Signification
Asking about the time of return.
Contexte culturel
Time is often viewed flexibly. An answer like 'Ei to' (Just now) could mean anything from 5 minutes to an hour. Asking 'Kakhon phirben?' is often a way to show you care about the person's presence. In Dhaka's corporate world, 'Kakhon phirben?' is a standard follow-up after a meeting or when a colleague goes for prayer breaks. The 'Bhadralok' culture emphasizes the use of 'Apni' even with younger people if they are in a professional role, making 'Kakhon phirben?' very common in shops and offices. In villages, asking about someone's return is a way to keep the community safe and connected. It's often followed by an invitation to tea.
The 'Apni' Rule
When in doubt, always use 'Phirben'. It is never offensive to be too polite in Bengali culture.
Don't drop the 'n'
Saying 'Phirbe' to an elder is a significant social faux pas. Always ensure the 'n' sound is clear.
Signification
Asking about the time of return.
The 'Apni' Rule
When in doubt, always use 'Phirben'. It is never offensive to be too polite in Bengali culture.
Don't drop the 'n'
Saying 'Phirbe' to an elder is a significant social faux pas. Always ensure the 'n' sound is clear.
Vague Answers
Don't be frustrated if the answer is 'Ei to' (Just now). It's a cultural way of saying 'I'll be back as soon as I can'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct formal form of the verb 'phira'.
আপনি কখন অফিস থেকে ____?
Since the subject is 'আপনি' (Apni), the verb must end in '-বেন' (-ben) for the formal future tense.
Which sentence is the most appropriate to ask your teacher when they will return?
Select the correct sentence:
A teacher requires the formal 'Apni' register, which corresponds to 'ফিরবেন'.
Complete the dialogue between a boss and an employee.
Employee: স্যার, আপনি মিটিং থেকে ____? Boss: আমি চারটেয় ফিরব।
The boss's answer 'আমি চারটেয় ফিরব' (I will return at four) indicates the question was about the time of return.
Match the phrase to the correct social situation.
Situation: Asking a stranger at a bus stop when they will return to the queue.
Strangers should always be addressed with the formal 'Apni' form.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Verb Endings for 'Phira' (To Return)
Formal (Apni)
- • ফিরবেন (Phirben)
Informal (Tumi)
- • ফিরবে (Phirbe)
Intimate (Tui)
- • ফিরবি (Phirbi)
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesআপনি কখন অফিস থেকে ____?
Since the subject is 'আপনি' (Apni), the verb must end in '-বেন' (-ben) for the formal future tense.
Select the correct sentence:
A teacher requires the formal 'Apni' register, which corresponds to 'ফিরবেন'.
Employee: স্যার, আপনি মিটিং থেকে ____? Boss: আমি চারটেয় ফিরব।
The boss's answer 'আমি চারটেয় ফিরব' (I will return at four) indicates the question was about the time of return.
Situation: Asking a stranger at a bus stop when they will return to the queue.
Strangers should always be addressed with the formal 'Apni' form.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! In Bengali, the formal second person (you) and the formal third person (he/she) use the same verb ending '-ben'. So 'Tini kakhon phirben?' means 'When will he/she return?'
Yes, for questions. 'Jakhon' is used for 'when' in statements (e.g., 'When I return...').
They are the same verb. 'Phira' is the root, and 'Phera' is a common pronunciation variation in some dialects and contexts.
You can say 'Ami [time] e phirbo.' (I will return at [time]). For example, 'Ami panchta-y phirbo' (I will return at 5).
Yes, it is very polite and will likely get you better service!
Absolutely. It is very common in SMS or WhatsApp.
Just add 'bari' (home): 'Apni bari kakhon phirben?'
In very casual speech, people just say 'Kakhon phirben?' without the 'Apni'. The verb ending does all the work.
It can be either. It works for returning from the market or returning from abroad.
The past tense would be 'Kakhon phirlen?' (When did you return?).
Expressions liées
কখন আসবেন?
similarWhen will you come?
কখন যাবেন?
contrastWhen will you go?
দেরি হবে?
builds onWill it be late?
ফিরে আসুন
relatedPlease come back
আবার দেখা হবে
relatedSee you again
