বুদ্ধিমান
buddhimaan
The English word 'smart' is translated into Bengali as বুদ্ধিমান (buddhimaan).
বুদ্ধিমান is used to describe someone exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books.
Meaning: exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word বুদ্ধিমান is composed of the noun বুদ্ধি, meaning intellect or intelligence and the suffix -maan, meaning possessing or having.
Which one should you use?
While বুদ্ধিমান refers to intellectual intelligence, the word চতুর is often used to describe someone who is 'clever' in a way that can imply being cunning or street-smart. Additionally, মেধাবী is a common alternative used to describe someone who is academically gifted or brilliant.
How do you pronounce it?
buddhimaan
Did you know?
- Bengali has a distinct word for 'street smarts' that is entirely different from বুদ্ধিমান. The term পাকা literally means 'ripe' and is used to describe a child or person who acts with the worldly wisdom of an adult.
- While বুদ্ধিমান describes intellectual intelligence, the root বুদ্ধি is derived from the Sanskrit word for 'awakening'. This links the concept of being 'smart' to a state of spiritual or mental awareness.
- If you call someone বুদ্ধিমান in a sarcastic tone, it can be used as a stinging insult implying they are actually foolish, much like the English 'genius'.
Examples in context
- টম অতটা বুদ্ধিমান নয় যতটা মেরি মনে করে।Tom certainly isn't as smart as Mary thinks he is.This sentence is useful for comparing the intelligence levels of two people using বুদ্ধিমান.Tatoeba #3018870 by tanay, translation #1095410 by CK
- Rina shikkhito ebong prabuddha meye. (রিনা শিক্ষিত এবং প্রবুদ্ধ মেয়ে।)Rina is an educated and smart girl.
- সে খুব বুদ্ধিমান ছেলে।Se khub buddhiman chele.He is a very smart boy.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a difficult puzzle.
- তানিয়া Taniaসৌরভ, তুমি কি এই ধাঁধার উত্তর জানো?Sourav, tumi ki ei dhadhar uttor jano?Sourav, do you know the answer to this puzzle?
- সৌরভ Souravহ্যাঁ, আমি সমাধান করতে পেরেছি।Hyan, ami somadhan korte perechi.Yes, I was able to solve it.
- তানিয়া Taniaতুমি আসলেই খুব বুদ্ধিমান!Tumi asholei khub buddhiman!You really are very smart!
- সৌরভ Souravধন্যবাদ, তানিয়া।Dhonnobad, Tania.Thank you, Tania.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
