khana/Henan kun khano?
- Is there a loo? : Fae-khanar bebosta ase ni?
Where is the _______?
_______ khun khano?
Can I use your phone?
Aphnar phon ṭa bebohar khortam phari ni?
How do you say _____?
_____ khemne khoin? _____ khemola(n) khoin?
What is this/that called?
Okhṭar/Xokhṭar nam kita?
I don't understand.
(Ami) buziar na. (Ami) buzlam na (Ami) buzram na (Ami) bujchi na.
I can't speak (that well).
Ami (bhala ṭike) mattam phari na.
Do you speak English?
Aphne Ingrezi matta pharoin ni? (formal) Tumi Ingrezi mattae pharo ni? (informal)
Is there someone here who speaks English?
Okhano kheu asoin ni ze Ingrezi matta pharoin?
Learn
Xikba
I'm not well. (I'm sick)
Ami bemar.
I've been injured.
Ami dukh phaisi.
I've injured my .
Ami amar o dukh phaisi.
I need a doctor.
Amar dakhtor lage.
Before the doctor came, the patient had died.
Ḍakhtor awar ageu bemari mori gese.
Going to the doctor
I am in _____. Amar _____ khorer.
It's _____ here.
Ono _____
I've catched a cold.
Amar ṭanḍa lagi gese.
I've got a _____.
Amar _____ hoi gese.
Nakh
doria/shordiI'm _____.
Ami _____.
I'm feeling _____.
Amar _____ lager.
Body-parts
Body Shoril
Skin
Samra
Hair
Sul
Head
Mata
Face, Mouth
Mukh
tongue
Zifra
Tooth, Teeth
Daat
Gums
Zami
Eyelash
Sukor bui
Eyebrows
Sukor bua
Eyes
Suk / Noeon
Eyelids
Sukor phatta
Ears
Khaan
Earlobes
Khaanor loti
Cheeks
Gaal
Nose
Nakh
Armpits
Bogol
Arms
Dakhna
Elbow
Khoni
Wrist
Hator ghonṭa {Ah-toh-r goh-n-ṭah]
Hand
Hat
Palm
Hator gata
Finger, toe
Anguil
Nails
Nukh
Neck (rear end)
Gordona
Throat
Gola
Shoulder
Khand
Chest
Buk
Back
Phiṭ
Side
Muka
Hip
Khomor
Waist
Bazu
Leg(s)
Ṭeng
Thigh
Urat
Knee
Haṭu
Calf
Gusari
Ankle
Gonṭa
Foot
Phaw
Soles
Phawor tola
Numbers
Numerals
0 Shuinnio (also means: hovering/on air)1 Ekh
2 Dui
3 Tin
4 Sair
5 Phas
6 Soe
7 Hat
8 Aṭ
9 Noe
10 Dosh
11 Egaro
12 Baro
13 Tero
14 Souddo
15 Fondo
16 Shullo
17 Hotro
18 Aṭaro
19 Unnish
| Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bish | |||||||
| ekhuish | |||||||
| baish | |||||||
| teish | |||||||
| sobbish | |||||||
| fochish | |||||||
| sabbish | |||||||
| hataish | |||||||
| ataish | |||||||
| untish |
| Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| shait | |||||||
| ekhshait | |||||||
| baishait | |||||||
| teshait | |||||||
| sowshait | |||||||
| phoishait | |||||||
| soeshait | |||||||
| harshait | |||||||
| arshait | |||||||
| unhottoir |
1,00 Êkh sho
1,000 Êkh hajar
10,000 Dôsh hajar
1,00,000 Êkh lakh
10,00,000 Dôsh lakh
1,00,00,000 Êkh kuti
10,00,00,000 Dosh kuti
1,00,00,00,000 Êkh arob
10,00,00,00,000 Dosh arob
1,00,00,00,00,000 Ekh kharob
10,00,00,00,00,000 Dosh kharob
Measurement
whole asta
half
aada
one third
tin bagor ekh baag
two third
tin bagor doi baag
one quarter
sair bagor ekh baag
___ quarter
sair bagor ___ baag
less
khom
more
beshi
Weight
Kilogram/s (Kg) Khezi Kilo
Metaphors
Bus number eleven. (Meaning: "Your two legs") Egaro nombor baas
Did you catch the bus number 11 to here? (Meaning: "Did you walk it here?")
