# Sylheti phrasebook

Sylheti (Sylheti: ছিলটী/ꠍꠤꠟꠐꠤ Silôṭi; Bengali: সিলেটী 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 Indian 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.

## Pronunciation guide

Pronouncing Syloti words will be much easier if you note:

### Vowels

/i/ (ꠁ)
          Press
             sif [siɸ]
/ɛ/ (ꠄ)
          Spit
             sef [sɛɸ]
/ɔ/ (ꠅ)
          Snack
             sof [sɔɸ]
/a/ (ꠀ)
          Pressure
             saf [saɸ]
/u/ (ꠃ)
          Quite
             suf [suɸ]

### Consonants
#### Fricative

/k~x/ (ꠇ/ꠈ)
          Room
             Kuta (kúʈá) with high tone.
          Taunting
             Kuta (kùʈà) with low tone.
          Stick
             Kuta (kūʈā) with mid tone.
          Deaf
             Xal (xál) with high tone.
          Skin or Canal
             Xal (xàl) with low tone.
          Bad-time
             Xal (xāl) with mid tone.
/ɸ~f/ (ꠙ/ꠚ)
          Goat
             Fata (ɸáʈá) with high tone.
          Torn
             Fata (ɸàʈà) with low tone.
          Grindstone
             Fata (ɸāʈā) with mid tone.
          Fan
             Faxa (ɸáxá) with high tone.
          Empty
             Faxa (ɸàxà) with low tone.
          Ripe
             Faxa (ɸāxā) with mid tone.

#### Voiced fricative

/z/ (ꠎ/ꠏ)
          Net
             zal (z̀al) with low tone.
          Spicy
             zal (zál ) with high tone.
/ɦ/ (ꠢ)
          Lid
             hora (hòra) with low tone
          Move it
             hora (hóra) with high tone

#### Flap

/ɾ/ (ꠞ)
          Stay
             ro (rò) with low tone.
          Cultivate
             ro (ró ) with high tone.

#### Approximant

/l/ (ꠟ)
          Take, Catch
             lo (lò) with low tone.
          Purchase
             lo (ló ) with high tone.

#### Nasals

/m/ (ꠝ)
          I
             mui/ami
          Mom
             mai
          Mom's elder sister (aunty)
             moi
/n/ (ꠘ)
          Take a bath
             nao (náo) with high tone.
          Boat
             nao (nāo) with mid tone.
/ŋ/ ( ꠋ )
          Dizziness
             un(g)ani
          River
             gan(g)

#### Plosive/Affricate

/b/ (ꠛ/ꠜ)
          Bangle
             bala (bàlà) with low tone.
          Good, Welfare
             bala (báĺá) with high tone.
/d̪/ (ꠖ/ꠗ)
          Donation
             dan (dàn) with low tone.
          Paddy
             dan (dán) with high tone.
          Damn
             dur (dúr) with high tone.
             du-ro-reba (m), dur-rego (f)
          Far
             dur (dūr) with mid tone.
             dur-oi, dur-duran
          Go-away, get lost
             dur (dùr) with low tone.
             dur-za
/ɡ/ (ꠉ/ꠊ)
          Scolding
             gail (g̀ail) with low tone.
          Beater
             gail (gáil) with high tone.

### 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" )
             á
          2. second tone ( "low tone" )
             à
          3. third tone ( "mid tone" )
             ā

## 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

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:
* The क (ch) is equivalent to the English "chemist" and to the Scottish "Loch".
* The च (c) is equivalent to both "centimeter" and "change"
* The छ (s) is equivalent to both "Scene" or "Schist"
* The ह (h/ħ mute) is equivalent to "host or "honour".
Note that the following characters below have triple pronunciation:
* The व (o/v/w) is equivalent to "Odin" "Versus" "Woden"
* The ख (k/kh/x) is equivalent to "Kahn", "Khan" or "Xan".
* The श (sh/x/ħ mute) is equivalent to "shush"& "hush", or to "Xan" & "Han", or else to "hour".

##### Independent vowels

| Dewnagri alphabets | Transliteration | Equivalent/Comments |
| अ | a | as in Apple |
| इ | i | as in Ink |
| उ | u | as in Oops! |
| ए | e | as in Eggs |
| व | o or w | as in Odin or Woden |

##### Dependant vowels

| Consonant + Dependant vowel | Transliteration | Equivalent/Comments |
| पा | ph+a | as in phantom |
| पी | ph+i | as in Phoenix |
| पु | ph+u | as in Phut |
| पे | ph+e | as in Pheasant |
| छो | s+o/ou | as in Sop or Soup |

##### Grapheme signs

The Dvisvara symbol:
| Consonant + Doishor | Transliteration | Equivalent/Comments |
| पै | ph+oi | the 'oi' as in (the sarcasm greeting) ahoy! Or as in oil or ointment |
The Anusvara symbol:
| Consonant + Anushor | Transliteration | Equivalent/Comments |
| पं | ph+ŋ / ph+ng | the 'ŋ' in knot, knowledge, gnat or the 'ng' in English & Bangla |

##### Consonants

| Dewnagri alphabets | Transliteration | Equivalent/Comments |
| क | ch | as in Chemist or Loch |
| ख | k, kh/x | as in Kahn, Khan or Xan |
| ग | g | as in Goat |
| घ | gh | as in Ghee |
| च | c | as in Centimeter or Change |
| छ | s | as in Science or Schist |
| ज | z | as in Zeus |
| झ | j | as in Jason |
| ट | ṭ | like a Tick-tock clock |
| ठ | ṭh | as in Treasure! |
| ड | ḍ | as in Dream |
| ढ | ḍh | as in Drought |
| त | t | as in Tintin |
| थ | th | as in Tight |
| द | d | as in Door |
| ध | dh | as in Dough |
| प | ph | as in Phone |
| फ | f | as in First |
| ब | b | as in Bon |
| भ | bh | as in Boohoo |
| म | m | as in Money |
| न | n | as in Nice! |
| र | r | as in Raw |
| ल | l | as in Law |
| ड़ | wr | as in Writing |
| श | sh, x/ħ mute | as in Shush, Xan or Hour |
| ह | h, ħ mute | as in Host or Honour |

