Sylheti (Sylheti: ছিলটী/ꠍꠤꠟꠐꠤ Silôṭi; Bengali: সিলেটী Sileṭī) is the language of Sylhet (the Surma Valley), located in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh, and also spoken in parts of the Northeast Indian states of Assam (the Barak Valley and the Hojai district) and Tripura (the North Tripura district). It is also spoken by a significant population in the other north-eastern states of India and some citizens in the United Kingdom, United States, and amongst the expatriate communities in South-east Asia (Malaysia, Singapore) and the Middle East.
Travel guides:
- Sylhet
- London
- North-Eastern India
Pronunciation guide
[edit]
Pronouncing Syloti words will be much easier if you note:
Vowels
[edit]
/i/ (ꠁ)
- Press
- sif [siɸ]
- sif [siɸ]
- Press
/ɛ/ (ꠄ)
- Spit
- sef [sɛɸ]
- sef [sɛɸ]
- Spit
/ɔ/ (ꠅ)
- Snack
- sof [sɔɸ]
- sof [sɔɸ]
- Snack
/a/ (ꠀ)
- Pressure
- saf [saɸ]
- saf [saɸ]
- Pressure
/u/ (ꠃ)
- Quite
- suf [suɸ]
- suf [suɸ]
- Quite
Consonants
[edit]
Fricative:
Sylheti is distinguished by a wide range of fricative sounds, which correspond to aspirated stops and a lack of the breathy voiced stops; word-final stress. It is characterised by a loss of breathiness and aspiration contrasts, leading to a significant reduction in its phoneme inventory and development of tones. For example - (p → ɸ; pʰ → ɸ), (k → x; kʰ → x) and (tʃ → s; tʃʰ → s; dʒ → z; dʒʱ → z).
Fricative
[edit]
/k~x/ (ꠇ/ꠈ)
- Room
- Kuta (kúʈá) with high tone.
- Kuta (kúʈá) with high tone.
- Taunting
- Kuta (kùʈà) with low tone.
- Stick
- Kuta (kūʈā) with mid tone.
- Kuta (kūʈā) with mid tone.
- Deaf
- Xal (xál) with high tone.
- Xal (xál) with high tone.
- Skin or Canal
- Xal (xàl) with low tone.
- Bad-time
- Xal (xāl) with mid tone.
- Xal (xāl) with mid tone.
- Room
/ɸ~f/ (ꠙ/ꠚ)
- Goat
- Fata (ɸáʈá) with high tone.
- Fata (ɸáʈá) with high tone.
- Torn
- Fata (ɸàʈà) with low tone.
- Grindstone
- Fata (ɸāʈā) with mid tone.
- Fata (ɸāʈā) with mid tone.
- Fan
- Faxa (ɸáxá) with high tone.
- Faxa (ɸáxá) with high tone.
- Empty
- Faxa (ɸàxà) with low tone.
- Ripe
- Faxa (ɸāxā) with mid tone.
- Faxa (ɸāxā) with mid tone.
- Goat
Voiced fricative
[edit]
/z/ (ꠎ/ꠏ)
- Net
- zal (z̀al) with low tone.
- zal (z̀al) with low tone.
- Spicy
- zal (zál ) with high tone.
- zal (zál ) with high tone.
- Net
/ɦ/ (ꠢ)
- Lid
- hora (hòra) with low tone
- hora (hòra) with low tone
- Move it
- hora (hóra) with high tone
- hora (hóra) with high tone
- Lid
Flap
[edit]
/ɾ/ (ꠞ)
- Stay
- ro (rò) with low tone.
- ro (rò) with low tone.
- Cultivate
- ro (ró ) with high tone.
- ro (ró ) with high tone.
- Stay
Approximant
[edit]
/l/ (ꠟ)
- Take, Catch
- lo (lò) with low tone.
- lo (lò) with low tone.
- Purchase
- lo (ló ) with high tone.
- lo (ló ) with high tone.
- Take, Catch
Nasals
[edit]
/m/ (ꠝ)
- I
- mui/ami
- mui/ami
- Mom
- mai
- mai
- Mom's elder sister (aunty)
- moi
- moi
- I
/n/ (ꠘ)
- Take a bath
- nao (náo) with high tone.
- nao (náo) with high tone.
- Boat
- nao (nāo) with mid tone.
- nao (nāo) with mid tone.
- Take a bath
/ŋ/ ( ꠋ )
- Dizziness
- un(g)ani
- un(g)ani
- River
- gan(g)
- gan(g)
- Dizziness
Plosive/Affricate
[edit]
/b/ (ꠛ/ꠜ)
- Bangle
- bala (bàlà) with low tone.
- bala (bàlà) with low tone.
- Good, Welfare
- bala (báĺá) with high tone.
- bala (báĺá) with high tone.
- Bangle
/d̪/ (ꠖ/ꠗ)
- Donation
- dan (dàn) with low tone.
- dan (dàn) with low tone.
- Paddy
- dan (dán) with high tone.
- dan (dán) with high tone.
- Donation
- Damn
- dur (dúr) with high tone.
- du-ro-reba (m), dur-rego (f)
- dur (dúr) with high tone.
- Far
- dur (dūr) with mid tone.
- dur-oi, dur-duran
- dur (dūr) with mid tone.
- Go-away, get lost
- dur (dùr) with low tone.
- dur-za
- dur (dùr) with low tone.
- Damn
/ɡ/ (ꠉ/ꠊ)
- Scolding
- gail (g̀ail) with low tone.
- gail (g̀ail) with low tone.
- Beater
- gail (gáil) with high tone.
- gail (gáil) with high tone.
- Scolding
Other charecteristic correspondences include:
- the /e/ at the near end of a Bengali word
- to the /o/ at the near end of a Sylheti word
1st e.g: Name of the place
- Sileṭ [See-leṭ]
Siloṭ [See-lôṭ]
2nd e.g: For what
- (in Bengali) Kisher [Kee-sheh-r]
(in Sylheti) Kior
3rd e.g: (_____'s)
- (in Bengali) _____er (_____'s)
(in Sylheti) _____or
Tones
[edit]
There are three tones in Sylheti that must be followed for proper pronunciation. Never underestimate the importance of these tones. Change of tone changes the meanings in Sylheti.
- 1. first tone ( "high tone" )
- á
- á
- 2. second tone ( "low tone" )
- à
- à
- 3. third tone ( "mid tone" )
- ā
- ā
- 1. first tone ( "high tone" )
Writing
[edit]
Sylheti used to be written in its own script, Syloti Nagri (ꠍꠤꠟꠐꠤ ꠘꠣꠉꠞꠤ), or Sylhet 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 without matching the Sylheti sounds, tones or pronunciations.
