Sylheti phrasebook

In Sylheti: <span style="font-size:12pt;">ছিলটী</span>/ꠍꠤꠟꠐꠤ Silôṭi; in Bengali: <span style="font-size:12pt;">সিলেটী</span> Sileṭī is the language of Sylhet (the Surma Valley), located in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh, and also spoken in parts of the Northeast India states of Assam (the Barak Valley and the Hojai district) and Tripura (the North Tripura district). It is also spoken by a significant population in the other north-eastern states of India and some citizens in the United Kingdom, United States, and amongst the expatriate communities in South-east Asia (Malaysia, Singapore) and the Middle East.

Travel guides:<br>

• Sylhet
• London
• North-Eastern India

Pronunciation guide

Pronouncing Syloti words will be much easier if you note:

Vowels

/i/ (ꠁ)

:: Press<br> ::: sif [s__i__ɸ]<br>

/ɛ/ (ꠄ)

:: Spit<br> ::: sef [s__ɛ__ɸ]<br>

/ɔ/ (ꠅ)

:: Snack<br> ::: sof [s__ɔ__ɸ]<br>

/a/ (ꠀ)

:: Pressure <br> ::: saf [s__a__ɸ] <br>

/u/ (ꠃ)

:: Quite <br> ::: suf [s__u__ɸ] <br>

Consonants

Fricative:<br>

Sylheti is distinguished by a wide range of fricative sounds, which correspond to aspirated stops and a lack of the breathy voiced stops; word-final stress. It is characterised by a loss of breathiness and aspiration contrasts, leading to a significant reduction in its phoneme inventory and development of tones. For example - (p → ɸ; pʰ → ɸ), (k → x; kʰ → x) and (tʃ → s; tʃʰ → s; dʒ → z; dʒʱ → z).

Fricative

/k~x/ (ꠇ/ꠈ)

::Room<br> ::: Kuta (kúʈá) with high tone.<br> ::Taunting<br> ::: Kuta (kùʈà) with low tone. ::Stick<br> ::: Kuta (kūʈā) with mid tone.<br> ::Deaf<br> ::: Xal (xál) with high tone.<br> ::Skin or Canal<br> ::: Xal (xàl) with low tone. ::Bad-time<br> ::: Xal (xāl) with mid tone.<br>

/ɸ~f/ (ꠙ/ꠚ)

::Goat<br> ::: Fata (ɸáʈá) with high tone.<br> ::Torn<br> ::: Fata (ɸàʈà) with low tone. ::Grindstone<br> ::: Fata (ɸāʈā) with mid tone.<br> ::Fan<br> ::: Faxa (ɸáxá) with high tone.<br> ::Empty<br> ::: Faxa (ɸàxà) with low tone. ::Ripe<br> ::: Faxa (ɸāxā) with mid tone.<br>

Voiced fricative

/z/ (ꠎ/ꠏ)<br>

::Net<br> ::: zal (z̀al) with low tone.<br> ::Spicy<br> ::: zal (zál ) with high tone.<br>

/ɦ/ (ꠢ)<br>

::Lid ::: hora (hòra) with low tone <br> ::Move it <br> ::: hora (hóra) with high tone <br>

Flap

/ɾ/ (ꠞ)

::Stay<br> ::: ro (rò) with low tone.<br> ::Cultivate<br> ::: ro (ró ) with high tone.<br>

Approximant

/l/ (ꠟ)

::Take, Catch<br> ::: lo (lò) with low tone.<br> ::Purchase<br> ::: lo (ló ) with high tone.<br>

Nasals

/m/ (ꠝ)<br>

::I <br> :::mui<br> ::Mom<br> :::mai<br> ::Mom's elder sister (aunty)<br> :::moi<br>

/n/ (ꠘ)<br>

::Take a bath <br> :::nao (náo) with high tone.<br> ::Boat<br> :::nao (nāo) with mid tone.<br>

/ŋ/ ( ꠋ )<br>

::Dizziness<br> :::un(g)ani<br> ::River<br> :::gan(g)<br>

Plosive/Affricate

/b/ (ꠛ/ꠜ)<br>

::Bangle<br> ::: bala (bàlà) with low tone.<br> ::Good, Welfare<br> ::: bala (báĺá) with high tone.<br>

/d̪/ (ꠖ/ꠗ)<br>

::Donation<br> ::: dan (dàn) with low tone.<br> ::Paddy<br> ::: dan (dán) with high tone.<br>

::Damn<br> ::: dur (dúr) with high tone.<br> ::: du-ro-reba (m), dur-rego (f) <br> ::Far <br> ::: dur (dūr) with mid tone.<br> ::: dur-oi, dur-duran <br> ::Go-away, get lost<br> ::: dur (dùr) with low tone.<br> ::: dur-za<br>

/ɡ/ (ꠉ/ꠊ)<br>

::Scolding<br> ::: gail (g̀ail) with low tone.<br> ::Beater<br> ::: gail (gáil) with high tone.<br>

Other charecteristic correspondences include:<br>

; the /e/ at the near end of a Bengali word: to the /o/ at the near end of a Sylheti word<br> 1st e.g: Name of the place <br>

Sil__e__ṭ [See-leṭ]<br> Sil__o__ṭ [See-lôṭ]<br> 2nd e.g: For what <br> (in Bengali) Kish__e__r [Kee-sheh-r]<br>(in Sylheti) Ki__o__r<br> 3rd e.g: (_'s) <br> (in Bengali) er ('s) <br> (in Sylheti) _____or <br>

Tones

There are three tones in Sylheti that must be followed for proper pronunciation. Never underestimate the importance of these tones. Change of tone changes the meanings in Sylheti.

:: 1. first tone ( "high tone" ) <br> ::: á<br> :: 2. second tone ( "low tone" ) <br> ::: à<br> :: 3. third tone ( "mid tone" ) <br> ::: ā<br>

Writing

Sylheti used to be written in its own script, Syloti Nagri (ꠍꠤꠟꠐꠤ ꠘꠣꠉꠞꠤ), or Sylhet Nāgrī, the name of its parent writing system similar in style to Kaithi but with differences, though nowadays it is invariably written in Bengali script without matching the Sylheti sounds, tones or pronunciations.

In the 19th century, the British tea-planters in the area referred to Sylheti as Sylhettia. In Assam, the language is still referred to as Srihattiya, the name used in ancient literature. Sylhet has a rich heritage of literature in the Syloti Nagri script going back at least 200 years. The Sylheti script includes 5 independent vowels, 5 dependent vowels attached to a consonant letter and 27 consonants. The Syloti Nagri alphasyllabary differs from the Bengali alphabet as it is a form of Kaithi, a script (or family of scripts) which belongs to the main group of North Indian scripts of Bihar. The writing system's main use was to record religious poetry, described as a rich language and easy to learn.

During the 1971 Liberation War, when all Syloti Nagri printing presses were destroyed, the writing system came to a halt. After Bangladesh gained independence, the government of the newly formed Bangladesh mandated Bangla studies and the use of the Bengali alphabets as a curriculum to be taught at all levels of education. Efforts to establish Sylheti as a modern language were vigorously opposed by political and cultural forces allied to successive Bangladeshi governments.

Devanagari देवनागरी characters for Sylheti writing

Transcript faithful to pronunciation

Sylheti phrases will be written in Transcription faithful to pronunciation. Therefore, although the 'क' (ch) is equivalent to the English "ch__emist" and to the Scottish "Lo__ch", its transcript will be written as either [k__eh-mee-ist] or [lô__kh]. To remove confusion, the same will apply to all corresponding words and phrases.

Note that these characters are not used in writing Sylheti: Bengali alphabets lack similarity to Syloti Nagri script. Due to this, below are the Devanagari scrip representing the Syloti Nagri. To see Syloti characters visit www.omniglot.com.

Note that a few characters below have dual pronunciation:<br>

• The <span style="font-size:13pt;">क</span> (ch) is equivalent to the English "ch__emist" and to the Scottish "Lo__ch".<br>
• The <span style="font-size:13pt;">च</span> (c) is equivalent to both "__c__entimeter" and "__ch__ange"<br>
• The <span style="font-size:13pt;">छ</span> (s) is equivalent to both "__Sc__ene" or "__Sch__ist"<br>
• The <span style="font-size:13pt;">ह</span> (h/ħ mute) is equivalent to "__h__ost or "__h__onour".<br>

Note that the following characters below have triple pronunciation: <br>

• The <span style="font-size:13pt;">व</span> (o/v/w) is equivalent to "__O__din" "__V__ersus" "__W__oden"<br>
• The <span style="font-size:13pt;">ख</span> (k/kh/x) is equivalent to "__K__ahn", "__Kh__an" or "__X__an". <br>
• The <span style="font-size:13pt;">श</span> (sh/x/ħ mute) is equivalent to "__sh__ush"& "__h__ush", or to "__X__an" & "__H__an", or else to "__h__our".<br>

Independent vowels

Dependant vowels

Grapheme signs

The Dvisvara symbol: {| class="wikitable" !Consonant + Doishor !Transliteration

Consonants

Phrase list

Basics

Cultural notes on greetings:<br>

There are no greetings based on time elements in Sylheti such as in English good morning, good afternoon, etc. Each religion has its own greetings. Muslims and Hindus greet each other by sharing "Adab" meaning "Greetings" and everyone keeps to their own religious greetings, exchanging them among their own religion. As a custom, both Muslims and Hindus alike greet by "the touching of the feet" of their elder family members. The Hindu "Pronam" meaning "Greetings" also has the same meaning to "Nomoskar" and to "the touching of the feet" while the Muslim "Adab" has two meanings, "Geetings" and "Humblest respect".

