Sylheti phrasebook

In Sylheti: ছিলটী/ꠍꠤꠟꠐꠤ Silôṭi; in 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 amongst the large expatriate communities in the United Kingdom, United States, and countries of the Gulf States.

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:

"a" ( আ / ा ) will always be pronounced as "ah" almost like the English "ah". So, where a Syloti "blade" is written, pronunciation will be as [blah-deh].
"e" ( এ / ে ) will always be pronounced as "eh/air" just as in hair. So, where a Syloti "age" is written, pronunciation will be as: [ah-geh].
"i" ( ই / ी ) will always be pronounced as "ee" as in ink/keep. So, where a Syloti "side" is written, pronunciation will be as: [see-deh].
"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: [blô-keh] or [blou-keh].
"u" ( উ / ু ) will always be pronounced as "ooh" as in oops/boohoo. So, where a Syloti "but" is written, pronunciation will be as: [booh-t].

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 [r-eh-(silent)-(silent)] or as [r-eh-ah-(silent)] 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 [reh-ah-r] 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 [Phooh-t] and Mutr মূত্র [Mooh-t] 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		Hatbar হাতবার	Lots of time
Shesh-kale শেষকালে	End times		Hesh-balay হেষবালায়	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-যা Bengali for go-away and Dur-za: দূর-যা 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[Dooh-r]:
Example A

Dur দূর [Dooh-r], meaning "far", is also said as a figure of speech equivalent to "stop it!" or when in awe like "no way!".

Example B

Duro দূরো (be gone/get lost) is meant to imply as to "damn it". It is similar to "Dur" দূর (in Example A) but if said with an addition e.g. "Duro, hasa ni?!" দূরো, হাছা নি?ॽ! i.e. "Get lost! Really?" Its meaning assimilates to the English version of "get lost", when said in an awesome mood.

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 /h/ to the /sh/ of Bengali; e.g:

Shiẏāl শিয়াল [Shee-yah-l] (Bengali for Jackal):

Hiyal হিয়াল [Hee-ah-l] (Sylheti for Jackal)

Shun̐ṭki শুঁটকি [Shooh-t-kee] (Bengali for sundried fish):

Huṭki হুটকি [Hooh-t-kee] (Sylheti for sundried fish)

Shoshur শ্বশুর [Shô-shooh-r] (Bengali for Father-in-law):

Hour হৌর [Hôw-ooh-r] (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:

Sileṭ [See-leṭ]
Siloṭ [See-lôṭ]

2nd e.g:

(in Bengali) Kisher [Kee-sheh-r]
(in Sylheti) Kior

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.

Devanagari देवनागरी characters for Sylheti writing

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

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

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

Conflicting grammar

"bhukh" ভূখ in Bengali means starving.

"bhuk" ভুক in Sylheti means hungry
In Sylheti starving is uphash উফাশ.
In Bengali hungry is kkhida ক্ষিদা.

"moho māyā" মোহ মায়া in Bengali means love illusion.

"moho maea" মোহ মায়া in Sylheti means love affection

"mēgh" মেঘ and "badol" বাদল in Bengali means cloud.

"megh" মেঘ in Sylheti means rain
In Pali megh मेघ means both rain and cloud.
In Sylheticloud is called badol বাদল or ashmani haz আসমানী হাজ (decor of the sky).
In Bengali rain is called brishti বৃষ্টি.

"hyām̐" হ্যাঁ [heh] in Bengali is an informal yes.

"he?!" হ্যাঁ! [heh?!] in Sylheti, means what?! and is just as rude as it is in English.

"heshe" হেসে in Bengali means laughing.

"xeshe" হেসে or "bade" বাদে in Sylheti means later.
laughter in Syloti is called ashi আসি
later in Bengali is called pore পরে.

"anōyar" আনওয়ার [ah-nô-wah-r] in Bengali is a male name meaning lighting.

"'anwar"' अनवार [ah-n-wah-r] in Syloti means pomegranate fruit
anar আনার (आनार) [ah-nah-r] or ḍalim ডালিম (डािलम) [ḍah-leem] in Bengali means pomegranate fruit.
anar अनार [ah-nah-r] in Syloti refers to the legendary slave girl named anarkoli अनारकली [ah-nah-r-kô-lee] meaning pomegranate-blossom.
In Urdu anwar انور means light borrowed from the Arabic nūr نور meaning illuminate.

"naṛa" নাড়া (नाड़ा) [nah-ṛah] in Bengali means to stir or 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.
A waist drawstring acting as a belt is also called a nara [nah-rah].

"torkāri" তরকারি (तरकारि) [tô-r-kah-ree] in Bengali, means curry.

"torkhari" तरकारी [tôr-khah-ree] in Syloti, means vegetables.

"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].

"hēshyē" হেস্যে (हेस्ये) [heh-sheh] in Bengali means laughter.

"xeshe" शेशे [heh-sheh] or "bade" बादे [bah-deh] in Syloti means later.
laughter in Syloti is called ħashi हाशी [ah-shee]
later in Bengali is called pore পরে (परे) [pô-reh].

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

Greeting

Assalamu alaikum.

(may peace be upon you)

Wa alaikum assalam.

(and upon you be peace)

Nomoshkhar. (Hindu)

(folded hands touching the forehead)

Khodom-busi.

(the touching of the feet)

Are you good?

Bhala ni?

Welcome

Marhaba/Khush Amded

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

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

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 ______ .