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
[edit]
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 [keh-mee-ist] or [lôkh]. 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
[edit]
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
[edit]
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
[edit]
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 |
The Anusvara symbol:
Consonant + Anushor | Transliteration | Equivalent/Comments |
---|---|---|
पं | ph+ŋ / ph+ng | the 'ŋ' in knot, knowledge, gnat or the 'ng' in English & Bangla |
Consonants
[edit]
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 |
Phrase list
[edit]
Basics
[edit]
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
[edit]
Cultural notes on greetings:
It would be recommended to use formal phrases in general
Hello in Sylheti
- oba (formal for male)/ogo (formal for female)
- oi (gender neutral informal)
- omae (very informal, to express irritation or anger)
- Muslims etiquette is to say 'may peace be upon you'.
- "Assalamu alaikum" in Arabic
- "Assalamu alaikum" in Arabic
- In reply Muslim etiquette is to say 'may peace be upon you too'.
- "Wa alaikum assalam" in Arabic
- "Wa alaikum assalam" in Arabic
- Hindu etiquette is to say 'humble welcome'.
- "Nomoshkhar" in Sanskrit
- Body language - folded hands touching the forehead while saying the word/s
- "Nomoshkhar" in Sanskrit
- Inter-religious etiquette
- Saying "Adab", means 'take my regards'.
- Saying "Adab", means 'take my regards'.
- Common traditional etiquette
- Fao-dori salam/adab
- Body language - the touching of the feet of elderly person and saying following word/s
- Fao-dori salam/adab
Bye
- zaiargi bala taxba
- Te bala taxba, rakidei (in Telephone)
How are you (as good-are-you?)?
- bála ni afne? (formal)
- bála ni tumi? (informal)
- bála ni tui? (very informal)
Welcome
- aioukka, aioin (very formal)
- aukka, ain (formal)
- ao, aore, aogo (f), aoba (m), aiore, aiogo (f), aioba (m) - (formal/informal)
- ae, ai-o (informal)
- aebe, aere (very informal)
- aome (very informal and expressing anger, frustration or irritation, basically not so welcome)
Congratulations
- Shabash
Have a blessed Eid
- Eid Mubarokh
Happy Anniversary
- Shalgira Mubarokh
Farewell
- Allahr Haola. (lit. [with] God's Authority)
Good bye.
- Khuda/Allah Hafiz. (Muslim lit. God/Allah protect you)
Forms of Address
[edit]
Mr _____. (Muslim)
- _____ Miah.
Miah _____.
Mr _____. (Hindu)
- Sri _____. [Shee-ree]
Ms _____. (Muslim)
- _____ Begum.
Begum _____.
Ms _____. (Hindu)
- Srimoti _____. [Shee-ree-mô-tee]
Sir (Muslim)
- Jonab [Jô-nah-b]
Huzur [Hooh-zooh-r]
Sir (Hindu)
- Babu Moshai [Bah-booh Môshah-ee]
Respectable _____. (Muslim)
- _____shaheb.
Respectable _____. (Hindu)
- _____babu. [bah-booh]
Dr (Muslim)
- Dakhtor shaheb
Dr (Hindu)
- Dakhtor babu [Dah-kh-tôr bah-booh]
Meeting
[edit]
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? [Bah-lah nee?] (informal)
Are you good?
- (Aphne) bhala asoin ni? (formal)
(Tumi) bhala aso ni? (informal)
(Tui) bhala asos ni? (very informal)
I'm good, thanks be to God.
- Bhala asi, Shukur Allahr.
(I'm) fine, and are you good?
- (Ami) bhala asi, ar aphne bala asoin ni?
What is your name?
- Aphnar nam kita? (formal)
Tumar nam kita? (informal)
Tor nam kita?
My name is ______ .
- mor nam oilo ______ . (formal)
- nam oilogi ______ . (informal)
Nice to meet you.
- bála laglo afnar log faia. (formal)
- bála laglo tumar log faia. (informal)
- bála laglo tor log faia. (very 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. [Ah-mee ô-ee-yô] (lit. me too)
Long time no see!
- Oto buile na dekhlam! [ô-tô booh-ee-leh nah deh-kh-lah-m!]
What?
- Ji? [Jee?] (formal - as in pardon?/sorry?)
Kita? [Kee-tah?] (informal - as in come-again?/what?)
Khixor? [Kee-hôr] (implying in no respect - as in what nonsense?)
Hi? [Hee?] or He? [Heh?] (extremely rude - as in What? Err!)
What is this?
- Okhṭa kita? [ôkh-ṭah kee-tah?]
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. [Jee ôh-eh] (formal)
Hoe. [ôh-eh] (informal)
No.
- Ji na. [Jee nah] (formal)
Na. [Nah] (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. [Dô-yah khô-ree] (informal)
Thank you.
- Shukria. [Shooh-k-ree-yah] (highly formal)
Doniobad. [Dô-een-yôbah-d] (formal)
You're welcome. (lit. It was nothing)
- Kichchu hoito nae [Kee-ch-chooh ôh-ee-tô nah-eh]
You're welcome!
- Marhaba [Mah-r-hah-bah]
Welcome (lit. Please come in.)
- Aoka [Ah-ô-kah]
You're most/always welcome.
- Aphnar phroti marhaba. [Ah-f-nah-r frô-tee mah-r-hah-bah] (formal)
Tumar phroti marhaba. [Tooh-mah-r frô-tee mah-r-hah-bah] (informal)
Excuse me. (getting attention)
- E-re! [eh-reh!]
- Bhai-sahab [Bah-ee sah-b] (when addressing a man)
- Apha [Ah-fah] or Boin [Bô-een] (when addressing a lady)
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. [Mah-f khôr-bah ah-mee rah-s-tah sah-ee]
Dekhi. [Deh-kee]
Sorry (forgive me)
- Maf khorba [Mah-f khôr-bah] (highly formal)
Maf khoroka [Mah-f khôrooh-kah] (formal)
Maf khorbae [Mah-f khôr-bah-eh] (informal)
I love you.
- Ami tumare bhalaphai. [Ah-mee tooh-mah-reh bah-lah-fah-ee]
I like you.
- Tumare amar bhala lage. [Tooh-mah-reh ah-mah-r bah-lah lah-geh]
Tumare amar phosond aise. [Tooh-mah-re ah-mah-r fôsôn ah-ee-seh]
See ya!
- Dekha hoibo. [Deh-khah ôh-ee-bô]
See you later.