Greeting

Cultural notes on greetings:<br>

It would be recommended to use formal phrases in general

Hello in Sylheti<br>

oba (formal for male)/ogo (formal for female)<br> oi (gender neutral informal)<br> omae (very informal, to express irritation or anger)<br>

Muslims etiquette is to say 'may peace be upon you'. :"Assalamu alaikum" in Arabic<br>

In reply Muslim etiquette is to say 'may peace be upon you too'. : "Wa alaikum assalam" in Arabic<br>

Hindu etiquette is to say 'humble welcome'.<br> : "Nomoshkhar" in Sanskrit<br> : Body language - folded hands touching the forehead while saying the word/s

Inter-religious etiquette<br> : Saying "Adab", means 'take my regards'.<br>

Common traditional etiquette <br> : Fao-dori salam/adab<br> : Body language - the touching of the feet of elderly person and saying following word/s<br>

Bye<br>

zaiargi bala taxba <br> Te bala taxba, rakidei (in Telephone)<br>

How are you (as good-are-you?)?<br>

bála ni afne? (formal) <br> bála ni tumi? (informal) <br> bála ni tui? (very informal) <br>

Welcome <br>

aioukka, aioin (very formal)<br> aukka, ain (formal)<br> ao, aore, aogo (f), aoba (m), aiore, aiogo (f), aioba (m) - (formal/informal)<br> ae, ai-o (informal)<br> aebe, aere (very informal)<br> aome (very informal and expressing anger, frustration or irritation, basically not so welcome)<br>

Congratulations <br>

Shabash<br>

Have a blessed Eid <br>

Eid Mubarokh<br>

Happy Anniversary <br>

Shalgira Mubarokh<br>

Farewell <br>

Allahr Haola. (lit. [with] God's Authority)<br>

Good bye. <br>

Khuda/Allah Hafiz. (Muslim lit. God/Allah protect you)<br>

Forms of Address

__Mr ___. (Muslim)<br>

_____ Miah. <br> Miah _____.<br> __Mr ___. (Hindu)<br> Sri _____. [Shee-ree]<br> __Ms ___. (Muslim)<br> _____ Begum. <br> Begum _____. <br> __Ms ___. (Hindu)<br> Srimoti _____. [Shee-ree-mô-tee]<br> Sir (Muslim)<br> Jonab [Jô-nah-b] <br> Huzur [Hooh-zooh-r]<br> Sir (Hindu)<br> Babu Moshai [Bah-booh Môshah-ee]<br> __Respectable ___. (Muslim)<br> _____shaheb.<br> __Respectable ___. (Hindu)<br> _____babu. [bah-booh]<br> Dr (Muslim)<br> Dakhtor shaheb<br> Dr (Hindu)<br> Dakhtor babu [Dah-kh-tôr bah-booh]<br>

Meeting

Cultural notes on formalities:<br>

In Western cultures, using phrases like “please, thank you, you're welcome, excuse me, sorry”, etc. are so ingrained that saying them is done without a second thought. Not so for the people of the Indian subcontinent. Saying such phrases in an inappropriate circumstance might embarrass the person, or change the gravity of the phrase itself. Some of these phrases are only said in a sincere sense. Don’t let this lead you to believe people of the Indian Subcontinent are bad mannered – nothing could be further from the truth. Instead of "please" and "thank you" use formal phrases and words; it replaces the western culture into Indian (sub-continental) good manners. Some sentiments are communicated through body language rather than verbally. To show your sincerity, a smile can be just the same. Despite all this, the use of verbal formalities in Sylhet is far more used than other places in Bangladesh.

Hello. (lit. How are you?)

Bhala ni? [Bah-lah nee?] (informal) <br>

Are you good?

(Aphne) bhala asoin ni? (formal)<br>(Tumi) bhala aso ni? (informal) <br> (Tui) bhala asos ni? (very informal)<br>

I'm good, thanks be to God.

Bhala asi, Shukur Allahr.<br>

(I'm) fine, and are you good?

(Ami) bhala asi, ar aphne bala asoin ni?<br>

What is your name?

Aphnar nam kita? (formal) <br> Tumar nam kita? (informal) <br> Tor nam kita?<br>

My name is ______ . <br>

mor nam oilo ______ . (formal)<br> nam oilogi ______ . (informal)<br>

Nice to meet you.

bála laglo afnar log faia. (formal)<br> bála laglo tumar log faia. (informal) <br> bála laglo tor log faia. (very informal) <br>

Notes on corresponding words to English:<br>

Sylheti does have corresponding words to English, but this does not mean that the context in which it is used always correspond likewise. Phrases such as “thanks” (shukria) are use but they are not replied back to like in English; “you’re welcome”. English words are sometimes used the same, but remember just like the French have trouble with pronouncing the English 'th' - so do the Sylhetis, and therefore the 'th' is pronounced as 't'.

Same here.

Ami hoi o. [Ah-mee ô-ee-yô] (lit. me too)<br>

Long time no see!

Oto buile na dekhlam! [ô-tô booh-ee-leh nah deh-kh-lah-m!] <br>

What?

Ji? [Jee?] (formal - as in pardon?/sorry?) <br> Kita? [Kee-tah?] (informal - as in come-again?/what?) <br> Khixor? [Kee-hôr] (implying in no respect - as in what nonsense?)<br> Hi? [Hee?] or He? [Heh?] (extremely rude - as in What? Err!)

What is this?

Okhṭa kita? [ôkh-ṭah kee-tah?]<br>

Using "Ji" as yes or affirmative:<br>

With the words for "yes" and "no" - "ji" is added before it to make polite formalities. Sometimes, listeners simply reply with ji, as an acknowledgment to the speaker.

Yes.

Ji hoe. [Jee ôh-eh] (formal)<br>Hoe. [ôh-eh] (informal)<br>

No.

Ji na. [Jee nah] (formal)<br>Na. [Nah] (informal)<br>

The word 'please'.<br>

'Please' is a bad expression when requesting a grocer for a grocery bag. Please is only used when you (plea to a) request for an aid: e.g. "Please, complete this for me." i.e. "Doea-khori amar o khan ta adae khori laiba?”

Please.

Doea-khori. [Dô-yah khô-ree] (informal)<br>

Thank you.

Shukria. [Shooh-k-ree-yah] (highly formal) <br> Doniobad. [Dô-een-yôbah-d] (formal)<br>

You're welcome. (lit. It was nothing)

Kichchu hoito nae [Kee-ch-chooh ôh-ee-tô nah-eh]<br>

You're welcome!

Marhaba [Mah-r-hah-bah]<br>

Welcome (lit. Please come in.)

Aoka [Ah-ô-kah]<br>

You're most/always welcome.

Aphnar phroti marhaba. [Ah-f-nah-r frô-tee mah-r-hah-bah] (formal)<br>Tumar phroti marhaba. [Tooh-mah-r frô-tee mah-r-hah-bah] (informal)<br>

Excuse me. (getting attention)

E-re! [eh-reh!]<br>

• Bhai-sahab [Bah-ee sah-b] (when addressing a man)<br>
• Apha [Ah-fah] or Boin [Bô-een] (when addressing a lady)<br>

The phrase "I'm sorry".

Excuse me/Pardon me (to pass by someone)

Maf khorba ami rasta sai. [Mah-f khôr-bah ah-mee rah-s-tah sah-ee]<br>Dekhi. [Deh-kee]<br>

Sorry (forgive me)

Maf khorba [Mah-f khôr-bah] (highly formal)<br>Maf khoroka [Mah-f khôrooh-kah] (formal)<br>Maf khorbae [Mah-f khôr-bah-eh] (informal)<br>

I love you.

Ami tumare bhalaphai. [Ah-mee tooh-mah-reh bah-lah-fah-ee] <br>

I like you.

Tumare amar bhala lage. [Tooh-mah-reh ah-mah-r bah-lah lah-geh]<br>Tumare amar phosond aise. [Tooh-mah-re ah-mah-r fôsôn ah-ee-seh]<br>

See ya!

Dekha hoibo. [Deh-khah ôh-ee-bô]<br>

See you later.

Bade dekha hoibo. [Bah-deh deh-khah ôh-ee-bô] <br>

See you later, then.

Te ar dekha hoibo. [Teh ah-r deh-khah ôh-ee-bô]<br>

People and places

People

Boy

Phua [Fooh-wah]<br>

A boy's...

Ekh Phuar ___. [Eh-kh fooh-wah-r]<br>

Girl

Furi [Fooh-ree]<br>

A girl's...

Ekh furir ___. [Eh-kh fooh-ree-r]<br>

Man

Beṭa [Beh-ṭah]<br>

A man's...

Ekh beṭar ___. [Eh-kh Beh-ṭah-r]<br>

Woman

Beṭi [Beh-ṭee]<br>

A woman's...