Egaro nombor baas dori aisoin ni? (formal)
Egaro nombor baas dori aiso ni? (informal)
Calendar
Past present future
before age
now
ongkhu
one
later
bade
day
din
yesterday
gese khail
today
aizku
aiz
tomorrow
khailku
khail
day before yesterday
gese phorxu
day after tomorrow
phorxudin
fortnight
soddo rait
nowadays
aizkhailku
aizkhail
time
bela buil okht bar
seven-times (lots of time)
hat-bar
every time
hara buil
last time
agor bela
this time
ebuil
daytime
dinor bela
nighttime
raitkur bela
last week
agor haphtah
this week
ow haphtah
next week
bador haphtah
Morning to night
dawn (the beginning of day) fota
morning
bian(i)
biyaal
noon
duiphor
afternoon
madhan
evening (the beginning of night)
hainja
dusk
beil
night
rait
midnight
maz-rait
late night
hesh-rait
end of the night
shesh-rait
Weeks शाप्ताह/हाफ्ता
Weekdays:
Monday derives from Mona/Máni (Norse Moon god) Shombar derives from Shombo (Hindu Shiva)
Tuesday derives from Tiw/Týr (Norse god of single combat) Mongolbar derives from Mangala (Hindu Mars/god of war)
Wednesday derives from Woden/Odin (Norse elder god of power and wisdom) Budhbar derives from Budha (Hindu Mercury/elder god of merchandise and wisdom)
Thursday derives from Thurnor/Thor (Norse god of thunder and protector of mankind) Bishudbar derives from Bṛhaspati (Hindu guru of the gods)
Friday derives from Fridge/Freya (Norse goddess of beauty, love and gold) Shukkurbar derives from Shukra (Hindu Venus/White god and guru of the Asuras)
Weekends:
Saturday derives from Saturn (Roman god of agriculture, justice and strength) Shonibar derives from Shani (Hindu Saturn/god of justice, punishments and rewards)
Sunday derives from Sunna/Sól (Norse Sun god) Roibbar derives from Roid/Surya/Ravi (Hindu Sun god)
Months
| Gregorian Calendar | Transliteration pronunciation | Arabian Calendar | Transliteration pronunciation | Bengali Calendar | Transliteration pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January>Janwari | |||||
| February>Februari | |||||
| March>Maach | |||||
| April>Ephril | |||||
| May>Me'e | |||||
| June>Jun | |||||
| July>Julai | |||||
| August>Aagost | |||||
| September>Sephtembor | |||||
| October>Okhtubor | |||||
| November>Nowembor | |||||
| December>Disembor |
- Note that these Calendar months do not fall in as January being Mohorrom or Boishakh. All calendars consists of different number of days per month; some are lunar calendars while some are solar calendars.
Seasons
Season(s) Ritu (ঋতু)
time
Khal (কাল)
Summer
Grishsho (গ্রীষ্ম)
Rainy (Monsoon)
Bôrsha (বর্ষা)
Autumn
Shôrot (শরৎ)
Dry
Hemonto (হেমন্ত)
Winter
Sheet (শীত)
Spring
Bôshonto (বসন্ত)
Time
What time is it? Khoe ṭa bazro? Khoe ṭa bazer?
dawn.
fota bala.
one AM.
rait kur ekh ṭa.
two AM.
rait kur dui ṭa.
noon.
duiphori bala.
one PM.
duiphori balar ekh ṭa.
two PM.
duiphori balar dui ṭa.
midnight.
maz rait.