- Bade dekha hoibo. [Bah-deh deh-khah ôh-ee-bô]
See you later, then.
- Te ar dekha hoibo. [Teh ah-r deh-khah ôh-ee-bô]
People and places
[edit]
People
[edit]
Boy
- Phua [Fooh-wah]
A boy's...
- Ekh Phuar ___. [Eh-kh fooh-wah-r]
Girl
- Furi [Fooh-ree]
A girl's...
- Ekh furir ___. [Eh-kh fooh-ree-r]
Man
- Beṭa [Beh-ṭah]
A man's...
- Ekh beṭar ___. [Eh-kh Beh-ṭah-r]
Woman
- Beṭi [Beh-ṭee]
A woman's...
- Ekh Beṭir ___. [Eh-kh Beh-ṭee-r]
A person
- Ekh manush/manux [Eh-kh mah-nooh-sh/mah-nooh]
A person's...
- Ekhu manshor/manxor [Eh-gooh mah-n-shôr/mah-nôr]
Someone
- Ekh-zon [Eh-kh zôn]
Someone's
- Ekh-zonor [Eh-kh zônôr]
Human-kind
- Manshor zat [Mah-n-shôr zah-t]
Swordsman
- Axaidri [Ah-heh-ee-dah-ree]
Hinduism
- Hinduana [Een-dooh-ah-nah]
Hindu
- indu [In-dooh]
People of Hind (Indian)
- industani [Een-dooh-stah-nee]
Bharotia [Bah-rô-tee-yah]
People of Sylhet
- Silhoṭia [See-lôh-ṭee-yah]
People of Assam (Assamese)
- Ahomia [Ah-hô-mee-yah]
People of Assyria (Assyrian)
- Ahura [Ah-hooh-rah]
Ahuria [Ah-hooh-ree-yah]
People of the Dhaka region
- Daxaia [Dah-khah-ee-yah]
Everyone
- Hokhol [Hô-khôl] (all)
Hokkol [Hôk-kôl] (each and everyone)
Places
[edit]
Everything
- Xokholta [Hô-khôl-tah]
Dhaka
- Dhakha [Dah-khah]
Assam
- Axom [Ah-hôm]
Sylhet
- Silhot [See-lôh-t]
Shallow wetland
- Haor [Ah-wôr]
Wetland
- Bil [Beel]
Seven wetlands
- Xat bila [Hah-t bee-lah]
Family relationship
[edit]
Paternal Grandparents
- Dadu [Dah-dooh]
Maternal Grandparents
- Nanu [Nah-nooh]
Paternal Grandfather
- Dadazi [Dah-dah-zee]
Dada [Dah-dah]
Paternal Grandmother
- Bibizi [Bee-bee-zee]
Bibi [Bee-bee] (means my dad's mother)
Dadi [Dah-dee] (means my granddad's wife)
Maternal Grandfather
- Nanazi [Nah-nah-zee]
Nana [Nah-nah]
Maternal Grandmother
- Nanizi [Nah-nee-zee]
Nani [Nah-nee]
Father
- Baba [Bah-bah] (formal)
Baph [Bah-f] (informalt)
Dad
- Abba [Ah-b-bah]
Bazan [Bah-zah-n]
Babazi [Bah-bah-zee]
Abbazan [Ah-b-bah-zah-n]
Mother
- Ma [Mah]
Mai [Mah-ee]
Mum
- Maizi [Mah-ee-zee]
Amma [Ah-m-mah]
Ammazan [Ah-m-mah-zah-n]
Son
- Fut [Fooh-t]
Daughter
- Zi [Zee]
Khonia [Khôn-yah] (also means bride)
Big brother
- Bhaisahab [Bah-ee-sah-b] (Muslim)
Dada [Dah-dah] (Hindu)
Little brother
- Huru/Geda Bhai [hu-ru/ge-da Bah-ee]
Brother
- Bhai [Bah-ee]
Big sister
- Buai [Booh-wah-ee]
Boro apha [Bôrô ah-fah]
Apha [Ah-fah]
Didi [Dee-dee] (Hindu)
Little sister
- Boni [Bô-nee]
Sister
- Boin [Bô-een]
Husband
- Zamai [Zah-mah-ee] (Muslim)
Beṭa [Beh-ṭah]
Bor [Bôr] (Hindu)
Wife
- Bow [Bôw] (Mislim)
Bhodu [Bôh-dooh] (Hindu)
Stri [Stee-ree] (formal)
Maternal uncle
- Mamuzan [Mah-mooh-zah-n]
Mamuzi [Mah-mooh-zee]
Mama [Mah-mah]
Maternal uncle's wife
- Mamani [Mah-mah-nee]
Mami [Mah-mee]
Maternal aunty/Auntie
- Moi [Mô-ee]
Moizi [Mô-ee-zee]
Khala [Khah-lah]
Khala-amma [Khah-lah Ah-m-mah]
Maternal aunty's husband
- xalu [Khah-looh]
Paternal uncle
- Sasa (bafor-baekur)
Sasazan [Sah-sah-zah-n]
Sasazi [Sah-sah-zee]
Sasa [Sah-sah]
Paternal uncle's wife
- Sasi-amma [Sah-see ah-m-mah]
Sasizi [Sah-see-zee]
Sasi [Sah-see]
Paternal aunty/Auntie
- Fufu-amma [Fooh-fooh ah-m-mah]
Fufuzi [Fooh-fooh-zee]
Fufu [Fooh-fooh]
Paternal aunty's husband
- Fufazi [Fooh-fah-zee]
Fufa [Fooh-fah]
Father-in-law
- hour [Hô-ooh-r]
Abba [Ah-b-bah] (dad)
Mother-in-law
- hoṛi [Hô-ṛee]
Amma [Ah-m-mah] (mum)
- Bride's Brother to Father/Mother in law
- Futra [similiar to Putra in Sanskrit for son]
Brother-in-laws:
- Big sister's husband: Dulha-bhai [Dooh-lah bah-ee]
- The husbans's older brother: Bhawor [Bah-ooh-r]
- The husband's younger brother: Dewor [Deh-wôr]
- The wife's older brother: Shomondik [Shômôn-deek]
- The wife's older sister's husband: Zeṭa [Zeh-ṭah]
- The wife's younger brother: Xala [hah-lah]
- Big sister's husband: Dulha-bhai [Dooh-lah bah-ee]
Sister-in-laws:
- Big brother's wife: Bhabhi [Bah-bee]
- The husband's older brother's wife: Zaal [Zah-l]
- The husband's older sister: Nonhori [Nônôh-ree]
- The husband's younger sister: Nonond [Nônôn]
- The wife's's older sister: Zeṭali [Zeh-ṭah-lee]
- The wife's younger sister: Xali [Hah-lee]