Ekh Beṭir ___. [Eh-kh Beh-ṭee-r]<br>

A person

Ekh manush/manux [Eh-kh mah-nooh-sh/mah-nooh]<br>

A person's...

Ekhu manshor/manxor [Eh-gooh mah-n-shôr/mah-nôr]<br>

Someone

Ekh-zon [Eh-kh zôn] <br>

Someone's

Ekh-zonor [Eh-kh zônôr] <br>

Human-kind

Manshor zat [Mah-n-shôr zah-t]<br>

Swordsman

Axaidri [Ah-heh-ee-dah-ree]<br>

Hinduism

Hinduana [Een-dooh-ah-nah]<br>

Hindu

indu [In-dooh]<br>

People of Hind (Indian)

industani [Een-dooh-stah-nee]<br> Bharotia [Bah-rô-tee-yah]<br>

People of Sylhet

Silhoṭia [See-lôh-ṭee-yah]<br>

People of Assam (Assamese)

Ahomia [Ah-hô-mee-yah]<br>

People of Assyria (Assyrian)

Ahura [Ah-hooh-rah]<br> Ahuria [Ah-hooh-ree-yah]<br>

People of the Dhaka region

Daxaia [Dah-khah-ee-yah]<br>

Everyone

Hokhol [Hô-khôl] (all)<br> Hokkol [Hôk-kôl] (each and everyone)<br>

Places

Everything

Xokholta [Hô-khôl-tah]<br>

Dhaka

Dhakha [Dah-khah]<br>

Assam

Axom [Ah-hôm]<br>

Sylhet

Silhot [See-lôh-t]<br>

Shallow wetland

Haor [Ah-wôr] <br>

Wetland

Bil [Beel]<br>

Seven wetlands

Xat bila [Hah-t bee-lah] <br>

Family relationship

Paternal Grandparents

Dadu [Dah-dooh] <br>

Maternal Grandparents

Nanu [Nah-nooh] <br>

Paternal Grandfather

Dadazi [Dah-dah-zee]<br> Dada [Dah-dah] <br>

Paternal Grandmother

Bibizi [Bee-bee-zee] <br> Bibi [Bee-bee] (means my dad's mother)<br> Dadi [Dah-dee] (means my granddad's wife)<br>

Maternal Grandfather

Nanazi [Nah-nah-zee] <br> Nana [Nah-nah] <br>

Maternal Grandmother

Nanizi [Nah-nee-zee] <br> Nani [Nah-nee] <br>

Father

Baba [Bah-bah] (formal)<br> Baph [Bah-f] (informalt)<br>

Dad

Abba [Ah-b-bah] <br>Bazan [Bah-zah-n]<br>Babazi [Bah-bah-zee]<br>Abbazan [Ah-b-bah-zah-n]<br>

Mother

Ma [Mah]<br>Mai [Mah-ee]<br>

Mum

Maizi [Mah-ee-zee]<br> Amma [Ah-m-mah]<br>Ammazan [Ah-m-mah-zah-n]<br>

Son

Fut [Fooh-t]<br>

Daughter

Zi [Zee]<br>Khonia [Khôn-yah] (also means bride)<br>

Big brother

Bhaisahab [Bah-ee-sah-b] (Muslim)<br>Dada [Dah-dah] (Hindu)<br>

Little brother

Huru/Geda Bhai [hu-ru/ge-da Bah-ee]<br>

Brother

Bhai [Bah-ee]<br>

Big sister

Buai [Booh-wah-ee]<br>Boro apha [Bôrô ah-fah]<br>Apha [Ah-fah]<br>Didi [Dee-dee] (Hindu)<br>

Little sister

Boni [Bô-nee]<br>

Sister

Boin [Bô-een]<br>

Husband

Zamai [Zah-mah-ee] (Muslim)<br> Beṭa [Beh-ṭah]<br>Bor [Bôr] (Hindu)<br>

Wife

Bow [Bôw] (Mislim)<br> Bhodu [Bôh-dooh] (Hindu)<br> Stri [Stee-ree] (formal)<br>

Maternal uncle

Mamuzan [Mah-mooh-zah-n]<br> Mamuzi [Mah-mooh-zee]<br>Mama [Mah-mah]<br>

Maternal uncle's wife

Mamani [Mah-mah-nee]<br> Mami [Mah-mee] <br>

Maternal aunty/Auntie

Moi [Mô-ee]<br>Moizi [Mô-ee-zee]<br>Khala [Khah-lah]<br>Khala-amma [Khah-lah Ah-m-mah]<br>

Maternal aunty's husband

xalu [Khah-looh]<br>

Paternal uncle

Sasa (bafor-baekur)<br>Sasazan [Sah-sah-zah-n]<br>Sasazi [Sah-sah-zee]<br>Sasa [Sah-sah]<br>

Paternal uncle's wife

Sasi-amma [Sah-see ah-m-mah]<br> Sasizi [Sah-see-zee]<br> Sasi [Sah-see] <br>

Paternal aunty/Auntie

Fufu-amma [Fooh-fooh ah-m-mah]<br> Fufuzi [Fooh-fooh-zee]<br>Fufu [Fooh-fooh]<br>

Paternal aunty's husband

Fufazi [Fooh-fah-zee] <br> Fufa [Fooh-fah] <br>

Father-in-law <br>

hour [Hô-ooh-r]<br> Abba [Ah-b-bah] (dad) <br>

Mother-in-law

hoṛi [Hô-ṛee]<br> Amma [Ah-m-mah] (mum) <br>

Bride's Brother to Father/Mother in law :Futra [similiar to Putra in Sanskrit for son]

Brother-in-laws: <br> - Big sister's husband: Dulha-bhai [Dooh-lah bah-ee] <br> - The husbans's older brother: Bhawor [Bah-ooh-r] <br> - The husband's younger brother: Dewor [Deh-wôr]<br> - The wife's older brother: Shomondik [Shômôn-deek] <br> - The wife's older sister's husband: Zeṭa [Zeh-ṭah]<br> - The wife's younger brother: Xala [hah-lah] <br>

Sister-in-laws: - Big brother's wife: Bhabhi [Bah-bee]<br> - The husband's older brother's wife: Zaal [Zah-l]<br> - The husband's older sister: Nonhori [Nônôh-ree]<br> - The husband's younger sister: Nonond [Nônôn] <br> - The wife's's older sister: Zeṭali [Zeh-ṭah-lee]<br> - The wife's younger sister: Xali [Hah-lee] <br>

Son-in-law

Damand [Dah-mah-n] (Muslim)<br>Zamai [Zah-mah-ee] (Hindu)<br>

Daughter-in-law

Phuar-bow [Fooh-wah-r bôw] (Muslim)<br> Bohu [Bôh-ooh] (Muslim)<br>Phutro-bhodu [Fooh-t-rô bô-dooh] (Hindu)<br>Bowma [Bôw-mah] (Hindu)<br>

Friend

Bondu [Bôn-dooh] (male) <br> Dusto [Dooh-s-tô] (male)<br> Bandobi [Bah-n-dô-bee] (female) <br>

Boyfriend/girlfriend

Shuna-bondu [Shooh-nah bôn-dooh] <br>

Occupations

Teacher

Ustad/Mashtor (উছতাদ/মাস্টর)

Student

Shagred (শাগরেদ)

Doctor

Dakhtor (ডাখতর)

Butcher

Khoshai (খসাই)

Housekeeper

Daroan (দারোয়ান)

Lawyer

Ukil (উকিল)

Judge

Kazi (কাজি)

Fireman

Domkolwala (দমকলওয়ালা)

Postman

Fion (ফিওন)

Milkman

Goala (গোয়ালা)

Rickshaw driver

Rikshawala (রিক্সাওয়ালা)

Scientist

Biggani (বিজ্ঞানী)

Businessman

Bebshai (ব্যাবসাঈ)

Horseman

Gurasowar (ঘোড়া ছওয়ার)

Trader

Befari/Soudagor (বেফারি / সওদাগর)

Tailor

Dorzi (দর্জি)

Chef

Babursi (বাবুর্চি)

Poet

Shayer (শায়ের)

Fisherman

Maimol (মাইমল)

Waiter

Oitar (ঐটার)

Barber

Hajjam (হাজ্জাম)

Wrestler

Faluwan (ফালোয়ান)

Cobbler

Musi (মুছি)

King

Bashsha (বাশশা)

Queen

Rani (রাণী)

Prince

Shahozada (শাহজাদা)

Peasant

Fokir (ফকির)

Princess

Shahozadi (শাহজাদী)

Slave

Gulam (গুলাম)

Landlord

Zomidar (জমিদার)

Dealer

Kharbari (খারবারি)

Unemployed

Bekhar (বেখার)

Problems

Leave me alone.

Amare ekhla takhte deoka/diba. [Ah-mah-reh eh-kh-lah tah-kh-teh deh-ooh-kah/dee-bah] (formal)<br>Amare ekhla takhte deo. [Ah-mah-reh eh-kh-lah tah-kh-teh deh-oh] (informal)<br> Amare ekhla takhte de. [Ah-mah-reh eh-kh-lah tah-kh-teh deh] (implying in no respect)<br>

Leave me alone, will you?

Amare ekhla takhte dibe ni?. [Ah-mah-reh eh-kh-lah tah-kh-teh dee-beh nee?] (implying in no respect)

Get lost!

