Signification
Speaking arrogantly or ambitiously
Contexte culturel
In Kolkata, 'boro kotha' is often used in political 'Addas' to dismiss grand ideological claims that don't match ground reality. In rural Bangladesh, 'boro kotha' is a serious social critique. If a younger person uses it towards an elder, it can lead to a formal village mediation (Salish). Among second-generation Bengalis, the phrase is often used jokingly to mock someone who is 'acting too western' or 'acting rich'. Classic authors like Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay used 'boro kotha' to depict the arrogance of the landed gentry (Zamindars).
The Sarcastic Tone
To sound like a native, use a slightly rising intonation on 'Boro' to indicate sarcasm.
Avoid with Superiors
Never use this phrase to describe your boss's vision in a meeting, even if you think it's unrealistic.
Signification
Speaking arrogantly or ambitiously
The Sarcastic Tone
To sound like a native, use a slightly rising intonation on 'Boro' to indicate sarcasm.
Avoid with Superiors
Never use this phrase to describe your boss's vision in a meeting, even if you think it's unrealistic.
The 'Adda' Essential
This is a key phrase for Bengali 'Adda'. Using it correctly will make you sound very culturally integrated.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct verb form.
সে সব সময় নিজের সম্পর্কে বড় কথা ______।
The standard collocation is 'বড় কথা বলা' (to say big talk).
Match the sentence to the correct context.
Sentence: 'আসল বড় কথা হলো আমাদের হাতে সময় নেই।'
Here 'boro kotha' is used neutrally to mean 'the most important thing'.
Which of these is a common variation of 'বড় কথা'?
Variation of 'বড় কথা':
'Lomba chora kotha' (long and wide talk) is a synonymous idiom for boasting.
Complete the dialogue.
A: আমি কালকেই হিমালয় জয় করব। B: ______ বলো না, আগে পাহাড়ে চড়া শেখো।
Since A is making an unrealistic claim, B uses 'boro kotha' to call out the boast.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesসে সব সময় নিজের সম্পর্কে বড় কথা ______।
The standard collocation is 'বড় কথা বলা' (to say big talk).
Sentence: 'আসল বড় কথা হলো আমাদের হাতে সময় নেই।'
Here 'boro kotha' is used neutrally to mean 'the most important thing'.
Variation of 'বড় কথা':
'Lomba chora kotha' (long and wide talk) is a synonymous idiom for boasting.
A: আমি কালকেই হিমালয় জয় করব। B: ______ বলো না, আগে পাহাড়ে চড়া শেখো।
Since A is making an unrealistic claim, B uses 'boro kotha' to call out the boast.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNot always. It can mean 'the most important point' in a neutral context, but 80% of the time it refers to boasting.
Yes, usually in a self-deprecating way: 'আমি বড় কথা বলছি না, কিন্তু আমি এটা করতে পারব।' (I'm not boasting, but I can do this.)
The double 'Boro Boro' emphasizes that the person boasts frequently or excessively.
No, it is a standard idiom, but it is informal.
You can say 'একটু বিনয়ী হওয়া ভালো' (It's good to be a bit humble).
Expressions liées
লম্বা চওড়া কথা
synonymExaggerated or boastful talk.
ফাঁকা আওয়াজ
similarEmpty threats or promises.
আসল কথা
contrastThe real/true matter.
মুখের কথা
builds onSomething easy to say but hard to do.
