The English word “custom” is a multi-faceted term that encompasses traditions, habits, and established practices. In Bengali, we have a rich vocabulary and set of expressions to describe the various nuances of custom, reflecting its significance in social, cultural, and personal contexts. Let’s delve into the world of “custom” in Bengali.
Custom Meaning in Bengali
The most common translation for “custom” in Bengali is “রীতি” (riti) or “প্রথা” (protha). These words signify a traditional practice or usual way of doing things. However, there are several other Bengali words and phrases that capture different aspects of custom:
- অভ্যাস (obhyash): Habit, practice, custom.
- দস্তুর (dostur): Custom, tradition, usage.
- চল (chol): Custom, practice, vogue.
- নিয়ম (niyom): Rule, regulation, custom (in a more formal context).
Custom অর্থ কী?
“Custom” শব্দটির বাংলায় প্রধান অনুবাদ হল “রীতি” (riti) বা “প্রথা” (protha)। এছাড়াও “অভ্যাস” (obhyash), “দস্তুর” (dostur), “চল” (chol), এবং “নিয়ম” (niyom) শব্দগুলোও ব্যবহার করা হয়। এই শব্দগুলো দীর্ঘদিন ধরে চলে আসা কোনো আচরণ, প্রথা, বা রীতিকে নির্দেশ করে।
Examples
Here’s how these words are used in context:
- বাংলা নববর্ষ উদযাপন করা বাঙালিদের একটি প্রাচীন রীতি। (Celebrating Bengali New Year is an ancient custom of the Bengali people.)
- এটা আমাদের পারিবারিক প্রথা যে আমরা প্রতি বছর একসাথে পূজা করি। (It’s our family custom to perform puja together every year.)
- সকালে চা খাওয়া তার দীর্ঘদিনের অভ্যাস। (Drinking tea in the morning is his long-standing custom.)
- সামাজিক দূরত্ব বজায় রাখা এখনকার চল। (Maintaining social distance is the current custom.)
Synonyms
Other Bengali words similar to “custom” include:
- পরম্পরা (porompora) – Tradition, heritage
- আচার (achar) – Practice, rite, ritual
- চালচলন (chalcholon) – Way of life, customs, practices
- রীতিনীতি (ritiniti) – Customs and traditions
Antonyms
Words opposite in meaning to “custom” might include:
- অভিনব (obhinobo) – Novel, new, innovative
- অস্বাভাবিক (oshwabhabik) – Unusual, uncommon
Phrases and Idioms
Bengali has a few idioms related to customs:
- দেশাচার (deshachar) – Customs of a country or region
- পুরোনো দস্তুর (purono dostur) – Old custom or tradition
Uses
“Custom” and its Bengali equivalents are used in various contexts:
- Social and cultural discussions: To describe traditions, rituals, and practices.
- Historical and anthropological studies: To analyze the customs and behaviors of different groups or societies.
- Legal contexts: To refer to customary laws or practices.
Conclusion
Understanding the nuanced meanings of “custom” in Bengali allows for a deeper appreciation of the cultural and social fabric of Bengali life. Whether discussing age-old traditions, everyday habits, or legal practices, using the appropriate Bengali words and phrases accurately conveys the significance of customs in shaping our identities and communities.