9:45 Quarter to ten
Phone Dosh ṭa
10:00 Ten O'Clock
Dosh ṭa
10:15 Quarter past ten
Shuwa Dosh ṭa
10:30 Half past ten
Share Dosh ṭa
1:30 Half past one
Ḍeṭṭa (avoid saying share ekh ṭa)
2:30 Half past two
Aṛaiṭa (avoid saying share dui ṭa)
Duration
minute(s) miniṭ (both singular and plural)
per minute
photi miniṭ phoittekh/phortekh miniṭ
hour(s) gonṭa (both singular and plural)
hourly
photi gonṭa phoittekh/phortekh gonṭa
day(s) din (both singular and plural)
daily ruz
week(s) haphtah (both singular and plural)
weekly photi haphtah phoittekh/phortekh haphta
month(s) maash (both singular and plural)
monthly photi maash phoittekh/phortekh maash
year(s) bosor/shal (both singular and plural)
yearly photi bosor/shal phoittekh/phortekh bosor/shal
Writing time and date
Time is written in both 12 hour clock and 24hr clock, the same as English or Bengali e.g 6:25pm or 18:25 i.e 6:25am or 06:25 hours.Although Sylheti uses both methods, only the 12-hour clock is verbally used, to say the clock time, AM or PM, the cycle of day to night and night to day is said before the hour. For example:
7:40 AM is said: (at morning seven - forty)
bian kur (s)hat ta - sallish
4:45 AM is said: (at dawn quarter to five)
rait phuwae phone phash ta
3:10 AM is said: (at late night three - ten)
hesh rait kur tin ta - dosh
12:00 AM is said: (at midnight twelve)
maz rait kur baro ta
10:20 PM is said: (at night ten - twenty)
rait kur dosh ta - bish
7:05 PM is said: (at dusk seven - five)
beil kur (s)hat ta - phas
3:20 PM is said: (at day three - twenty)
dinor tin ta - bish
From noon to midday, PM is said as: (at day _____ - _____)
dinor _____ - _____
Date is written by day first, then the month and last is the year. For example: Day / Month / Year is in writing as 23 2012, but when speaking one can take the liberty to phrase a certain date as how they like: e.g.
12 Robiul Aowal
Robiul Aowalor 12 (baro) tarikh 12 (baro) wi tarikh Robiul Aowal.
25 December
Disemboror 25 (phochish) tarikh 25 (phochish) shi tarikh Disembor.
Colours
Miscellaneous
Are there any other types of colour? Ar khunu zatir rong ase ni?
colour
rong
colourless
berong
colourful
rongila, rongbirongi
shiny
zokhmoki
dark
ghono
light
fatla
Primary colours
red lal
green
khoswa
blue
nil
Secondary colours
pink (rosy) golaphi
orange
khomla
yellow
hoilda
purple
baingoni
Brown
bhuramaṭi
Hueless colours
black khala
gray
meghla
white
dhola
Jewellery colours
gold shuna
silver
rupha
bronze
phitol
Traveling/Commuting
Common signs:
PLEASE NOTE: Sylheti language has not been given an official status by the government of Bangladesh. Therefore, all signs are written in the Bengali language; Learn more from the Bengali phrasebook. OPEN
kula
CLOSED bondo
ENTRANCE hamani
EXIT barani
PUSH ṭela, dekka
PULL ṭan
TOILET hosailoe, lefṭin
MEN beṭain
WOMEN beṭeen
FORBIDDEN phare-na
Travel Queries
How much is a ticket to ___? ___or ṭikeṭor daam khemolan?
One ticket to ___, please. ___or lagi ekh ṭa ṭikeṭ diba. (formal) ___or lagi ekh ṭa ṭikeṭ dibae. (informal)
Where does this train/bus go? Ow train/bus khoi zaibo?
Where is the train/bus to ___? ___or train/bus khun khano?
Does this train/bus stop in ___? Ow train/bus ___o bond oi ni?
When does the train/bus for ___ leave? ___or train/bus khoe ṭa baze sarbo?
When will this train/bus arrive in ___? Ongkhur train/bus khoe ṭa baze ___o aibo?
Directions
Which way to Silchar? Hilsor kun baidi phorse?
How do I get to _____? Ami Khemola(n) _____o zaimu?
How do I get to the train/bus station? Ami khemola(n) train/bus station o zaimu?
How do I get to the airport? Ami khemola(n) iarphuṭo zaimu?
How do I get to downtown? Ami khemola(n) ṭawno zaimu?
