Signification
Blaming circumstances for one's own incompetence
Contexte culturel
The 'uthan' is the soul of a Bengali home. It's where the private meets the public. Blaming the 'uthan' is seen as a particularly weak excuse because the 'uthan' is a neutral, shared space. The proverb highlights the importance of physical skill and adaptability in rural life. If you can't handle the uneven ground of a village, you are seen as lacking 'shokti' (strength) or 'bidya' (knowledge). In cities like Dhaka or Kolkata, the 'uthan' has been replaced by 'office' or 'internet'. However, the proverb remains unchanged, showing how linguistic heritage survives urbanization. Traditional dances like 'Chhau' or 'Baul' songs often happen in open spaces. The proverb is a tribute to the performers who master their craft despite imperfect conditions.
Use the Shorthand
In casual settings, you can just say 'উঠান বাঁকা!' when someone makes an excuse. It's punchy and very native-like.
Don't be too mean
This proverb is sarcastic. Use it with friends, but be careful using it with people who might take offense easily.
Signification
Blaming circumstances for one's own incompetence
Use the Shorthand
In casual settings, you can just say 'উঠান বাঁকা!' when someone makes an excuse. It's punchy and very native-like.
Don't be too mean
This proverb is sarcastic. Use it with friends, but be careful using it with people who might take offense easily.
Master the Nasal 'Ba'
The word 'বাঁকা' has a chandrabindu. Pronouncing it with a slight nasal sound makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
নাচতে না জানলে ______ বাঁকা।
The standard proverb uses 'উঠান' (courtyard).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'নাচতে না জানলে উঠান বাঁকা'?
রহিম পরীক্ষায় ফেল করেছে কারণ সে পড়াশোনা করেনি, কিন্তু সে বলছে শিক্ষক খুব কড়া ছিলেন।
Rahim is blaming the teacher for his own lack of preparation, which perfectly fits the proverb.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: আমার কম্পিউটারটা খুব স্লো, তাই আমি প্রেজেন্টেশনটা তৈরি করতে পারিনি। B: ________________________
B is sarcastically pointing out that A is making an excuse for not doing the work.
Choose the correct meaning of the proverb.
What does 'নাচতে না জানলে উঠান বাঁকা' mean?
This is the figurative meaning of the proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesনাচতে না জানলে ______ বাঁকা।
The standard proverb uses 'উঠান' (courtyard).
রহিম পরীক্ষায় ফেল করেছে কারণ সে পড়াশোনা করেনি, কিন্তু সে বলছে শিক্ষক খুব কড়া ছিলেন।
Rahim is blaming the teacher for his own lack of preparation, which perfectly fits the proverb.
A: আমার কম্পিউটারটা খুব স্লো, তাই আমি প্রেজেন্টেশনটা তৈরি করতে পারিনি। B: ________________________
B is sarcastically pointing out that A is making an excuse for not doing the work.
What does 'নাচতে না জানলে উঠান বাঁকা' mean?
This is the figurative meaning of the proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's a metaphor for any skill. You can use it for cooking, sports, exams, or work.
It's better to avoid it in a formal email unless you are writing an opinion piece or a very friendly message. It can sound a bit too informal or critical.
An 'uthan' is an open courtyard in the middle or front of a traditional Bengali house.
Not really. It's specifically designed to call out negative behavior (making excuses).
This is exactly how you say it: 'নাচতে না জানলে উঠান বাঁকা'!
No, it just means 'crooked' or 'bent'. It's a common adjective.
Yes, parents often use it to teach children to take responsibility for their mistakes.
To keep it as a proverb, you must use 'uthan'. Saying 'mejhe' (floor) would make it a regular sentence, not a proverb.
Yes, it is equally popular in both regions.
Then the proverb doesn't apply! That's just a legitimate complaint.
Expressions liées
নিজের দোষ অন্যের ঘাড়ে চাপানো
similarTo shift one's own fault onto someone else's shoulders.
অজুহাত দেখানো
similarTo show/make excuses.
কানা ছেলের নাম পদ্মলোচন
contrastNaming a blind boy 'Lotus-eyed' (irony).
ঠেলার নাম বাবাজি
builds onWhen pushed, one finds a way (or stops making excuses).