Dur hor [Dooh-r-hô-r]<br>

Let me go!

Amare saro! [Ah-mah-reh sah-rô!]<br>

I said, don't touch me!

Amare sois na khoisi! [Ah-ma-reh sô-ee-s na khô-ee-see!]<br>

I'll call the police.

Ami phulish dakhmu. [Ah-mee fooh-leesh dah-kh-mooh]<br> Ami phulish daki laimu. [Ah-mee fooh-leesh dah-khee lah-ee-mooh]<br> Ami phulish daki dimu. [Ah-mee fooh-leesh dah-khee dee-mooh]<br>

Police! Officer!

Phulish! Daroga! [Fooh-leesh Dah-rô-gah]<br>

Look out!

Dhekio ! [Deh-kee-yoh] <br>

Stop! Thief!

Sur! Sur! [Sooh-r! Sooh-r!] <br>Ubais! Sur! [Ooh-bah-ee-sss! Sooh-r!]<br> Rakis! Sur! [Rah-kee-sss! Sooh-r!]<br>Uba-rakh! Sur! [Ooh-bah-Rah-kee-sss Sooh-r]<br>

Help!

Basao! [Bah-sah-ô!] <br>

I need (some) help.

Amar (tura) shaejjo lage. [Ah-mah-r (tooh-rah) sha-eh-j-jô lah-geh]<br>

I need your help.

Aphnar shaejjo lage. [Ah-f-nah-r sha-eh-j-jô lah-geh]<br>

Please, help me.

Amare shaejjo khorba. [Ah-mah-reh shah-eh-j-jô khô-r-bah] (formal)<br>

Please, can you help me?

Aphne amar shaejjo khorba ni? [Ah-f-neh ah-mah-r shah-eh-j-jô khô-r-bah nee?] (formal)<br>

It's an emergency.

Ekhṭa aphot goṭi gese. [Eh-kh-ṭah ah-fôt gô-ṭee-geh-seh]<br>

Please, come quick!

Zoldi aoka [Zôl-dee ah-oo-kah]<br>

I'm lost.

Ami Harai gesi. [Ah-mee ah-rah-ee geh-see]<br>

I lost my bag.

Amar beg/sola ṭa harai laise. [Ah-mah-r beh-g/sô-lah ṭah ah-rah-ee lah-ee-see]<br>

I lost my wallet.

Amar woleṭ/toli ṭa harai laise. [Ah-mah-r wô-leh-ṭ/tô-lee ṭah ah-rah-ee lah-ee-see] <br>

Where is the toilet? :
- Where is the flush toilet? : Bideshi ṭoeleṭ kun khano? <br> - Where is the squat toilet? : Lefṭin kun khano? <br> - Where is the washroom? : Hosailoe kun khano? <br> - Where is the bathroom? : Ghusol-khana/Henan kun khano? <br> - Is there a loo? : Fae-khanar bebosta ase ni? <br>

__Where is the _____?

_______ khun khano?<br>

Can I use your phone?

Aphnar phon ṭa bebohar khortam phari ni?<br>

__How do you say ___?

_____ khemne khoin? <br> _____ khemola(n) khoin? <br>

What is this/that called?

Okhṭar/Xokhṭar nam kita? <br>

I don't understand.

mui (ami) buziar na.<br> mui (ami) buzlam na<br> mui (ami) buzram na <br> mui (ami) bujchi na.<br>

I can't speak Sylheti (that well).

mui (ami) siloti (bála ṭike) mattam fari na.<br>

Do you speak English?

Afne Ingrezi matta faroin ni? (formal) <br> Tumi Ingrezi mattae faro ni? (informal)<br>

Is there someone here who speaks English?

Oxano kheu asoin ni ze Ingrezi matta faroin? <br>

Learn

hikba [Heek-bah]<br>

I'm not well. (I'm sick)

Ami bemar.<br>

I've been injured.

Ami dukh phaisi.<br>

I've injured my [name of the body part].

Ami amar [_____] o dukh phaisi.<br>

I need a doctor.

Amar dakhtor lage.<br>

Before the doctor came, the patient had died.

Ḍakhtor awar ageu bemari mori gese. <br>

Going to the doctor

__I am in ___.

Amar _____ khorer.<br> - Pain : Bish<br> - Pain (as in muscle pain) : Bish/Bedna <br>

It's _____ here.

Ono _____<br> - Sore (resulting from an injury) : Duk phai.<br> - Itching : Khaozwar. <br> - Tickling : Khetkhuti khorer.<br> - Tingling : Zinzini khorer.<br> - Numb : Set phai na<br>

I've catched a cold.

Amar ṭanḍa lagi gese. <br>

__I've got a ___.

Amar _____ hoi gese. [Ah-mah-r _____ oh-ee geh-seh]<br> - Fever. : Taph <br> - Cough. : Khawwani <br> - Phlegm. : Khash <br> - Running nose. : Nakh doria/shordi <br> - Diarrhoea. : Pheṭ lama <br> Dasto <br>

__I'm ___.

Ami _____.<br> - Coughing. : Khawwaiar. / Khawwairam.<br> - Sneezing. : Esiar. / Esram.<br>

__I'm feeling ___.

Amar _____ lager.<br> - Uncomfortable. : Oshanti<br> - Shy. : Shorom <br>

Body-parts

Body

Shoril<br>

Skin

Samra <br>

Hair

Sul<br>

Head

Mata<br>

Mouth

Mukh<br>

Face

Cheyara<br>

tongue

Zifra<br>

Tooth, Teeth

Daat<br>

Gums

Zami<br>

Eyelash

Sukor bui [Soh-ooh-koh-r booh-ee]<br>

Eyebrows

Sukor bua [Soh-ooh-koh-r booh-wah]<br>

Eyes

Suk [Soh-ooh-k] / Noeon [Noh-yoh-n]<br>

Eyelids

Sukor phatta [Soh-ooh-koh-r fah-t-tah]<br>

Ears

Khaan<br>

Earlobes

Khaanor loti <br>

Cheeks

Gaal <br>

Nose

Nakh<br>

Armpits

Bogol<br>

Arms

Dakhna<br>

Elbow

Khoni <br>

Wrist

Hator ghonṭa {Ah-toh-r goh-n-ṭah]<br>

Hand

Hat [Ah-t]<br>

Palm

Hator gata [Ah-toh-r gah-tah]<br>

Finger, toe

Anguil<br>

Nails

Nukh [Noh-ooh-kh]<br>

Neck (rear end)

Gordona<br>

Throat

Gola<br>

Shoulder

Khand<br>

Chest

Buk<br>

Back

Phiṭ<br>

Side

Muka<br>

Hip

Khomor<br>

Waist

Bazu<br>

Heart

Dil<br>

Leg(s)

Ṭeng <br>

Thigh

Urat<br>

Knee

Aṭu<br>

Blood

Khun<br>

Calf

Gusari <br>

Ankle

Gonṭa <br>

Foot

Phaw <br>

Soles

Phawor tola <br>

Numbers

Number gestures:

For plants and vegetables <br>

-gesa <br> For objects <br> -gu <br> For time <br> -ta <br>

0

shuinno (also means: hovering/on air)<br> 1 ex <br> 2 dui <br> 3 tin <br> 4 sair, sari <br> 5 fas <br> 6 soe <br> 7 hat <br> 8 aṭ <br> 9 noe <br> 10 dosh <br> 11 egaro <br> 12 baro <br> 13 tero <br> 14 souddo <br> 15 fondro <br> 16 shullo <br> 17 hotro <br> 18 aṭaro <br> 19 unnish <br>

Measurement

whole

asta<br>

half

aada <br>

one third

tin bagor ekh baag<br>

two third

tin bagor doi baag<br>

one quarter

sair bagor ekh baag<br>

_____ quarter__

sair bagor ___ baag<br>

less

khom <br>

more

beshi<br>

Weight

Kilogram/s (Kg)

Khezi<br>Kilo<br>

Metaphors

Bus number eleven. (Meaning: "Your two legs")

Egaro nombor baas<br>

Did you catch the bus number 11 to here? (Meaning: "Did you walk it here?")

