মূর্খ
murkho[ˈmur.kʰo]
The English word 'idiot' can be translated into Bengali as মূর্খ (murkho) or বেক্কল.
Meaning: person of low general intelligence (noun)
Ways to say it
| Bengali | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| মূর্খ | murkho | [ˈmur.kʰo] (narrow) |
| বেক্কল | bekkol |
These terms are used to describe a person of low general intelligence. Depending on the specific word used, the meaning can shift from implying a lack of formal education to being a more direct insult.
Which one should you use?
While both can mean idiot, মূর্খ specifically implies that a person is ignorant or uneducated rather than just lacking intelligence. In contrast, বেক্কল is a more colloquial and insulting way to call someone an idiot.
How do you pronounce it?
murkho
Did you know?
- Because মূর্খ implies a lack of education, using it towards an elder in a Bengali household is considered much more offensive than using a standard English insult, as it attacks their dignity.
- The colloquial term বেক্কল is often used in a playful or affectionate way among close friends to call someone a 'silly' or 'clumsy' person, rather than a genuine insult.
- The word মূর্খ comes from the Sanskrit word mūrkha, which originally referred to someone who was not just ignorant but specifically stubborn in their ignorance.
Examples in context
- সে খুব বড় মূর্খ।Se khub boro murkho.He is a big idiot.
- মূর্খ মানুষের সাথে তর্ক করো না।Murkho manusher sathe torko koro na.Do not argue with an idiot.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a mistake made in a game.
- মৌমিতা Moumitaঅনির্বাণ, তুমি এটা কেন করলে?Anirban, tumi eta keno korle?Anirban, why did you do this?
- অনির্বাণ Anirbanআমি ভুল করে ফেলেছি।ami bhul kore phelechi.I made a mistake.
- মৌমিতা Moumitaতুমি সত্যিই একটা মূর্খ!tumi sotti ekta murkho!You are really an idiot!
- অনির্বাণ Anirbanআমাকে আর বলো না।amake ar bolo na.Don't tell me anymore.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiot” translations and entries মূর্খ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries মূর্খ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
