Signification
Asking for someone's identity formally.
Contexte culturel
In Bangladesh, using 'apni' is not just about respect but also about 'porichoy' (identity). People may feel offended if a younger person uses 'tumi' too early in a relationship. The 'Bhadralok' culture of Kolkata places high value on formal address. Even in heated political debates, opponents often maintain 'apni' to keep a level of decorum. In modern tech startups in Dhaka or Kolkata, 'tumi' is becoming more common among colleagues of the same age, but 'apni' remains the rule for clients and senior management. Bengali literature often uses 'apni' to create a sense of mystery or romantic distance between characters who are not yet intimate.
The 'Safe' Choice
When in doubt, always use 'apni'. No one will be offended by too much respect, but they will be by too little.
Avoid 'Tui'
Never use 'Tui ke?' unless you are looking for a fight or speaking to a lifelong best friend.
Signification
Asking for someone's identity formally.
The 'Safe' Choice
When in doubt, always use 'apni'. No one will be offended by too much respect, but they will be by too little.
Avoid 'Tui'
Never use 'Tui ke?' unless you are looking for a fight or speaking to a lifelong best friend.
Add 'Bolchen'
On the phone, say 'Ke apni bolchen?' (Who are you speaking?). It sounds much more native.
Body Language
When asking 'Ke apni?' to an elder, a slight tilt of the head or a soft tone adds to the politeness.
Teste-toi
You are meeting your new boss for the first time. How do you ask who they are if you don't recognize them?
_______ কে?
In a professional setting with a boss, 'আপনি' (apni) is the only appropriate and respectful choice.
Complete the formal question: 'Who are you?'
কে _______?
The phrase is 'কে আপনি?' (Ke apni?).
Match the phrase to the correct person you are speaking to.
1. কে আপনি? 2. তুমি কে? 3. তুই কে?
Apni is for strangers, Tumi for peers/children, and Tui for very close friends.
Complete the phone conversation.
A: হ্যালো। B: হ্যালো, _______?
On the phone with an unknown person, 'কে আপনি বলছেন?' is the most polite and natural form.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices_______ কে?
In a professional setting with a boss, 'আপনি' (apni) is the only appropriate and respectful choice.
কে _______?
The phrase is 'কে আপনি?' (Ke apni?).
1. কে আপনি? 2. তুমি কে? 3. তুই কে?
Apni is for strangers, Tumi for peers/children, and Tui for very close friends.
A: হ্যালো। B: হ্যালো, _______?
On the phone with an unknown person, 'কে আপনি বলছেন?' is the most polite and natural form.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is the most polite way to ask a stranger's identity. However, your tone should be inquisitive, not aggressive.
No, for a group you must use the plural: 'আপনারা কে?' (Apnara ke?).
They are interchangeable. 'Ke apni?' is slightly more common when you are surprised or asking someone at the door.
No, Bengali doesn't use the verb 'to be' in this type of sentence.
You should reply with 'আমি [আপনার নাম]' (I am [your name]).
You can, but it will sound very formal. 'Tumi ke?' is more natural for children.
In emails, 'আপনার পরিচয় কি?' is more common than 'Ke apni?'.
Because 'apni' shows the highest level of respect and devotion.
Just apologize and switch to 'apni'. Most Bengalis are forgiving to language learners.
Yes, 'তুই কে রে?' (Tui ke re?), but use it with extreme caution!
Expressions liées
আপনার নাম কি?
similarWhat is your name?
আপনি কে?
synonymWho are you?
তুমি কে?
contrastWho are you? (informal)
আপনার পরিচয় কি?
specialized formWhat is your identity/introduction?
কে বলছেন?
specialized formWho is speaking?