Egaro nombor baas dori aisoin ni? (formal) <br> Egaro nombor baas dori aiso ni? (informal) <br>

Calendar

Past present future

before

age [ah-geh]<br>

now

ongkhu [on-kooh]<br> one [oh-neh]<br>

later

bade [bah-deh]<br>

day

din [deen]<br>

yesterday

gese khail [geh-seh khah-ee-l]<br>

today

aizku [ah-eez-kooh]<br> aiz [ah-eez]<br>

tomorrow

khailku [khah-ee-l-kooh]<br> khail [khah-ee-l]<br>

day before yesterday

gese phorxu [geh-seh foh-rooh]<br>

day after tomorrow

phorxudin [foh-rooh-deen]<br>

fortnight

soddo rait [soh-d-doh rah-eet]<br>

nowadays

aizkhailku [ah-eez-khah-ee-l-kooh]<br> aizkhail [ah-eez-khah-ee-l]<br>

time

bela [beh-lah]<br>buil [booh-ee-l]<br>okht [oh-kh-t]<br>bar [bah-r]<br>

seven-times (lots of time)

hat-bar [hah-t-bah-r]<br>

every time

hara buil [hah-rah booh-ee-l]<br>

last time

agor bela [ah-goh-r beh-lah]<br>

this time

ebuil [eh-booh-ee-l]<br>

daytime

dinor bela [dee-noh-r beh-lah]<br>

nighttime

raitkur bela [rah-ee-t-kooh-r beh-lah]<br>

last week

agor haphtah [ah-goh-r hah-f-tah]<br>

this week

ow haphtah [oh-oo hah-f-tah]<br>

next week

bador haphtah [bah-doh-r hah-f-tah]<br>

Morning to night

dawn (the beginning of day)

fota <br>

morning

bian(i)<br> biyaal<br>

noon

duiphor<br>

afternoon

madhan<br>

evening (the beginning of night)

hainja<br>

dusk

beil<br>

night

rait<br>

midnight

maz-rait<br>

late night

hesh-rait [heh-sh rah-eet]

• "Hesh" is a Syloti pronunciation of the Bengali "Shesh"<br>

end of the night

shesh-rait<br>

• There's no difference in "Xesh"-rait [Heh-sh rah-eet] and "Shesh"-rait [Sheh-sh rah-eet] but only in accent. Literally, they are both the same, but note that "xesh" [heh-sh] is applied to 'late' and "shesh" [sheh-sh] is referred to 'end' quite often in Syloti.<br>

Weeks

Sunday <br>

Roibbar<br> Monday <br> Shombar<br> Tuesday <br> Mongolbar<br> Wednesday <br> Budbar<br> Thursday <br> Bishudbar<br> Friday <br> Jummabar<br> Saturday<br> Shonibar<br>

Months

• Note that these Calendar months do not fall in as January being Mohorrom or Boishakh. All calendars consists of different number of days per month; some are lunar calendars while some are solar calendars.

Seasons

Season(s)

Moushum (মৌসুম)<br>

[name of the season] time

[____] Khal (কাল)<br>

Summer

Grishsho (গ্রীষ্ম)<br>

Rainy (Monsoon)

Bôrsha (বর্ষা)<br>

Autumn

Shôrot (শরৎ)<br>

Dry

Hemonto (হেমন্ত)<br>

Winter

Sheet (শীত)<br>

Spring

Bôshonto (বসন্ত)<br>

Time

What time is it?

Khoe ṭa bazro? <br>Khoe ṭa bazer?<br>

dawn.

fota bala.<br>

one AM.

rait kur ekh ṭa.<br>

two AM.

rait kur dui ṭa.<br>

noon.

duiphori bala.<br>

one PM.

duiphori balar ekh ṭa.<br>

two PM.

duiphori balar dui ṭa.<br>

midnight.

maz rait.<br>

<br>

9:45 Quarter to ten

Phone Dosh ṭa <br>

10:00 Ten O'Clock

Dosh ṭa <br>

10:15 Quarter past ten

Shuwa Dosh ṭa <br>

10:30 Half past ten

Share Dosh ṭa <br>

1:30 Half past one

Ḍeṭṭa (avoid saying share ekh ṭa) <br>

2:30 Half past two

Aṛaiṭa (avoid saying share dui ṭa)

Duration

minute(s)

miniṭ (both singular and plural)<br> per minute photi miniṭ <br> phoittekh/phortekh miniṭ <br> hour(s) gonṭa (both singular and plural)<br> hourly photi gonṭa <br> phoittekh/phortekh gonṭa <br> day(s) din (both singular and plural)<br> daily ruz<br> week(s) haphtah (both singular and plural)<br> weekly photi haphtah <br> phoittekh/phortekh haphta<br> month(s) maash (both singular and plural)<br> monthly photi maash <br> phoittekh/phortekh maash<br> year(s) bosor/shal (both singular and plural)<br> yearly photi bosor/shal <br> phoittekh/phortekh bosor/shal<br>

Writing time and date

Time is written in both 12 hour clock and 24hr clock. Only the 12-hour clock is verbally used, to say the clock time, AM or PM, the cycle of day to night and night to day is said before the hour. For example:

AM - PM and o'clock

ta

At

kur

7:40 AM is said: (at morning seven - forty)

bian kur (s)hat ta - sallish <br>

4:45 AM is said: (at dawn quarter to five)

rait phuwae phone phash ta <br>

3:10 AM is said: (at late night three - ten)

hesh rait kur tin ta - dosh <br>

12:00 AM is said: (at midnight twelve)

maz rait kur baro ta <br>

10:20 PM is said: (at night ten - twenty)

rait kur dosh ta - bish <br>

7:05 PM is said: (at dusk seven - five)

beil kur (s)hat ta - phas <br>

3:20 PM is said: (at day three - twenty)

dinor tin ta - bish <br>

__From noon to midday, PM is said as: (at day _____ - ___)

dinor _____ - _____ <br>

Date is written by day first, then the month and last is the year. For example: Day / Month / Year is in writing as 23 [MONTH] 2012, but when speaking one can take the liberty to phrase a certain date as how they like: e.g.

12 Robiul Aowal

Robiul Aowalor 12 (baro) tarikh <br> 12 (baro) wi tarikh Robiul Aowal.<br>

25 December

Disemboror 25 (phochish) tarikh <br> 25 (phochish) shi tarikh Disembor.<br>

Animals

Lion

Sher (শের)<br>

Tiger

Bagh (বাঘ)<br>

Cow

Gai (গরু)<br>

Elephant

Atti (আত্তি)<br>

Fox

Hiyal (হিয়াল)<br>

Pigeon

Khoitor (কৈতর)<br>

Parrot

Tutafaikka (তোতা ফাইক্কা)<br>

Rabbit

Khorgush (খরগোশ)<br>

Colours

Miscellaneous

Are there any other types of colour?

Ar khunu zatir rong ase ni? <br>

colour

rong<br>

colourless

berong<br>

colourful

rongila, rongbirongi, rangi<br>

shiny

zokhmokh<br>

dark

ghono<br>

light

fatla<br>

Primary colours

red

lal<br> green khosua<br> blue nil<br>

Secondary colours

pink (rosy)

golaphi<br> orange khomla<br> yellow oilda<br> purple baingoni<br> Brown bhuramaṭi<br>

Hueless colours

black

khala<br> gray meghla<br> white dhola<br>

Jewellery colours

gold

shuna<br> silver rupha<br> bronze phitol<br>

Traveling/Commuting

Translations of common signs:<br>

PLEASE NOTE: Sylheti language has not been given an official status by the government of Bangladesh. Therefore, all signs are written in the Bengali language; Learn more from the Bengali phrasebook.<br> OPEN

kula<br> CLOSED bondo<br> ENTRANCE hamani<br> EXIT barani<br> PUSH ṭela, dekka<br> PULL ṭan<br> TOILET hosailoe, lefṭin<br> MEN beṭain<br> WOMEN beṭeen<br> FORBIDDEN phare-na<br>

Travel Queries

__How much is a ticket to _?

___or ṭikeṭor daam khemolan?<br> __One ticket to _, please. ___or lagi ekh ṭa ṭikeṭ diba. (formal)<br>___or lagi ekh ṭa ṭikeṭ dibae. (informal) <br> Where does this train/bus go? Ow train/bus khoi zaibo?<br> __Where is the train/bus to _? ___or train/bus khun khano?<br> __Does this train/bus stop in _? Ow train/bus ___o bond oi ni?<br> When does the train/bus for ___ leave? ___or train/bus khoe ṭa baze sarbo?<br> __When will this train/bus arrive in _? Ongkhur train/bus khoe ṭa baze ___o aibo?<br>

Directions

Which way to Silchar?

Hilsor kun baidi phorse?<br> How do I get to ? Ami Khemola(n) _____o zaimu?<br> How do I get to the train/bus station? Ami khemola(n) train/bus station o zaimu?<br> How do I get to the airport? Ami khemola(n) iarphuṭo zaimu?<br> How do I get to downtown? Ami khemola(n) ṭawno zaimu?<br> How do I get to the youth hostel? Ami khemola(n) iuth hushṭelo zaimu?<br> How do I get to the _____ hotel? Ami khemola(n) _____ huṭelo zaimu?<br> How do I get to the American/Australian/British/Canadian consulate? Ami khemola(n) American/Australian/British/Canadian consuleṭo zaimu?<br> __Are there a lot of _______ _____ bohut ta ase ni?<br> Are there a lot of hotels? Huṭel bohut ta ase ni?<br> Are there a lot of restaurants? reshṭurent...<br> Are there a lot of bars? baar...<br> Are there a lot of sites to see? hokhol zagah dekhbar ase ni?<br> Can you show me the _____ ? Amare _____ khanta dekhaiba ni?<br> Can you show me the map? Amare meph khanta dekhaiba ni?<br> street rasta<br> __towards the _______ .... ow dikhe, omne di<br> __past the _______ ... phalaia<br> __before the _______ ... or aage<br> watch for the . ....ow ṭukhu mono khori dekhba.<br> intersection cross junction<br> here ono<br> there hono<br> (on/to the) right ḍain (e)<br> (on/to the) left bau (e)<br> (on/to the) north uttor (e)<br> (on/to the) south dokkhin (e)<br> (on/to the) east phub (e)<br> (on/to the) west phoschim (e)<br> straight shoi<br> in front aag (e)<br> uphill usa ṭila (e)<br> downhill nisa ṭila (e)<br> behind khor (e) / phis (e)<br> Go (). () zauka. (formal) <br> () zao.(informal)<br> Turn around (). () Ghuraoka. (formal) <br> () Ghurao.(informal)<br> Keep going ().__ () zaite thakhba. (formal) <br> () zaite thakho.(informal)<br> Stop ().__ () Tamuka. (formal) <br> () Tamo.(informal)<br>

Taxi

The only taxi found in and around Sylhet is the auto-rickshaw or baby-taxi (pronounced bebi-teski)

Taxi !