## Phrase list
### Basics
#### Greeting

Hello in Sylheti
    oba (formal for male)/ogo (formal for female)
    oi (gender neutral informal)
    omae (very informal, to express irritation or anger)
    Muslims etiquette is to say 'may peace be upon you'.
       "Assalamu alaikum" in Arabic
    In reply Muslim etiquette is to say 'may peace be upon you too'.
       "Wa alaikum assalam" in Arabic
    Hindu etiquette is to say 'humble welcome'.
       "Nomoshkhar" in Sanskrit
       Body language - folded hands touching the forehead while saying the word/s
    Inter-religious etiquette
       Saying "Adab", means 'take my regards'.
    Common traditional etiquette
       Fao-dori salam/adab
       Body language - the touching of the feet of elderly person and saying following word/s
Bye
    zaiargi bala taxba
    Te bala taxba, rakidei (in Telephone)
How are you (as good-are-you?)?
    bála ni afne? (formal)
    bála ni tumi? (informal)
    bála ni tui? (very informal)
Welcome
    aioukka, aioin (very formal)
    aukka, ain (formal)
    ao, aore, aogo (f), aoba (m), aiore, aiogo (f), aioba (m) - (formal/informal)
    ae, ai-o (informal)
    aebe, aere (very informal)
    aome (very informal and expressing anger, frustration or irritation, basically not so welcome)
Congratulations
    Shabash
Have a blessed Eid
    Eid Mubarokh
Happy Anniversary
    Shalgira Mubarokh
Farewell
    Allahr Haola. (lit. [with] God's Authority)
Good bye.
    Khuda/Allah Hafiz. (Muslim lit. God/Allah protect you)

#### Forms of Address

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

#### Meeting

Hello. (lit. How are you?)
    Bhala ni? [Bah-lah nee?] (informal)
Are you good?
    (Aphne) bhala asoin ni? (formal) (Tumi) bhala aso ni? (informal) (Tui) bhala asos ni? (very informal)
I'm good, thanks be to God.
    Bhala asi, Shukur Allahr.
(I'm) fine, and are you good?
    (Ami) bhala asi, ar aphne bala asoin ni?
What is your name?
    Aphnar nam kita? (formal) Tumar nam kita? (informal) Tor nam kita?
My name is ______ .
    mor nam oilo ______ . (formal)
    nam oilogi ______ . (informal)
Nice to meet you.
    bála laglo afnar log faia. (formal)
    bála laglo tumar log faia. (informal)
    bála laglo tor log faia. (very informal)
Same here.
    Ami hoi o. [Ah-mee ô-ee-yô] (lit. me too)
Long time no see!
    Oto buile na dekhlam! [ô-tô booh-ee-leh nah deh-kh-lah-m!]
What?
    Ji? [Jee?] (formal - as in pardon?/sorry?) Kita? [Kee-tah?] (informal - as in come-again?/what?) Khixor? [Kee-hôr] (implying in no respect - as in what nonsense?) Hi? [Hee?] or He? [Heh?] (extremely rude - as in What? Err!)
What is this?
    Okhṭa kita? [ôkh-ṭah kee-tah?]
Yes.
    Ji hoe. [Jee ôh-eh] (formal) Hoe. [ôh-eh] (informal)
No.
    Ji na. [Jee nah] (formal) Na. [Nah] (informal)
Please.
    Doea-khori. [Dô-yah khô-ree] (informal)
Thank you.
    Shukria. [Shooh-k-ree-yah] (highly formal) Doniobad. [Dô-een-yôbah-d] (formal)
You're welcome. (lit. It was nothing)
    Kichchu hoito nae [Kee-ch-chooh ôh-ee-tô nah-eh]
You're welcome!
    Marhaba [Mah-r-hah-bah]
Welcome (lit. Please come in.)
    Aoka [Ah-ô-kah]
You're most/always welcome.
    Aphnar phroti marhaba. [Ah-f-nah-r frô-tee mah-r-hah-bah] (formal) Tumar phroti marhaba. [Tooh-mah-r frô-tee mah-r-hah-bah] (informal)
Excuse me. (getting attention)
    E-re! [eh-reh!]
* Bhai-sahab [Bah-ee sah-b] (when addressing a man)
* Apha [Ah-fah] or Boin [Bô-een] (when addressing a lady)
Excuse me/Pardon me (to pass by someone)
    Maf khorba ami rasta sai. [Mah-f khôr-bah ah-mee rah-s-tah sah-ee] Dekhi. [Deh-kee]
Sorry (forgive me)
    Maf khorba [Mah-f khôr-bah] (highly formal) Maf khoroka [Mah-f khôrooh-kah] (formal) Maf khorbae [Mah-f khôr-bah-eh] (informal)
I love you.
    Ami tumare bhalaphai. [Ah-mee tooh-mah-reh bah-lah-fah-ee]
I like you.
    Tumare amar bhala lage. [Tooh-mah-reh ah-mah-r bah-lah lah-geh] Tumare amar phosond aise. [Tooh-mah-re ah-mah-r fôsôn ah-ee-seh]
See ya!
    Dekha hoibo. [Deh-khah ôh-ee-bô]
See you later.
    Bade dekha hoibo. [Bah-deh deh-khah ôh-ee-bô]
See you later, then.
    Te ar dekha hoibo. [Teh ah-r deh-khah ôh-ee-bô]

