Signification
Indicating that something is acceptable or okay.
Contexte culturel
In Kolkata, you might hear 'Mondo na' more often in formal circles, but 'Kharap na' is the king of the streets and tea stalls. In Dhaka, 'Kharap na' is often used with a specific intonation that makes it sound very enthusiastic, despite the literal meaning. Bengalis often avoid direct superlatives to remain humble. Saying 'Kharap na' is a way to be 'Bhadra' (polite). Using negative constructions for positive things is a common linguistic strategy to avoid attracting bad luck or envy.
The Nod
When saying 'Kharap na', give a slight, slow nod. It makes you sound like a local expert.
Don't be too flat
If you say it with a flat tone, it might sound like you're actually disappointed. Add a little lift at the end.
Signification
Indicating that something is acceptable or okay.
The Nod
When saying 'Kharap na', give a slight, slow nod. It makes you sound like a local expert.
Don't be too flat
If you say it with a flat tone, it might sound like you're actually disappointed. Add a little lift at the end.
The 'Evil Eye' trick
Use this when someone shows you their new baby or house to be culturally sensitive.
Past Tense
Just add 'chhilo' (was) in the middle: 'Kharap chhilo na'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'The tea is not bad'.
চা টা ____ __।
'খারাপ না' is the correct way to say 'not bad' in this context.
Which sentence means 'Yesterday was not bad'?
Choose the correct past tense form:
'ছিল না' (chhilo na) is the past tense negation.
Match the response to the situation.
Someone asks: 'How are you?' (আপনি কেমন আছেন?)
This is a polite way to say you are okay and ask the other person back.
Complete the dialogue.
A: এই জামাটা কেমন? B: _________।
Standard word order: Adjective + Negation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesচা টা ____ __।
'খারাপ না' is the correct way to say 'not bad' in this context.
Choose the correct past tense form:
'ছিল না' (chhilo na) is the past tense negation.
Someone asks: 'How are you?' (আপনি কেমন আছেন?)
This is a polite way to say you are okay and ask the other person back.
A: এই জামাটা কেমন? B: _________।
Standard word order: Adjective + Negation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's actually polite and modest. It's a very safe phrase.
Yes, to say someone is 'not a bad person' (লোকটা খারাপ না).
'Bhalo' is direct praise (Good). 'Kharap na' is indirect and more modest.
Add 'motey-i' (মোটেই): 'Motey-i kharap na'.
Yes, it is universal across all Bengali-speaking regions.
Yes, to describe your skills or an experience modestly.
Bengali grammar puts the 'not' after the adjective.
No, it's standard neutral Bengali.
Yes, 'Abahawa kharap na' is very common.
You can still say 'Kharap na' with a big smile, or use 'Darun'.
Expressions liées
মন্দ না
synonymNot bad (more formal)
মোটামুটি
similarSo-so / Average
দারুণ
contrastGreat / Wonderful
চলবে
similarIt will do
খুব খারাপ
contrastVery bad
