প্রিয়তম
Priyotomo
The Bengali word for sweetheart is প্রিয়তম (Priyotomo).
প্রিয়তম is used to refer to a person who is very much liked or loved. It carries a more poetic, formal and intense weight than common English terms like 'sweetie' or 'honey'.
Meaning: a person very much liked or loved by someone (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of priyo (dear) and the superlative suffix -tomo (most), literally meaning 'most dear' or 'most beloved'.
Which one should you use?
The colloquial term জান is used as a way to address a darling or life in a romantic relationship.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
প্রিয়তম is a more formal and poetic term, whereas জান is a common, informal and colloquial way to address a sweetheart in a romantic relationship.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring specifically to a female sweetheart, the word changes from priyotomo to priyotoma.
How do you pronounce it?
Priyotomo
Did you know?
- The term জান (jaan) literally translates to 'life' or 'soul', implying that the sweetheart is as essential to the speaker as their own existence.
- While প্রিয়তম is a beautiful poetic term, calling a romantic partner জান (jaan) is actually a loanword from Persian, which has become a staple of modern Bengali romantic speech.
- In traditional Bengali poetry and literature, প্রিয়তম is often used to address the Divine or a spiritual beloved rather than a human partner.
Examples in context
- তুমি আমার প্রিয়তম।tumi amar priyotomo.You are my sweetheart.
Example conversation
Anirban and Tania are talking at home.
- তানিয়া Taniaপ্রিয়তম, তুমি কি আমার জন্য চা বানাবে?Priyotomo, tumi ki amar jonno cha banabe?Sweetheart, will you make some tea for me?
- অনির্বাণ Anirbanহ্যাঁ, অবশ্যই বানাবো।He, oboshshoi banabo.Yes, I definitely will.
- তানিয়া Taniaধন্যবাদ, তুমি খুব মিষ্টি!Dhonnobad, tumi khub mishti!Thank you, you are very sweet!
- অনির্বাণ Anirbanতোমার জন্য সব সম্ভব।Tomar jonno sob sombhob.Anything is possible for you.