### People and places
#### People

Boy
    Phua [Fooh-wah]
A boy's...
    Ekh Phuar ___. [Eh-kh fooh-wah-r]
Girl
    Furi [Fooh-ree]
A girl's...
    Ekh furir ___. [Eh-kh fooh-ree-r]
Man
    Beṭa [Beh-ṭah]
A man's...
    Ekh beṭar ___. [Eh-kh Beh-ṭah-r]
Woman
    Beṭi [Beh-ṭee]
A woman's...
    Ekh Beṭir ___. [Eh-kh Beh-ṭee-r]
A person
    Ekh manush/manux [Eh-kh mah-nooh-sh/mah-nooh]
A person's...
    Ekhu manshor/manxor [Eh-gooh mah-n-shôr/mah-nôr]
Someone
    Ekh-zon [Eh-kh zôn]
Someone's
    Ekh-zonor [Eh-kh zônôr]
Human-kind
    Manshor zat [Mah-n-shôr zah-t]
Swordsman
    Axaidri [Ah-heh-ee-dah-ree]
Hinduism
    Hinduana [Een-dooh-ah-nah]
Hindu
    indu [In-dooh]
People of Hind (Indian)
    industani [Een-dooh-stah-nee] Bharotia [Bah-rô-tee-yah]
People of Sylhet
    Silhoṭia [See-lôh-ṭee-yah]
People of Assam (Assamese)
    Ahomia [Ah-hô-mee-yah]
People of Assyria (Assyrian)
    Ahura [Ah-hooh-rah] Ahuria [Ah-hooh-ree-yah]
People of the Dhaka region
    Daxaia [Dah-khah-ee-yah]
Everyone
    Hokhol [Hô-khôl] (all) Hokkol [Hôk-kôl] (each and everyone)

#### Places

Everything
    Xokholta [Hô-khôl-tah]
Dhaka
    Dhakha [Dah-khah]
Assam
    Axom [Ah-hôm]
Sylhet
    Silhot [See-lôh-t]
Shallow wetland
    Haor [Ah-wôr]
Wetland
    Bil [Beel]
Seven wetlands
    Xat bila [Hah-t bee-lah]

#### Family relationship

Paternal Grandparents
    Dadu [Dah-dooh]
Maternal Grandparents
    Nanu [Nah-nooh]
Paternal Grandfather
    Dadazi [Dah-dah-zee] Dada [Dah-dah]
Paternal Grandmother
    Bibizi [Bee-bee-zee] Bibi [Bee-bee] (means my dad's mother) Dadi [Dah-dee] (means my granddad's wife)
Maternal Grandfather
    Nanazi [Nah-nah-zee] Nana [Nah-nah]
Maternal Grandmother
    Nanizi [Nah-nee-zee] Nani [Nah-nee]
Father
    Baba [Bah-bah] (formal) Baph [Bah-f] (informalt)
Dad
    Abba [Ah-b-bah] Bazan [Bah-zah-n] Babazi [Bah-bah-zee] Abbazan [Ah-b-bah-zah-n]
Mother
    Ma [Mah] Mai [Mah-ee]
Mum
    Maizi [Mah-ee-zee] Amma [Ah-m-mah] Ammazan [Ah-m-mah-zah-n]
Son
    Fut [Fooh-t]
Daughter
    Zi [Zee] Khonia [Khôn-yah] (also means bride)
Big brother
    Bhaisahab [Bah-ee-sah-b] (Muslim) Dada [Dah-dah] (Hindu)
Little brother
    Huru/Geda Bhai [hu-ru/ge-da Bah-ee]
Brother
    Bhai [Bah-ee]
Big sister
    Buai [Booh-wah-ee] Boro apha [Bôrô ah-fah] Apha [Ah-fah] Didi [Dee-dee] (Hindu)
Little sister
    Boni [Bô-nee]
Sister
    Boin [Bô-een]
Husband
    Zamai [Zah-mah-ee] (Muslim) Beṭa [Beh-ṭah] Bor [Bôr] (Hindu)
Wife
    Bow [Bôw] (Mislim) Bhodu [Bôh-dooh] (Hindu) Stri [Stee-ree] (formal)
Maternal uncle
    Mamuzan [Mah-mooh-zah-n] Mamuzi [Mah-mooh-zee] Mama [Mah-mah]
Maternal uncle's wife
    Mamani [Mah-mah-nee] Mami [Mah-mee]
Maternal aunty/Auntie
    Moi [Mô-ee] Moizi [Mô-ee-zee] Khala [Khah-lah] Khala-amma [Khah-lah Ah-m-mah]
Maternal aunty's husband
    xalu [Khah-looh]
Paternal uncle
    Sasa (bafor-baekur) Sasazan [Sah-sah-zah-n] Sasazi [Sah-sah-zee] Sasa [Sah-sah]
Paternal uncle's wife
    Sasi-amma [Sah-see ah-m-mah] Sasizi [Sah-see-zee] Sasi [Sah-see]
Paternal aunty/Auntie
    Fufu-amma [Fooh-fooh ah-m-mah] Fufuzi [Fooh-fooh-zee] Fufu [Fooh-fooh]
Paternal aunty's husband
    Fufazi [Fooh-fah-zee] Fufa [Fooh-fah]
Father-in-law
    hour [Hô-ooh-r] Abba [Ah-b-bah] (dad)
Mother-in-law
    hoṛi [Hô-ṛee] Amma [Ah-m-mah] (mum)
    Bride's Brother to Father/Mother in law
       Futra [similar to Putra in Sanskrit for son]
Brother-in-laws:
   * Big sister's husband: Dulha-bhai [Dooh-lah bah-ee]
   * The husbans's older brother: Bhawor [Bah-ooh-r]
   * The husband's younger brother: Dewor [Deh-wôr]
   * The wife's older brother: Shomondik [Shômôn-deek]
   * The wife's older sister's husband: Zeṭa [Zeh-ṭah]
   * The wife's younger brother: Xala [hah-lah]
Sister-in-laws:
   * Big brother's wife: Bhabhi [Bah-bee]
   * The husband's older brother's wife: Zaal [Zah-l]
   * The husband's older sister: Nonhori [Nônôh-ree]
   * The husband's younger sister: Nonond [Nônôn]
   * The wife's's older sister: Zeṭali [Zeh-ṭah-lee]
   * The wife's younger sister: Xali [Hah-lee]
Son-in-law
    Damand [Dah-mah-n] (Muslim) Zamai [Zah-mah-ee] (Hindu)
Daughter-in-law
    Phuar-bow [Fooh-wah-r bôw] (Muslim) Bohu [Bôh-ooh] (Muslim) Phutro-bhodu [Fooh-t-rô bô-dooh] (Hindu) Bowma [Bôw-mah] (Hindu)
Friend
    Bondu [Bôn-dooh] (male) Dusto [Dooh-s-tô] (male) Bandobi [Bah-n-dô-bee] (female)
Boyfriend/girlfriend
    Shuna-bondu [Shooh-nah bôn-dooh]