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. [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

People

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

Hindu [Een-dooh]

People of Hind (Indian)

Hindustani [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

Dhakhaia [Dah-khah-ee-yah]

Everyone

Hokhol [Hô-khôl]
Hokkol [Hôk-kôl]

Places

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

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

Phutr [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

Khaloo [Khah-looh]

Paternal uncle

Sasa-Abba [Sah-sah-Ah-b-bah]
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

Xoxur [Hô-ooh-r]
Abba [Ah-b-bah] (dad)

Mother-in-law

Xoṛi [Hô-ṛee]
Amma [Ah-m-mah] (mum)

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]

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]

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

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

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 _______?

_______ 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 Sylheti (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 [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

I am in _____.

Amar _____ khorer.

Pain : Bish
Pain (as in muscle pain) : Bish/Bedna

It's _____ here.

Ono _____

Sore (resulting from an injury) : Duk phai.
Itching : Khaozwar.
Tickling : Khetkhuti khorer.
Tingling : Zinzini khorer.
Numb : Set phai na

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

I'm _____.

Ami _____.

Coughing. : Khawwaiar. / Khawwairam.
Sneezing. : Esiar. / Esram.

I'm feeling _____.

Amar _____ lager.

Uncomfortable. : Oshanti
Shy. : Shorom

Body-parts

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

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
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

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 [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

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

Sunday : Roibbar
Monday : Shombar
Tuesday : Mongolbar
Wednesday : Budhbar
Thursday : Bishudbar
Friday : Jummabar
Saturday: Shonibar

Months

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

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

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 [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

Lion

Sher (শের)

Tiger

Bagh (বাঘ)

Cow

Bagh (গরু)

Elephant

Atti (আত্তি)

Fox

Hiyal (হিয়াল)

Pigeon

Khoitor (কৈতর)

Parrot

Tutafaikka (তোতা ফাইক্কা)

Rabbit

Khorgush (খরগোশ)

Colours

Miscellaneous

Are there any other types of colour?

Ar khunu zatir rong ase ni?

colour

rong

colourless

berong

colourful

rongila, rongbirongi, rangoli

shiny

zokhmokh

dark

ghono

light

fatla

Primary colours

red

lal

green

khosua

blue

nil

Secondary colours

pink (rosy)

golaphi

orange

khomla

yellow

oilda

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? <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

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?

bedsheets? : bisna-saddor
a bathroom? : gusol-khana
a telephone? : ṭeliphon
a TV? : ṭelibhishon

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]

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

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

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

Breakfast.

Nasta.

Lunch.

Duiphori belar khani.

Teatime.

Sa-nasta.

Supper/Dinner.

Raitkur khani.

Non vegetarian

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 maas dry fish soup/broth

huṭkir shira

huṭkir shira comes in as both nilla and with vegetables.

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

meat soup: ghustor shira
chicken soup: murgor 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

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 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

Ghee made from cow's milk is known as khaṭi-ghee (pure-ghee).

vegetable ghee

ḍalḍa

butter

makhon

cheese

phonir

Seasoning

salt

nun [noon]

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)

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

fruit(s): phol (ফল)

banana: khola (খলা)
young banana: khas khola (খাছ খলা)
pomelo: matu (মাতু)
(jambura or batabi in Standard Bengali)
clementines, mandarines, tangerines, satsumas and citruses: zamir (জামির)
lemon: lembu (লেম্বু)
(lebu in Standard Bengali)
lime: lembura (লেম্বুরা)
macroptera citrus fruit: hatkhora (হাতখরা)
(shatkora in Standard Bengali)
oranges: khomla (খমলা)
(komola in Standard Bengali)
pineapple: anarosh (আনারস)
apple: sheb (সেব)
custard apple: ataphol (আতাফল)br>
papaya: khoiphol (খইফল)
(pepe in Standard Bengali)
coconut: naikkol / naikol (নাইক্কল / নাইকল)
(narikel in Standard Bengali)
rambai: bubi (বুবি)
(lotkon in Standard Bengali)
chebulic myrobalan: ortoki (অরতকি)
(horitoki in Standard Bengali)
Country gooseberry: leboi (লেবই)
(orboroi in Standard Bengali)
emblic: eola (এওলা)
(amloki in Standard Bengali)
young coconut: dab (ডাব)
longan fruit: ashphol (আশফল)
(kathlichu in Standard Bengali)
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: nashphatti (নাশফাত্তি)
(nashpati in Standard Bengali)
hog plum: amra (আমড়া)
otaheita apple: bilati amra (বিলাতী আমড়া)
(jamrul in Standard Bengali)
prunes / plums: alu bukhara (আলু বুখারা)
java plum: zam (ঝাম)
indian apple: bel (বেল)
olives: belkhoi (বেলখই)
(jolpai in Standard Bengali)
oenaplia jujube: hiakul boroi
ziziphus Jujube: kul boroi/sini boroi
xylopyrus jujube: ghat boroi
tamarind: tetoi (তেতই)
dates: khazur (খাজুর)
'stem amaranth: denga

Refreshment/Bar

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
date syrup: khazuror ghur

coffee : kofi
fresh lemonade: lembur shorbot
sparkling lemonade:

7up
Sprite

water

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

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

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.

This: Okhṭa
That: Hokhṭo

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

§ [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

e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen : pherasiṭamol / aibiphren

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)

Learning more

This Sylheti phrasebook has guide status. It covers all the major topics for traveling without resorting to English. Please contribute and help us make it a star!