Bebi-teski !<br> Are you going (Aphne) zaira ni?<br> Take me to , please. _____ loia zauka (formal).<br> loia zao. (informal)<br> __How much does it cost to get to ___? _____ zaite khoto loiba?<br> Take me there, please. Hono loia zauka. (formal)<br>Hono loia zao. (informal) <br> Keep on driving Salaite takhuka<br> Stop Rakh ouka <br>

Driving

I want to rent a car.

Ami ekhta gari barati loitam sai.<br> Can I get insurance? (Ami) bima loitam phari ni? <be> (Ami) inshorens loiltam phari ni?<br> Driving Salanit<br> I'm driving Ami salanit<br>Ami salaiar<br>Ami salairam<br> Do you want to go for a drive? Salanit zaiba ni? (highly formal)<br> Salanit zaita ni? (formal)<br> Salanit zaitae ni?(informal)<br>Salanit zaibe ni? (implying in no respect)<br> Do you drive? Aphne salain ni?<br> Please go for a long drive Lamba sofor khorouka<br> I'm going for a long drive Ami garidi lamba soforo zaiar/zairam one way ekh muka <br> yield axite deuka [ah-ee-teh deh-ooh-kah] (formal)<br> axite dewo [ah-ee-teh deh-w] (informal)<br>axite de [ah-ee-teh deh] (implying in no respect) no parking rakhoin na <br> speed limit ispidor shima<br> petrol/gas station pheṭṭul/gesh ishtishon<br> petrol pheṭṭul<br>kheras tel (kerosene oil) <br> diesel ḍizel<br>

Transportation

Stations

Station

Ishṭishon, Bondor<br> Bus Stop Bas Isṭoph<br> Bus station Bas istishon<br> Airport Biman bondor<br> Rail station Rel istishon<br> Train station Relgari istishon<br>

Road

Bus

Baas<br> Rickshaw Rishka<br> Auto Rickshaw Bebi-ṭeski<br> Taxi Ṭeski<br> Car Gaṛi<br> Motorbike Baik<br> bicycle saikel<br>

Rail

Train

Relgari<br>

Sea or river

Boat

Nao, Nouka<br> Ship Zahz<br>

Air

Aeroplane

Biman<br>

Lodging

Do you have any rooms available?

"Ekhod koddha khali ase ni? <br> How much is a room for one person/two people? Ekhzon / duizon manshor lagi kuṭar daam khoto?<br> Does the room come with bedsheets? Kuṭat bisna-saddor phaimu ni? <br> __Does the room come with _______ Kuṭat _____ phaimu ni?<br> - bedsheets? : bisna-saddor <br> - a bathroom? : gusol-khana<br> - a telephone? : ṭeliphon<br> - a TV? : ṭelibhishon<br> May I see the room first? Ami kuṭa ṭa phoela dekhtam phari ni?<br> Do you have anything cheaper? Aphnar kichcho xosta ase ni? [Af-nah-r kee-ch-chooh hoh-stah ah-seh nee?]<br> __Do you have anything ___. Aphnar kichcho _____ ase ni?<br> - quieter? : nirai<br> - bigger? : boro<br> - cleaner? : saf<br> - cheaper? : xosta [hoh-stah]<br> OK, I'll take it. Ṭik ase, ami loimu.<br> I will stay for _____ night(s). Ami _____ rait takhmu.<br> Can you suggest another hotel? Bhala ekhod hoṭel sajeshṭ khorba ni?<br> Do you have (a) locker(s) lokar ase ni?<br> __Do you have (a) ____(s) ______ ase ni?<br> - safe? : seif<br> - lockers? : lokar<br> Is breakfast or supper included? Nasta kiba bhat-salon loge ni?<br> Nasta ba raikur khani loge ni? <br> What time is breakfast or supper? "Breakfast" kiba ḍinar khun bela?<br> Biankur nasta ba raikur khani khun bela? <br> Please clean my room. Amar kuṭa ṭa saf khori diba.<br> __Can you wake me at ___? Amare _____ṭat hozag khori diba ni?<br> I want to check out. Ami chek-auṭ khortam sai.<br>

Eating and drinking

I'm hungry.

Amar bhuk lagse.<br> Bon appétit. Bhalaṭike khauka. <br> Have a good appetite. Bhuk taza rakhuka. <br> A table for one person/two people, please. Ekhan tebul ekhzon/duizon mainshor lagi diba (formal).<br> Please bring a menu. Ekhan "menu" anba.<br> Do you have an English menu? Ingrezi "menu" ase ni?<br> Can I look in the kitchen? Ami fakh-ghor / undal ṭa dekhtam phari ni?<br> Are there any paper towels? (can I have some) Khagozor tawal ase ni? (diba)<br> Is there a house specialty? "House specialty" ekhod ṭa ase ni?<br> Is there a local specialty? "Local specialty" ekhod ṭa ase ni?<br> Please choose for me. Amar lagi khichchu basia dilaoka.<br> baked; grilled Agniphura<br> roasted baza<br> dry roasted vegetables bhuna tarkhari<br> Fixed-price meal. khanir daam fiks khora.<br> I'm a vegetarian. Ami khali tarkhari khai.<br> I don't eat [pork]. Ami [shuoror ghus(t)] khai na.<br> __I want a dish containing ___. Amar "dish"/khani ṭa _____r hoito hoibo.<br> - vegetable: tarkhari - meat: gusto - chicken: murug - fish: maas Please do not use too much oil. Doea-khori tel beshi bebohar khorba na.<br> __Please bring the ___. _____ṭa anba.<br> Excuse me, waiter? E-re bhai? <br> I'm/We're finished. Ami/Amra shesh. <br> The food was delicious Ze mozar khani<br> I loved the meat curry Ami gustor salonṭa balaphaisi<br> __I loved the ____ __. Ami ____ ____ṭa balaphaisi<br> I liked the meat curry Gustor salonṭa amar bala lagse<br> __I liked the ____ __. ____ ____ṭa amar bala lagse<br> Please clear the plates. Borton ogun/okhol neuka gi Can you please clear the plates? Borton ogun horai-ba ni? [borton o-gun hoh-rah-ee-bah nee?]<br> The check please bill anba<br>

Meal times

Breakfast.

Nasta.<br> Lunch. Duiphori belar khani.<br> Teatime. Sa-nasta.<br> Supper/Dinner. Raitkur khani.<br>

Non vegetarian

non-mixed curry or dish

nillar salon<br>

• Most household curries are cooked with a choice of meat, poultry, or fish with a mixture of any particular vegetable. This is why nilla is to be noted.<br> not-mixed.

nilla<br>

• The word nilla applie to both meat and vegetarian dishes<br> chicken

murgor gus(t)<br> beef gorur gus(t)<br> mutton berir gus(t)<br> fish maas<br> hilsa fish ilish maas<br> rohu fish rui maas<br> climbing perch khoi maas<br> wallago catfish gual maas<br> (boal in Standard Bengali) batasio fish ghungi maas<br> (tengra in Standard Bengali) ompok fish fabiya maas<br> (pabda in Standard Bengali) spotted snakehead<br> ladi maas dry fish soup/broth huṭkir shira<br> huṭkir shira comes in as both roasted curry (Nilla) and with vegetables.<br> huṭki<br> hukṭi<br> curry salon<br>tarkhari<br> dry roasted meat bhuna gust<br> meat sour soup tenga<br> gus(t)<br> meatballs kufta<br> scotch egg nargisi kufta<br> egg enḍa<br> sausages sosij<br> meatball Kufta kobab<br> shish kebab shik kobab<br> burger shaped kebabs shami kobab<br> non-mixed soup nillar shira<br> - meat soup: ghustor shira<br> - chicken soup: murgor shira<br> meat pilau akhni phulab<br> biryani birani<br> (similar to pilau rice, but cooked in layers of meat, fried onions, boiled eggs and rice, instead of having everything mixed in all together.)<br>

