In our everyday lives, whether it’s waiting for a bus or standing in line at a grocery store, we often encounter situations where patience is key. The concept of a “queue” encapsulates this orderly waiting, and in Bengali, it has a rich presence with diverse applications.
Queue Meaning in Bengali
In Bengali, “queue” is primarily translated as “সারি” (pronounced “shari”). This word denotes a line or sequence of people, objects, or even digital data, all awaiting their turn in an organized manner.
Examples of ‘Queue’
- Bus Stop: “বাস স্টপে অনেক লম্বা সারি” (Bas stope onek lomba shari) – There is a very long queue at the bus stop.
- Bank: “ব্যাংকে টাকা তুলতে সারিতে দাঁড়িয়ে আছি” (Bank-e taka tulte sarite darie achi) – I am standing in the queue to withdraw money from the bank.
- Computer: “প্রিন্টারের কিউতে অনেক ফাইল আছে” (Printer-er queue-te onek file ache) – There are many files in the printer queue.
- Everyday Speech: “আমি সিনেমার টিকিট কিনতে সারিতে ছিলাম” (Ami cinema-r ticket kinte sarite chilam) – I was in the queue to buy movie tickets.
Synonyms of Queue
While “সারি” (shari) is the most common term, Bengali offers several synonyms that subtly shade the meaning:
- লাইন (Line): Borrowed from English, it’s often used interchangeably with “সারি.”
- পंक्ति (Pankti): A more formal or literary term, often used in contexts like poetry or religious ceremonies.
- ক্রম (Krom): This emphasizes the sequential nature of a queue.
- অপেক্ষমান সারি (Opekkhaman Shari): Literally “waiting line,” highlighting the act of waiting within the queue.
Antonyms of Queue
There isn’t a direct antonym for “queue” in Bengali, as the concept implies order. However, words like “বিশৃঙ্খলা” (bishrinkhola – disorder) or “এলোমেলো” (elomelo – random) can describe the absence of a queue.
Phrases Related to ‘Queue’:
- সারিতে দাঁড়ানো (Sarite darano) – To stand in a queue.
- সারি ভাঙা (Shari bhanga) – To break a queue (i.e., cut in line).
- সারির প্রথমে/শেষে (Sharir prothome/sheshe) – At the front/end of the queue.
Cultural Significance
In Bengali culture, queuing is often associated with patience and respect for order. Cutting in line (“সারি ভাঙা”) is considered rude and disrespectful. There are also instances where queues take on cultural significance, such as during religious festivals or community events.
Conclusion
The concept of a “queue” is deeply ingrained in Bengali life, language, and culture. Whether you’re waiting for your turn at a street food stall or navigating a digital queue online, understanding the nuances of “সারি” and its related terms helps you communicate effectively and appreciate the cultural context of this common practice.