Greeting someone in their native language is a wonderful way to show respect and build connections. Bengali, the official language of Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal, is spoken by millions of people worldwide. If you want to know how to ask someone’s age in Bengali, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll provide you with both formal and informal ways to ask, and we’ll also include tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Ask “How Old Are You?” in Bengali
If you wish to ask someone their age politely or in a formal setting, you can use the following phrases:
“Aapnar boyosh koto?”
“Tomar boyosh koto?”
In these phrases, “Aapnar” and “Tomar” mean “your” in a respectful manner, while “boyosh” means “age.” By using these phrases, you show deference and regard for the person you’re speaking to.
Here are a few examples of how you can use these phrases in a conversation:
- Person A: “Aapnar boyosh koto?”
- Person B: “Ami unish bochorer.” (I am nineteen years old.)
- Person A: “Tomar boyosh koto?”
- Person B: “Ami bish bochorer.” (I am twenty years old.)
Informal Ways to Ask “How Old Are You?” in Bengali
If you’re in a casual setting or interacting with friends or family, you can use more informal phrases to ask someone’s age. Here are a few options:
“Tumi kotobaro?”
“Tui ki obosthaye?”
In these phrases, “Tumi” and “Tui” mean “you” in an informal way, while “kotobaro” and “ki obosthaye” mean “how much” and “what’s the situation” respectively. These phrases are commonly used among friends or peers.
Let’s see some examples of using these informal phrases:
- Person A: “Tumi kotobaro?”
- Person B: “Ami aasher baro.” (I am twelve years old.)
- Person A: “Tui ki obosthaye?”
- Person B: “Ami chhoto shobdi.” (I am little.)
Important Tips:
- Pronunciation: In Bengali, stress is usually placed on the first syllable. Practice the phrases with a native speaker or listen to online resources to improve your pronunciation.
- Body Language: Bengali culture puts great emphasis on respect and politeness. Maintain appropriate eye contact and use a friendly tone while asking someone’s age.
- Regional Variations: The phrases mentioned above are commonly used and understood throughout most Bengali-speaking regions. However, there may be slight variations in vocabulary or pronunciation in different local dialects.
- Building Rapport: After asking someone’s age, you can follow up by sharing your own age or engaging in a friendly conversation. This helps build rapport and fosters a positive connection.
Now that you have learned various ways to ask “how old are you?” in Bengali, remember to practice them and confidently engage in conversations with native Bengali speakers. Your effort to learn their language will surely be appreciated!
Happy conversing in Bengali!
