Meaning
Instructing someone to perform a task immediately.
Cultural Background
In Bangladesh, 'এখনই করো' is often heard in the context of 'Digital Bangladesh' initiatives, where people are encouraged to use online services immediately rather than waiting in lines. In Kolkata, the phrase is a staple of the 'busy office' culture. However, it is often followed by a cup of tea (cha), showing a mix of urgency and social habit. Second-generation Bengalis in the UK or USA often hear this from their parents as a way to maintain discipline in a bilingual household. In modern tech startups in Dhaka, 'এখনই করো' is being replaced by English terms like 'ASAP', but it remains the dominant phrase for verbal instructions.
The Power of 'I'
Adding '-i' to any time word in Bengali (like 'aj' for today or 'shokal' for morning) creates this same sense of 'this and no other time'.
Watch the Register
Using 'koro' with an elder is a major faux pas. Always default to 'korun' if you are unsure.
Meaning
Instructing someone to perform a task immediately.
The Power of 'I'
Adding '-i' to any time word in Bengali (like 'aj' for today or 'shokal' for morning) creates this same sense of 'this and no other time'.
Watch the Register
Using 'koro' with an elder is a major faux pas. Always default to 'korun' if you are unsure.
Intonation Matters
A rising intonation on 'Ekhoni' makes it a question, while a falling, sharp intonation makes it a command.
Softening the Blow
If you want to sound less bossy, add 'please' (doya kore) before the phrase: 'Doya kore ekhoni koro'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct emphatic form of 'now'.
দেরি করো না, কাজটা ______ করো।
The context 'don't be late' requires the emphatic 'ekhoni' (right now).
Which sentence is appropriate to say to your teacher?
Choose the correct formal version:
'Kurun' is the formal imperative used for teachers and elders.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Friend A: 'মুভিটা শুরু হয়ে যাবে!' Friend B: 'ঠিক আছে, আমি তৈরি হচ্ছি।' Friend A: 'তাড়াতাড়ি করো, ______!'
The movie is starting, so the action must happen 'right now'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A mother sees her child playing instead of studying.
Parents use this phrase to enforce discipline and immediate action.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesদেরি করো না, কাজটা ______ করো।
The context 'don't be late' requires the emphatic 'ekhoni' (right now).
Choose the correct formal version:
'Kurun' is the formal imperative used for teachers and elders.
Friend A: 'মুভিটা শুরু হয়ে যাবে!' Friend B: 'ঠিক আছে, আমি তৈরি হচ্ছি।' Friend A: 'তাড়াতাড়ি করো, ______!'
The movie is starting, so the action must happen 'right now'.
Situation: A mother sees her child playing instead of studying.
Parents use this phrase to enforce discipline and immediate action.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on the relationship. With friends and family, it's normal. With superiors, it's very rude.
'এক্ষুনি' (Ekkhuni) is more colloquial and slightly more urgent, often used in spoken Dhaka dialect.
Yes, in an informal email to a colleague. For a formal email, use 'অনুগ্রহ করে এখনই করুন' (Please do it now).
You say 'এখনই করো না' (Ekhoni koro na).
It's an emphatic clitic that means 'only' or 'exactly'. It turns 'now' into 'right now'.
Yes, you can replace 'koro' with 'khao' (eat): 'এখনই খাও'.
Yes, many motivational and romantic songs use it to emphasize the importance of the present moment.
The 'tui' (very informal) version is 'এখনই কর' (Ekhoni kor).
Yes, it is the most common way to say 'immediately' in a command form.
Yes, but it sounds more dramatic, like something a hero would say in a movie.
Related Phrases
তাড়াতাড়ি করো
similarDo it quickly
এক্ষুনি করো
specialized formDo it this very instant
পরে করো
contrastDo it later
দেরি করো না
builds onDon't delay
এখনই করুন
formalDo it now (formal)
