Meaning
Polite invitation to sit
Cultural Background
Offering a seat is the absolute first requirement of hospitality. Even if you are busy, you must ask a guest to sit. In villages, if a chair is not available, a 'Pidi' (low stool) is offered. The phrase 'Ekhane boshun' still applies. It is culturally expected for younger people to offer their seats to elders using this phrase. In Bengali offices, a junior will rarely sit until the senior says 'Boshun'.
The Palm Gesture
Always gesture with an open palm toward the seat when saying this. It's much more polite than just speaking.
Avoid 'Bosh'
Never say 'Bosh' to anyone older than you. It sounds like a command you'd give to a dog.
Meaning
Polite invitation to sit
The Palm Gesture
Always gesture with an open palm toward the seat when saying this. It's much more polite than just speaking.
Avoid 'Bosh'
Never say 'Bosh' to anyone older than you. It sounds like a command you'd give to a dog.
Add 'Daya Kore'
If you are asking a very high-ranking official to sit, start with 'Daya kore' (Please) for extra points.
The 'Cha' Connection
In Bengal, 'Ekhane boshun' is almost always followed by an offer of tea (Cha).
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to use with your grandfather.
দাদু, দয়া করে ____।
Grandfathers are elders and deserve the honorific 'Apni' form, which is 'Boshun'.
Complete the sentence for a formal office setting.
স্যার, ভেতরে আসুন এবং এখানে ____।
In an office, 'Sir' requires the formal 'Boshun'.
Match the phrase to the person you are speaking to.
1. এখানে বসুন 2. এখানে বসো 3. এখানে বস
1-B (Formal), 2-C (Familiar), 3-A (Intimate).
Fill in the host's line.
Guest: নমস্কার! Host: নমস্কার! ভেতরে আসুন। ____। Guest: ধন্যবাদ।
The host should invite the guest to sit after they enter.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Levels of Sitting
Practice Bank
4 exercisesদাদু, দয়া করে ____।
Grandfathers are elders and deserve the honorific 'Apni' form, which is 'Boshun'.
স্যার, ভেতরে আসুন এবং এখানে ____।
In an office, 'Sir' requires the formal 'Boshun'.
1. এখানে বসুন 2. এখানে বসো 3. এখানে বস
1-B (Formal), 2-C (Familiar), 3-A (Intimate).
Guest: নমস্কার! Host: নমস্কার! ভেতরে আসুন। ____। Guest: ধন্যবাদ।
The host should invite the guest to sit after they enter.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
7 questionsYes, it is very respectful. However, many modern families use 'Ekhane bosho' (the 'Tumi' form) as it is warmer while still being respectful.
'Boshun' is the standard formal imperative. 'Bosen' is a common variation used in Bangladesh and parts of West Bengal, often considered slightly more colloquial.
Yes, if you are already pointing at a chair, just saying 'Boshun' is perfectly fine and natural.
You would say 'এখানে বসবেন না' (Ekhane boshben na).
The phrase still works! You are inviting them to sit on whatever surface is available (a mat, a bed, etc.).
Usually, imperatives are rare in formal writing unless it's a dialogue in a story or a set of instructions.
Yes, 'Apni' (and thus 'Boshun') is the safest default for any stranger.
Related Phrases
আসুন
similarPlease come in
দাঁড়ান
contrastPlease stand
বিশ্রাম নিন
builds onPlease take rest
বসুন না
specialized formWhy don't you sit?