#### 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) Amare ekhla takhte deo. [Ah-mah-reh eh-kh-lah tah-kh-teh deh-oh] (informal) Amare ekhla takhte de. [Ah-mah-reh eh-kh-lah tah-kh-teh deh] (implying in no respect)
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]
Let me go!
    Amare saro! [Ah-mah-reh sah-rô!]
I said, don't touch me!
    Amare sois na khoisi! [Ah-ma-reh sô-ee-s na khô-ee-see!]
I'll call the police.
    Ami phulish dakhmu. [Ah-mee fooh-leesh dah-kh-mooh] Ami phulish daki laimu. [Ah-mee fooh-leesh dah-khee lah-ee-mooh] Ami phulish daki dimu. [Ah-mee fooh-leesh dah-khee dee-mooh]
Police! Officer!
    Phulish! Daroga! [Fooh-leesh Dah-rô-gah]
Look out!
    Dhekio ! [Deh-kee-yoh]
Stop! Thief!
    Sur! Sur! [Sooh-r! Sooh-r!] Ubais! Sur! [Ooh-bah-ee-sss! Sooh-r!] Rakis! Sur! [Rah-kee-sss! Sooh-r!] Uba-rakh! Sur! [Ooh-bah-Rah-kee-sss Sooh-r]
Help!
    Basao! [Bah-sah-ô!]
I need (some) help.
    Amar (tura) shaejjo lage. [Ah-mah-r (tooh-rah) sha-eh-j-jô lah-geh]
I need your help.
    Aphnar shaejjo lage. [Ah-f-nah-r sha-eh-j-jô lah-geh]
Please, help me.
    Amare shaejjo khorba. [Ah-mah-reh shah-eh-j-jô khô-r-bah] (formal)
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)
It's an emergency.
    Ekhṭa aphot goṭi gese. [Eh-kh-ṭah ah-fôt gô-ṭee-geh-seh]
Please, come quick!
    Zoldi aoka [Zôl-dee ah-oo-kah]
I'm lost.
    Ami Harai gesi. [Ah-mee ah-rah-ee geh-see]
I lost my bag.
    Amar beg/sola ṭa harai laise. [Ah-mah-r beh-g/sô-lah ṭah ah-rah-ee lah-ee-see]
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]
Where is the toilet? :
   * Where is the flush toilet? : Bideshi ṭoeleṭ kun khano?
   * Where is the squat toilet? : Lefṭin kun khano?
   * Where is the washroom? : Hosailoe kun khano?
   * Where is the bathroom? : Ghusol-khana/Henan kun khano?
   * Is there a loo? : Fae-khanar bebosta ase ni?
Where is the _______?
    _______ khun khano?
Can I use your phone?
    Aphnar phon ṭa bebohar khortam phari ni?
How do you say _____?
    _____ khemne khoin? _____ khemola(n) khoin?
What is this/that called?
    Okhṭar/Xokhṭar nam kita?
I don't understand.
    mui (ami) buziar na. mui (ami) buzlam na mui (ami) buzram na mui (ami) bujchi na.
I can't speak Sylheti (that well).
    mui (ami) siloti (bála ṭike) mattam fari na.
Do you speak English?
    Afne Ingrezi matta faroin ni? (formal) Tumi Ingrezi mattae faro ni? (informal)
Is there someone here who speaks English?
    Oxano kheu asoin ni ze Ingrezi matta faroin?
Learn
    hikba [Heek-bah]
I'm not well. (I'm sick)
    Ami bemar.
I've been injured.
    Ami dukh phaisi.
I've injured my [name of the body part].
    Ami amar [_____] o dukh phaisi.
I need a doctor.
    Amar dakhtor lage.
Before the doctor came, the patient had died.
    Ḍakhtor awar ageu bemari mori gese.

### Going to the doctor

I am in _____.
    Amar _____ khorer.
   * Pain : Bish
   * Pain (as in muscle pain) : Bish/Bedna
It's _____ here.
    Ono _____
   * Sore (resulting from an injury) : Duk phai.
   * Itching : Khaozwar.
   * Tickling : Khetkhuti khorer.
   * Tingling : Zinzini khorer.
   * Numb : Set phai na
I've catched a cold.
    Amar ṭanḍa lagi gese.
I've got a _____.
    Amar _____ hoi gese. [Ah-mah-r _____ oh-ee geh-seh]
   * Fever. : Taph
   * Cough. : Khawwani
   * Phlegm. : Khash
   * Running nose. : Nakh doria/shordi
   * Diarrhoea. : Pheṭ lama Dasto
I'm _____.
    Ami _____.
   * Coughing. : Khawwaiar. / Khawwairam.
   * Sneezing. : Esiar. / Esram.
I'm feeling _____.
    Amar _____ lager.
   * Uncomfortable. : Oshanti
   * Shy. : Shorom

#### Body-parts

Body
    Shoril
Skin
    Samra
Hair
    Sul
Head
    Mata
Mouth
    Mukh
Face
    Cheyara
tongue
    Zifra
Tooth, Teeth
    Daat
Gums
    Zami
Eyelash
    Sukor bui [Soh-ooh-koh-r booh-ee]
Eyebrows
    Sukor bua [Soh-ooh-koh-r booh-wah]
Eyes
    Suk [Soh-ooh-k] / Noeon [Noh-yoh-n]
Eyelids
    Sukor phatta [Soh-ooh-koh-r fah-t-tah]
Ears
    Khaan
Earlobes
    Khaanor loti
Cheeks
    Gaal
Nose
    Nakh
Armpits
    Bogol
Arms
    Dakhna
Elbow
    Khoni
Wrist
    Hator ghonṭa {Ah-toh-r goh-n-ṭah]
Hand
    Hat [Ah-t]
Palm
    Hator gata [Ah-toh-r gah-tah]
Finger, toe
    Anguil
Nails
    Nukh [Noh-ooh-kh]
Neck (rear end)
    Gordona
Throat
    Gola
Shoulder
    Khand
Chest
    Buk
Back
    Phiṭ
Side
    Muka
Hip
    Khomor
Waist
    Bazu
Heart
    Dil
Leg(s)
    Ṭeng
Thigh
    Urat
Knee
    Aṭu
Blood
    Khun
Calf
    Gusari
Ankle
    Gonṭa
Foot
    Phaw
Soles
    Phawor tola

