Have you ever wondered what makes Bengali conversations so lively and expressive? Bengali idioms, or bagdhara, are a big reason why! They are like peepholes into the lives of Bengalis, replete with humor, proverbs, and tips for everyday living. It depicts the spirit and the quirk of Bengali society. Much more than words, Bengali idioms reflect cultural values and shared experiences passed down through generations.
Bengali idioms are not only a mirror of the lifestyle and moral perspectives of Bengali people but also sources of wisdom from which the absolute truths or other aspects of life can be studied. If you are a new Bengali learner, exploring these idioms will help you get close to the window into a rich, vibrant world of Bengali literature. Now, let’s learn some famous idiom and common idioms and see how they are practically used in Bengali-speaking communities.
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Understanding Bengali Idioms
Humorous and wise, locally popular proverbs and idioms enrich Bengali conversation to a great extent. These Bengali proverbs or phrases give a glimpse of the Bengali-speaking community and their culture. Bengali idioms and proverbs are mostly taken from day-to-day life and human character and are thus easily understandable by the people.
Basically, such expressions are not only entertaining but also useful for merely describing various feelings and circumstances. These help build communication since people may express an idea in a few words and in a memorable manner. As you learn these idioms, it helps you get a view into the Bengali living pattern, offer insights, habit, joking manners, or belief systems, adding some depth to their conversations.
10 Common Bengali Idioms
Here, you will learn various idioms that are in everyday use in Bengali people and their houses.
1. Horse’s Egg – Ghorar Dim
This funny Bengali idiom is mostly used among friends close family members. The literal translation of this idiom ” horse’s egg”- ghorar dim (ঘোড়ার ডিম), actually means that something impossible, imaginary, or completely made-up. If someone makes an unrealistic claim, like inventing a magical solution to all problems. It is implying it’s as believable as a horse laying an egg.
2. One Hand Doesn’t Clap – Ek Haate Tali Bajena
The translation of the idiom is “one hand doesn’t clap” – Ek Haate Tali Bajena (এক হাতে তালি বাজেনা). This means that conflict or collaboration needs more than one person. When two people are arguing, it’s often said, “Ek haate tali bajena,” to remind them that both play a role in the disagreement.
3. Thirteen Festivals In Twelve Months – Baro Mashe Tero Parbon
This Bengali idiom’s literal meaning is “thirteen festivals in a year” Baro Mashe Tero Parbon (বারো মাসে তেরো পার্বণ) which means in twelve months, Bengalis celebrate 13 festivals. This refers to the Bengalis’ celebratory and festive spirit, which always finds reasons to celebrate.
4. Removing Thorn By Pulling Out The Entire Plant – Paire Kata Gachh Tule Kacha
This translation of the Bengali idiom is “Removing Thorn by Pulling Out the Entire Plant” Paire Kata Gachh Tule Kacha (পায়ে কাঁটা গাছ তুলে কাচা). Taking an unnecessarily extreme action for a small problem. If someone quits their job just because of one bad day, others might say, “Paire kata gachh tule kacha,” pointing out the overreaction.
5. Thief’s Mother Shouts The Loudest – Chorer Mayer Boro Gola
This Bengali idiom “thief’s mother has the loudest voice” chorer mayer boro gola (চোরের মায়ের বড় গলা). This means guilty people often make the biggest fuss to divert suspicion. If someone insists loudly on their innocence, it might lead others to say, “Chorer mayer boro gola,” implying that they are overcompensating.
6. Sleeping After Crushing Paddy – Dhan Bhete Shute Jaye
“Sleeping After Crushing Paddy” is literal translation of Dhan bhete shute jaye (ধান ভেটে শুতে যায়) in Bengali. This describes someone who doesn’t complete their tasks and instead rests midway.
7. Got Stuck On A Tree – Gachhe Kata Legechhe
“Stuck on a tree” translates to Gachhe kata legechhe (গাছে কাটা লেগেছে). This refers to being stuck in a difficult situation. If someone is facing an unexpected setback, indicating their tricky situation.
8. Touching The Sky – Aakashe Hath Chhawa
This Bengali idiom Aakashe hath chhawa (আকাশে হাত ছোঁয়া) translates to “touching the sky.” It is used to describe ambitions that seem far-fetched or unrealistic – when someone dreams too big.
9. Crossing The River Step By Step – Eke-e-Eke Dariya Ketechhe
The literal meaning of the idiom “Crossing the river, step by step” is Eke-e-eke dariya ketchhe (একে একে দরিয়া কেটেছে). This refers to handling a problem patiently – encouraging patience, urging others to take things step by step.
10. Hitting Back With A Knock – Tokka Tore Maro
“Hitting Back with a Knock” translates to Tokka tore maro (টোক্কা তোকে মারো). This refers to retaliating against someone’s action. It’s often used when someone plans to retaliate or respond assertively to someone else’s actions or words.
Why Should You Know Bengali Idioms?
Proverbs and idioms embody the spirit and laughter of Bengali people and their culture, their philosophy, and ethics. When you use idioms, you will be more fluent and natural because idioms are very much used in Bengali conversations.
They also provide details of cultural differences that can be hardly noticed when a plain translation is made, and therefore they provide an extensive understanding of how the Bengalis can conceptualize their feeling and understandings. Thus, it enriches the language itself as well as serves as a backdoor to a broader outlook into the culture that is Bengali.
How Do You Say Idioms In Bengali?
The translation for idiom in Bengali is bagdhara (বাগধারা), pronounced as bag-dha-ra.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bengali Idioms
1. Are Bengali Idioms Used In Everyday Conversations?
Yes, Bengali idioms are commonly used in everyday conversations, especially among native speakers. They add humor and express emotions in a way that straightforward language might not capture.
2. Are Bengali Idioms Similar To English Idioms?
While some Bengali idioms may have similar meanings to English idioms, they are often rooted in cultural context, daily life, and unique Bengali experiences, making them distinct.
3. Are Bengali Idioms Still Popular Among Younger Generations?
Yes, although modern slang is also popular, many young Bengalis continue to use and appreciate idioms, especially those that capture Bengali humor and culture.
To Summarize Bengali Idioms
In this article, you have learnt 10 Bengali idioms and their meanings and how these are used in each situation. While incorporating these linguistic figures, not only does your conversation become more colourful, but your bond with the richness of Bengali roots becomes closer too. Well, they take a plunge and discover these bright phrases to enliven your speech!
If you are a learner of the Bengali language and are willing to spice up your language knowledge, then it is high time that you begin with the idioms in Bengali, Bengali work culture, and food. If you are looking for more online resources, you can download the Ling app or even read our previous blogs on Bengali people, grammar, and culture.
But no matter which of the methods you decide to use, do it regularly – using these idioms in the context will help you sound more natural and touch the very soul of the Bengali spirit. Keep learning!
