Meaning
Asking about distance
Cultural Background
In Bangladesh, people often measure distance in 'minutes' or 'hours' because of the unpredictable traffic in cities like Dhaka. In Kolkata, you might hear 'কতটা পথ' (how much path) more frequently when referring to walking distances in historical neighborhoods. In villages, distance is often described using landmarks like 'ওই বড় গাছটার পরে' (after that big tree) rather than specific kilometers. Younger generations use 'Eta koto dure' when sharing live locations on WhatsApp or checking Pathao/Uber apps.
Use 'Ar' for progress
If you are already on your way, say 'Ar koto dure?' to ask 'How much further?'
Don't expect km
Locals will often answer in minutes. Don't be surprised if they don't know the exact mileage.
Meaning
Asking about distance
Use 'Ar' for progress
If you are already on your way, say 'Ar koto dure?' to ask 'How much further?'
Don't expect km
Locals will often answer in minutes. Don't be surprised if they don't know the exact mileage.
Combine with 'Ekhan theke'
Always specify 'Ekhan theke' (from here) to avoid confusion about the starting point.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to ask 'How far is the market?'
বাজার ____ দূরে?
'Koto' is used for distance and quantity.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask 'How far is it from here?'
Select the correct option:
'Ekhan theke' means 'from here' and 'dure' is the correct adverbial form.
Complete the dialogue between a passenger and a driver.
Passenger: মামা, এয়ারপোর্ট ____ দূরে? Driver: আর আধা ঘণ্টার রাস্তা, স্যার।
The passenger is asking about the distance to the airport.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Phrase: 'আর কত দূরে?'
'Ar' adds the meaning of 'more' or 'further'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Distance vs Time
Practice Bank
4 exercisesবাজার ____ দূরে?
'Koto' is used for distance and quantity.
Select the correct option:
'Ekhan theke' means 'from here' and 'dure' is the correct adverbial form.
Passenger: মামা, এয়ারপোর্ট ____ দূরে? Driver: আর আধা ঘণ্টার রাস্তা, স্যার।
The passenger is asking about the distance to the airport.
Phrase: 'আর কত দূরে?'
'Ar' adds the meaning of 'more' or 'further'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for time use 'Kotokhon lagbe?' (How long will it take?).
Yes, it is perfectly polite. You can add 'Bhai' or 'Apni' for extra respect.
'Dur' is the noun 'distance', 'dure' is the adverb 'at a distance'. Use 'dure' in this phrase.
Say 'Eta ki khub dure?'.
Yes, to ask how far away someone is: 'Tumi koto dure?' (How far are you?).
No, 'koto' means 'how much'. It only means 'how far' when paired with 'dure'.
The phrase itself is neutral. To make it formal, use formal pronouns like 'Apnar' or 'Apni'.
You can say 'Kachei' (Near), 'Onek dure' (Very far), or give a time like '10 minute'.
Yes, many Bengali songs use 'dure' to express longing or physical separation.
Yes, 'Eta koto?' means 'How much is this?'.
Related Phrases
কাছেই
contrastVery near
অনেক দূরে
specialized formVery far away
কতক্ষণ লাগবে?
similarHow long will it take?
রাস্তাটা কেমন?
builds onHow is the road?
