Travel Phrases in Bengali

Bengali is the language of the eastern state of West Bengal in India. It is also widely spoken all over the eastern states in India, and is the national language of the erstwhile part of Bengal that was separated to form a new country, Bangladesh. In fact, Bangladesh derives its very name from the native name for the Bengali language, Bangla.

If you are planning to travel to the cosmopolitan Kolkata, or any of the famous hill stations in West Bengal that are famous tourist havens, or to Bangladesh, it is essential that you familiarize yourself with some basics of the Bengali language. Here is a small primer on some often used Bengali words and phrases that you might find useful in various situations when you visit any of the above Bengali speaking territories. Simple words to greet the locals, words that you will use while traveling, ordering food or buying stuff are mentioned. Some words that you might find useful in the case of emergency situations such as theft and fire are also included.

(Bengali phrases)

Hello – Nomoshkar

Welcome - Shagatom

Yes – Haa(n)

No – Naa

Ok – Theek acchey

Thank you – Dhonnobad

Sorry – Khauma karo / Maf korben

Good morning – Shuprobhat

Good evening – Shubho shondha

Good night – Shubo ratri

It is nice to meet you – Tomar shonge deakha kore bhalo laglo

My name is Robert – Amar nam Robert

What is your name - Tomar naam ki?

How are you – kemon acho (informal)/ Apni keamon aachhen? (with respect)

I don’t know Bengali – Ami Bangla jaane na

I am learning Bengali – Ami Bangla shikhchi

I am doing good – Ami bhalo acchi

Please speak slowly – Aste bolben ki

I am from America - Aami America thikey ashechi

(Food & shopping)

Take me to my hotel – Aamake aamar hotel neeye jaao

Can you tell me the way - Ekto rasta bolbein

Can you tell me the way to the toilet – Bathroom kothaie?

I don’t know – Ami janina

How much does this cost – Aetar kate daam?

Decrease the price - Etar daam komiye dao

What is the time – Koeta baje?

What do you want – Ki chai?

How much more distance do we need to go - Aar kauto door jete habe?

Can you come with me - Tumi ki aamar sathe aasbe?

I want a ticket – Amar ticket chayi

Can you tell me who to contact - Kar sathe ami jogajog korbo?

I would like to have some water – Amar jal chayi

I can’t understand this - Bujhtey paarchi na

Could you write it down - ektu likhe deben?

Right – Daandikey

Left – Baandikey

Rice – Bhat

Bread – Paarooti

Potato – Aalu

Milk – Doodh

Tea – Cha

Purified water – Khabar Jol

Fish – Maach

Vegetables – Shobji

Chicken – Murgi

(Numbers)

One - Ack

Two - Dui

Three - Tin

Four - Char

Five – Pa(n)ch

Six - Chhoy

Seven – Shat

Eight - At

Nine - Noy

Ten - Dawsh

Twenty – Bish

Fifty – Ponnchash

Hundred – Aaksho

Thousand – Aak Hazaar

Help – Bachao!

Police – Poolish

Doctor – Daktar

Fire – Agun legeche!

Stop – Thamun!

Call the police – Poolishe akun! / Poolishe ak din!

Pharmacy – Oshder dokan