Essential Bengali Phrases for Beginners: 101 Easy Practical Phrases for Everyday Conversation

After 20 years of teaching Bengali to students from all corners of the world, I’ve learned one universal truth: the fastest way to start speaking a new language is by mastering practical, everyday essential Bengali phrases.

Tanmoy

You don’t need to understand complex grammar rules to have your first meaningful conversation in Bengali—you just need the right phrases at the right time.

Today, I’m sharing 101 essential Bengali phrases that will transform you from a complete beginner to someone who can navigate everyday situations with confidence.

These Bengali phrases are organized by real-life situations, starting with the absolute basics and gradually building up to more complex interactions.

Whether you’re planning to visit Bangladesh or West Bengal, connecting with Bengali-speaking friends and family, or simply passionate about learning this beautiful language, these phrases will become your foundation for communication.

Link to Course: Speaking in Bengali (in English script)

Why These 101 Essential Bengali Phrases Matter

Before we dive into the phrases, let me share why this approach works so well. In my two decades of teaching, I’ve watched thousands of students progress from saying their first “Nomoshkar” to holding full conversations.

The students who succeed fastest are those who:

• Focus on practical, high-frequency phrases first
• Practice pronunciation from day one
• Learn phrases in context rather than isolated words
• Use the language in real situations as soon as possible

These 101 essential Bengali phrases represent the most commonly used expressions you’ll encounter in Bengali conversation.

Master these, and you’ll be able to handle about 80% of everyday interactions. That’s the power of strategic learning!

How to Use This Guide

Each phrase below is presented in three parts:

1. Bengali script – The authentic way to write it
2. English transliteration (in brackets) – How to pronounce it
3. English meaning – What it actually means

I recommend reading each phrase aloud several times, focusing on the pronunciation.

Bengali has some sounds that don’t exist in English, but the transliterations will get you close enough to be understood. Native speakers will appreciate your effort and help you refine your pronunciation.

Now, let's begin your journey into Bengali conversation!

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Category 1: Essential Greetings and Basic Courtesy

Greetings are the gateway to any conversation. These essential Bengali phrases will help you make a positive first impression and show respect to Bengali speakers.

1. নমস্কার (Nomoshkar) – Hello/Greetings
2. আসসালামু আলাইকুম (Assalamu alaikum) – Peace be upon you (Islamic greeting)
3. সুপ্রভাত (Shuprobhat) – Good morning
4. শুভ সন্ধ্যা (Shubho sondha) – Good evening
5. শুভ রাত্রি (Shubho ratri) – Good night
6. ধন্যবাদ (Dhonnobad) – Thank you
7. আপনাকে স্বাগতম (Apnake shagatom) – You’re welcome
8. দয়া করে (Doya kore) – Please [do sth]
9. ক্ষমা করবেন (Khoma korben) – Excuse me/Sorry
10. কোনো সমস্যা নেই (Kono shomossa nei) – No problem
11. বিদায় (Biday) – Goodbye [Rarely used]
12. আবার দেখা হবে (Abar dekha hobe) – See you again [Commonly Used]

Pro Tip: “Nomoshkar” is universally accepted, while “Assalamu alaikum” is commonly used by Muslim Bengalis. Both are respectful and appropriate!

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Category 2: Self-Introduction and Basic Questions

Once you’ve greeted someone, these essential Bengali phrases will help you introduce yourself and start a basic conversation.

13. আমার নাম… (Amar nam…) – My name is…
14. আপনার নাম কী? (Apnar nam ki?) – What is your name?
15. আমি ভালো আছি (Ami bhalo achhi) – I am fine
16. আপনি কেমন আছেন? (Apni kyamon achhen?) – How are you?
17. আপনি কোথা থেকে এসেছেন? (Apni kotha theke esechhen?) – Where are you from?
18. আমি আমেরিকা থেকে এসেছি (Ami America theke esechhi) – I am from America
19. আপনার সাথে পরিচিত হয়ে খুশি হলাম (Apnar sathe porichito hoye khushi holam) – Nice to meet you
20. আপনি কী করেন? (Apni ki koren?) – What do you do?
21. আমি একজন ছাত্র/ছাত্রী (Ami ekjon chhatro/chhatri) – I am a student (male/female)
22. আমি বাংলা শিখছি (Ami Bangla shikhchhi) – I am learning Bengali
23. আপনি কি ইংরেজি বলতে পারেন? (Apni ki Ingreji bolte paren?) – Can you speak English?

