Meaning
To say harsh things to someone.
Cultural Background
In both regions, 'kotha shonano' is a standard part of domestic life. It is often seen as a sign of 'adhikar' (right) over someone—only those close to you (parents, spouse) have the right to 'shonano' you words. Hierarchical structures are strong. A senior 'shonano-ing' a junior is common and often accepted as part of the learning process, though this is changing in modern corporate cultures. Classic novels by Sarat Chandra or Rabindranath Tagore often use this phrase to depict the 'Ganjona' (reproach) faced by women in traditional households. Bengali 'Netizens' use this phrase to describe 'roasting' or 'calling out' public figures. It has moved from the living room to the comment section.
The 'Two Words' Trick
Use 'দু-কথা শুনিয়ে দাও' (Give them two words) to sound like a native speaker when you're suggesting someone stand up for themselves.
Don't use with 'to me'
If you say 'আমি আমাকে কথা শোনালাম', it means you scolded yourself, which is rare!
Meaning
To say harsh things to someone.
The 'Two Words' Trick
Use 'দু-কথা শুনিয়ে দাও' (Give them two words) to sound like a native speaker when you're suggesting someone stand up for themselves.
Don't use with 'to me'
If you say 'আমি আমাকে কথা শোনালাম', it means you scolded yourself, which is rare!
Passive Usage
Use 'কথা শুনতে হলো' (had to hear words) to describe being scolded without sounding too defensive.
Sarcasm Alert
Often, the 'words' aren't loud; they are quiet, sarcastic, and much more painful.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'shonano'.
গতকাল বাবা আমাকে অনেক কথা ______।
Since 'Baba' (Father) is the one doing the scolding in the past, 'shonalo' is the correct past tense form.
Which sentence means 'The boss gave me an earful'?
Select the correct Bengali translation.
'Kotha shonano' is the specific idiom for giving an earful.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
Situation: You forgot to do your homework and the teacher is angry.
In a situation of anger/reprimand, 'kotha shonano' is the appropriate phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: তুই কাঁদছিস কেন? B: মা আমাকে খুব ______।
Crying (kandchis) suggests being scolded, so 'kotha shuniyeche' fits.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Boka vs. Kotha Shonano
Practice Bank
4 exercisesগতকাল বাবা আমাকে অনেক কথা ______।
Since 'Baba' (Father) is the one doing the scolding in the past, 'shonalo' is the correct past tense form.
Select the correct Bengali translation.
'Kotha shonano' is the specific idiom for giving an earful.
Situation: You forgot to do your homework and the teacher is angry.
In a situation of anger/reprimand, 'kotha shonano' is the appropriate phrase.
A: তুই কাঁদছিস কেন? B: মা আমাকে খুব ______।
Crying (kandchis) suggests being scolded, so 'kotha shuniyeche' fits.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it generally implies a negative interaction, though it can be 'tough love' from a parent.
Absolutely, it's very common in school contexts.
'Boka' is more like 'to shout at/scold', while 'Kotha Shonano' is more like 'to give a lecture/reproach'.
তারা কথা শোনায় (Tara kotha shonay).
No, unless you are sarcastically saying someone scolded you for being too happy!
Yes, it is equally common in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
You use 'গান শোনালাম' (Gan shonalam). The 'Kotha' is what makes it scolding.
No, it's informal/neutral. Use 'Tiroshkar' for formal settings.
No, it is strictly verbal.
Past tense ('shonalo' or 'shuniyeche') is most common when complaining about someone.
Related Phrases
বকাঝকা করা
synonymTo scold or reprimand.
কথা কাটাকাটি
similarAn argument or verbal spat.
মুখ সামলে কথা বলা
contrastTo watch one's tongue.
তিরস্কার করা
formal equivalentTo reprimand (formal).
গালি দেওয়া
specialized formTo use swear words.