### Numbers

0
    shuinno (also means: hovering/on air)
1
    ex
2
    dui
3
    tin
4
    sair, sari
5
    fas
6
    soe
7
    hat
8
    aṭ
9
    noe
10
    dosh
11
    egaro
12
    baro
13
    tero
14
    souddo
15
    fondro
16
    shullo
17
    hotro
18
    aṭaro
19
    unnish
| Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration |
| 20 | bish | 30 | tish | 40 | sallish | 50 | phoinchash |
| 21 | ekhuish | 31 | ekhtish | 41 | ekhtallish | 51 | ekhanno |
| 22 | baish | 32 | bottish | 42 | boeallish | 52 | bawanno |
| 23 | teish | 33 | tettish | 43 | tetallish | 53 | tewanno |
| 24 | sobbish | 34 | sowtish | 44 | sowallish | 54 | sowanno |
| 25 | fochish | 35 | phoetish | 45 | foesallish | 55 | phasphanno |
| 26 | sabbish | 36 | soetish | 46 | soeallish | 56 | saphphanno |
| 27 | hataish | 37 | hattish | 47 | hattallish | 57 | hattanno |
| 28 | ataish | 38 | attish | 48 | attallish | 58 | attanno |
| 29 | untish | 39 | unsallish | 49 | unphonchiash | 59 | unshait |
| Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration | Numeral | Transliteration |
| 60 | shait | 70 | hottoir | 80 | ashi | 90 | nobboi |
| 61 | ekhshait | 71 | ekhhottoir | 81 | ekhashi | 91 | ekhannobboi |
| 62 | baishait | 72 | bahottoir | 82 | biashi | 92 | bawannobboi |
| 63 | teshait | 73 | tehottoir | 83 | tirashi | 93 | tewannobboi |
| 64 | sowshait | 74 | sowhottoir | 84 | sowrashi | 94 | sowannobboi |
| 65 | phoishait | 75 | phas'hottoir | 85 | phasashi | 95 | phasannobboi |
| 66 | soeshait | 76 | sihottoir | 86 | siashi | 96 | siannobboi |
| 67 | harshait | 77 | hathottoir | 87 | hatashi | 97 | hattannobboi |
| 68 | arshait | 78 | at'hottoir | 88 | attashi | 98 | attannobboi |
| 69 | unhottoir | 79 | unashi | 89 | nirashi | 99 | nirannobboi |
1,00 Êkh sho
1,000 Êkh hajar
10,000 Dôsh hajar
1,00,000 Êkh lakh
10,00,000 Dôsh lakh
1,00,00,000 Êkh kuti
10,00,00,000 Dosh kuti 1,00,00,00,000 Êkh arob 10,00,00,00,000 Dosh arob 1,00,00,00,00,000 Ekh kharob 10,00,00,00,00,000 Dosh kharob

#### Measurement

whole
    asta
half
    aada
one third
    tin bagor ekh baag
two third
    tin bagor doi baag
one quarter
    sair bagor ekh baag
___ quarter
    sair bagor ___ baag
less
    khom
more
    beshi

#### Weight

Kilogram/s (Kg)
    Khezi Kilo

#### Metaphors

Bus number eleven. (Meaning: "Your two legs")
    Egaro nombor baas
Did you catch the bus number 11 to here? (Meaning: "Did you walk it here?")
    Egaro nombor baas dori aisoin ni? (formal)
    Egaro nombor baas dori aiso ni? (informal)

### Calendar
#### Past present future

before
    age [ah-geh]
now
    ongkhu [on-kooh]
    one [oh-neh]
later
    bade [bah-deh]
day
    din [deen]
yesterday
    gese khail [geh-seh khah-ee-l]
today
    aizku [ah-eez-kooh]
    aiz [ah-eez]
tomorrow
    khailku [khah-ee-l-kooh]
    khail [khah-ee-l]
day before yesterday
    gese phorxu [geh-seh foh-rooh]
day after tomorrow
    phorxudin [foh-rooh-deen]
fortnight
    soddo rait [soh-d-doh rah-eet]
nowadays
    aizkhailku [ah-eez-khah-ee-l-kooh]
    aizkhail [ah-eez-khah-ee-l]
time
    bela [beh-lah] buil [booh-ee-l] okht [oh-kh-t] bar [bah-r]
seven-times (lots of time)
    hat-bar [hah-t-bah-r]
every time
    hara buil [hah-rah booh-ee-l]
last time
    agor bela [ah-goh-r beh-lah]
this time
    ebuil [eh-booh-ee-l]
daytime
    dinor bela [dee-noh-r beh-lah]
nighttime
    raitkur bela [rah-ee-t-kooh-r beh-lah]
last week
    agor haphtah [ah-goh-r hah-f-tah]
this week
    ow haphtah [oh-oo hah-f-tah]
next week
    bador haphtah [bah-doh-r hah-f-tah]

#### Morning to night

dawn (the beginning of day)
    fota
morning
    bian(i)
    biyaal
noon
    duiphor
afternoon
    madhan
evening (the beginning of night)
    hainja
dusk
    beil
night
    rait
midnight
    maz-rait
late night
    hesh-rait [heh-sh rah-eet]
* "Hesh" is a Syloti pronunciation of the Bengali "Shesh"
end of the night
    shesh-rait
* 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.