Link to Course: Reading and Writing in Bengali Script

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Category 3: Asking for Help and Clarification

When you’re learning a language, you’ll often need to ask for help. These essential Bengali phrases are lifesavers!

24. আমি বুঝতে পারছি না (Ami bujhte parchhi na) – I don’t understand
25. আবার বলবেন প্লিজ (Abar bolben please) – Please say that again
26. আস্তে বলুন (Aste bolun) – Please speak slowly
27. এটা কী? (Eta ki?) – What is this?
28. এটা বাংলায় কী? (Eta Banglai ki?) – What is this in Bengali?
29. আপনি কি আমাকে সাহায্য করতে পারবেন? (Apni ki amake shahajjo korte parben?) – Can you help me?
30. আমার সাহায্য দরকার (Amar shahajjo dorkar) – I need help
31. আমি হারিয়ে গেছি (Ami hariye gechhi) – I am lost
32. আমি বিদেশী (Ami bideshi) – I am a foreigner
33. আমি জানি না (Ami jani na) – I don’t know
34. দয়া করে লিখে দিন (Doya kore likhe din) – Please write it down

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Category 4: Numbers, Time, and Directions

These practical phrases help you navigate, shop, and schedule meetings.

35. এক, দুই, তিন (Ek, dui, tin) – One, two, three
36. এটার দাম কত? (Etar dam koto?) – How much does this cost?
37. এটা অনেক দামি (Eta onek dami) – This is very expensive
38. একটু কম করুন (Ektu kom korun) – Please reduce the price a little
39. এখন কয়টা বাজে? (Ekhon koyṭa baje?) – What time is it now?
40. আজ কোন দিন? (Aj kon din?) – What day is today?
41. কাল দেখা হবে (Kal dekha hobe) – See you tomorrow
42. বাথরুম কোথায়? (Bathroom kothay?) – Where is the bathroom?
43. এটা কত দূর? (Eta koto dur?) – How far is this?
44. ডানদিকে যান (Dandike jan) – Go right
45. বামদিকে যান (Bamdike jan) – Go left
46. সোজা যান (Shoja jan) – Go straight

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Category 5: Food and Dining

Food is central to Bengali culture! These essential Bengali phrases will help you order meals and enjoy Bengali hospitality.

47. আমি ক্ষুধার্ত (Ami khudharto) – I am hungry
48. আমার পিপাসা পেয়েছে (Amar pipasha peyechhe) – I am thirsty
49. খাবার খুব ভালো হয়েছে (Khabar khub bhalo hoyechhe) – The food is very good
50. আমি মাংস খাই না (Ami mangsho khai na) – I don’t eat meat
51. আমি নিরামিষাশী (Ami niramishashi) – I am vegetarian
52. এটাতে কি ঝাল আছে? (Etate ki jhal achhe?) – Is this spicy?
53. আমি কি জল পেতে পারি? (Ami ki jol pete paari?) – Can I have water?
54. বিল আনুন (Bill anun) – Bring the bill
55. আর কিছু লাগবে না (Ar kichhu lagbe na) – I don’t need anything else
56. খুব স্বাদ হয়েছে (Khub swad hoyechhe) – Very delicious
57. আমার পেট ভরে গেছে (Amar pet bhore gechhe) – I am full
58. চা খাবেন? (Cha khaben?) – Would you like tea?

Link to Course: Reading and Listening in Bengali Script

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Category 6: Shopping and Transactions

Whether you’re at a market or a store, these practical Bengali phrases will help you shop confidently.

