ছোট
chōṭ/t͡ʃʰoʈo/
The English word 'little' is translated into Bengali as ছোট (chōṭ).
ছোট is used to describe something that is small in physical size. If you wish to describe something as insignificant or minimal in a formal context, the word সামান্য is more appropriate.
Meaning: small in size (adj)
Which one should you use?
ছোট refers specifically to physical size. If you want to say 'little' in terms of quantity or amount, use কম instead. For a more colloquial tone that emphasizes smallness or sounds more endearing, you can use the variation ছোট্ট.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective ছোট is invariant. It does not change its form based on gender, number or whether the subject is singular or plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /tʃʰoʈo/ (chōṭ).
Did you know?
- In many South Asian cultures, including Bengali-speaking regions, 'little' is often used to describe younger siblings or juniors to show respect for seniority, even if they are physically larger.
- The word ছোট is a direct descendant of the Prakrit word *choṭṭa, which was used in the language of Emperor Ashoka's inscriptions over two thousand years ago.
- While ছোট describes physical size, using it to describe a person's character can imply they are 'small-minded' or insignificant, rather than just 'little'.
Examples in context
- অ্যান একটা ছোট্ট মেয়ে।Ann is a little girl.This sentence shows how to use ছোট to describe a person.Tatoeba #11704537 by robingaspi, translation #66840 by CN
- আমার ছোট ভাইটা টিভি দেখছে।My little brother is watching TV.This sentence uses ছোট to describe a family member.Tatoeba #5626687 by tanay, translation #1900 by Swift
- আমার তিনটা ছোট বাচ্চা আছে।I have three little girls.This sentence demonstrates the use of ছোট when referring to children.Tatoeba #11506974 by robingaspi, translation #5741310 by CM
- আমি খুব কম বাংলা বলতে পারি।I can speak very little Bengali.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rahul and Tania are looking at a pet store window.
- তানিয়া Taniaদেখো, কুকুরটা কত ছোট!Dekho, kukurta koto choto!Look, the dog is so little!
- রাহুল Rahulহ্যাঁ, ওটা খুব মিষ্টি।Hyan, ota khub mishti.Yes, it is very sweet.
- তানিয়া Taniaআমি ছোট কুকুর পছন্দ করি।Ami choto kukur pochondo kori.I like little dogs.
- রাহুল Rahulআমারও তাই মনে হয়।Amaro tai mone hoy.I think so too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little” translations and entries ছোট, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ছোট, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