#### Weeks

Sunday
    Roibbar
Monday
    Shombar
Tuesday
    Mongolbar
Wednesday
    Budbar
Thursday
    Bishudbar
Friday
    Jummabar
Saturday
    Shonibar

#### Months

| Gregorian calendar | Transliteration pronunciation | Hijri calendar | Transliteration pronunciation | Bengali calendar | Transliteration pronunciation |
| January | Janwari | মহররম | Mohorrom | বৈশাখ | Bahag |
| February | Februari | ছফর | Sofor | জৈট | Zoiht/Zet |
| March | Maach | রবীউল আওয়াল | Robiul-Aowal | আড় | Ahŗ/Aar |
| April | Ephril | রবীউছ ছানী | Robius-Sani | হাওন | Haon/Shaon |
| May | Me'e | জমাদিউল আওয়াল | Jomadiul Aowal | ভাদো | Bhado |
| June | Jun | জমাদিউছ ছানী | Jomadius-Sani | আশ্বিন | Ashin |
| July | Julai | রজব | Rojob | খাত্তি | Khatti |
| August | Aagost | শাবান | Shaban | আগন | Aghon |
| September | Sephtembor | রমজান | Romzan | ফুষ | Fush |
| October | Okhtubor | শাওয়াল | Showal | মাঘ | Magh |
| November | Nowembor | যিল কদ | Zil Kod | ফাল্গুন | Fagun |
| December | Disembor | যিল হজ্জ | Zil Hojj | ছৈত | Soit |
* 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)
[name of the season] time
    [____] Khal (কাল)
Summer
    Grishsho (গ্রীষ্ম)
Rainy (Monsoon)
    Bôrsha (বর্ষা)
Autumn
    Shôrot (শরৎ)
Dry
    Hemonto (হেমন্ত)
Winter
    Sheet (শীত)
Spring
    Bôshonto (বসন্ত)

#### Time

What time is it?
    Khoe ṭa bazro? Khoe ṭa bazer?
dawn.
    fota bala.
one AM.
    rait kur ekh ṭa.
two AM.
    rait kur dui ṭa.
noon.
    duiphori bala.
one PM.
    duiphori balar ekh ṭa.
two PM.
    duiphori balar dui ṭa.
midnight.
    maz rait.
9:45 Quarter to ten
    Phone Dosh ṭa
10:00 Ten O'Clock
    Dosh ṭa
10:15 Quarter past ten
    Shuwa Dosh ṭa
10:30 Half past ten
    Share Dosh ṭa
1:30 Half past one
    Ḍeṭṭa (avoid saying share ekh ṭa)
2:30 Half past two
    Aṛaiṭa (avoid saying share dui ṭa)

#### Duration

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

#### 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
4:45 AM is said: (at dawn quarter to five)
    rait phuwae phone phash ta
3:10 AM is said: (at late night three - ten)
    hesh rait kur tin ta - dosh
12:00 AM is said: (at midnight twelve)
    maz rait kur baro ta
10:20 PM is said: (at night ten - twenty)
    rait kur dosh ta - bish
7:05 PM is said: (at dusk seven - five)
    beil kur (s)hat ta - phas
3:20 PM is said: (at day three - twenty)
    dinor tin ta - bish
From noon to midday, PM is said as: (at day _____ - _____)
    dinor _____ - _____
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 12 (baro) wi tarikh Robiul Aowal.
25 December
    Disemboror 25 (phochish) tarikh 25 (phochish) shi tarikh Disembor.

### Animals

Lion
    Sher (শের)
Tiger
    Bagh (বাঘ)
Cow
    Gai (গরু)
Elephant
    Atti (আত্তি)
Fox
    Hiyal (হিয়াল)
Pigeon
    Khoitor (কৈতর)
Parrot
    Tutafaikka (তোতা ফাইক্কা)
Rabbit
    Khorgush (খরগোশ)

### Colours
#### Miscellaneous

Are there any other types of colour?
    Ar khunu zatir rong ase ni?
colour
    rong
colourless
    berong
colourful
    rongila, rongbirongi, rangi
shiny
    zokhmokh
dark
    ghono
light
    fatla

#### Primary colours

red
    lal
green
    khosua
blue
    nil

#### Secondary colours

pink (rosy)
    golaphi
orange
    khomla
yellow
    oilda
purple
    baingoni
Brown
    bhuramaṭi

#### Hueless colours

black
    khala
gray
    meghla
white
    dhola

#### Jewellery colours

gold
    shuna
silver
    rupha
bronze
    phitol

### Traveling/Commuting
#### Travel Queries

How much is a ticket to ___?
    ___or ṭikeṭor daam khemolan?
One ticket to ___, please.
    ___or lagi ekh ṭa ṭikeṭ diba. (formal) ___or lagi ekh ṭa ṭikeṭ dibae. (informal)
Where does this train/bus go?
    Ow train/bus khoi zaibo?
Where is the train/bus to ___?
    ___or train/bus khun khano?
Does this train/bus stop in ___?
    Ow train/bus ___o bond oi ni?
When does the train/bus for ___ leave?
    ___or train/bus khoe ṭa baze sarbo?
When will this train/bus arrive in ___?
    Ongkhur train/bus khoe ṭa baze ___o aibo?

#### Directions

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

#### Taxi

The only taxi found in and around Sylhet is the auto-rickshaw or baby-taxi (pronounced bebi-teski)
Taxi !
    Bebi-teski !
Are you going
    (Aphne) zaira ni?
Take me to _____, please.
    _____ loia zauka (formal). _____ loia zao. (informal)
How much does it cost to get to _____?
    _____ zaite khoto loiba?
Take me there, please.
    Hono loia zauka. (formal) Hono loia zao. (informal)
Keep on driving
    Salaite takhuka
Stop
    Rakh ouka

#### Driving

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

#### Transportation
##### Stations

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

##### Road

Bus
    Baas
Rickshaw
    Rishka
Auto Rickshaw
    Bebi-ṭeski
Taxi
    Ṭeski
Car
    Gaṛi
Motorbike
    Baik
bicycle
    saikel

##### Rail

Train
    Relgari

##### Sea or river

Boat
    Nao, Nouka
Ship
    Zahz

##### Air

Aeroplane
    Biman

### Lodging

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

### Eating and drinking

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

#### Meal times

Breakfast.
    Nasta.
Lunch.
    Duiphori belar khani.
Teatime.
    Sa-nasta.
Supper/Dinner.
    Raitkur khani.

