Slang

1. দারুণ

   darun

   Great

   Usage

   The all-purpose word of praise for food, music or a view. Casual but never coarse, so it is safe with anyone

2. ফাটাফাটি

   fatafati

   Fantastic

   Usage

   A step up from "darun". For friends your age or a shopkeeper you have warmed to — with an elder or in a formal setting, "darun" is safer

3. জোস

   jos

   Awesome

   Usage

   Bangladeshi youth slang. Friends your own age only — with someone older or in a work setting it sounds flippant

4. চরম

   chorom

   Epic

   Usage

   Literally "extreme", used by young people for "amazing". Peer-level talk — it can also swing negative, so watch the reaction

5. সেরা

   shera

   The best

   Usage

   Means "the finest" and turns up on shop signs. A compliment that is safe with anyone

6. ভাই

   bhai

   Bro

   Usage

   Literally "brother". A friendly address to a man your age or a little older — safe with rickshaw drivers and stallholders too. Not used for women

7. আপু

   apu

   Big sister

   Usage

   The female counterpart of "bhai" and the most common address in Bangladesh. Respectful to a woman who looks older than you — not for someone younger

8. দোস্ত

   dost

   Buddy

   Usage

   Only for close friends your own age. With someone you have just met or an elder it is far too familiar

9. আরে

   are

   Hey / Oh!

   Usage

   An interjection for surprise, calling out, or mild protest. Free with friends, but on its own at an elder it sounds brusque

10. আচ্ছা

    achha

    I see / By the way

    Usage

    Both an acknowledgement and a way to change the subject. Rising tone makes it "really?". Safe with anyone

11. চল

    chol

    Let's go

    Usage

    This form is for friends and peers. With an elder or a stranger use the polite "cholun"

12. কী অবস্থা?

    ki obostha?

    What's up?

    Usage

    Literally "what state?". A light greeting for friends your age — with an elder use the polite "kemon achhen?"

13. মজা করছি

    moja korchhi

    Just kidding

    Usage

    Literally "I am having fun", used to walk back a joke that did not land. Safe with anyone

14. টেনশন নিও না

    tension nio na

    Don't stress

    Usage

    Built on the fully naturalised loan "tension". This form is for friends your age — say "chinta korben na" to someone senior

15. বাপ রে

    baap re

    Oh my!

    Usage

    Literally "oh father". An interjection of astonishment — the natural reaction to a price or the heat. Not rude with anyone

16. দেখা যাক

    dekha jak

    We'll see

    Usage

    The set phrase for avoiding a straight answer — it can mean "maybe" or a soft no. Safe with anyone

Browse all TravelPhrases languages