- Big brother's wife: Bhabhi [Bah-bee]
Son-in-law
- Damand [Dah-mah-n] (Muslim)
Zamai [Zah-mah-ee] (Hindu)
Daughter-in-law
- Phuar-bow [Fooh-wah-r bôw] (Muslim)
Bohu [Bôh-ooh] (Muslim)
Phutro-bhodu [Fooh-t-rô bô-dooh] (Hindu)
Bowma [Bôw-mah] (Hindu)
Friend
- Bondu [Bôn-dooh] (male)
Dusto [Dooh-s-tô] (male)
Bandobi [Bah-n-dô-bee] (female)
Boyfriend/girlfriend
- Shuna-bondu [Shooh-nah bôn-dooh]
Occupations
[edit]
Teacher
- Ustad/Mashtor (উছতাদ/মাস্টর)
Student
- Shagred (শাগরেদ)
Doctor
- Dakhtor (ডাখতর)
Butcher
- Khoshai (খসাই)
Housekeeper
- Daroan (দারোয়ান)
Lawyer
- Ukil (উকিল)
Judge
- Kazi (কাজি)
Fireman
- Domkolwala (দমকলওয়ালা)
Postman
- Fion (ফিওন)
Milkman
- Goala (গোয়ালা)
Rickshaw driver
- Rikshawala (রিক্সাওয়ালা)
Scientist
- Biggani (বিজ্ঞানী)
Businessman
- Bebshai (ব্যাবসাঈ)
Horseman
- Gurasowar (ঘোড়া ছওয়ার)
Trader
- Befari/Soudagor (বেফারি / সওদাগর)
Tailor
- Dorzi (দর্জি)
Chef
- Babursi (বাবুর্চি)
Poet
- Shayer (শায়ের)
Fisherman
- Maimol (মাইমল)
Waiter
- Oitar (ঐটার)
Barber
- Hajjam (হাজ্জাম)
Wrestler
- Faluwan (ফালোয়ান)
Cobbler
- Musi (মুছি)
King
- Bashsha (বাশশা)
Queen
- Rani (রাণী)
Prince
- Shahozada (শাহজাদা)
Peasant
- Fokir (ফকির)
Princess
- Shahozadi (শাহজাদী)
Slave
- Gulam (গুলাম)
Landlord
- Zomidar (জমিদার)
Dealer
- Kharbari (খারবারি)
Unemployed
- Bekhar (বেখার)
Problems
[edit]
Leave me alone.
- Amare ekhla takhte deoka/diba. [Ah-mah-reh eh-kh-lah tah-kh-teh deh-ooh-kah/dee-bah] (formal)
Amare ekhla takhte deo. [Ah-mah-reh eh-kh-lah tah-kh-teh deh-oh] (informal)
Amare ekhla takhte de. [Ah-mah-reh eh-kh-lah tah-kh-teh deh] (implying in no respect)
Leave me alone, will you?
- Amare ekhla takhte dibe ni?. [Ah-mah-reh eh-kh-lah tah-kh-teh dee-beh nee?] (implying in no respect)
Get lost!
- Dur hor [Dooh-r-hô-r]
Let me go!
- Amare saro! [Ah-mah-reh sah-rô!]
I said, don't touch me!
- Amare sois na khoisi! [Ah-ma-reh sô-ee-s na khô-ee-see!]
I'll call the police.
- Ami phulish dakhmu. [Ah-mee fooh-leesh dah-kh-mooh]
Ami phulish daki laimu. [Ah-mee fooh-leesh dah-khee lah-ee-mooh]
Ami phulish daki dimu. [Ah-mee fooh-leesh dah-khee dee-mooh]
Police! Officer!
- Phulish! Daroga! [Fooh-leesh Dah-rô-gah]
Look out!
- Dhekio! [Deh-kee-yoh]
Stop! Thief!
- Sur! Sur! [Sooh-r! Sooh-r!]
Ubais! Sur! [Ooh-bah-ee-sss! Sooh-r!]
Rakis! Sur! [Rah-kee-sss! Sooh-r!]
Uba-rakh! Sur! [Ooh-bah-Rah-kee-sss Sooh-r]
Help!
- Basao! [Bah-sah-ô!]
I need (some) help.
- Amar (tura) shaejjo lage. [Ah-mah-r (tooh-rah) sha-eh-j-jô lah-geh]
I need your help.
- Aphnar shaejjo lage. [Ah-f-nah-r sha-eh-j-jô lah-geh]
Please, help me.
- Amare shaejjo khorba. [Ah-mah-reh shah-eh-j-jô khô-r-bah] (formal)
Please, can you help me?
- Aphne amar shaejjo khorba ni? [Ah-f-neh ah-mah-r shah-eh-j-jô khô-r-bah nee?] (formal)
It's an emergency.
- Ekhṭa aphot goṭi gese. [Eh-kh-ṭah ah-fôt gô-ṭee-geh-seh]
Please, come quick!
- Zoldi aoka [Zôl-dee ah-oo-kah]
I'm lost.
- Ami Harai gesi. [Ah-mee ah-rah-ee geh-see]
I lost my bag.
- Amar beg/sola ṭa harai laise. [Ah-mah-r beh-g/sô-lah ṭah ah-rah-ee lah-ee-see]
I lost my wallet.
- Amar woleṭ/toli ṭa harai laise. [Ah-mah-r wô-leh-ṭ/tô-lee ṭah ah-rah-ee lah-ee-see]
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 flush toilet?: Bideshi ṭoeleṭ kun khano?
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.
- mui (ami) buziar na.
mui (ami) buzlam na
mui (ami) buzram na
mui (ami) bujchi na.
I can't speak Sylheti (that well).
- mui (ami) siloti (bála ṭike) mattam fari na.
Do you speak English?
- Afne Ingrezi matta faroin ni? (formal)
Tumi Ingrezi mattae faro ni? (informal)
Is there someone here who speaks English?
- Oxano kheu asoin ni ze Ingrezi matta faroin?
Learn
- hikba [Heek-bah]
I'm not well. (I'm sick)
- Ami bemar.
I've been injured.
- Ami dukh phaisi.
I've injured my [name of the body part].
- 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
[edit]
I am in _____.
- Amar _____ khorer.
- Pain: Bish
- Pain (as in muscle pain): Bish/Bedna
- Pain: Bish
It's _____ here.
- Ono _____
- Sore (resulting from an injury): Duk phai.