59. এটা আমি কিনবো (Eta ami kinbo) – I will buy this
60. এটা দেখতে পারি? (Eta dekhte pari?) – Can I see this?
61. আরো রং আছে? (Aro rong achhe?) – Do you have other colors?
62. আমার সাইজ নেই (Amar size nei) – My size isn’t there
63. এটা ছোট (Eta chhoto) – This is small
64. এটা বড় (Eta boro) – This is big
65. এটা ঠিক আছে (Eta thik achhe) – This is perfect/okay
66. আমি শুধু দেখছি (Ami shudhu dekhchhi) – I am just looking
67. ছাড় আছে? (Chhar achhe?) – Is there a discount?
68. ক্যাশে নেবেন? (Cashe neben?) – Do you take/accept in cash?
69. কার্ড নেবেন? (Card neben?) – Do you take/accept cards?

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Category 7: Emotions and Feelings

Express how you feel and connect with people on a deeper level.

70. আমি খুশি (Ami khushi) – I am happy
71. আমি দুঃখিত (Ami dukhito) – I am sad/sorry
72. আমার খুব ভালো লাগছে (Amar khub bhalo lagchhe) – I am feeling very good
73. আমি ক্লান্ত (Ami klanto) – I am tired
74. আমার ভয় পাচ্ছে (Amar bhoy pachhe) – I am getting/feeling scared
75. আমি অসুস্থ (Ami oshustho) – I am sick
76. আমার মাথা ব্যথা করছে (Amar matha betha korchhe) – My head is aching
77. আমার জ্বর হয়েছে (Amar jor hoyechhe) – I have a fever
78. আমি ভালো নেই (Ami bhalo nei) – I am not well
79. আমি চিন্তিত (Ami chintito) – I am worried
80. আমি রাগ করেছি (Ami rag korechhi) – I am angry

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Category 8: Social Interactions and Invitations

Build relationships and participate in social activities with these friendly Bengali phrases.

81. আপনি কি আমার সাথে আসবেন? (Apni ki amar sathe ashben?) – Will you come with me?
82. আমরা কি দেখা করতে পারি? (Amra ki dekha korte pari?) – Can we meet?
83. আমাকে ফোন করবেন (Amake phone korben) – Call me
84. আমার বাড়িতে আসুন (Amar barite ashun) – Come to my house (now)
85. আপনার ফোন নাম্বার কত/কি? (Apnar phone number koto/ki?) – What is your phone number?
86. আমরা বন্ধু (Amra bondhu) – We are friends
87. আমি আপনাকে ভালোবাসি (Ami apnake bhalobashi) – I love you
88. আমি আপনাকে মিস করি (Ami apnake miss kori) – I miss you
89. পার্টিতে আসবেন? (Partite ashben?) – Will you come to the party?
90. অভিনন্দন (Ovinondon) – Congratulations
91. শুভ জন্মদিন (Shubho jonmodin) – Happy birthday

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Category 9: Travel and Transportation

Navigate your way around Bengali-speaking regions with ease.

92. রিকশা কোথায় পাবো? (Rickshaw kothay pabo?) – Where can I find a rickshaw?
93. রেলস্টেশন কোথায়? (Rail station kothay?) – Where is the railway station?
94. আমাকে এখানে নামিয়ে দিন (Amake ekhane namiye din) – Drop me here
95. কতক্ষণ লাগবে? (Kotokhon lagbe?) – How long will it take?
96. আমি হোটেল খুঁজছি (Ami hotel khujchhi) – I am looking for a hotel
97. টিকিট কত টাকা? (Ticket koto taka?) – How much is the ticket?
98. বাস কখন ছাড়বে? (Bus kokhon chharbe?) – When will the bus leave?

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Category 10: Emergency and Important Situations

These crucial Bengali phrases could help you in urgent situations.

99. দ্রুত/তাড়াতাড়ি আসুন (Druto/taratari ashun) – Come quickly
100. পুলিশ ডাকুন (Poolish dakun) – Call the police
101. আমার ডাক্তার দরকার (Amar daaktar dorkar) – I need a doctor

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Mastering Your Pronunciation

Now that you have these 101 phrases, let me share some pronunciation tips from my years of teaching experience:

Key Bengali Sounds to Practice:

• Retroflex Consonants: Bengali has sounds made by curling your tongue back (like ট, ড, ণ). Practice these slowly—they’re crucial for clear pronunciation.
• Aspirated vs Unaspirated: Bengali distinguishes between consonants with breath (aspirated) and without (unaspirated). For example, “k” vs “kh” – practice with “kal” (কাল – tomorrow) vs “khal” (খাল – canal).
• Vowel Length: Pay attention to short and long vowels. The difference between “শাক” (shak – leafy greens) and “শখ” (shokh – hobby) is subtle but important.