Vegetarian

cooked rice

bhat<br> fried rice bhat biran<br> fried starchy rice biroin bhat<br> noodle nudul<br> bread loafs (brioche loafs) luf<br> toast (toasted brioche loafs) tus<br> vegetables tarkhari<br> only vegetables nillar tarkhari<br> Mixed vegetable curry nira mishar salon<br> spinach or any leafy dish haag<br> mustard lai<br> malabar spinach foi/koi haag<br> salad salat<br> - tomatos : ṭomeṭu <br> bilati baingoin<br> - cucumber : kira / howa <br> - radish : mula <br> - turnip : shalgom <br> - okra : bhendi <br> - taro : khosu <br> - Ceylon olive : belfoi <br> - bottle gourd : khodu <br> - chichinda/snake gourd : sisinga / poita<br> - cucurbita moschata : hofri khodu / kumra<br> - pointed gourd : fotol <br> - carrots : gazor <br> - onions : phiaiz<br> - bean : uri<br> - black-eyed pea : ramai uri / lubi<br> - garlic : roshun - eggplant/aubergine : baingoin<br> - bell peppers : khephsikom <br> - cabbages : phata khobi<br> - cauliflower : phul khobi<br> vegetable curry tarkharir salom/salon<br> vegetable soup tarkharir shira<br> lentil soup ḍailor shira<br> lentil(s) ḍail<br> beans urir bisi<br> mashed potatoes alur borta<br> Chotpoti soṭ-phoṭi<br> oil tel<br> clarified butter gi (gi made from cow's milk is known as xaṭi-gi (pure-gi). vegetable ghee ḍalḍa<br> butter makhon<br> cheese phonir<br>

Seasoning

salt

nun [noon]<br> salty nunta <br> ground black pepper gul morisor gura<br> crushed pepper corn kuṭail gul moris<br> pepper corn gul moris<br> mustard xoirox [hoh-ee-roh]<br> chili moris<br> - green chili: khasa moris<br> - sweet chili: lal moris<br> - chili pepper: naga moris (above a million scoville units)<br> bell pepper kephsikom<br> anaz(al)or moris (zero scoville units)<br> spice(s) moshla<br> hot n spicy zal moshla<br>gorom moshla<br> hot (fire) gorom<br> hot (chili) zal (also meaning heat)<br> heat the curry, please. salon ṭare zal diba. <br>

Fruits

fruit(s): fol-fruit <br> - banana: xola (খলা)<br> - young banana: xas xola (খাছ খলা)<br> - pomelo: mattu (মাতু)<br> - clementines, mandarines, tangerines, satsumas and citruses: zamir (জামির)<br> - lemon: lembu (লেম্বু)<br> - lime: lembura (লেম্বুরা)<br> - macroptera citrus fruit: hatkhora (হাতখরা)<br> - oranges: xomla (খমলা)<br> - pineapple: anarosh (আনারস)<br> - apple: sheb (সেব)<br> - custard apple: ataphol (আতাফল)br> - papaya: xoiphol (খইফল)<br> - coconut: naikkol / naikol / nairol (নাইক্কল / নাইকল)<br> - rambai: bubi (বুবি)<br> (lotkon in Standard Bengali) - chebulic myrobalan: ortoki (অরতকি)<br> - Country gooseberry: leboi (লেবই)<br> - emblic: eola (এওলা)<br> - young coconut: dab (ডাব)<br> - longan fruit: ashphol (আশফল)<br> - jackfruit: khaṭhol (খাঠল)<br> (kathal in Standard Bengali) - lychee: lesu (লেছু)<br> (lichu in Standard Bengali) - mango: aam (আম)<br> - starfruit: khafrenga (খাফরেঙ্গা)<br> (kamranga in Standard Bengali) - garcinia xanthochymus: dephol (ডেফল)<br> - pomegranate: anar (আনার)<br> - grape: angur (আঙ্গুর)<br> - raisin: kishmish (কিসমিস)<br> - apricot: khubani (খুবানি)<br> - guava: hofri (হফরি)<br> (peyara in Standard Bengali) - pear: nashfatti (নাশফাত্তি)<br> (nashpati in Standard Bengali) - hog plum: amra (আম​ড়া)<br> - otaheita apple: bilati amra (বিলাতী আমড়া)<br> (jamrul in Standard Bengali) - prunes / plums: alu buxara (আলু বুখারা)<br> - java plum: zam (ঝাম)<br> - indian apple: bel (বেল)<br> - olives: belkhoi (বেলখই)<br> - oenaplia zuzube: hiakul boroi<br> - ziziphus zuzube: kul boroi/sini boroi<br> - xylopyrus zuzube: ghat boroi<br> - tamarind: tetoi (তেতই)<br> - dates: xazur (খাজুর)<br> - stem amaranth: denga<br>

Refreshment/Bar

à la carte.

khani ṭa alag khori diba.<br> light meal/snack. haba-luba.<br> tea sa<br> dehydrated milk powder<br> nido / dano<br> turmeric powder<br> oloid<br> whole fresh milk<br> phegeṭor taza dudh<br> lemon juice<br> lembur/zamiror rosh<br> rose water<br> gulaph phani<br> ginger<br> adrokh<br> cinnamon stick<br> ḍalsini (lit. ḍal: tree-branch + sini: sugar) also pronounced as ḍailsini<br> bay leaves<br> tez phata<br> cardamon<br> elais<br> sugar<br> sini<br> without sugar<br> ana-sini-e<br> date syrup<br> khazuror ghur<br> coffee <br> kofi<br> fresh lemonade<br> lembur shorbot<br> sparkling lemonade<br> lembur shorbot<br> 7up<br> seven up<br> Sprite<br> sprit <br> water<br> phani<br> ice<br> borof<br> ice-cream<br> kulfi<br> ice-lollie<br> ice-cream (Just as mango achar is called mango chutney!) coconut water<br> naikolor phani<br> young coconut juice<br> ḍabor phani<br> sugarcane juice<br> kuiaror rosh<br> mango milkshake<br> aam dudh<br> yogurt drink<br> lassi<br> yogurt <br> doi<br> sweet yogurt<br> miṭa doi<br> Bars Modor ghor<br> Alcoholic drinks<br> Mod<br> Cigarette(s) Sigreṭ<br> Tendu leaf cigarette(s)<br> Biri <br> Shredded Tobacco<br> Tomakh<br> Betel leaf<br> faan <br> Although faan is used to refer to the leaves of the betel vine, the use of this word means to chew areca nut and other condiment called faan moshla wrapped with a betel leaf. Below are a list of phan variety, consisting of the phan moshla ingredients to make a (samosa-like) phan wrap: <br>

• Guwa faan:

  • Betel leaf: Faan<br>
  • Areca nut: Guwa<br>

• Soon faan:

  • Betel leaf: Faan<br>
  • Areca nut: Guwa<br>
  • Calcium hydroxide (Caustic lime paste): Sun<br>

• Shada faan: (a common household phan)

  • Betel leaf: Faan<br>
  • Areca nut: Guwa<br>
  • Dried whole Tobacco leaf: Shada<br>
  • Calcium hydroxide (Caustic lime paste): Sun<br>

• Tomakh Faan:

  • Betal leaf: Faan<br>
  • Areca nut: Guwa<br>
  • Shredded Tobacco: Tomakh<br>
  • Dried whole Tobacco leaf: Shada<br>
  • Sweet and scented Tobacco: Zorda<br>
  • Calcium hydroxide (Caustic lime paste): Sun<br>

• Meeṭa Faan:

  • Betel leaf: Faan<br>
  • Sweet and Saffron dyed Areca nut: Miṭa shuphari <br>
  • Sweet mouth freshener: Mukhwosh (lit. mukh: mouth + ooshma: stench) is made of colorful sugar coated herb-seeds scented with aromatic essential oils and peppermint oil. <br>
  • Sweet cumin (Aniseed): Barik guamuri bakhor <br>
  • Fennal seeds: Guamuri bakhor<br>
  • Shredded coconut: Kuṭa naikol <br>
  • Glace/Maraschino cherry: Sini soṛail "cherry"<br>

• Zordari Faan:

  • Betel leaf: Faan<br>
  • Sweet and scented Tobacco: Zorda<br>
  • Sweet and Saffron dyed Areca nut: Miṭa shuphari <br>
  • Catechu (an extract from the acacia tree): Khoe'er <br>
  • Powdered caustic lime: Hukna sun <br>
  • Fennal seeds: Guamuri bakhor<br>
  • Mint leaves: Phudina <br>
  • Cardamon: Elais <br>

• Sini Faan: (lit. sugar betel-leaf) refers to chewing on engagement ceremonies.

  • Betel leaf: Faan<br>
  • Sweet and scented Tobacco: Zorda<br>
  • Sweet and Saffron dyed Areca nut: Miṭa shuphari <br>
  • Sweet mouth freshener: Mukhwosh (lit. mukh: mouth + ooshma: stench) is made of colorful sugar coated herb-seeds scented with aromatic essential oils and peppermint oil. <br>
  • Sweet cumin (Aniseed): Barik guamuri bakhor <br>
  • Fennal seeds: Guamuri bakhor<br>
  • Coriander seeds: Dhonia/Dula bakhor<br>
  • Cumin seeds: Zira bakhor <br>
  • Sesame seeds: Til <br>
  • Shredded coconut: Kuṭa naikol <br>
  • Glace/Maraschino cherry: Sini soṛail "cherry"<br>

Shopping

Commercial spot/Market

Bazar<br> Shop Dukan Expensive Daami <br> Cheap Hosta <br> Free Magna <br> I'm buying Ami kiniar<br> Ami kinram<br> Do you have this in my size? Okhṭa amar saizor milbo ni? I want to buy . Ami _____ kintam sai.<br> - This: Okhṭa <br> - That: Hokhṭo<br> How much is this? Okhṭar daam khoto?<br> How much is ? r daam khoto?<br> That's too expensive. Itar daam beshi.<br> Give me a deal. Daam khomauka.<br> Would you take ? _____ niba ni? <br> I'll give you §, and no more. Ami § dimu aphnare, ar beshi na.<br> - This much: Oto Khanta<br> § [amount] Taka § [] Ṭekha<br> § [amount] Poysha § [] Phoesha<br>

• Phoesha also means money.
• A hundren phoesha makes a ṭekha. I can't afford it.

