সোনা
śōna/ʃona/
The English word 'darling' is translated into Bengali as সোনা (śōna).
সোনা is an affectionate term of address used for someone who is very dear. It is a common, everyday way to express endearment, often used by parents to address their children in a manner similar to 'sweetie' or 'darling' in English. You may also encounter Jaan (জান), which is an informal term for darling that carries the meaning of 'life'.
Meaning: often used as an affectionate term of address: person who is very dear to one (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word সোনা literally means 'gold'.
Which one should you use?
While সোনা is a common and everyday term, দিলরুবা is more poetic and carries a romantic, slightly more formal or literary connotation of being a 'heart-stealer' or 'charming one'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase 'tomar jaan', it translates to 'your darling'.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is śōna and the IPA is /ʃona/.
Did you know?
- The ancient root of সোনা did not originally mean 'gold' as a metal, but literally meant 'of good color'.
Examples in context
- তুমি আমার সোনা।tumi amar sona.You are my darling.
- আমার সোনা বাবু কোথায়?amar sona babu kothay?Where is my darling baby?
Example conversation
A couple is relaxing at home.
- রাহুল Rahulসোনা, আমার জন্য এক কাপ চা দেবে?Sona, amar jonno ek kap cha debe?Darling, will you give me a cup of tea?
- ইশানি Ishaniহ্যাঁ রাহুল, আমি এখনই দিচ্ছি।Hyan Rahul, ami ekhoni dicchi.Yes Rahul, I am giving it right now.
- রাহুল Rahulতুমি খুব ভালো সোনা।Tumi khub bhalo sona.You are a very good darling.
- ইশানি Ishaniধন্যবাদ সোনা!Dhonnobad sona!Thank you, darling!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry সোনা, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries সোনা, CC BY-SA 4.0.