Practice Strategies That Work:

1. Listen and Repeat: Use online resources or language apps to hear native pronunciation
2. Record Yourself: Compare your pronunciation to native speakers
3. Daily Practice: Spend 10-15 minutes daily on just 5-10 phrases
4. Use Context: Practice phrases in realistic scenarios
5. Find a Language Partner: Nothing beats real conversation practice

How to Progress Beyond These Phrases

These 101 essential Bengali phrases are your foundation, but they’re just the beginning of your Bengali journey. Here’s how to build on this foundation:

Week 1-2: Memorization Phase

Focus on categories 1-3 (greetings, introductions, asking for help). Practice these until they become automatic. Use flashcards, write them out, and say them aloud daily.

Week 3-4: Context Building

Start combining phrases. Instead of just saying “Nomoshkar,” try “Nomoshkar, ami bhalo achhi” (Hello, I am fine). This builds fluency and confidence.

Month 2: Situational Practice

Role-play different scenarios. Imagine you’re ordering food, shopping, or asking for directions. Practice the relevant phrases in sequence.

Month 3 and Beyond: Expansion

Start learning Bengali script, understanding grammar basics, and expanding your vocabulary beyond these phrases. This is where structured courses become invaluable.

Link to Course: Speaking in Bengali (in English script)

Cultural Context: Why These Phrases Matter

Bengali is more than just words—it’s a window into a rich culture. When you use these phrases, you’re not just communicating; you’re showing respect for Bengali traditions and values.

The Importance of Formality:

You’ll notice I use “Apni” (আপনি – formal you) in most phrases. Bengali has different levels of formality:

• Apni (আপনি) – Formal “you” (use with elders, strangers, professional settings)
• Tumi (তুমি) – Informal “you” (use with friends, younger people)
• Tui (তুই) – Very informal “you” (use with very close friends, children)

Start with “Apni” until someone invites you to use “Tumi.” This shows cultural awareness and respect.

The Warmth of Bengali Hospitality:

Phrases like “Amar barite ashun” (Come to my house) aren’t just polite gestures—Bengali culture places enormous value on hospitality. Don’t be surprised if a casual conversation leads to an invitation for tea or a meal!

Food as Love Language:

Notice how many food-related phrases there are? That’s because in Bengali culture, offering food is a primary way of showing care and affection. Learning these phrases helps you participate fully in this beautiful tradition.

Some more facts about the Bengali Language: Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Bengali Language You Didn’t Know | Learn Bengali Online

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In my 20 years of teaching, I’ve seen students make the same mistakes repeatedly. Here’s how to avoid them:

Mistake 1: Ignoring Pronunciation from Day One

• Wrong approach: Learning phrases from text alone without listening to pronunciation.
• Right approach: Always listen to native pronunciation and practice speaking from the start.

Mistake 2: Translating Word-for-Word from English

• Wrong approach: Trying to directly translate the English sentence structure to Bengali.
• Right approach: Learn phrases as complete units and understand Bengali’s SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) structure.

Mistake 3: Being Afraid to Make Mistakes

• Wrong approach: Staying silent because you’re worried about errors.
• Right approach: Bengali speakers appreciate effort! Make mistakes, learn, and improve.

Mistake 4: Skipping Cultural Context

• Wrong approach: Learning phrases without understanding when and how to use them.
• Right approach: Understand the cultural context behind each phrase.

Your Action Plan for the Next 30 Days

Here’s a concrete 30-day plan to master these phrases:

Days 1-7: Master Categories 1-2 (Greetings and Self-Introduction)

• Practice 5 phrases daily, 10 minutes each
• Record yourself saying each phrase
• Use them in your daily life (even just to yourself!)

