Welcome to our guide on how to say “yesterday” in Bengali!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Yesterday” in Bengali
When speaking formally, you would typically use the following word for “yesterday” in Bengali:
গতকাল (gatakāl)
This word is widely used in formal language, and it is easily understood by both native Bengali speakers and those learning the language. Here are a few examples of sentences using this formal term:
- আপনি গতকাল কি করেছেন? (Āpni gatakāl ki karechhen?) – What did you do yesterday?
- আমি গতকাল এই বইটি পড়েছিলাম। (Āmi gatakāl ei boṭi ṗœṛechhilām.) – I read this book yesterday.
- গতকালকে শব্দগুলি যাচ্ছে না। (Gatakālke śabdaguli yācchhe nā.) – The words are slipping away from yesterday.
Informal Ways to Say “Yesterday” in Bengali
When speaking informally, people often use the word “কাল” (kāl) to mean “yesterday.”
কাল (kāl)
This term is commonly used in casual conversations, and it helps create a friendly and approachable atmosphere. Let’s look at a few examples:
- তুমি কাল কিভাবে ছিলে? (Tumi kāl kivhābe chhile?) – How were you yesterday?
- আমি কালকে বন্ধুর সঙ্গে ঘুমাতাম। (Āmi kālke bondhur śonge ghumātām.) – I slept with my friend yesterday.
- কাল আমরা একটি বড় উত্সবে যাবো। (Kāl āmra ekṭi bôṛ ôtshobe jābo.) – We will go to a big celebration tomorrow.
Regional Variations for “Yesterday”
Across different regions of Bangladesh and West Bengal, some variations exist when referring to “yesterday.” While these are not the most commonly used terms, it’s helpful to be aware of them:
- কেটা (kêṭa) – This term is used in some parts of rural Bangladesh and signifies “yesterday.”
- গড়া (gôṛa) – This word is occasionally used in areas of West Bengal to indicate “yesterday.”
It’s important to note that these regional variations may not be as widely understood, so it’s generally safer to stick to “গতকাল” (gatakāl) or “কাল” (kāl) when discussing “yesterday” in Bengali.
Tips: How to Use “Yesterday” Appropriately
Here are a few tips to help you use the word for “yesterday” more effectively:
- Context Matters: Understanding the context of a conversation can guide your choice between formal and informal terms for “yesterday” in Bengali.
- Speak Clearly: Pronunciation is important when using words like “গতকাল” (gatakāl) and “কাল” (kāl). Take your time and practice to ensure clarity.
- Customize Your Language: Mixing formal and informal terms can help tailor your speech to specific situations. Use “গতকাল” (gatakāl) in more official settings and “কাল” (kāl) in casual conversations.
By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to hold conversations and use the word “yesterday” appropriately in Bengali.
