Bengali is the language spoken in the state of West Bengal in India; it is also widely spoken in many of its neighboring states in eastern India. If you are planning to visit any of these Bengali speaking territories, a basic knowledge of commonly used words and phrases will be of great help!
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.
Words used to greet and other simple words/phrases
(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 and Travel related words/phrases
(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 in Bengali
(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
Words/ Phrases useful in emergency situations
Help – Bachao!
Police – Poolish
Doctor – Daktar
Fire – Agun legeche!
Stop – Thamun!
Call the police – Poolishe akun! / Poolishe ak din!
Pharmacy – Oshder dokan