নিতম্ব
nitombo
The Bengali word for "bum" is নিতম্ব (nitombo).
The term refers to the buttocks.
Meaning: informal: butt(ocks) specifically (noun)
Which one should you use?
While নিতম্ব is a standard term, the informal word পাছা is also very common and widely used in casual contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
nitombo
Did you know?
- In many Bengali dialects, the word পাছা (pāchā) can shift meaning depending on context, sometimes being used to refer to the 'back' or 'rear' of an object rather than a person.
- The concept of 'bum' or 'buttocks' is often bypassed in polite Bengali social etiquette by using much more indirect euphemisms when discussing physical discomfort.
- Bengali has several distinct levels of 'politeness' for this word, where the shift from নিতম্ব to পাছা marks a sharp transition from a medical context to a potentially rude or vulgar one.
Example conversation
Anirban and Ishani are discussing an accident during a game.
- ইশানি Ishaniতুমি কি ঠিক আছো, অনির্বাণ?Tumi ki thik acho, Anirban?Are you okay, Anirban?
- অনির্বাণ Anirbanহ্যাঁ, তবে আমি নিতম্বের ওপর পড়েছি।Hyan, tobe ami nitomber opor porechi.Yes, but I fell on my bum.
- ইশানি Ishaniওহ না! খুব ব্যথা করছে?Oh na! Khub byatha korche?Oh no! Does it hurt a lot?
- অনির্বাণ Anirbanএকটু ব্যথা করছে, তবে আমি ঠিক আছি।Ektu byatha korche, tobe ami thik achi.It hurts a bit, but I am fine.