How do I get to the youth hostel?
Ami khemola(n) iuth hushṭelo zaimu?
How do I get to the _____ hotel? Ami khemola(n) _____ huṭelo zaimu?
How do I get to the American/Australian/British/Canadian consulate? Ami khemola(n) American/Australian/British/Canadian consuleṭo zaimu?
Are there a lot of _____ _____ bohut ta ase ni?
Are there a lot of hotels? Huṭel bohut ta ase ni?
Are there a lot of restaurants? reshṭurent...
Are there a lot of bars? baar...
Are there a lot of sites to see? hokhol zagah dekhbar ase ni?
Can you show me the _____ ? Amare _____ khanta dekhaiba ni?
Can you show me the map? Amare meph khanta dekhaiba ni?
street rasta
towards the _____ .... ow dikhe, omne di
past the _____ ... phalaia
before the _____ ... or aage
watch for the _____. ....ow ṭukhu mono khori dekhba.
intersection cross junction
here
ono
there
hono
(on/to the) right
ḍain (e)
(on/to the) left
bau (e)
(on/to the) north
uttor (e)
(on/to the) south
dokkhin (e)
(on/to the) east
phub (e)
(on/to the) west
phoschim (e)
straight
shoi
in front
aag (e)
uphill usa ṭila (e)
downhill nisa ṭila (e)
behind
khor (e) / phis (e)
Go (___).
(___) zauka. (formal) (___) zao.(informal)
Turn around (___).
(___) Ghuraoka. (formal) (___) Ghurao.(informal)
Keep going (___).
(___) zaite thakhba. (formal) (___) zaite thakho.(informal)
Stop (___).
(___) Tamuka. (formal) (___) Tamo.(informal)
Taxi
The only taxi found in and around Sylhet is the auto-rickshaw or baby-taxi (pronounced bebi-teski)Taxi !
Bebi-teski !
Are you going
(Aphne) zaira ni?
Take me to _____, please. _____ loia zauka (formal). _____ loia zao. (informal)
How much does it cost to get to _____? _____ zaite khoto loiba?
Take me there, please. Hono loia zauka. (formal) Hono loia zao. (informal)
Keep on driving
Salaite takhuka
Stop Rakh ouka
Driving
I want to rent a car. Ami ekhta gari barati loitam sai.
Can I get insurance? (Ami) bima loitam phari ni?
(Ami) inshorens loiltam phari ni?
Driving
Salanit
I'm driving
Ami salanit Ami salaiar Ami salairam
Do you want to go for a drive?
Salanit zaiba ni? (highly formal) Salanit zaita ni? (formal) Salanit zaitae ni?(informal) Salanit zaibe ni? (implying in no respect)
Do you drive?
Aphne salain ni?
Please go for a long drive
Lamba sofor khorouka
I'm going for a long drive
Ami garidi lamba soforo zaiar/zairam
one way ekh muka
yield axite deuka (formal) axite dewo (informal) axite de (implying in no respect)
no parking rakhoin na
speed limit ispidor shima
petrol/gas station pheṭṭul/gesh ishtishon
petrol pheṭṭul kheras tel (kerosene oil)
diesel ḍizel
Transportation
Stations
Station Ishṭishon, Bondor
Bus Stop
Bas Isṭoph
Bus station
Bas istishon
Airport
Biman bondor
Rail station
Rel istishon
Train station
Relgari istishon
Road
Bus Baas
Rickshaw
Rishka
Auto Rickshaw
Bebi-ṭeski
Taxi
Ṭeski
Car
Gaṛi
Motorbike
Baik
bicycle
saikel
Rail
Train Relgari
Sea or river
Boat Nao, Nouka
Ship
Zahz
Air
Aeroplane Biman
Lodging
Do you have any rooms available? "Ekhod koddha khali ase ni?
How much is a room for one person/two people? Ekhzon / duizon manshor lagi kuṭar daam khoto?
Does the room come with bedsheets? Kuṭat bisna-saddor phaimu ni?
Does the room come with _____ Kuṭat _____ phaimu ni?
