Greetings

1. আসসালামু আলাইকুম

   As-sa-la-mu a-lai-kum

   Peace be upon you (Islamic greeting)

   Usage

   The most common greeting in Bangladesh, widely used among Muslims

   Grammar Note

   An Arabic-origin greeting. The standard reply is "Wa-alaikum as-salam."

2. নমস্কার

   No-mos-kar

   Hello / Greetings (Hindu greeting)

   Usage

   Primarily used by Hindus, but also suitable for formal secular contexts

   Grammar Note

   Sanskrit-origin word. Often accompanied by joining both hands together.

3. আপনি কেমন আছেন?

   A-po-ni ke-mon a-chen?

   How are you? (formal)

   Usage

   Used with elders or people you meet for the first time

   Grammar Note

   Bengali has honorific "apni" and familiar "tumi". Use "apni" with strangers.

4. ভালো আছি, ধন্যবাদ

   Bha-lo a-chi, dhon-no-bad

   I am fine, thank you

   Usage

   Standard response to "How are you?"

   Grammar Note

   "Achi" is the first-person singular of the verb "to be." Contrasts with "achen" (honorific) and "acho" (familiar).

5. আপনার নাম কী?

   A-po-nar nam ki?

   What is your name? (formal)

   Usage

   Polite way to ask someone's name when meeting for the first time

   Grammar Note

   Bengali question word "ki" means "what." Word order is SOV (subject-object-verb).

6. আমার নাম [নাম]

   A-mar nam [name]

   My name is [name]

   Usage

   Basic self-introduction. Replace [name] with your actual name

   Grammar Note

   Bengali often omits the verb "to be." "Amar nam X" is a complete sentence without a verb.

7. ধন্যবাদ

   Dhon-no-bad

   Thank you

   Usage

   The most commonly used expression of gratitude

   Grammar Note

   From Sanskrit "dhanya" (blessed/grateful) + "vada" (expression/speech).

8. মাফ করবেন

   Maf kor-ben

   Excuse me / I'm sorry (formal)

   Usage

   Used to apologize or get someone's attention politely

   Grammar Note

   "Korben" is the polite imperative for "apni." With friends, say "maf koro."

9. আপনি কোথায় থাকেন?

   A-po-ni ko-thay tha-ken?

   Where do you live? (formal)

   Usage

   Common follow-up after greetings. Also used to ask tourists where they are from/staying

   Grammar Note

   "Thaka" means "to live/stay." The "-en" suffix marks the honorific verb form.

10. আবার দেখা হবে

    A-bar de-kha ho-be

    See you again

    Usage

    Polite farewell. "Allah hafez" is also widely used as a goodbye

    Grammar Note

    Literally "meeting will happen again." The future tense "hobe" creates a natural farewell.

11. শুভ সকাল

    Shu-bho so-kal

    Good morning

    Usage

    Morning greeting. "Shubho shondha" for evening, "Shubho ratri" for good night

    Grammar Note

    "Shubho" is a Sanskrit-origin adjective. Combine "shubho" + time of day for various greetings.

12. আপনি কি বাংলাদেশী?

    A-po-ni ki Bang-la-de-shi?

    Are you Bangladeshi?

    Usage

    A conversation starter. Useful for travelers engaging with locals

    Grammar Note

    Bengali yes/no questions are formed by placing "ki" at the beginning or end of the sentence.

13. টয়লেট কোথায়?

    Toy-let ko-thay?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    One of the most essential phrases while traveling. Useful in public places and shops

    Grammar Note

    "Kothay" is the Bengali question word for location. The short form "Toilet kothay?" is understood in everyday speech. Adding "ache" (is/there is) makes a more complete sentence.

14. আমি বাংলা বলতে পারি না

    A-mi Bang-la bol-te pa-ri na

    I can't speak Bengali

    Usage

    Basic phrase to express a language barrier. Use when asking for assistance in another language

    Grammar Note

    "Pari na" is the negative of "pari" (I can). "Bolte" is the infinitive/verbal noun of "bola" (to speak). Structure: "I + Bengali + to speak + cannot".

15. আমি আবার আসব

    A-mi a-bar ash-bo

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop

16. খুব মজা হয়েছে

    Khub mo-ja hoy-e-che

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said when parting ways

17. ধন্যবাদ, আবার দেখা হবে

    Dhon-no-bad, a-bar dek-ha ho-be

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual way to say goodbye

18. শুভ রাত্রি

    Shubho ratri

    Good night

    Usage

    Said before going to sleep, e.g. to a guesthouse host

19. আমি বের হচ্ছি

    Ami ber hochchi

    I'm heading out

    Usage

    Said when leaving the guesthouse

20. আমি ফিরে এসেছি

    Ami fire eshechi

    I'm back

    Usage

    Said when returning to the guesthouse

21. আমি আগে যাচ্ছি

    Ami age jacchi

    I'll be going now

    Usage

    Said when leaving before others, e.g. at a meal

22. কোনো ব্যাপার না

    Kono byapar na

    You're welcome

    Usage

    Response to being thanked (literally "it's no big deal")

Browse all TravelPhrases languages