প্রিয়
priyo
The English word 'dear' is translated into Bengali as প্রিয় (priyo).
প্রিয় is an adjective meaning loved or lovable. While it carries an emotional sense of being dear to someone, it is also frequently used in formal or semi-formal contexts, such as addressing someone in a speech or beginning a letter, similar to 'Dear [Name]' in English.
Meaning: loved, lovable (adj)
Which one should you use?
In Bengali, use প্রিয় to describe people whom you love or respect. If you are describing something that is 'dear' in the sense of being valuable, important or high in cost, use the word mulyoban instead.
How do you pronounce it?
priyo
Did you know?
- Bengali has a distinct way of expressing 'dear' through the suffix -প্রিয়, which can be attached to nouns to describe someone who loves a specific thing, such as বই-প্রিয় for a 'book-lover'.
- In formal Bengali letters, instead of just using প্রিয় followed by a name, one might use শ্রদ্ধেয় for someone 'dear' in a respectful, elder sense, which focuses on reverence rather than affection.
- The word প্রিয় is a learned borrowing from the Sanskrit word priya.
Examples in context
- প্রিয় মা, এই কর্মশালা কতদিন চলবে?Dear mom, how long will this workshop continue?
- সে আমার প্রিয় বন্ধু।se amar priyo bondhu.He is my dear friend.
- তোমার প্রিয় রং কী?tomar priyo rong ki?What is your favorite color?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their childhood memories in a park.
- অনন্যা Ananyaএই ছবিটা আমার খুব প্রিয়।ei chhobita amar khub priyo.This picture is very dear to me.
- আকাশ Akashসত্যিই খুব সুন্দর ছবি।sotti khub sundor chhobi.It really is a beautiful picture.
- অনন্যা Ananyaতুমি কি এটা পছন্দ করেছ?tumi ki eta pochondo korecho?Do you like it?
- আকাশ Akashহ্যাঁ, এটা আমার প্রিয় স্মৃতি।hyã, eta amar priyo smriti.Yes, it is a dear memory of mine.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries প্রিয়, CC BY-SA 4.0.