#### Non vegetarian

non-mixed curry or dish
    nillar salon
* 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.
not-mixed.
    nilla
* The word nilla applie to both meat and vegetarian dishes
chicken
    murgor gus(t)
beef
    gorur gus(t)
mutton
    berir gus(t)
fish
    maas
hilsa fish
    ilish maas
rohu fish
    rui maas
climbing perch
    khoi maas
wallago catfish
    gual maas (boal in Standard Bengali)
batasio fish
    ghungi maas (tengra in Standard Bengali)
ompok fish
    fabiya maas (pabda in Standard Bengali)
    spotted snakehead
ladi maas dry fish soup/broth
    huṭkir shira
    huṭkir shira comes in as both roasted curry (Nilla) and with vegetables.
    huṭki hukṭi
curry
    salon tarkhari
dry roasted meat
    bhuna gust
meat sour soup
    tenga
    gus(t)
meatballs
    kufta
scotch egg
    nargisi kufta
egg
    enḍa
sausages
    sosij
meatball
    Kufta kobab
shish kebab
    shik kobab
burger shaped kebabs
    shami kobab
non-mixed soup
    nillar shira
   * meat soup: ghustor shira
   * chicken soup: murgor shira
meat pilau
    akhni phulab
biryani
    birani
    (similar to pilau rice, but cooked in layers of meat, fried onions, boiled eggs and rice, instead of having everything mixed in all together.)

#### Vegetarian

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

#### Seasoning

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

#### Fruits

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

#### Refreshment/Bar

à la carte.
    khani ṭa alag khori diba.
light meal/snack.
    haba-luba.
tea
    sa
dehydrated milk powder
    nido / dano
turmeric powder
    oloid
whole fresh milk
    phegeṭor taza dudh
lemon juice
    lembur/zamiror rosh
rose water
    gulaph phani
ginger
    adrokh
cinnamon stick
    ḍalsini (lit. ḍal: tree-branch + sini: sugar) also pronounced as ḍailsini
bay leaves
    tez phata
cardamon
    elais
sugar
    sini
without sugar
    ana-sini-e
date syrup
    khazuror ghur
coffee
    kofi
fresh lemonade
    lembur shorbot
sparkling lemonade
    lembur shorbot
7up
    seven up
Sprite
    sprit
water
    phani
ice
    borof
ice-cream
    kulfi
ice-lollie
    ice-cream (Just as mango achar is called mango chutney!)
coconut water
    naikolor phani
young coconut juice
    ḍabor phani
sugarcane juice
    kuiaror rosh
mango milkshake
    aam dudh
yogurt drink
    lassi
yogurt
    doi
sweet yogurt
    miṭa doi
Bars
    Modor ghor
Alcoholic drinks
    Mod
Cigarette(s)
    Sigreṭ
Tendu leaf cigarette(s)
    Biri
Shredded Tobacco
    Tomakh
Betel leaf
    faan
    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:
* Guwa faan:
   * Betel leaf: Faan
   * Areca nut: Guwa
* Soon faan:
   * Betel leaf: Faan
   * Areca nut: Guwa
   * Calcium hydroxide (Caustic lime paste): Sun
* Shada faan: (a common household phan)
   * Betel leaf: Faan
   * Areca nut: Guwa
   * Dried whole Tobacco leaf: Shada
   * Calcium hydroxide (Caustic lime paste): Sun
* Tomakh Faan:
   * Betal leaf: Faan
   * Areca nut: Guwa
   * Shredded Tobacco: Tomakh
   * Dried whole Tobacco leaf: Shada
   * Sweet and scented Tobacco: Zorda
   * Calcium hydroxide (Caustic lime paste): Sun
* Meeṭa Faan:
   * Betel leaf: Faan
   * Sweet and Saffron dyed Areca nut: Miṭa shuphari
   * 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.
   * Sweet cumin (Aniseed): Barik guamuri bakhor
   * Fennal seeds: Guamuri bakhor
   * Shredded coconut: Kuṭa naikol
   * Glace/Maraschino cherry: Sini soṛail "cherry"
* Zordari Faan:
   * Betel leaf: Faan
   * Sweet and scented Tobacco: Zorda
   * Sweet and Saffron dyed Areca nut: Miṭa shuphari
   * Catechu (an extract from the acacia tree): Khoe'er
   * Powdered caustic lime: Hukna sun
   * Fennal seeds: Guamuri bakhor
   * Mint leaves: Phudina
   * Cardamon: Elais
* Sini Faan: (lit. sugar betel-leaf) refers to chewing on engagement ceremonies.
   * Betel leaf: Faan
   * Sweet and scented Tobacco: Zorda
   * Sweet and Saffron dyed Areca nut: Miṭa shuphari
   * 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.
   * Sweet cumin (Aniseed): Barik guamuri bakhor
   * Fennal seeds: Guamuri bakhor
   * Coriander seeds: Dhonia/Dula bakhor
   * Cumin seeds: Zira bakhor
   * Sesame seeds: Til
   * Shredded coconut: Kuṭa naikol
   * Glace/Maraschino cherry: Sini soṛail "cherry"

