জিভ
jibh/d͡ʒibʱ/
The Bengali word for tongue is জিভ (jibh). It is also spelled জিব (jibo). Wiktionary also lists জিহ্বা (jiubha) and জবান (joban).
Meaning: organ (noun)
Ways to say it
| Bengali | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| জিভ | jibh | /d͡ʒibʱ/ | |
| জিহ্বা | jiubha | /ˈd͡ʒib.bʱa/ /ˈd͡ʒibːa/ |
|
| জিব | jibo | /d͡ʒibo/ /dʑibo/ |
alternative form |
| জবান | joban | /d͡ʒɔban/ /zɔban/ |
The word can refer to the physical anatomical organ or be used metaphorically to represent one's speech, language or word.
Which one should you use?
জিভ is the standard, everyday word for the anatomical organ. জিহ্বা is the more formal, standard spelling of the word for the anatomical organ. In contrast, জবান is used metaphorically to refer to speech, language or one's word, often in a poetic or religious context.
How do you pronounce it?
jibh
Did you know?
- The word জিভ is cognate with the Romani word čhib, linking Bengali to the language of the Roma people.
- In Bengali culture, the phrase 'giving one's word' is expressed using জবান, treating the 'tongue' as a symbol of a binding oath.
Examples in context
- কেয়ামতের দিন, এ জবান আপনার পক্ষে বা বিরুদ্ধে কথা বলবে।On the Day of Judgment, this tongue will either speak for or against you.This sentence illustrates how জবান is used in a religious context.
Example conversation
Tania and Anirban are eating spicy food together.
- অনির্বাণ Anirbanখাবারটা কি খুব ঝাল?Khabarta ki khub jhal?Is the food too spicy?
- তানিয়া Taniaহ্যাঁ, আমার জিভ জ্বলছে!Hyan, amar jibh jolche!Yes, my tongue is burning!
- অনির্বাণ Anirbanএকটু জল খেয়ে নাও, তানিয়া।Ektu jol kheye nao, Tania.Drink some water, Tania.
- তানিয়া Taniaধন্যবাদ, অনির্বাণ।Dhonnobad, Anirban.Thank you, Anirban.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tongue” translations and entries জিভ, জিহ্বা, জিব, জবান, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries জবান, জিভ, জিহ্বা, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
