The word “parents” is a cornerstone of human society. It represents the foundation of family, the source of nurture, and the origin of our very being. Understanding the word “parents” and its nuances across different languages allows us to appreciate the universality of this fundamental human concept. While the English word “parents” is widely understood, exploring its equivalent in other languages, such as Bengali, offers a deeper insight into cultural values and familial relationships. This blog post will delve into the parents meaning in Bengali, exploring its literal translation, synonyms, antonyms, usage, and cultural context. We’ll also touch upon common phrases and idioms related to parents in the Bengali language, providing a comprehensive understanding of this important word.
Parents Meaning in Bengali
The most direct translation of “parents” in Bengali is বাবা-মা (baba-ma). This is a compound word, where বাবা (baba) means “father” and মা (ma) means “mother.” Together, they signify the parental unit, just like the English word “parents.” Another common term is পিতা-মাতা (pita-mata), which is a more formal and literary term for parents. While both বাবা-মা (baba-ma) and পিতা-মাতা (pita-mata) are widely understood and used, বাবা-মা (baba-ma) is more prevalent in everyday conversation.
Parents অর্থ কি?
প্যারেন্টস (Parents) শব্দটির অর্থ হল বাবা-মা (baba-ma) অথবা পিতা-মাতা (pita-mata)। এই শব্দ দুটি একজন ব্যক্তির জন্মদাতা এবং জন্মদাত্রীকে বোঝায়। বাবা (baba) বলতে আমরা বুঝি একজন পুরুষের ভূমিকায় থাকা পিতাকে, এবং মা (ma) বলতে বুঝি একজন নারীর ভূমিকায় থাকা মাতাকে। একত্রে, তারা বাবা-মা (baba-ma), যা ইংরেজি শব্দ “প্যারেন্টস” (Parents)-এর সমার্থক। পিতা-মাতা (pita-mata) শব্দটি আরও আনুষ্ঠানিক এবং প্রায়শই সাহিত্যে ব্যবহৃত হয়। পিতা (pita) মানে “বাবা” (baba) এবং মাতা (mata) মানে “মা” (ma)।
Examples
Let’s look at some examples of how “parents” and its Bengali equivalents are used in sentences:
- English: My parents are coming to visit me next week.
- Bengali: আমার বাবা-মা (amar baba-ma) আগামী সপ্তাহে আমার সাথে দেখা করতে আসছেন। (Pronunciation: Amar baba-ma agami soptahe amar sathe dekha korte ashchhen.)
- Formal Bengali: আমার পিতা-মাতা (amar pita-mata) আগামী সপ্তাহে আমার সহিত সাক্ষাৎ করিতে আসিতেছেন। (Pronunciation: Amar pita-mata agami soptahe amar shohit shakhat korite ashitechhen.)
- English: She is very close to her parents.
- Bengali: সে তার বাবা-মার (she tar baba-mar) খুব কাছের। (Pronunciation: She tar baba-mar khub kachher.)
- Formal Bengali: সে তার পিতা-মাতার (she tar pita-matar) অত্যন্ত নিকটবর্তী। (Pronunciation: She tar pita-matar otyonto nikotborti.)
- English: The school organized a meeting for parents.
- Bengali: স্কুলটি বাবা-মাদের (school-ti baba-mader) জন্য একটি মিটিংয়ের আয়োজন করেছিল। (Pronunciation: School-ti baba-mader jonno ekti meeting-er ayojon korechhilo.)
- Formal Bengali: বিদ্যালয়টি পিতা-মাতাদের (bidyaloy-ti pita-matader) জন্য একটি সভার আয়োজন করিয়াছিল। (Pronunciation: Bidyaloy-ti pita-matader jonno ekti sobhar ayojon koriyachhilo.)
Synonyms
While বাবা-মা (baba-ma) and পিতা-মাতা (pita-mata) are the most common translations for “parents,” there are a few other related words that can be considered synonyms, depending on the context:
- অভিভাবক (abhibhabok): This word translates to “guardian” or “custodian.” It can be used to refer to parents or any other adult responsible for a child’s well-being.
- জননী-জনক (jononi-jonok): This is a very formal and literary term for “mother and father.”
- জন্মদাতা-জন্মদাত্রী (jonmodata-jonmodatri): This translates to “one who gives birth – male and female” respectively, emphasizing the biological aspect of parenthood.
Antonyms
The concept of “parents” doesn’t have a direct antonym in the same way that words like “hot” and “cold” are opposites. However, we can consider words that represent the opposite side of the parent-child relationship:
- সন্তান (shontan): This word means “child” or “offspring.”
- ছেলে (chhele): This means “son” or “boy.”
- মেয়ে (meye): This means “daughter” or “girl.”
Phrases and Idioms
The Bengali language is rich with phrases and idioms related to parents and family. Here are a few examples:
- বাপকা বেটা (bap ka beta): Literally translates to “father’s son.” This is similar to the English phrase “like father, like son” and implies that the son has inherited qualities from his father.
- মায়ের আঁচল (mayer anchol): Literally translates to “mother’s আঁচল (anchol – the loose end of a saree).” This phrase refers to the protective and nurturing nature of a mother. A child who is always under his “mayer anchol” is considered to be overly sheltered.
- পিতা-মাতার সেবা করা (pita-matar seba kora): This means “to serve one’s parents,” highlighting the cultural importance of filial piety in Bengali society.
Uses
The word “parents” and its Bengali equivalents are used in a wide range of contexts:
- Family discussions: Talking about family members, planning events, and discussing family matters.
- Legal documents: Identifying legal guardians, establishing parental rights, and addressing custody issues.
- Educational settings: Communicating with parents about a child’s progress, organizing parent-teacher meetings, and addressing school-related concerns.
- Healthcare: Obtaining consent for medical treatment, discussing a child’s medical history, and providing care instructions.
- Social and cultural contexts: Discussing family values, understanding social structures, and expressing respect for elders.
Conclusion
Understanding the parents meaning in Bengali goes beyond simply knowing the literal translation. It involves appreciating the cultural nuances, the various synonyms, and the rich tapestry of phrases and idioms that surround this fundamental concept. বাবা-মা (baba-ma) or পিতা-মাতা (pita-mata) are not just words; they represent the core of family, the source of love, and the foundation of society in Bengali culture. This exploration of the word “parents” in Bengali highlights the importance of language in understanding not only words but also the values and relationships that shape our lives. By delving into the intricacies of language, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways in which different cultures express universal human experiences.