### Shopping

Commercial spot/Market
    Bazar
Shop
    Dukan
Expensive
    Daami
Cheap
    Hosta
Free
    Magna
I'm buying
    Ami kiniar Ami kinram
Do you have this in my size?
    Okhṭa amar saizor milbo ni?
I want to buy _____.
    Ami _____ kintam sai.
   * This: Okhṭa
   * That: Hokhṭo
How much is this?
    Okhṭar daam khoto?
How much is _____?
    _____r daam khoto?
That's too expensive.
    Itar daam beshi.
Give me a deal.
    Daam khomauka.
Would you take _____?
    _____ niba ni?
I'll give you §_____, and no more.
    Ami §_____ dimu aphnare, ar beshi na.
   * This much: Oto Khanta
§ [amount] Taka
    § [_____] Ṭekha
§ [amount] Poysha
    § [_____] Phoesha
* Phoesha also means money.
* A hundren phoesha makes a ṭekha.
I can't afford it.
    Kinbar khemota nae.
I don't want it.
    Ami sai na.
You're cheating me.
    Aphne amare ṭogra.
I'm not interested.
    Ar kham nae.
OK, I'll take it.
    Ṭik ase, ami loimu.
Please give me a carrier-bag.
    Ekhṭa kisa diba.
Do you ship overseas?
    Bidesh maal phaṭain ni?
I need...
    Amar... lage.
   * toothpaste. : datpest
   * a toothbrush. : datborash
   * a broom. : huroin
   * a large broom. : khorkhora
   * a kite. : guddi
   * tampons. : mashik fed
   * soap. : shaban
   * shampoo. : shabun
   * spoon. : sif/samos
   * spoon. : sif/samos
   * pain relievers. : bish bednar duwai
* e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen
    pherasiṭamol / aibiphren
   * medication for cold relief.
    shordir duwai
   * medicines for stomach relief.
    pheṭor duwai
   * razors / blades
    khamaibar baaṭ
   * an umbrella. : satti
   * sunblock lotion.
    "sunblock lotion"
   * a postcard. : "postcard"
   * postage stamps.
    siṭi sarbar ishtemph
   * batteries. : beṭari
   * writing paper.
    lekhbar khagoz
   * a pen.
    kholom
   * a pencil.
    sheesh kholom
   * reading glasses.
    phorbar choshma
   * books in English-language.
    Ingrezi boi
   * Magazines in English-language
    Ingrezi megezin
   * Newspaper in English-language
    Ingrezi photrika
   * a Bengali-English dictionary.
    Bangla-Ingrezi dikshonari/abhidhan
   * an English-Bengali dictionary.
    Ingrezi-Bangla dikshonari/abhidhan

### Clothes

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

### Money

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

### Authority

I haven't done anything wrong.
    Ami khunu bad kham khorsi na.
It was a misunderstanding.
    Bhul bhuza oi gesil.
Where are you taking me?
    Aphne amare khun khano luia zaira?
Am I under arrest?
    Ami giriftar ni?
I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen.
    Ami ekh zon "American/Australian/British/Canadian" nagri.
I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy consulate.
    Ami "American/Australian/British/Canadian" embasi konsulet or loge maattam sai.
I want to talk to a lawyer.
    Ami wokil or loge maattam sai.
Can I just pay a fine?
    Ami fain or bill boridei?
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")
Political authority in Bangladesh
    Bangladeshor raznitir aaola
Good Luck.
    mongol ouk
    (Muslim etiquette is to say in Arabic: Allahr Haola, meaning God's Authority)

### Conflicting phrases

(Indo-Aryan lexicons in similar languages with different meanings.)
Hungry vs starving
   * "bhuk" ভুক in Sylheti means hungry.
   * "bhukh" ভূখ in Bengali means starving.
   * In Sylheti starving is uphash উফাশ.
   * In Bengali hungry is kkhida ক্ষিদা.
Love affection vs love illusion
   * "moho maea" মোহ মায়া in Sylheti means love affection.
   * moho māyā" মোহ মায়া in Bengali means love illusion.
Cloud vs rain
   * "megh" মেঘ in Sylheti means rain.
   * "mēgh" মেঘ in Bengali means cloud.
   * In Sylheticloud is called badol বাদল or ashmani haz আসমানী হাজ (decor of the sky).
   * In Bengali rain is called badol বাদল or Br̥ṣṭi বৃষ্টি.
What vs yes
   * "he?!" হ্যাঁ! [heh?!] in Sylheti, means what?! and is just as rude as it is in English.
   * "hyām̐" হ্যাঁ [heh] in Bengali is a formal yes.
   * "hyām̐" হ্যাঁ (ह्यँा) [heh] in Bengali is an informal yes.
   * "he?!"/"hi?!" हे?!/ही?! [heh?!/hee?!] in Syloti, means what?! and is just as rude as it is in English; "Ji?" [Jee?] is formal.
   * "ôm̐yā" অঁ্যা (अँ्या) [ôeh] in Bengali mean "hey".'
   * "ħôe" हए [ôh-eh] in Syloti is an informal yes.
   * "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)
   * 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].
Later vs laughing
   * "xeshe" হেসে or "bade" বাদে in Sylheti means later.
   * "heshe" হেসে [heh-sheh] in Bengali means laughing.
   * laughter in Syloti is called ashi আসি
   * later in Bengali is called pore পরে.
Pomegranate fruit vs lighting
   * "'anwar"' अनवार [ah-n-wah-r] in Syloti means pomegranate fruit
   * "anōyar" আনওয়ার [ah-nô-wah-r] in Bengali is a male name meaning lighting
   * anar अनार [ah-nah-r] in Syloti refers to the legendary slave girl named anarkoli अनारकली [ah-nah-r-kô-lee] meaning pomegranate-blossom.
   * anar আনার (आनार) [ah-nah-r] or ḍalim ডালিম (डािलम) [ḍah-leem] in Bengali means pomegranate fruit.
   * In Urdu anwar انور means light borrowed from the Arabic nūr نور meaning illuminate.
To cheer vs to move
   * "naṛa" नारा [nah-ṛah] in Syloti means to cheer: 1. Hip hip - Hooray! 2. Narae Takbir - Allahu Akbar! 3. Joy Bangla! 4. Jay Hind! etc.
   * "naṛa" নাড়া (नाड़ा) [nah-ṛah] in Bengali means to stir or to move.
   * A waist drawstring acting as a belt is also called a nara [nah-rah].
Vegetables vs curry
   * "torkhari" तरकारी [tôr-khah-ree] in Syloti, means vegetables.
   * "torkāri" তরকারি (तरकारि) [tô-r-kah-ree] in Bengali, means curry.
Girl vs fried food
   * "furi" (from Sanskrit "पुरी") in Sylheti means girl along with original Sanskrit meanings.
   * "Puri" (from Sanskrit "पुरी") in Hindi and Bengali means fried food along with original Sanskrit meanings.
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

* Sylheti language
* Syloti-Nagri alphabet - Omniglot
* Sylheti phrases - Useful phrases in Sylheti
* Sylheti language lessons - SOAS University of London
* Learn Sylheti – Audio - Listen to basic words and sentences in Sylheti language
* Audio recordings available in Sylheti - Global Recordings Network