Days 8-14: Add Categories 3-4 (Asking for Help and Numbers/Directions)

• Review previous phrases for 5 minutes
• Learn 5 new phrases daily
• Start combining phrases into mini-conversations

Days 15-21: Incorporate Categories 5-6 (Food and Shopping)

• Role-play restaurant and shopping scenarios
• Practice phrases in sequence
• Try to find Bengali speakers to practice with (online or in person)

Days 22-30: Complete Categories 7-10 (Emotions, Social, Travel, Emergency)

• Review all these 101 Bengali phrases for beginners
• Create your own practice scenarios
• Start exploring the Bengali script and grammar

Link to Course: Reading and Writing in Bengali Script

Tools and Resources to Enhance Your Learning

While these 101 essential Bengali phrases give you a strong start, consider supplementing with:

Digital Resources:

• Language Exchange Apps: Find Bengali speakers who want to learn English
• YouTube Channels: Search for “Bengali pronunciation” or “Learn Bengali”
• Podcasts: Listen to Bengali conversations to train your ear
• Bengali Music: Songs by Rabindranath Tagore or modern Bengali artists

Traditional Methods:

• Write Daily: Practice writing these phrases in both Bengali script and transliteration
• Sticky Notes: Put phrases around your house for constant exposure
• Journal: Keep a daily journal, trying to use at least 5 Bengali phrases
• Language Partner: Find someone to practice with regularly

Structured Learning:

While self-study is valuable, structured courses provide systematic progression, feedback, and comprehensive skill development in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.

Link to Course: Reading and Listening in Bengali Script

The Journey Ahead: From Phrases to Fluency

These 101 essential Bengali phrases are stepping stones, not the destination.

They’ll help you to:

• ✅ Have basic conversations with Bengali speakers
• ✅ Navigate travel situations in Bengali-speaking regions
• ✅ Show respect and interest in Bengali culture
• ✅ Build confidence in your language learning ability
• ✅ Create opportunities for deeper cultural connections

But true fluency requires moving beyond memorized phrases to understanding grammar, expanding vocabulary, reading Bengali script, and immersing yourself in the language.

Real Stories from My Students

Over two decades, I’ve witnessed incredible transformations in my students, whom I teach Bengali online.

Let me share a few:

• Chris from America started with the Bengali alphabet, and within months, he could read full sentences and make meaning out of most of those. When I introduced these phrases to him, he already knew almost everything. Hard work and dedication can propel your learning journey, and Chris is a living example.
• Maria from Spain started with just these basic Bengali phrases. She had learned the script before coming to me. Six months later, he was reading Bengali novels and had made friends with a Bengali family in Barcelona. She says, “Those first 100 phrases gave me the confidence to keep going.”
• James from Canada used these phrases during a business trip to Dhaka. “I expected to use English everywhere, but using even basic Bengali phrases changed how people responded to me. It opened doors I didn’t know existed,” he WhatsApp-ed me from there.
• Yuki from Japan learned these essential Bengali phrases to communicate with her Bengali colleague. She said, “It started as a way to be polite, but it became a passion. Now I’m planning a trip to Kolkata in early 2026.“

Your story could be next.
Every fluent Bengali speaker started exactly where you are now—with basic phrases and a willingness to learn.

Final Thoughts: Your Bengali Adventure Begins Now

Congratulations! You now have 101 practical Bengali phrases that can transform your ability to communicate in this beautiful language. But knowledge without practice is like a car without fuel—it won’t take you anywhere.

Here’s my challenge to you:

• Use at least ONE phrase today. Say it out loud. Write it down. Send it to a Bengali friend. Post it on social media. Just use it.
• Tomorrow, use two phrases.
• The day after, three. Before you know it, these phrases will flow naturally, and you’ll be ready to expand your Bengali skills even further.

Remember, language learning is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. Some days will feel easier than others. Some phrases will stick immediately; others will take time. That’s completely normal and part of the journey.

The Bengali-speaking world is waiting to welcome you. With these 101 essential Bengali phrases as your foundation, you’re already on your way to meaningful connections, cultural understanding, and the joy of communicating in one of the world’s most beautiful languages.

আপনার জন্য শুভকামনা রইলো! (Apnar jonnyo shubhokamona roilo!) – Best wishes to you!

Ready to take your Bengali to the next level? Explore my comprehensive courses:

Start your Bengali journey today—এখনই শুরু করুন! (Ekhoni shuru korun!) – Start right now!