Signification
Asking about destination
Contexte culturel
Asking 'Where are you going?' is a sign of social inclusion. Silence is often seen as more rude than 'prying'. The phrase is often followed by 'Ekta kaj kore dibe?' (Will you do a small task?), showing the communal nature of errands. In busy cities, it's used as a quick 'nod' while walking past someone you know in a crowded metro or market. The phrase is used by parents to keep tabs on their children, often carrying a tone of protective concern.
The 'Koi' Shortcut
Use 'Koi' instead of 'Kothay' to sound like a local. 'Koi jaccho?' is much more common in casual Dhaka/Kolkata slang.
Don't be too specific
If a neighbor asks this, they don't want your GPS coordinates. 'Ektu baire' (Just outside) is a perfectly polite and common answer.
Signification
Asking about destination
The 'Koi' Shortcut
Use 'Koi' instead of 'Kothay' to sound like a local. 'Koi jaccho?' is much more common in casual Dhaka/Kolkata slang.
Don't be too specific
If a neighbor asks this, they don't want your GPS coordinates. 'Ektu baire' (Just outside) is a perfectly polite and common answer.
It's not an interrogation
Remember, in Bengali culture, this is often just a way to say 'I see you'. Don't feel pressured to explain your whole day.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form to ask your elder brother where he is going.
ভাইয়া, আপনি ______?
Even though he is your brother, if you use 'Apni', you must use the '-en' ending.
Fill in the missing word for a casual greeting.
কিরে বন্ধু, ______ যাচ্ছ?
'Kothay' is the word for 'where'.
Complete the dialogue with a natural response.
A: কোথায় যাচ্ছ? B: ______।
The question asks where you are going, so 'Going to the market' is the only logical answer.
Match the phrase to the correct person.
Match 'কোথায় যাচ্ছিস?' to the listener.
'Jacchis' is the intimate form used for younger siblings or very close friends.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Register Grid for 'Where are you going?'
Formal (Apni)
- • যাচ্ছেন (jacchhen)
Neutral (Tumi)
- • যাচ্ছ (jaccho)
Intimate (Tui)
- • যাচ্ছিস (jacchis)
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesভাইয়া, আপনি ______?
Even though he is your brother, if you use 'Apni', you must use the '-en' ending.
কিরে বন্ধু, ______ যাচ্ছ?
'Kothay' is the word for 'where'.
A: কোথায় যাচ্ছ? B: ______।
The question asks where you are going, so 'Going to the market' is the only logical answer.
Match 'কোথায় যাচ্ছিস?' to the listener.
'Jacchis' is the intimate form used for younger siblings or very close friends.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, if you use 'jaccho'. You should use 'Kothay jacchhen?' and even then, only if there's a reason to talk (like being in the same elevator).
Just say 'Ei ektu kaj ache' (Just have some work) or 'Ektu shamne' (Just up ahead). It's polite but vague.
'Kothay' is standard/formal, 'Koi' is colloquial. They mean the exact same thing.
No, for long-term living, you'd use 'Kothay thakbe?' (Where will you stay?). 'Jaccho' is for physical movement.
Expressions liées
কোথাও না
contrastNowhere
কই চললে?
similarWhere are you off to?
কোথায় যাওয়া হচ্ছে?
specialized formWhere is the going happening?
বাড়ি যাচ্ছ?
builds onAre you going home?
