The English word “companion” doesn’t have a single, direct, one-size-fits-all translation in Bengali. Instead, the most appropriate Bengali word depends heavily on the context, the nature of the relationship, and the specific nuance intended. However, several common and widely accepted Bengali words convey the core meaning of “companion.”
The most frequent translations include:
- সঙ্গী (Shongi): This is perhaps the most versatile and common translation. It generally refers to someone who accompanies another, shares an activity, or is simply present alongside someone. It can apply to friends, travel partners, or even associates in a particular task. It implies a sense of togetherness or accompaniment.
- সাথি (Sathi): This term carries a slightly deeper connotation of partnership, closeness, and mutual support than Shongi. While it can overlap with Shongi, Sathi often implies a more enduring or significant relationship, like a close friend, a life partner (though less common than other terms for spouse), or a long-term associate. It emphasizes shared journey or purpose.
- সহচর (Shohochor): This word often implies someone who follows or accompanies another, sometimes in a slightly subordinate or attendant role, but more generally, it means someone who is constantly present or associated with another. It can have a slightly more formal or literary feel than Shongi or Sathi. It emphasizes the aspect of being ‘together’ or ‘alongside’.
- বন্ধু (Bondhu): While the primary meaning of Bondhu is “friend,” it can sometimes be used in contexts where “companion” fits in English, especially when referring to a close associate with whom one shares time and activities. However, “friend” is its core meaning.
- জুড়ি (Juri): This word means ‘pair’ or ‘match’. In certain contexts, it can imply a companion, especially when referring to one part of a pair (e.g., “Where is its companion piece?” could be translated using Juri).
Therefore, understanding the “Companion Meaning in Bengali” requires recognizing that Shongi, Sathi, and Shohochor are the primary equivalents, each with subtle differences in emphasis – accompaniment (Shongi), partnership (Sathi), and constant association (Shohochor). The choice depends entirely on the specific context of the companionship being described.
Companion অর্থ কি?
Companion শব্দটির বাংলা অর্থ হলো এমন একজন ব্যক্তি, প্রাণী বা বস্তু যা অন্য কারো সাথে থাকে বা সময় কাটায়। এটি সঙ্গ, বন্ধুত্ব বা সহচার্য প্রকাশ করে। বিভিন্ন পরিস্থিতিতে এর বিভিন্ন বাংলা প্রতিশব্দ ব্যবহৃত হয়।
Companion এর কয়েকটি প্রধান বাংলা অর্থ বা প্রতিশব্দ হলো:
- সঙ্গী (Shongi): যিনি সঙ্গে থাকেন বা কোনো কাজে সঙ্গ দেন। যেমন – ভ্রমণ সঙ্গী (travel companion)।
- সাথি (Sathi): যিনি জীবনের পথে বা কোনো দীর্ঘমেয়াদী কাজে পাশে থাকেন; বন্ধু বা অংশীদার বোঝাতেও ব্যবহৃত হয়। যেমন – জীবন সাথি (life partner), খেলার সাথি (playmate)।
- সহচর (Shohochor): যিনি সর্বদা পাশে বা সঙ্গে থাকেন, একসাথে চলাফেরা করেন। এর মধ্যে ঘনিষ্ঠতার ভাব থাকে।
- বন্ধু (Bondhu): যদিও এর প্রধান অর্থ ‘friend’, অনেক সময় সহচর বা সঙ্গী অর্থেও ব্যবহার করা যেতে পারে।
- জুড়ি (Juri): কোনো জোড়ার একটি অংশ বোঝাতে এটি ব্যবহৃত হতে পারে (যেমন – companion piece)।
সুতরাং, Companion এর অর্থ নির্ভর করে বাক্যটিতে এটি কীভাবে এবং কী প্রসঙ্গে ব্যবহৃত হচ্ছে তার উপর।
Companion শব্দটির বাংলায় উচ্চারণ হলো – কম্প্যানিয়ন (Kômpæniẏôn)।
Examples
Seeing the word “companion” used in sentences and their Bengali translations helps illustrate the contextual nuances of its meaning.
- English: He has been a loyal companion throughout my struggles.
- Bengali: আমার কঠিন সময়ে সে একজন বিশ্বস্ত সাথি হয়ে থেকেছে। (Amar kothin shomôye she ekjon bishshôstô sathi hôye thekechhe.) – Here, “Sathi” emphasizes enduring support.
- English: My dog is my constant companion on my morning walks.
- Bengali: আমার কুকুরটি আমার সকালের হাঁটার সময় আমার নিত্য সঙ্গী। (Amar kukurṭi amar shokaler hnāṭar shomôy amar nittyô shongi.) – Here, “Shongi” fits well for someone (or an animal) accompanying an activity.
