The English word “Coward” translates to Bengali in a few ways. However, the most common and direct meaning is কাপুরুষ (Kapurush). This word specifically means someone who is not brave. It points to a person who shows fear when facing danger, pain, or difficulty.
Another related Bengali word is ভীরু (Bhiru). “Bhiru” means timid or fearful. While a coward is often timid, “Kapurush” carries a stronger sense of shame or disapproval. It implies a failure to act bravely when expected. So, “Kapurush” is the best fit for “Coward”. It captures the lack of courage and the negative judgment associated with it.
Coward অর্থ কি?
“Coward” শব্দটির বাংলা অর্থ হলো কাপুরুষ (Kapurush)।
এর উচ্চারণ হলো: কা – পু – রুষ (Ka-pu-rush)।
সাধারণত, যে ব্যক্তি খুব সহজে ভয় পায় অথবা বিপদ বা কঠিন পরিস্থিতির মুখোমুখি হতে সাহস দেখায় না, তাকে কাপুরুষ বলা হয়। এই শব্দটি প্রায়শই নিন্দাসূচক বা অপমানজনকভাবে ব্যবহৃত হয়।
এর কাছাকাছি আরেকটি শব্দ হলো ভীরু (Bhiru), যার অর্থ লাজুক বা ভীতু। তবে কাপুরুষ শব্দটি সাহসের অভাবকে আরও জোরালোভাবে প্রকাশ করে।
Examples
Understanding a word becomes easier with examples. Here are some English sentences using “coward” and their Bengali translations:
- English: He was afraid to fight, so they called him a coward.Bengali: সে লড়াই করতে ভয় পেয়েছিল, তাই তারা তাকে কাপুরুষ বলেছিল। (Shey lorai korte bhoy peyechhilo, tai tara take kapurush bolechhilo.)
- English: Don’t be a coward; stand up for what is right.Bengali: কাপুরুষ হয়ো না; যা সঠিক তার জন্য রুখে দাঁড়াও। (Kapurush hoyo na; ja shothik tar jonno rukhe dãrao.)
- English: Only a coward would run away from their responsibilities.Bengali: কেবল একজন কাপুরুষই তার দায়িত্ব থেকে পালিয়ে যাবে। (Kebol ekjon kapurush-i tar dayitto theke paliye jabe.)
- English: The soldier was accused of being a coward in the face of the enemy.Bengali: শত্রুর মুখে সৈনিককে কাপুরুষ বলে অভিযুক্ত করা হয়েছিল। (Shotrur mukhe shoinik-ke kapurush bole obhijukto kora hoyechhilo.)
These examples show how “coward” or “কাপুরুষ” is used to describe someone lacking bravery in different situations.
Synonyms
Synonyms are words that have a similar meaning. Knowing synonyms helps expand vocabulary. Here are some English synonyms for “coward”:
- Craven
- Chicken (Informal)
- Yellow-belly (Informal/Slang)
- Weakling
- Spineless
- Timid
- Fearful
- Faint-hearted
These words all suggest a lack of courage, though some are more informal or insulting than others.
Antonyms
Antonyms are words that have the opposite meaning. The opposite of being a coward is being brave. Here are some English antonyms for “coward”:
- Hero
- Brave person
- Courageous person
- Valiant
- Fearless
- Bold
- Daring
- Gallant
These words describe people who show courage, bravery, and strength, especially in difficult or dangerous situations.
Grammar
Understanding the grammar of “coward” helps use it correctly.
- Part of Speech: “Coward” is most commonly used as a noun. It refers to a person who lacks courage (e.g., “He is a coward”).
- Noun Forms:
- Singular: coward
- Plural: cowards
- Adjective Use: While “coward” itself can sometimes be used informally as an adjective (e.g., “a coward decision”), the standard adjective form is cowardly. “Cowardly” describes an action or characteristic (e.g., “a cowardly act,” “He has a cowardly nature”).
- Adverb Form: The adverb form is also cowardly (e.g., “He acted cowardly”).
- Related Noun: The abstract noun referring to the quality of being a coward is cowardice (e.g., “His cowardice was shocking”).
So, we have:
- Coward (noun – the person)
- Cowards (plural noun)
- Cowardly (adjective – describes something)
- Cowardly (adverb – describes how an action is done)
- Cowardice (noun – the quality)
Uses
The word “coward” is used in several ways:
- To Describe a Person: Its main use is to label someone who shows excessive fear and avoids danger or difficulty.
- As an Insult: Calling someone a “coward” is often intended as a strong insult or criticism. It questions their bravery and integrity.
- In Storytelling: Authors use the word to develop characters, create conflict, or highlight themes of bravery versus fear.
- To Describe Actions: The adjective “cowardly” is used to describe actions that are done without courage, often involving deceit or attacking someone weaker (e.g., “a cowardly attack from behind”).
- In Discussions of Morality: The concept of cowardice often comes up in discussions about moral choices and duties.
Related Phrases
There are several common English phrases related to “coward” or “cowardice”:
- Act like a coward: To behave in a way that shows lack of courage.
- Coward’s way out: An easy but dishonorable solution to avoid a difficult situation (often implies suicide, but can be used more broadly).
- Brand someone a coward: To publicly label or accuse someone of being a coward.
- Show one’s cowardly nature: To reveal a lack of courage through actions.
- Yellow streak: (Informal) A tendency towards cowardice.
These phrases help express different aspects of being or acting like a coward.
Conclusion
The English word “coward” carries a strong negative meaning. It describes someone who fails to show courage when it is needed. The most direct and common Bengali translation for “coward” is কাপুরুষ (Kapurush). Understanding this word, its Bengali meaning, synonyms, antonyms, and how it’s used grammatically helps in clear communication. Whether reading a book, watching a movie, or talking with friends, knowing what “coward” means in both English and Bengali allows for a better understanding of the descriptions of people and their actions. It highlights the universal human concepts of fear and bravery across different cultures and languages.