Ami kuṭa ṭa phoela dekhtam phari ni?
Do you have anything cheaper? Aphnar kichcho xosta ase ni?
Do you have anything _____. Aphnar kichcho _____ ase ni?
Ṭik ase, ami loimu.
I will stay for _____ night(s). Ami _____ rait takhmu.
Can you suggest another hotel? Bhala ekhod hoṭel sajeshṭ khorba ni?
Do you have (a) locker(s) lokar ase ni?
Do you have (a) ______(s) ______ ase ni?
Nasta kiba bhat-salon loge ni? Nasta ba raikur khani loge ni?
What time is breakfast or supper? "Breakfast" kiba ḍinar khun bela? Biankur nasta ba raikur khani khun bela?
Please clean my room. Amar kuṭa ṭa saf khori diba.
Can you wake me at _____? Amare _____ṭat hozag khori diba ni?
I want to check out. Ami chek-auṭ khortam sai.
Eating and drinking
I'm hungry. Amar bhuk lagse.
Bon appétit. Bhalaṭike khauka.
Have a good appetite. Bhuk taza rakhuka.
A table for one person/two people, please. Ekhan tebul ekhzon/duizon mainshor lagi diba (formal).
Please bring a menu. Ekhan "menu" anba.
Do you have an English menu? Ingrezi "menu" ase ni?
Can I look in the kitchen? Ami fakh-ghor / undal ṭa dekhtam phari ni?
Are there any paper towels? (can I have some)
Khagozor tawal ase ni? (diba)
Is there a house specialty? "House specialty" ekhod ṭa ase ni?
Is there a local specialty? "Local specialty" ekhod ṭa ase ni?
Please choose for me. Amar lagi khichchu basia dilaoka.
baked; grilled
Agniphura
roasted
baza
dry roasted vegetables
bhuna tarkhari
Fixed-price meal. khanir daam fiks khora.
I'm a vegetarian. Ami khali tarkhari khai.
I don't eat . Ami khai na.
I want a dish containing _____. Amar "dish"/khani ṭa _____r hoito hoibo.
Doea-khori tel beshi bebohar khorba na.
Please bring the _____. _____ṭa anba.
Excuse me, waiter?
E-re bhai?
I'm/We're finished.
Ami/Amra shesh.
The food was delicious
Ze mozar khani
I loved the meat curry
Ami gustor salonṭa balaphaisi
I loved the ____ ____.
Ami ____ ____ṭa balaphaisi
I liked the meat curry
Gustor salonṭa amar bala lagse
I liked the ____ ____.
____ ____ṭa amar bala lagse
Please clear the plates.
Borton ogun/okhol neuka gi
Can you please clear the plates?
Borton ogun horai-ba ni?
The check please
bill anba
Meal times
Breakfast. Nasta.
Lunch. Duiphori belar khani.
Teatime.
Sa-nasta.
Supper/Dinner. Raitkur khani.
Non vegetarian
non-mixed curry or dish nillar salon
nilla
murgor gus(t)
beef gorur gus(t)
mutton berir gus(t)
fish maas
hilsa fish ilish maas
rohu fish rui maas
climbing perch khoi maas
wallago catfish gual maas
dry fish soup/broth huṭkir shira
spotted snakehead
ladi maas
huṭki hukṭi
curry
salon tarkhari
dry roasted meat
bhuna gust
meat
sour soup tenga
gus(t)
meatballs kufta
scotch egg nargisi kufta
egg
enḍa
sausages
sosij
meatball
Kufta kobab
shish kebab
shik kobab
burger shaped kebabs
shami kobab
non-mixed soup
nillar shira
akhni phulab
biryani
birani
Vegetarian
cooked rice bhat
fried rice
bhat biran
fried starchy rice
biroin bhat
noodle
nudul
bread loafs (brioche loafs)
luf
toast (toasted brioche loafs)
tus
vegetables
tarkhari
only vegetables
nillar tarkhari
Mixed vegetable curry
nira mishar salon
spinach or any leafy dish
haag
mustard
lai
malabar spinach
foi/koi haag
salad
salat
tarkharir salon
vegetable soup
tarkharir shira
lentil soup ḍailor shira
lentil(s)
ḍail
beans
urir bisi
mashed potatoes alur borta
Chotpoti soṭ-phoṭi
oil
tel
clarified butter
ghi
ḍalḍa
butter
makhon
cheese
phonir
Seasoning
salt nun
ground black pepper
gul morisor gura
crushed pepper corn
kuṭail gul moris
pepper corn
gul moris
mustard
xoirox
chili
moris
kephsikom anaz(al)or moris (zero scoville units)
spice(s)
moshla
hot n spicy
zal moshla gorom moshla
hot (fire)
gorom
hot (chili)
zal (also meaning heat)
heat the curry, please.