- Itching: Khaozwar.
- Tickling: Khetkhuti khorer.
- Tingling: Zinzini khorer.
- Numb: Set phai na
- Sore (resulting from an injury): Duk phai.
I've catched a cold.
- Amar ṭanḍa lagi gese.
I've got a _____.
- Amar _____ hoi gese. [Ah-mah-r _____ oh-ee geh-seh]
- Fever.: Taph
- Cough.: Khawwani
- Phlegm.: Khash
- Running nose.: Nakh doria/shordi
- Diarrhoea.: Pheṭ lama
Dasto
- Fever.: Taph
I'm _____.
- Ami _____.
- Coughing.: Khawwaiar. / Khawwairam.
- Sneezing.: Esiar. / Esram.
- Coughing.: Khawwaiar. / Khawwairam.
I'm feeling _____.
- Amar _____ lager.
- Uncomfortable.: Oshanti
- Shy.: Shorom
- Uncomfortable.: Oshanti
Body-parts
[edit]
Body
- Shoril
Skin
- Samra
Hair
- Sul
Head
- Mata
Mouth
- Mukh
Face
- Cheyara
tongue
- Zifra
Tooth, Teeth
- Daat
Gums
- Zami
Eyelash
- Sukor bui [Soh-ooh-koh-r booh-ee]
Eyebrows
- Sukor bua [Soh-ooh-koh-r booh-wah]
Eyes
- Suk [Soh-ooh-k] / Noeon [Noh-yoh-n]
Eyelids
- Sukor phatta [Soh-ooh-koh-r fah-t-tah]
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 [Ah-t]
Palm
- Hator gata [Ah-toh-r gah-tah]
Finger, toe
- Anguil
Nails
- Nukh [Noh-ooh-kh]
Neck (rear end)
- Gordona
Throat
- Gola
Shoulder
- Khand
Chest
- Buk
Back
- Phiṭ
Side
- Muka
Hip
- Khomor
Waist
- Bazu
Heart
- Dil
Leg(s)
- Ṭeng
Thigh
- Urat
Knee
- Aṭu
Blood
- Khun
Calf
- Gusari
Ankle
- Gonṭa
Foot
- Phaw
Soles
- Phawor tola
Numbers
[edit]
Number gestures:
For plants and vegetables
- -gesa
For objects
- -gu
For time
- -ta
1 ex-gesa, ex-gu, ex-ta
2 dui-gesa, dui-gu, dui-ta
3 tin-gesa, tin-gu, tin-ta
4 sair-gesa, sair-gu, sair-ta
5 fas-gesa, fas-gu, fas-ta
- shuinno (also means: hovering/on air)
1
- ex
2
- dui
3
- tin
4
- sair, sari
5
- fas
6
- soe
7
- hat
8
- aṭ
9
- noe
10
- dosh
11
- egaro
12
- baro
13
- tero
14
- souddo
15
- fondro
16
- shullo
17
- hotro
18
- aṭaro
19
- unnish
Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 | bish | 30 | tish | 40 | sallish | 50 | phoinchash |
21 | ekhuish | 31 | ekhtish | 41 | ekhtallish | 51 | ekhanno |
22 | baish | 32 | bottish | 42 | boeallish | 52 | bawanno |
23 | teish | 33 | tettish | 43 | tetallish | 53 | tewanno |
24 | sobbish | 34 | sowtish | 44 | sowallish | 54 | sowanno |
25 | fochish | 35 | phoetish | 45 | foesallish | 55 | phasphanno |
26 | sabbish | 36 | soetish | 46 | soeallish | 56 | saphphanno |
27 | hataish | 37 | hattish | 47 | hattallish | 57 | hattanno |
28 | ataish | 38 | attish | 48 | attallish | 58 | attanno |
29 | untish | 39 | unsallish | 49 | unphonchiash | 59 | unshait |
Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
60 | shait | 70 | hottoir | 80 | ashi | 90 | nobboi |
61 | ekhshait | 71 | ekhhottoir | 81 | ekhashi | 91 | ekhannobboi |
62 | baishait | 72 | bahottoir | 82 | biashi | 92 | bawannobboi |
63 | teshait | 73 | tehottoir | 83 | tirashi | 93 | tewannobboi |
64 | sowshait | 74 | sowhottoir | 84 | sowrashi | 94 | sowannobboi |
65 | phoishait | 75 | phas'hottoir | 85 | phasashi | 95 | phasannobboi |
66 | soeshait | 76 | sihottoir | 86 | siashi | 96 | siannobboi |
67 | harshait | 77 | hathottoir | 87 | hatashi | 97 | hattannobboi |
68 | arshait | 78 | at'hottoir | 88 | attashi | 98 | attannobboi |
69 | unhottoir | 79 | unashi | 89 | nirashi | 99 | nirannobboi |
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
[edit]
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
[edit]
Kilogram/s (Kg)
- Khezi
Kilo
Metaphors
[edit]
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
[edit]
Past present future
[edit]
before
- age [ah-geh]
now
- ongkhu [on-kooh]
- one [oh-neh]
later
- bade [bah-deh]
day
- din [deen]
yesterday
- gese khail [geh-seh khah-ee-l]
today
- aizku [ah-eez-kooh]
- aiz [ah-eez]
tomorrow
- khailku [khah-ee-l-kooh]
- khail [khah-ee-l]
day before yesterday
- gese phorxu [geh-seh foh-rooh]
day after tomorrow
- phorxudin [foh-rooh-deen]
fortnight
- soddo rait [soh-d-doh rah-eet]
nowadays
- aizkhailku [ah-eez-khah-ee-l-kooh]
- aizkhail [ah-eez-khah-ee-l]
time
- bela [beh-lah]
buil [booh-ee-l]
okht [oh-kh-t]
bar [bah-r]
seven-times (lots of time)
- hat-bar [hah-t-bah-r]
every time
- hara buil [hah-rah booh-ee-l]
last time
- agor bela [ah-goh-r beh-lah]
this time
- ebuil [eh-booh-ee-l]
daytime
- dinor bela [dee-noh-r beh-lah]
nighttime
- raitkur bela [rah-ee-t-kooh-r beh-lah]
last week
- agor haphtah [ah-goh-r hah-f-tah]
this week
- ow haphtah [oh-oo hah-f-tah]
next week
- bador haphtah [bah-doh-r hah-f-tah]
Morning to night
[edit]
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 [heh-sh rah-eet]
- "Hesh" is a Syloti pronunciation of the Bengali "Shesh"
end of the night
- shesh-rait
- There's no difference in "Xesh"-rait [Heh-sh rah-eet] and "Shesh"-rait [Sheh-sh rah-eet] but only in accent. Literally, they are both the same, but note that "xesh" [heh-sh] is applied to 'late' and "shesh" [sheh-sh] is referred to 'end' quite often in Syloti.