- English: She hired a companion to help her with daily tasks.
- Bengali: তিনি তার দৈনন্দিন কাজে সাহায্য করার জন্য একজন সহচর/সঙ্গী নিয়োগ করেছিলেন। (Tini tār doinôndin kajē shahajyô kôrar jônyô ekjon shôhôchôr/shongi niyog korechilen.) – “Shohochor” or “Shongi” could work, depending on the expected closeness or role.
- English: This dictionary is a useful companion for language learners.
- Bengali: এই অভিধানটি ভাষা শিক্ষার্থীদের জন্য একটি দরকারি সহচর। (Ei ôbhidhanṭi bhasha shikkharthider jônyô ekṭi dôrkari shôhôchôr.) – Here, “Shohochor” works well for an inanimate object that provides constant support or reference.
- English: They were traveling companions on the long journey.
- Bengali: দীর্ঘ যাত্রায় তারা একে অপরের ভ্রমণ সঙ্গী ছিল। (Dirghô jātrāy tārā eke ôpôrer bhrômôn shongi chhilo.) – “Shongi” is ideal for a temporary association like travel.
These examples show how Shongi, Sathi, and Shohochor are chosen based on the relationship’s nature (temporary, enduring, supportive, activity-based) and whether the companion is human, animal, or object.
Synonyms
Understanding the synonyms of “companion” in English and their Bengali counterparts further clarifies its meaning.
- Friend: A person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.
- Bengali: বন্ধু (Bondhu), মিত্র (Mitro – more formal)
- Partner: A person who takes part in an undertaking with another or others, especially in a business or firm with shared risks and profits; also refers to a spouse or established romantic partner.
- Bengali: অংশীদার (Ongshidar – business partner), সাথি (Sathi – general partner, sometimes life partner), স্বামী/স্ত্রী (Shami/Stri – husband/wife)
- Associate: A partner or companion in business or at work; someone connected with another person or group of people professionally.
- Bengali: সহযোগী (Shohojogi), সহকর্মী (Shohokormi – colleague)
- Colleague: A person with whom one works, especially in a profession or business.
- Bengali: সহকর্মী (Shohokormi)
- Mate: (Informal) A friend or companion; also one of a pair (especially animals).
- Bengali: সাথি (Sathi), বন্ধু (Bondhu – informal friend), জুড়ি (Juri – one of a pair)
- Escort: A person, vehicle, or group accompanying another for protection or as a mark of status.
- Bengali: সঙ্গী (Shongi – general accompaniment), প্রহরী (Prohori – guard), পথপ্রদর্শক (Pôthôprôdôrshôk – guide)
- Ally: A person or organization that cooperates with or helps another in a particular activity, often in a conflict or struggle.
- Bengali: মিত্র (Mitro), সহযোগী (Shohojogi)
While these words share similarities with “companion,” they each have specific connotations (friendship, work, romance, protection) that differentiate them. The Bengali translations reflect these specific nuances.
Antonyms
Examining the antonyms of “companion” helps define it by what it is not.
- Enemy: A person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.
- Bengali: শত্রু (Shotru), দুশমন (Dushman – colloquial/Urdu influence)
- Opponent: Someone who competes with or opposes another in a contest, game, or argument.
- Bengali: প্রতিপক্ষ (Protipôkkhô), প্রতিদ্বন্দ্বী (Protidbôndbi – rival)
- Rival: A person or thing competing with another for the same objective or for superiority in the same field of activity.
- Bengali: প্রতিদ্বন্দ্বী (Protidbôndbi), প্রতিযোগী (Protijogi – competitor)
- Adversary: One’s opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute.
- Bengali: প্রতিপক্ষ (Protipôkkhô), বিরোধী (Birodhi – one who opposes)
- Stranger: A person whom one does not know or with whom one is not familiar.
- Bengali: আগন্তুক (Agôntuk – newcomer), অপরিচিত (Opôrichitô – unknown person)
- Isolate: A person or thing that has been or become isolated.
- Bengali: একাকী ব্যক্তি (Ekaki byôkti – solitary person), বিচ্ছিন্ন (Bichchhinnô – detached/isolated)
These antonyms highlight that a companion is fundamentally about connection, presence, and shared space or purpose, contrasting sharply with hostility, opposition, unfamiliarity, or solitude.
Grammar
Understanding the grammatical role of “companion” helps in using it correctly.
- Part of Speech: “Companion” is primarily used as a noun.
- Countability: It is a countable noun. You can have one companion or many companions.
- Forms and Inflections:
- Singular: companion
- Plural: companions (e.g., “They were good companions.”)
- Possessive Singular: companion’s (e.g., “The companion’s duty was to assist.”)