salon ṭare zal diba.
Fruits
fruit(s) fol
Refreshment/Bar
à la carte. khani ṭa alag khori diba.
light meal/snack. haba-luba.
tea
sa
kofi
cola drinks: - RC
- Coke
- Pepsi
- Pran Cola
lembur shorbot
sparkling lemonade:- 7up
- Sprite
phani
ice
boraf
ice-cream
kulfi
ice-lollie
ice-cream (Just as mango achar is called mango chutney!)
coconut water
naikolor phani
young coconut juice
ḍabor phani
sugarcane juice
kuiaror rosh
mango milkshake
aam dudh
yogurt drink
lassi
yogurt doi
sweet yogurt
miṭa doi
Bars
Modor ghor
Alcoholic drinks
Mod
Cigarette(s)
Sigreṭ
Tendu leaf cigarette(s)
Biri
Shredded Tobacco
Tomakh
Betel leaf
faan
Below are a list of phan variety, consisting of the phan moshla ingredients to make a (samosa-like) phan wrap:
- Guwa faan:
- Betel leaf: Faan
- Areca nut: Guwa
- Soon faan:
- Betel leaf: Faan
- Areca nut: Guwa
- Calcium hydroxide (Caustic lime paste): Sun
- Shada faan: (a common household phan)
- Betel leaf: Faan
- Areca nut: Guwa
- Dried whole Tobacco leaf: Shada
- Calcium hydroxide (Caustic lime paste): Sun
- Tomakh Faan:
- Betal leaf: Faan
- Areca nut: Guwa
- Shredded Tobacco: Tomakh
- Dried whole Tobacco leaf: Shada
- Sweet and scented Tobacco: Zorda
- Calcium hydroxide (Caustic lime paste): Sun
- Meeṭa Faan:
- Betel leaf: Faan
- Sweet and Saffron dyed Areca nut: Miṭa shuphari
- Sweet mouth freshener: Mukhwosh (lit. mukh: mouth + ooshma: stench) is made of colorful sugar coated herb-seeds scented with aromatic essential oils and peppermint oil.
- Sweet cumin (Aniseed): Barik guamuri bakhor
- Fennal seeds: Guamuri bakhor
- Shredded coconut: Kuṭa naikol
- Glace/Maraschino cherry: Sini soṛail "cherry"
- Zordari Faan:
- Betel leaf: Faan
- Sweet and scented Tobacco: Zorda
- Sweet and Saffron dyed Areca nut: Miṭa shuphari
- Catechu (an extract from the acacia tree): Khoe'er
- Powdered caustic lime: Hukna sun
- Fennal seeds: Guamuri bakhor
- Mint leaves: Phudina
- Cardamon: Elais
- Sini Faan: (lit. sugar betel-leaf) refers to chewing on engagement ceremonies.
- Betel leaf: Faan
- Sweet and scented Tobacco: Zorda
- Sweet and Saffron dyed Areca nut: Miṭa shuphari
- Sweet mouth freshener: Mukhwosh (lit. mukh: mouth + ooshma: stench) is made of colorful sugar coated herb-seeds scented with aromatic essential oils and peppermint oil.
