Meaning
Telling someone to stay where they are.
Cultural Background
In Kolkata, 'Opekkha koro' is often heard in the context of 'Adda'. It's common to wait for hours at a tea stall just for the conversation to get interesting. In Dhaka, 'Opekkha koro' is frequently used when dealing with traffic. People are generally very patient and will wait long periods without complaint. The concept of 'Opekkha' is a major theme in the works of Humayun Ahmed. One of his most famous novels is titled 'Opekkha', focusing on the emotional toll of waiting for a loved one. Younger generations often use 'Wait kor' (Benglish). However, using 'Opekkha koro' is seen as more 'shuddho' (pure) and elegant.
Add 'Ektu'
Adding 'Ektu' (a little) before 'opekkha koro' makes the command sound much softer and more polite.
Watch the Honorifics
Using 'koro' with an elder is a major social faux pas in Bengali culture.
Meaning
Telling someone to stay where they are.
Add 'Ektu'
Adding 'Ektu' (a little) before 'opekkha koro' makes the command sound much softer and more polite.
Watch the Honorifics
Using 'koro' with an elder is a major social faux pas in Bengali culture.
Use 'Darao' for short waits
If you just want someone to stop walking for a second, 'Darao' is more natural than 'Opekkha koro'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'to wait' for a friend.
তুমি এখানে আমার জন্য ____।
Since the sentence starts with 'Tumi' (familiar), the correct verb form is 'koro'.
Which sentence correctly says 'Wait for five minutes'?
Choose the correct translation:
All three are grammatically correct; the choice depends on who you are talking to.
Complete the dialogue.
A: আমি কি এখন যাব? B: না, বৃষ্টি থামা পর্যন্ত ____।
The context of 'until the rain stops' requires the verb 'to wait'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: Talking to your boss.
Always use the formal 'Apni' form with a boss.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels of 'Wait'
Formal (Apni)
- • অপেক্ষা করুন (Opekkha korun)
Neutral (Tumi)
- • অপেক্ষা করো (Opekkha koro)
Intimate (Tui)
- • অপেক্ষা কর (Opekkha kor)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesতুমি এখানে আমার জন্য ____।
Since the sentence starts with 'Tumi' (familiar), the correct verb form is 'koro'.
Choose the correct translation:
All three are grammatically correct; the choice depends on who you are talking to.
A: আমি কি এখন যাব? B: না, বৃষ্টি থামা পর্যন্ত ____।
The context of 'until the rain stops' requires the verb 'to wait'.
Situation: Talking to your boss.
Always use the formal 'Apni' form with a boss.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you should use 'Opekkha korun' to show respect.
'Opekkha' is common and everyday; 'Protikkha' is formal and poetic.
Say 'Opekkha koro na'.
Yes, in very casual 'Benglish' conversations with friends, but avoid it in formal settings.
No, 'Asha' means hope. 'Opekkha' is strictly waiting or expectation.
'Koro' is the imperative for 'you' (Tumi), while 'kori' is for 'I' (Ami).
Yes, 'Ektu opekkha koro' is perfect for 'Hold on a second'.
It means 'have patience', usually for a longer period of time.
It is a noun that becomes a verb when paired with 'kora'.
Say 'Amar jonno opekkha koro'.
Related Phrases
দাঁড়াও (Darao)
similarStand / Stop
সবুর করো (Sobur koro)
synonymHave patience
থামো (Thamo)
contrastStop
প্রতীক্ষা করা (Protikkha kora)
specialized formTo wait/expect (formal)