Kinbar khemota nae. <br> I don't want it. Ami sai na. <br> You're cheating me. Aphne amare ṭogra. <br> I'm not interested. Ar kham nae. <br> OK, I'll take it. Ṭik ase, ami loimu.<br> Please give me a carrier-bag. Ekhṭa kisa diba. <br> Do you ship overseas? Bidesh maal phaṭain ni? <br> I need... Amar... lage. <br> - toothpaste. : datpest<br> - a toothbrush. : datborash<br> - a broom. : huroin<br> - a large broom. : khorkhora<br> - a kite. : guddi<br> - tampons. : mashik fed <br> - soap. : shaban<br> - shampoo. : shabun<br> - spoon. : sif/samos<br> - spoon. : sif/samos<br> - pain relievers. : bish bednar duwai<br>

• e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen <br>

pherasiṭamol / aibiphren<br> - medication for cold relief. <br> shordir duwai <br> - medicines for stomach relief. <br> pheṭor duwai<br> - razors / blades <br> khamaibar baaṭ <br> - an umbrella. : satti<br> - sunblock lotion. <br> "sunblock lotion"<br> - a postcard. : "postcard"<br> - postage stamps. <br> siṭi sarbar ishtemph<br> - batteries. : beṭari <br> - writing paper. <br> lekhbar khagoz<br> - a pen. <br> kholom<br> - a pencil. <br> sheesh kholom<br> - reading glasses. <br> phorbar choshma<br> - books in English-language. <br> Ingrezi boi<br> - Magazines in English-language <br> Ingrezi megezin<br> - Newspaper in English-language <br> Ingrezi photrika<br> - a Bengali-English dictionary. <br> Bangla-Ingrezi dikshonari/abhidhan<br> - an English-Bengali dictionary. <br> Ingrezi-Bangla dikshonari/abhidhan<br>

Clothes

clothes

khaphor<br> pyjama phaezama, phainjabi<br> shorts, underwear anḍar<br> saree shari<br> asian kilt longi<br> western trouser(s) phent<br> baggy drawstring trouser(s) selwar<br> long shirt(s) khamiz<br> western shirt(s) shat<br> t-shirt(s) genji<br> vest bogol khata genji<br> hat(s) toki<br> shoes zuta<br> sandals and flip-flops sendel<br> socks phawor muza<br> gloves aator muza<br> scarfs maflar<br> headscarf rumaal (Muslim)<br>bondona (Hindu)<br> shawl(s) urna<br> Finger-ring Anguṭi<br> Angṭi<br>

Money

Do you accept American/Australian/Canadian dollars?

"American/Australian/Canadian" dolar loin ni?<br> Do you accept British pounds? "British pound" loin ni?<br> Do you accept credit cards? "Credit card" loin ni?<br> Do you accept debit card? "Debit card" loin ni? <br> Can you change money for me? Amar lagi phoesha bodlaita pharba ni?<br> Where can I get money changed? Ami phoesha Khun Khano bodlaitam phari?<br> Can you change a traveler's cheque for me? Amar "traveller cheque" khaan bodlaia diba ne?<br> Where can I get a traveller's cheque changed? (Ami) "traveller cheque" khuno bodlaitam phari?<br> What is the exchange rate? "Exchange rate" khemola(n)?<br> Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)? "ATM" khuno phaimu?<br>

Authority

I haven't done anything wrong.

Ami khunu bad kham khorsi na.<br> It was a misunderstanding. Bhul bhuza oi gesil.<br> Where are you taking me? Aphne amare khun khano luia zaira?<br> Am I under arrest? Ami giriftar ni?<br> I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen. Ami ekh zon "American/Australian/British/Canadian" nagri.<br> I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy consulate. Ami "American/Australian/British/Canadian" embasi konsulet or loge maattam sai.<br> I want to talk to a lawyer. Ami wokil or loge maattam sai.<br> Can I just pay a fine? Ami fain or bill boridei?<br> There is no authority except from God maola/banaora sara r kunta nai (Muslim etiquette is to recite from an Arabic statement "لا حول ولاقوة إلا بالله")<br> Political authority in Bangladesh Bangladeshor raznitir aaola<br> Good Luck. mongol ouk (Muslim etiquette is to say in Arabic: Allahr Haola, meaning God's Authority)<br>

Conflicting phrases

(Indo-Aryan lexicons in similar languages with different meanings.)<br>

Hungry vs starving - "bhuk" ভুক in Sylheti means hungry.<br> - "bhukh" ভূখ in Bengali means starving.<br> - In Sylheti starving is uphash উফাশ.<br> - In Bengali hungry is kkhida ক্ষিদা.<br>

Love affection vs love illusion - "moho maea" মোহ মায়া in Sylheti means love affection.<br> - moho māyā" মোহ মায়া in Bengali means love illusion.<br>

Cloud vs rain - "megh" মেঘ in Sylheti means rain.<br> - "mēgh" মেঘ in Bengali means cloud.<br> - In Sylheti__cloud__ is called badol বাদল or ashmani haz আসমানী হাজ (decor of the sky).<br> - In Bengali rain is called badol বাদল or Br̥ṣṭi বৃষ্টি. <br>

What vs yes - "he?!" হ্যাঁ! [heh?!] in Sylheti, means what?! and is just as rude as it is in English.<br> - "hyām̐" হ্যাঁ [heh] in Bengali is an formal yes.<br> - "hyām̐" হ্যাঁ (ह्यँा) [heh] in Bengali is an informal yes.<br> - "he?!"/"hi?!" हे?!/ही?! [heh?!/hee?!] in Syloti, means what?! and is just as rude as it is in English; "Ji?" [Jee?] is formal.<br> - "ôm̐yā" অঁ্যা (अँ्या) [ôeh] in Bengali mean "hey".' - "ħôe" हए [ôh-eh] in Syloti is an informal yes. <br> - "ēi" এই (एइ) [eh-ee] in Bengali is an informal "excuse me" (for getting attention).' - "ħei" हेइ [eh-ee] in Syloti means hey you! (implying in no respect)<br> - In Syloti excuse me (for getting attention) is e-re एरे [eh-reh] or o-go वगो [ô-gô] or o-ba वबा [ô-bah].<br>

Later vs laughing - "xeshe" হেসে or "bade" বাদে in Sylheti means later.<br> - "heshe" হেসে [heh-sheh] in Bengali means laughing.<br> - laughter in Syloti is called ashi আসি<br> - later in Bengali is called pore পরে. <br>

Pomegranate fruit vs lighting - "'anwar"' अनवार [ah-n-wah-r] in Syloti means pomegranate fruit<br> - "anōyar" আনওয়ার [ah-nô-wah-r] in Bengali is a male name meaning lighting<br> - anar अनार [ah-nah-r] in Syloti refers to the legendary slave girl named anarkoli अनारकली [ah-nah-r-kô-lee] meaning pomegranate-blossom. <br> - anar আনার (आनार) [ah-nah-r] or ḍalim ডালিম (डािलम) [ḍah-leem] in Bengali means pomegranate fruit.<br> - In Urdu anwar انور means light borrowed from the Arabic nūr نور meaning illuminate. <br>

To cheer vs to move - "naṛa" नारा [nah-ṛah] in Syloti means to cheer: <br>1. Hip hip - Hooray! <br>2. Narae Takbir - Allahu Akbar! <br> 3. Joy Bangla! <br>4. Jay Hind! etc.<br> - "naṛa" নাড়া (नाड़ा) [nah-ṛah] in Bengali means to stir or to move.<br> - A waist drawstring acting as a belt is also called a nara [nah-rah].<br>

Vegetables vs curry - "torkhari" तरकारी [tôr-khah-ree] in Syloti, means vegetables.<br> - "torkāri" তরকারি (तरकारि) [tô-r-kah-ree] in Bengali, means curry.<br>

Girl vs fried food - "furi" (from Sanskrit "पुरी") in Sylheti means girl along with original Sanskrit meanings.<br> - "Puri" (from Sanskrit "पुरी") in Hindi and Bengali means fried food along with original Sanskrit meanings.<br>

Many-times vs Seven-times - Hatbar হাতবার in Sylheti means Many-times, Several times, again-and-again, and literally Seven times. - Shaat/Saat baar সাতবার/सातबार in Bengali/Hindi means Seven times.

Learning more

• Syloti-Nagri alphabet - Omniglot
• Sylheti phrases - Useful phrases in Sylheti
• Sylheti language lessons (dead link: January 2023) - SOAS University of London
• Learn Sylheti – Audio - Listen to basic words and sentences in Sylheti language
• Audio recordings available in Sylheti - Global Recordings Network

See also

Related Wikipedia article: Sylheti language

• Assamese phrasebook
• Bengali phrasebook
• Chittagonian phrasebook
• Gujarati phrasebook
• Hindi phrasebook
• Maithili phrasebook
• Oriya phrasebook
• Urdu phrasebook