Signification
Summarizing a long explanation into one point
Contexte culturel
In Kolkata, this phrase is often used in 'Adda' to pivot the conversation or to sound authoritative on a topic like football or politics. In Dhaka's fast-paced business environment, this phrase is a staple in meetings to cut through 'Tel mara' (flattery) and get to the point. Authors like Humayun Ahmed frequently used this in dialogue to make characters sound relatable and decisive. News anchors use it to summarize complex geopolitical events for the general public.
The Pause
Always pause for a split second after saying the phrase. It builds anticipation for your summary.
Don't Overuse
If you use it every two minutes, you'll sound like you're trying too hard to be decisive.
Signification
Summarizing a long explanation into one point
The Pause
Always pause for a split second after saying the phrase. It builds anticipation for your summary.
Don't Overuse
If you use it every two minutes, you'll sound like you're trying too hard to be decisive.
The Verdict
Use it specifically when you want to give a strong 'Yes' or 'No' opinion after a long debate.
Body Language
Often accompanied by a single raised index finger to emphasize the 'one' point.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
এক ______ বলতে গেলে, সিনেমাটা খুব বোরিং ছিল।
The locative form 'কথায়' (in word) is required for this idiom.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly to summarize a situation?
Choose the best response:
The phrase is used to give a summary or opinion, not for basic facts or questions.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural summary.
A: নতুন রেস্টুরেন্টটা কেমন? B: ডেকোরেশন ভালো, কিন্তু দাম অনেক বেশি। ________, ওখানে না যাওয়াই ভালো।
The speaker is providing a final verdict after weighing pros and cons.
Match the summary to the situation.
Situation: A very long and difficult book. Summary: ?
The summary must reflect the difficulty mentioned in the situation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesএক ______ বলতে গেলে, সিনেমাটা খুব বোরিং ছিল।
The locative form 'কথায়' (in word) is required for this idiom.
Choose the best response:
The phrase is used to give a summary or opinion, not for basic facts or questions.
A: নতুন রেস্টুরেন্টটা কেমন? B: ডেকোরেশন ভালো, কিন্তু দাম অনেক বেশি। ________, ওখানে না যাওয়াই ভালো।
The speaker is providing a final verdict after weighing pros and cons.
Situation: A very long and difficult book. Summary: ?
The summary must reflect the difficulty mentioned in the situation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, 'Ek kothay' is a very common short version used in casual speech.
No, it's not rude, but make sure your summary isn't dismissive of what they said.
Yes, but 'সংক্ষেপে বলতে গেলে' is slightly more academic.
Exactly the same. It's the perfect translation.
Because it means 'IN one word'. The 'y' is the locative case marker.
Usually no. It needs some prior context to 'summarize'.
Yes, it is equally common in both regions.
Then the phrase sounds a bit ironic or funny, but people still do it!
Younger people might say 'Main kotha holo' (The main word is).
Yes, it is completely neutral.
It's neutral. It works in almost any setting.
Literally yes, but here it forms a conditional 'if one goes to...'.
Expressions liées
সংক্ষেপে
synonymIn brief
মোটকথা
similarThe sum of it
আসল কথা হলো
builds onThe real matter is
উপসংহারে
specialized formIn conclusion