Weeks
[edit]
Sunday
- Roibbar
Monday
- Shombar
Tuesday
- Mongolbar
Wednesday
- Budbar
Thursday
- Bishudbar
Friday
- Jummabar
Saturday
- Shonibar
Months
[edit]
Gregorian calendar | Transliteration pronunciation | Hijri calendar | Transliteration pronunciation | Bengali calendar | Transliteration pronunciation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
January | Janwari | মহররম | Mohorrom | বৈশাখ | Bahag |
February | Februari | ছফর | Sofor | জৈট | Zoiht/Zet |
March | Maach | রবীউল আওয়াল | Robiul-Aowal | আড় | Ahŗ/Aar |
April | Ephril | রবীউছ ছানী | Robius-Sani | হাওন | Haon/Shaon |
May | Me'e | জমাদিউল আওয়াল | Jomadiul Aowal | ভাদো | Bhado |
June | Jun | জমাদিউছ ছানী | Jomadius-Sani | আশ্বিন | Ashin |
July | Julai | রজব | Rojob | খাত্তি | Khatti |
August | Aagost | শাবান | Shaban | আগন | Aghon |
September | Sephtembor | রমজান | Romzan | ফুষ | Fush |
October | Okhtubor | শাওয়াল | Showal | মাঘ | Magh |
November | Nowembor | যিল কদ | Zil Kod | ফাল্গুন | Fagun |
December | Disembor | যিল হজ্জ | Zil Hojj | ছৈত | Soit |
- 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
[edit]
Season(s)
- Moushum (মৌসুম)
[name of the season] time
- [____] Khal (কাল)
Summer
- Grishsho (গ্রীষ্ম)
Rainy (Monsoon)
- Bôrsha (বর্ষা)
Autumn
- Shôrot (শরৎ)
Dry
- Hemonto (হেমন্ত)
Winter
- Sheet (শীত)
Spring
- Bôshonto (বসন্ত)
Time
[edit]
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
[edit]
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
[edit]
Time is written in both 12 hour clock and 24hr clock. 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:
AM - PM and o'clock
- ta
At
- kur
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 [MONTH] 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.
Animals
[edit]
Lion
- Sher (শের)
Tiger
- Bagh (বাঘ)
Cow
- Gai (গরু)
Elephant
- Atti (আত্তি)
Fox
- Hiyal (হিয়াল)
Pigeon
- Khoitor (কৈতর)
Parrot
- Tutafaikka (তোতা ফাইক্কা)
Rabbit
- Khorgush (খরগোশ)
Colours
[edit]
Miscellaneous
[edit]
Are there any other types of colour?
- Ar khunu zatir rong ase ni?
colour
- rong
colourless
- berong
colourful
- rongila, rongbirongi, rangi
shiny
- zokhmokh
dark
- ghono
light
- fatla
Primary colours
[edit]
red
- lal
green
- khosua
blue
- nil
Secondary colours
[edit]
pink (rosy)
- golaphi
orange
- khomla
yellow
- oilda
purple
- baingoni
Brown
- bhuramaṭi
Hueless colours
[edit]
black
- khala
gray
- meghla
white
- dhola
Jewellery colours
[edit]
gold
- shuna
silver
- rupha
bronze
- phitol
Traveling/Commuting
[edit]
Translations of 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
[edit]
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
[edit]
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
[edit]
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
[edit]
I want to rent a car.
- Ami ekhta gari barati loitam sai.
Can I get insurance?
- (Ami) bima loitam phari ni? <be>
- (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 [ah-ee-teh deh-ooh-kah] (formal)
axite dewo [ah-ee-teh deh-w] (informal)
axite de [ah-ee-teh deh] (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
[edit]
Stations
[edit]
Station
- Ishṭishon, Bondor
Bus Stop
- Bas Isṭoph
Bus station
- Bas istishon
Airport
- Biman bondor
Rail station
- Rel istishon
Train station
- Relgari istishon
Road
[edit]
Bus
- Baas
Rickshaw
- Rishka
Auto Rickshaw
- Bebi-ṭeski
Taxi
- Ṭeski
Car
- Gaṛi
Motorbike
- Baik
bicycle
- saikel
Rail
[edit]
Train
- Relgari
Sea or river
[edit]
Boat
- Nao, Nouka
Ship
- Zahz
Air
[edit]
Aeroplane
- Biman
Lodging
[edit]
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?
- bedsheets?: bisna-saddor
- a bathroom?: gusol-khana
- a telephone?: ṭeliphon
- a TV?: ṭelibhishon
- bedsheets?: bisna-saddor
May I see the room first?
- Ami kuṭa ṭa phoela dekhtam phari ni?
Do you have anything cheaper?
- Aphnar kichcho xosta ase ni? [Af-nah-r kee-ch-chooh hoh-stah ah-seh nee?]
Do you have anything _____.
- Aphnar kichcho _____ ase ni?
- quieter?: nirai
- bigger?: boro
- cleaner?: saf
- cheaper?: xosta [hoh-stah]
- quieter?: nirai
OK, I'll take it.
- 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?
- safe?: seif
- lockers?: lokar
- safe?: seif
Is breakfast or supper included?
- 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
[edit]
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 [pork].
- Ami [shuoror ghus(t)] khai na.
I want a dish containing _____.
- Amar "dish"/khani ṭa _____r hoito hoibo.
- vegetable: tarkhari
- meat: gusto
- chicken: murug
- fish: maas
Please do not use too much oil.
- 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? [borton o-gun hoh-rah-ee-bah nee?]
The check please
- bill anba
Meal times
[edit]
Breakfast.
- Nasta.
Lunch.
- Duiphori belar khani.
Teatime.
- Sa-nasta.
Supper/Dinner.
- Raitkur khani.
Non vegetarian
[edit]
non-mixed curry or dish
- nillar salon
- Most household curries are cooked with a choice of meat, poultry, or fish with a mixture of any particular vegetable. This is why nilla is to be noted.
not-mixed.
- nilla
- The word nilla applie to both meat and vegetarian dishes
chicken
- 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
(boal in Standard Bengali)
batasio fish
- ghungi maas
(tengra in Standard Bengali)
ompok fish
- fabiya maas
(pabda in Standard Bengali) - spotted snakehead
ladi maasdry fish soup/broth
- huṭkir shira
- huṭkir shira comes in as both roasted curry (Nilla) and with vegetables.
