The English word “before” is a versatile preposition and adverb indicating time, order, or position. In Bengali, we have equally versatile words and phrases to convey the nuances of “before.” Let’s explore the various Bengali meanings and uses of this important word.
Before Meaning in Bengali
The most common translation for “before” in Bengali is “আগে” (aage). This word signifies “earlier,” “prior,” or “in front of.” However, there are other Bengali words and phrases that capture specific contexts of “before”:
- পূর্বে (purbe): Before (in time), formerly.
- সম্মুখে (sommukhe): In front of, before (in position).
- সামনে (shamne): In front of, before (in position or time).
- পূর্ববর্তী (purboborti): Previous, prior.
Before অর্থ কী?
“Before” শব্দটি বাংলায় “আগে” (aage) হিসাবে অনুবাদ করা হয়। এর অর্থ পূর্বে, আগে, সামনে, সম্মুখে। “Before” বিভিন্ন প্রসঙ্গে ব্যবহার করা যেতে পারে, যেমন সময়, ক্রম বা অবস্থান নির্দেশ করার জন্য।
Examples
Let’s see how these words are used in context:
- আমি স্কুলে যাওয়ার আগে প্রাতরাশ করি। (I eat breakfast before going to school.)
- সে আমার আগে অফিসে এসেছিল। (She came to the office before me.)
- আমার বাড়ি রাস্তার সামনে। (My house is before the road.)
- আমরা পূর্ববর্তী পরিকল্পনা পরিবর্তন করেছি। (We changed the previous plan.)
Synonyms
Other Bengali words similar to “before” include:
- অতীতে (otite) – In the past
- প্রাক্কালে (prakkale) – On the eve of
- আগাম (aagam) – In advance
Antonyms
Words opposite in meaning to “before” include:
- পরে (pore) – After
- পশ্চাতে (poshchate) – Behind
- পরবর্তী (poroborti) – Next
Phrases and Idioms
Bengali has some idiomatic expressions related to “before”:
- চোখের সামনে (chokher shamne) – In front of one’s eyes
- আগে থেকে (aage theke) – Beforehand
- আগে-পিছে (aage-pichhe) – Sooner or later
Uses
“Before” and its Bengali equivalents are widely used in:
- Time references: Indicating when something happened or will happen.
- Comparisons: Comparing the timing or order of events or actions.
- Describing positions: Explaining where something is located relative to something else.
Conclusion
Understanding the different ways to express “before” in Bengali allows for more precise and nuanced communication. Whether you’re talking about past events, future plans, or spatial relationships, having a grasp of these Bengali words and phrases will enhance your ability to express yourself clearly and accurately.