The interrogative pronoun “who” is a fundamental tool in language, used to inquire about the identity or nature of people. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the meaning of “who” in Bengali, exploring its various translations, grammatical functions, and cultural nuances. We’ll also discuss the importance of using the correct form of “who” in different contexts and provide examples to illustrate its usage.
Who Meaning in Bengali
In Bengali, the most common translations for “who” are:
- কে (ke): This is the most versatile and frequently used translation for “who.” It is used to ask about the identity of a person in both singular and plural forms.
- কারা (kara): This is the plural form of “ke” and is used to inquire about multiple people.
- যে (je) or যিনি (jini): These terms can also be used to mean “who,” but they are more formal and often used in written or polite contexts.
The appropriate Bengali word for “who” will depend on the specific context, the level of formality, and whether you are referring to one person or multiple people.
Who অর্থ কী?
“Who” (উচ্চারণ: হু) শব্দটি ইংরেজি থেকে আগত একটি প্রশ্নবাচক সর্বনাম যা কোনো ব্যক্তি বা ব্যক্তিবর্গের পরিচয় সম্পর্কে জিজ্ঞাসা করতে ব্যবহৃত হয়। বাংলায় এর প্রধান অর্থ হলো:
- কে (ke): একজন বা একাধিক ব্যক্তির পরিচয় জিজ্ঞাসা করতে ব্যবহৃত হয়।
- কারা (kara): একাধিক ব্যক্তির পরিচয় জিজ্ঞাসা করতে ব্যবহৃত হয়।
- যে (je) বা যিনি (jini): “কে” এর পরিবর্তে ব্যবহার করা যেতে পারে, তবে এটি বেশি আনুষ্ঠানিক এবং প্রায়শই লিখিত বা শালীন প্রসঙ্গে ব্যবহৃত হয়।
Examples
Here are some examples showcasing the use of “who” in Bengali sentences:
- কে এসেছে? (Ke esheche?) – Who has come?
- তুমি কার সাথে কথা বলছিলে? (Tumi kar shathe kotha bolchile?) – Who were you talking to?
- যিনি এই কাজ করেছেন, তিনি কে? (Jini ei kaj korechen, tini ke?) – Who did this work? (formal)
- কারা এই অনুষ্ঠানে যাবে? (Kara ei onushthane jabe?) – Who will go to this event?
- তুমি কার কথা বলছ? (Tumi kar kotha bolcho?) – Who are you talking about?
Synonyms
Some Bengali synonyms for “who” include:
- কে (ke)
- কারা (kara)
- যে (je)
- যিনি (jini)
- কোন ব্যক্তি (kon byakti) – which person
Antonyms
Since “who” is an interrogative pronoun, it doesn’t have a direct antonym. However, you could say “কেউ না” (keu na) to mean “nobody” or “no one.”
Phrases and Idioms
- Who knows? কে জানে? (Ke jane?)
- Who cares? কার কি যায় আসে? (Kar ki jay ashe?)
- Who’s who: কে কে (ke ke) – a reference book containing information about prominent people
Uses
The word “who” is used in various contexts in Bengali:
- Questions: To ask about the identity of a person or people.
- Relative Clauses: To introduce a clause that provides more information about a person. For example, “The man who helped me was very kind.”
- Exclamations: To express surprise or disbelief. For example, “Who would have thought!”
Conclusion
Understanding the nuances of “who” in Bengali is essential for effective communication and asking questions correctly. By using the appropriate form of “who” in different contexts, you can express yourself clearly and avoid misunderstandings. Whether you’re asking for someone’s name, inquiring about their profession, or simply trying to understand who is involved in a particular situation, knowing how to use “who” in Bengali will enhance your language skills and cultural awareness.