- huṭki
hukṭi
curry
- salon
tarkhari
dry roasted meat
- bhuna gust
meatsour 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
- meat soup: ghustor shira
- chicken soup: murgor shira
- meat soup: ghustor shira
meat pilau
- akhni phulab
biryani
- birani
- (similar to pilau rice, but cooked in layers of meat, fried onions, boiled eggs and rice, instead of having everything mixed in all together.)
Vegetarian
[edit]
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
- tomatos
- ṭomeṭu
bilati baingoin
- cucumber
- kira / howa
- radish
- mula
- turnip
- shalgom
- okra
- bhendi
- taro
- khosu
- Ceylon olive
- belfoi
- bottle gourd
- khodu
- chichinda/snake gourd
- sisinga / poita
- cucurbita moschata
- hofri khodu / kumra
- pointed gourd
- fotol
- carrots
- gazor
- onions
- phiaiz
- bean
- uri
- black-eyed pea
- ramai uri / lubi
- garlic
- roshun
- eggplant/aubergine
- baingoin
- bell peppers
- khephsikom
- cabbages
- phata khobi
- cauliflower
- phul khobi
vegetable curry
- tarkharir salom/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
- gi
- (gi made from cow's milk is known as xaṭi-gi (pure-gi).
vegetable ghee
- ḍalḍa
butter
- makhon
cheese
- phonir
Seasoning
[edit]
salt
- nun [noon]
salty
- nunta
ground black pepper
- gul morisor gura
crushed pepper corn
- kuṭail gul moris
pepper corn
- gul moris
mustard
- xoirox [hoh-ee-roh]
chili
- moris
- green chili: khasa moris
- sweet chili: lal moris
- chili pepper: naga moris (above a million scoville units)
- green chili: khasa moris
bell pepper
- 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
[edit]
fruit(s): fol-fruit
- banana: xola (খলা)
- young banana: xas xola (খাছ খলা)
- pomelo: mattu (মাতু)
- clementines, mandarines, tangerines, satsumas and citruses: zamir (জামির)
- lemon: lembu (লেম্বু)
- lime: lembura (লেম্বুরা)
- macroptera citrus fruit: hatkhora (হাতখরা)
- oranges: xomla (খমলা)
- pineapple: anarosh (আনারস)
- apple: sheb (সেব)
- custard apple: ataphol (আতাফল)br>
- papaya: xoiphol (খইফল)
- coconut: naikkol / naikol / nairol (নাইক্কল / নাইকল)
- rambai: bubi (বুবি)
(lotkon in Standard Bengali) - chebulic myrobalan: ortoki (অরতকি)
- Country gooseberry: leboi (লেবই)
- emblic: eola (এওলা)
- young coconut: dab (ডাব)
- longan fruit: ashphol (আশফল)
- jackfruit: khaṭhol (খাঠল)
(kathal in Standard Bengali) - lychee: lesu (লেছু)
(lichu in Standard Bengali) - mango: aam (আম)
- starfruit: khafrenga (খাফরেঙ্গা)
(kamranga in Standard Bengali) - garcinia xanthochymus: dephol (ডেফল)
- pomegranate: anar (আনার)
- grape: angur (আঙ্গুর)
- raisin: kishmish (কিসমিস)
- apricot: khubani (খুবানি)
- guava: hofri (হফরি)
(peyara in Standard Bengali) - pear: nashfatti (নাশফাত্তি)
(nashpati in Standard Bengali) - hog plum: amra (আমড়া)
- otaheita apple: bilati amra (বিলাতী আমড়া)
(jamrul in Standard Bengali) - prunes / plums: alu buxara (আলু বুখারা)
- java plum: zam (ঝাম)
- indian apple: bel (বেল)
- olives: belkhoi (বেলখই)
- oenaplia zuzube: hiakul boroi
- ziziphus zuzube: kul boroi/sini boroi
- xylopyrus zuzube: ghat boroi
- tamarind: tetoi (তেতই)
- dates: xazur (খাজুর)
- stem amaranth: denga
- banana: xola (খলা)
Refreshment/Bar
[edit]
à la carte.
- khani ṭa alag khori diba.
light meal/snack.
- haba-luba.
tea
- sa
dehydrated milk powder
- nido / dano
turmeric powder
- oloid
whole fresh milk
- phegeṭor taza dudh
lemon juice
- lembur/zamiror rosh
rose water
- gulaph phani
ginger
- adrokh
cinnamon stick
- ḍalsini (lit. ḍal: tree-branch + sini: sugar) also pronounced as ḍailsini
bay leaves
- tez phata
cardamon
- elais
sugar
- sini
without sugar
- ana-sini-e
date syrup
- khazuror ghur
coffee
- kofi
fresh lemonade
- lembur shorbot
sparkling lemonade
- lembur shorbot
7up
- seven up
Sprite
- sprit
water
- phani
ice
- borof
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
- Although faan is used to refer to the leaves of the betel vine, the use of this word means to chew areca nut and other condiment called faan moshla wrapped with a betel leaf. 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
- Betel leaf: Faan
- Soon faan:
- Betel leaf: Faan
- Areca nut: Guwa
- Calcium hydroxide (Caustic lime paste): Sun
- Betel leaf: Faan
- Shada faan: (a common household phan)
- Betel leaf: Faan
- Areca nut: Guwa
- Dried whole Tobacco leaf: Shada
- Calcium hydroxide (Caustic lime paste): Sun
- Betel leaf: Faan
- 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
- Betal leaf: Faan
- 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"
- Betel leaf: Faan
- 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
- Betel leaf: Faan
- 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"
- Betel leaf: Faan
Shopping
[edit]
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.
- This: Okhṭa
- That: Hokhṭo
- This: Okhṭa
How much is this?
- 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.
- This much: Oto Khanta
- This much: Oto Khanta
§ [amount] Taka
- § [_____] Ṭekha
§ [amount] Poysha
- § [_____] Phoesha
- Phoesha also means money.
- A hundren phoesha makes a ṭekha.
I can't afford it.
- 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.
- toothpaste.: datpest
- a toothbrush.: datborash
- a broom.: huroin
- a large broom.: khorkhora
- a kite.: guddi
- tampons.: mashik fed
- soap.: shaban
- shampoo.: shabun
- spoon.: sif/samos
- spoon.: sif/samos
- pain relievers.: bish bednar duwai
- toothpaste.: datpest
- e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen
- pherasiṭamol / aibiphren
- medication for cold relief.
- medication for cold relief.
