The English language is vast and filled with words that carry complex meanings and nuances. One such word is “selfish.” We often use it to describe someone who prioritizes their own needs and desires above others, but the true depth of its meaning can be further understood by exploring its translation in other languages. In this blog post, we will delve into the selfish meaning in Bengali, exploring its various interpretations, synonyms, antonyms, and usage in different contexts. By understanding the Bengali perspective on selfishness, we can gain a richer and more comprehensive appreciation of this multifaceted concept.
Selfish Meaning in Bengali
The most direct translation of selfish meaning in Bengali is ” স্বার্থপর” (pronounced as “Sharthopor”). However, the meaning doesn’t end with this single word. Bengali offers several other words and phrases that capture the essence of selfishness, each with subtle differences in connotation. Some other relevant words include:
- আত্মকেন্দ্রিক (Atmokendrik): This word translates to “self-centered” or “egocentric.” It emphasizes the aspect of being focused solely on oneself.
- স্বার্থান্বেষী (Sharthanneshi): This term means “self-seeking” or “one who pursues their own interests.” It highlights the active pursuit of personal gain, often at the expense of others.
- লোভী (Lobhi): While this word primarily means “greedy,” it can also be used to describe someone who is selfishly concerned with accumulating things for themselves.
Understanding these different words provides a broader perspective on the selfish meaning in Bengali. It’s not just about being self-centered but can also involve actively seeking personal benefit and being greedy for possessions or advantages.
Selfish অর্থ কি?
“Selfish” শব্দটির অর্থ হলো স্বার্থপর। এই শব্দটি এমন একজন ব্যক্তিকে বর্ণনা করতে ব্যবহৃত হয় যিনি কেবল নিজের স্বার্থের কথা চিন্তা করেন এবং অন্যের প্রয়োজনের প্রতি উদাসীন থাকেন। স্বার্থপর ব্যক্তিরা প্রায়শই নিজের সুখ এবং সুবিধা অন্যদের চেয়ে বেশি গুরুত্ব দেন, এমনকি এর ফলে অন্যদের ক্ষতি হলেও।
Selfish শব্দটির আরো কিছু অর্থ হতে পারে, যেমন:
- আত্মকেন্দ্রিক (Atmokendrik): এই শব্দটি এমন একজন ব্যক্তিকে বর্ণনা করতে ব্যবহৃত হয় যিনি কেবল নিজের সম্পর্কেই চিন্তা করেন এবং অন্যের প্রতি কোনো আগ্রহ দেখান না।
- স্বার্থান্বেষী (Sharthanneshi): এই শব্দটি এমন একজন ব্যক্তিকে বর্ণনা করতে ব্যবহৃত হয় যিনি কেবল নিজের লাভ খুঁজছেন, এমনকি অন্যের ক্ষতি করেও।
- লোভী (Lobhi): এই শব্দটি এমন একজন ব্যক্তিকে বর্ণনা করতে ব্যবহৃত হয় যিনি অত্যন্ত লোভী এবং সবসময় নিজের জন্য আরও বেশি কিছু চান।
“সেলফিশ” (Selfish) শব্দটি একটি নেতিবাচক শব্দ এবং এটি প্রায়শই কাউকে সমালোচনা করার জন্য ব্যবহৃত হয়।
Examples
Let’s look at some examples of how the selfish meaning in Bengali (” স্বার্থপর”) is used in sentences:
- English: He was selfish and didn’t share his toys with the other children. Bengali: সে স্বার্থপর ছিল এবং অন্য বাচ্চাদের সাথে তার খেলনা ভাগ করেনি। (She sharthopor chilo ebong onno bachchader sathe tar khelna bhag koreni.)
- English: It was selfish of her to eat the last piece of cake without asking. Bengali: জিজ্ঞাসা না করেই কেকের শেষ টুকরোটি খেয়ে ফেলা তার স্বার্থপরতা ছিল। (Jigyasa na korei caker shesh tukroti kheye fela tar sharthoporota chilo.)
- English: Don’t be so selfish; think about others for once. Bengali: এত স্বার্থপর হইও না; একবারে অন্যদের কথা ভাবো। (Eto sharthopor hoio na; ekbare onnyoder kotha bhabo.)