- Sweet cumin (Aniseed): Barik guamuri bakhor
- Fennal seeds: Guamuri bakhor
- Coriander seeds: Dhonia/Dula bakhor
- Cumin seeds: Zira bakhor
- Sesame seeds: Til
- Shredded coconut: Kuṭa naikol
- Glace/Maraschino cherry: Sini soṛail "cherry"
Shopping
Commercial spot/Market Bazar
Shop
Dukan
Expensive Daami
Cheap Hosta
Free Magna
I'm buying
Ami kiniar Ami kinram
Do you have this in my size? Okhṭa amar saizor milbo ni?
I want to buy _____. Ami _____ kintam sai.
Okhṭar daam khoto?
How much is _____? _____r daam khoto?
That's too expensive. Itar daam beshi.
Give me a deal. Daam khomauka.
Would you take _____? _____ niba ni?
I'll give you §_____, and no more. Ami §_____ dimu aphnare, ar beshi na.
§ Ṭekha
§ Poysha § Phoesha
Kinbar khemota nae.
I don't want it. Ami sai na.
You're cheating me. Aphne amare ṭogra.
I'm not interested. Ar kham nae.
OK, I'll take it. Ṭik ase, ami loimu.
Please give me a carrier-bag. Ekhṭa kisa diba.
Do you ship overseas? Bidesh maal phaṭain ni?
I need... Amar... lage.
- medication for cold relief. : shordir duwai
- medicines for stomach relief. : pheṭor duwai
- razors / blades : khamaibar baaṭ
- an umbrella. : satti
- sunblock lotion. : "sunblock lotion"
- a postcard. : "postcard"
- postage stamps. : siṭi sarbar ishtemph
- batteries. : beṭari
- writing paper. : lekhbar khagoz
- a pen. : kholom
- a pencil. : sheesh kholom
- reading glasses. : phorbar choshma
- books in English-language. : Ingrezi boi
- Magazines in English-language : Ingrezi megezin
- Newspaper in English-language : Ingrezi photrika
- a Bengali-English dictionary. : Bangla-Ingrezi dikshonari/abhidhan
- an English-Bengali dictionary. : Ingrezi-Bangla dikshonari/abhidhan
Clothes
clothes khaphor
pyjama
phaezama, phainjabi
shorts, underwear
anḍar
saree
shari
asian kilt
longi
western trouser(s)
phent
baggy drawstring trouser(s)
selwar
long shirt(s)
khamiz
western shirt(s)
shat
t-shirt(s)
genji
vest
bogol khata genji
hat(s)
toki
shoes
zuta
sandals and flip-flops
sendel
socks
phawor muza
gloves
aator muza
scarfs
maflar
headscarf
rumaal (Muslim) bondona (Hindu)
shawl(s)
urna
Finger-ring Anguṭi Angṭi
Money
Do you accept American/Australian/Canadian dollars? "American/Australian/Canadian" dolar loin ni?
Do you accept British pounds? "British pound" loin ni?
Do you accept credit cards? "Credit card" loin ni?
Do you accept debit card?
"Debit card" loin ni?
Can you change money for me? Amar lagi phoesha bodlaita pharba ni?
Where can I get money changed? Ami phoesha Khun Khano bodlaitam phari?
Can you change a traveler's cheque for me? Amar "traveller cheque" khaan bodlaia diba ne?
Where can I get a traveller's cheque changed? (Ami) "traveller cheque" khuno bodlaitam phari?
What is the exchange rate? "Exchange rate" khemola(n)?
Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)? "ATM" khuno phaimu?
Authority
I haven't done anything wrong. Ami khunu bad kham khorsi na.
It was a misunderstanding. Bhul bhuza oi gesil.
Where are you taking me? Aphne amare khun khano luia zaira?
Am I under arrest? Ami giriftar ni?
I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen. Ami ekh zon "American/Australian/British/Canadian" nagri.
I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy consulate. Ami "American/Australian/British/Canadian" embasi konsulet or loge maattam sai.
I want to talk to a lawyer. Ami wokil or loge maattam sai.
Can I just pay a fine? Ami fain or bill boridei?
There is no authority except from God
la ḥawla wa la quwwata illa billah recited from an Arabic statement "لا حول ولاقوة إلا بالله"
Political authority in Bangladesh Bangladeshor raznitir aaola
Good Luck.
Allahr Haola. (lit. God's Authority)