- shordir duwai
- medicines for stomach relief.
- medicines for stomach relief.
- pheṭor duwai
- razors / blades
- razors / blades
- khamaibar baaṭ
- an umbrella.: satti
- sunblock lotion.
- an umbrella.: satti
- "sunblock lotion"
- a postcard.: "postcard"
- postage stamps.
- a postcard.: "postcard"
- siṭi sarbar ishtemph
- batteries.: beṭari
- writing paper.
- batteries.: beṭari
- lekhbar khagoz
- a pen.
- a pen.
- kholom
- a pencil.
- a pencil.
- sheesh kholom
- reading glasses.
- reading glasses.
- phorbar choshma
- books in English-language.
- books in English-language.
- Ingrezi boi
- Magazines in English-language
- Magazines in English-language
- Ingrezi megezin
- Newspaper in English-language
- Newspaper in English-language
- Ingrezi photrika
- a Bengali-English dictionary.
- a Bengali-English dictionary.
- Bangla-Ingrezi dikshonari/abhidhan
- an English-Bengali dictionary.
- an English-Bengali dictionary.
- Ingrezi-Bangla dikshonari/abhidhan
Clothes
[edit]
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
[edit]
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
[edit]
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
- maola/banaora sara r kunta nai
- (Muslim etiquette is to recite from an Arabic statement "لا حول ولاقوة إلا بالله")
Political authority in Bangladesh
- Bangladeshor raznitir aaola
Good Luck.
- mongol ouk
- (Muslim etiquette is to say in Arabic: Allahr Haola, meaning God's Authority)
Conflicting phrases
[edit]
(Indo-Aryan lexicons in similar languages with different meanings.)
Hungry vs starving
- "bhuk" ভুক in Sylheti means hungry.
- "bhukh" ভূখ in Bengali means starving.
- In Sylheti starving is uphash উফাশ.
- In Bengali hungry is kkhida ক্ষিদা.
- "bhuk" ভুক in Sylheti means hungry.
Love affection vs love illusion
- "moho maea" মোহ মায়া in Sylheti means love affection.
- moho māyā" মোহ মায়া in Bengali means love illusion.
- "moho maea" মোহ মায়া in Sylheti means love affection.
Cloud vs rain
- "megh" মেঘ in Sylheti means rain.
- "mēgh" মেঘ in Bengali means cloud.
- In Sylheticloud is called badol বাদল or ashmani haz আসমানী হাজ (decor of the sky).
- In Bengali rain is called badol বাদল or Br̥ṣṭi বৃষ্টি.
- "megh" মেঘ in Sylheti means rain.
What vs yes
- "he?!" হ্যাঁ! [heh?!] in Sylheti, means what?! and is just as rude as it is in English.
- "hyām̐" হ্যাঁ [heh] in Bengali is a formal yes.
- "hyām̐" হ্যাঁ (ह्यँा) [heh] in Bengali is an informal yes.
- "he?!"/"hi?!" हे?!/ही?! [heh?!/hee?!] in Syloti, means what?! and is just as rude as it is in English; "Ji?" [Jee?] is formal.
- "ôm̐yā" অঁ্যা (अँ्या) [ôeh] in Bengali mean "hey".'
- "ħôe" हए [ôh-eh] in Syloti is an informal yes.
- "ēi" এই (एइ) [eh-ee] in Bengali is an informal "excuse me" (for getting attention).'
- "ħei" हेइ [eh-ee] in Syloti means hey you! (implying in no respect)
- In Syloti excuse me (for getting attention) is e-re एरे [eh-reh] or o-go वगो [ô-gô] or o-ba वबा [ô-bah].
- "he?!" হ্যাঁ! [heh?!] in Sylheti, means what?! and is just as rude as it is in English.
Later vs laughing
- "xeshe" হেসে or "bade" বাদে in Sylheti means later.
- "heshe" হেসে [heh-sheh] in Bengali means laughing.
- laughter in Syloti is called ashi আসি
- later in Bengali is called pore পরে.
- "xeshe" হেসে or "bade" বাদে in Sylheti means later.
Pomegranate fruit vs lighting
- "'anwar"' अनवार [ah-n-wah-r] in Syloti means pomegranate fruit
- "anōyar" আনওয়ার [ah-nô-wah-r] in Bengali is a male name meaning lighting
- anar अनार [ah-nah-r] in Syloti refers to the legendary slave girl named anarkoli अनारकली [ah-nah-r-kô-lee] meaning pomegranate-blossom.
- anar আনার (आनार) [ah-nah-r] or ḍalim ডালিম (डािलम) [ḍah-leem] in Bengali means pomegranate fruit.
- In Urdu anwar انور means light borrowed from the Arabic nūr نور meaning illuminate.
- "'anwar"' अनवार [ah-n-wah-r] in Syloti means pomegranate fruit
To cheer vs to move
- "naṛa" नारा [nah-ṛah] in Syloti means to cheer:
1. Hip hip - Hooray!
2. Narae Takbir - Allahu Akbar!
3. Joy Bangla!
4. Jay Hind! etc. - "naṛa" নাড়া (नाड़ा) [nah-ṛah] in Bengali means to stir or to move.
- A waist drawstring acting as a belt is also called a nara [nah-rah].
- "naṛa" नारा [nah-ṛah] in Syloti means to cheer:
Vegetables vs curry
- "torkhari" तरकारी [tôr-khah-ree] in Syloti, means vegetables.
- "torkāri" তরকারি (तरकारि) [tô-r-kah-ree] in Bengali, means curry.
- "torkhari" तरकारी [tôr-khah-ree] in Syloti, means vegetables.
Girl vs fried food
- "furi" (from Sanskrit "पुरी") in Sylheti means girl along with original Sanskrit meanings.
- "Puri" (from Sanskrit "पुरी") in Hindi and Bengali means fried food along with original Sanskrit meanings.
- "furi" (from Sanskrit "पुरी") in Sylheti means girl along with original Sanskrit meanings.
Many-times vs Seven-times
- Hatbar হাতবার in Sylheti means Many-times, Several times, again-and-again, and literally Seven times.
- Shaat/Saat baar সাতবার/सातबार in Bengali/Hindi means Seven times.
Learning more
[edit]
- Syloti-Nagri alphabet - Omniglot
- Sylheti phrases - Useful phrases in Sylheti
- Sylheti language lessons - SOAS University of London
- Learn Sylheti – Audio - Listen to basic words and sentences in Sylheti language
- Audio recordings available in Sylheti - Global Recordings Network
Sylheti phrasebook test of Wikivoyage at Wikimedia Incubator |
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