These examples demonstrate how the selfish meaning in Bengali is used to describe actions and behaviors that prioritize one’s own needs over others.
Synonyms
There are many synonyms for “selfish” in English that share a similar selfish meaning in Bengali. Some of them include:
- Self-centered: This is a close synonym, emphasizing the focus on oneself. In Bengali, it translates to “আত্মকেন্দ্রিক” (Atmokendrik).
- Egotistical: This word describes someone excessively conceited or absorbed in themselves; self-loving. In Bengali, it’s similar to “অহংকারী” (Ahongkari) or “আত্মকেন্দ্রিক” (Atmokendrik).
- Narcissistic: This term refers to someone with an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves. Bengali doesn’t have a direct equivalent, but it can be described as “অত্যধিক আত্মমুগ্ধ” (Otyodhika atmomugdho).
- Self-seeking: This describes someone who is focused on pursuing their own interests. The selfish meaning in Bengali for this term is “স্বার্থান্বেষী” (Sharthanneshi).
- Greedy: This highlights the desire to acquire more than one needs. In Bengali, this is “লোভী” (Lobhi).
Each of these synonyms adds a slightly different shade to the understanding of selfishness.
Antonyms
Understanding the antonyms of “selfish” helps to further clarify the selfish meaning in Bengali. Some common antonyms are:
- Selfless: This is the direct opposite of selfish, describing someone who puts others’ needs before their own. In Bengali, it translates to “নিঃস্বার্থ” (Nihshartho).
- Altruistic: This refers to being unselfishly concerned for the welfare of others. In Bengali, it’s similar to “পরার্থপর” (Porarthopor) or “দানশীল” (Danshil).
- Generous: This describes someone who is willing to give and share. In Bengali, it translates to “উদার” (Udar) or “দানশীল” (Danshil).
- Considerate: This means being thoughtful of others’ feelings and needs. In Bengali, it’s similar to “বিবেচক” (Bibechok) or “সহানুভূতিশীল” (Sohanubhutishil).
- Empathetic: This describes someone who can understand and share the feelings of others. In Bengali, it translates to “সহানুভূতিশীল” (Sohanubhutishil).
These antonyms represent the opposite end of the spectrum from selfishness, highlighting qualities of compassion, generosity, and concern for others.
Phrases and Idioms
While there aren’t direct idioms for “selfish” in Bengali, the concept is often expressed through various phrases that capture the selfish meaning in Bengali:
- নিজের ঢাক নিজে পেটানো (Nijer dhak nije petano): Literally translates to “beating one’s own drum.” This phrase describes someone who boasts about themselves and their achievements, a characteristic often associated with selfishness.
- আপন ভালো তো জগত ভালো (Apon bhalo to jogot bhalo): This translates to “If you are good, the world is good.” It’s used to criticize someone who only cares about their own well-being and disregards the needs of others.
- পেটের চিন্তা (Pater chinta): Literally “worry of the stomach.” While this primarily refers to concerns about food and livelihood, it can also imply a focus on one’s own basic needs to the exclusion of others.
Uses
The word “selfish” and its Bengali counterparts are used in various contexts to describe a range of behaviors and personality traits. The selfish meaning in Bengali is employed to:
- Criticize someone’s actions: When someone acts in a way that benefits them at the expense of others, they might be labeled as “স্বার্থপর” (Sharthopor).
- Describe a personality trait: Some individuals are inherently more self-centered than others. These people might be described as having a “স্বার্থপর” (Sharthopor) personality.
- In literature and storytelling: Authors often use selfish characters to create conflict and explore themes of morality and human nature.
- In psychology and self-help: Understanding selfishness is crucial for personal growth and developing healthier relationships.
Conclusion
Exploring the selfish meaning in Bengali provides a deeper understanding of this complex concept. Through its various translations, synonyms, antonyms, and usage in phrases, we see that selfishness in Bengali culture, as in many others, is viewed negatively. It’s associated with self-centeredness, greed, and a disregard for the well-being of others. By examining the nuances of ” স্বার্থপর” (Sharthopor) and related terms, we can gain a more comprehensive appreciation for the importance of empathy, generosity, and consideration in human interactions. Ultimately, understanding the multifaceted nature of selfishness, both in English and Bengali, can help us strive towards more selfless and fulfilling lives.