- Possessive Plural: companions’ (e.g., “The companions’ luggage was loaded.”)
- Related Forms:
- Verb: accompany (meaning to go somewhere with someone as a companion or escort).
- Noun: companionship (meaning a feeling of fellowship or friendship; the state of having a companion).
- Adjective: companionable (meaning friendly and sociable).
In Bengali, the corresponding words (Shongi, Sathi, Shohochor) are also nouns. They follow Bengali grammar rules for pluralization (often by context or adding suffixes like -রা (-ra) for humans, -গুলো (-gulo) for general plurals) and possessives (using the genitive marker -র (-r) or -এর (-er)). For example:
- সঙ্গী (Shongi – singular) -> সঙ্গীরা (Shongi-ra – plural, humans), সঙ্গীর (Shongi-r – possessive)
- সাথি (Sathi – singular) -> সাথিগুলো (Sathi-gulo – plural, general), সাথির (Sathi-r – possessive)
Uses
The word “companion” is versatile and used in various contexts:
- Human Relationships: This is the most common use, referring to friends, partners, travel buddies, or someone providing company, especially for the elderly or lonely. The depth of the relationship dictates whether Shongi, Sathi, or Bondhu is the best fit in Bengali.
- Animal Companionship: Pets like dogs, cats, birds, etc., are often referred to as companion animals because they provide company and emotional support. In Bengali, one might use Shongi or Sathi, or simply refer to them as পোষা প্রাণী (posha prani – pet animal).
- Inanimate Objects: Sometimes, objects that are frequently used or relied upon are figuratively called companions. A trusty tool, a favorite book, or a helpful guide can be a “companion.” Shohochor is often a good fit here in Bengali (e.g., বই হলো মানুষের সবচেয়ে ভালো সহচর – Boi holo manusher shôbcheye bhalo shohochor – Books are man’s best companion).
- Abstract Concepts: Less commonly, abstract nouns might be described with companionship, usually negatively (e.g., “Fear was his only companion”). Bengali would typically phrase this differently, perhaps focusing on the pervasiveness of the abstract noun (e.g., ভয়ই তার সর্বক্ষণের সঙ্গী ছিল – Bhôi-i tar shorbôkkhôner shongi chhilo – Fear was his constant companion).
- Paired Items: Referring to one item that naturally goes with another (e.g., a companion volume to a book, a companion piece of furniture). Bengali might use Juri (pair) or describe it relationally (e.g., এই বইটির জুড়ি খণ্ড – ei boiṭir juri khônḍô – the companion volume of this book).
Related Phrases
Several common English phrases use “companion,” and understanding their Bengali equivalents is useful:
- Traveling Companion: Someone who travels with you.
- Bengali: ভ্রমণ সঙ্গী (Bhrômôn Shongi)
- Constant Companion: Someone or something that is always with you.
- Bengali: নিত্য সঙ্গী (Nittyô Shongi), সর্বক্ষণের সঙ্গী (Shorbôkkhôner Shongi), or sometimes নিত্য সহচর (Nittyô Shohochor)
- Companion Animal: An animal kept primarily for a person’s company or entertainment rather than as livestock or a working animal; a pet.
- Bengali: সাথি প্রাণী (Sathi Prani), পোষা প্রাণী (Posha Prani – Pet)
- Companion Piece: An artwork, piece of music, or literary work intrinsically linked with another and intended to be experienced with it.
- Bengali: জুড়ি কাজ (Juri Kaj – pair work), আনুষঙ্গিক রচনা/শিল্পকর্ম (Anushôngik Rôchona/Shilpôkôrmô – accompanying composition/artwork)
- Companion Planting: The close planting of different plants that enhance each other’s growth or protect each other from pests.
- Bengali: সাথি ফসল চাষ (Sathi Fôshôl Chash – companion crop cultivation), পরিপূরক চাষ (Poripurôk Chash – complementary cultivation)
- Paid Companion: Someone hired to provide company, typically for an elderly or infirm person.
- Bengali: বেতনভোগী সঙ্গী (Betônbhôgi Shongi), ভাড়াটে সঙ্গী (Bharaṭe Shongi – hired companion)
These phrases demonstrate how the core idea of “companion” extends into various specific contexts, often using Shongi or Sathi in their Bengali forms.
Conclusion
The English word “companion” encapsulates a fundamental human (and sometimes animal or even object-related) need for togetherness, support, and shared experience. Translating this concept into Bengali reveals not a single word, but a palette of terms – Shongi (সঙ্গী), Sathi (সাথি), and Shohochor (সহচর) being the most prominent – each subtly shaded by the context of the relationship. Shongi often implies accompaniment, Sathi suggests partnership and closeness, while Shohochor denotes constant association, sometimes with a formal or literary touch.