Meaning
Waiting without getting upset.
Cultural Background
In Bangladesh, 'ধৈর্য ধরা' is often synonymous with 'Sabr'. During the month of Ramadan, it is the most frequently used phrase to describe the spiritual discipline of fasting. In Kolkata, 'ধৈর্য ধরা' is a survival mantra for navigating the slow-moving bureaucracy and the crowded public transport system like the Metro or local trains. Great writers like Rabindranath Tagore often used 'ধৈর্য' to describe the silent strength of women in traditional households who endured hardships without complaint. On Bengali social media, 'ধৈর্য ধরা' is often used in memes about waiting for 'Acche Din' (Good Days) or waiting for a crush to reply to a message.
The 'Dhore' Adverb
Use 'ধৈর্য ধরে' (dhore) before any verb to mean 'patiently'. E.g., 'ধৈর্য ধরে পড়ুন' (Read patiently).
Avoid 'Kora'
Never say 'ধৈর্য করো'. It's a dead giveaway that you are a beginner.
Meaning
Waiting without getting upset.
The 'Dhore' Adverb
Use 'ধৈর্য ধরে' (dhore) before any verb to mean 'patiently'. E.g., 'ধৈর্য ধরে পড়ুন' (Read patiently).
Avoid 'Kora'
Never say 'ধৈর্য করো'. It's a dead giveaway that you are a beginner.
Religious Nuance
In Bangladesh, if you use 'সবুর করুন' (Sobur korun), it sounds very natural and culturally attuned.
Body Language
When saying 'ধৈর্য ধরুন', a slight nod or a hand gesture showing 'calm down' makes it more effective.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'ধরা'.
দয়া করে একটু ধৈর্য ______। (Please hold a little patience - Formal)
'ধরুন' is the formal imperative form, matching 'দয়া করে' (please).
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct way to say 'I am being patient.'
In Bengali, the collocation is always 'ধৈর্য ধরা'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your friend is angry because the food is late at a restaurant.
'ধৈর্য ধরো' is the informal imperative suitable for a friend.
Complete the dialogue.
A: এই জ্যাম কখন শেষ হবে? B: জানি না, আমাদের ______ হবে।
The sentence requires the infinitive 'ধরতে' to complete 'আমাদের ধৈর্য ধরতে হবে' (We have to hold patience).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Dhoirjo vs. Shojjo
Practice Bank
4 exercisesদয়া করে একটু ধৈর্য ______। (Please hold a little patience - Formal)
'ধরুন' is the formal imperative form, matching 'দয়া করে' (please).
Choose the correct way to say 'I am being patient.'
In Bengali, the collocation is always 'ধৈর্য ধরা'.
Situation: Your friend is angry because the food is late at a restaurant.
'ধৈর্য ধরো' is the informal imperative suitable for a friend.
A: এই জ্যাম কখন শেষ হবে? B: জানি না, আমাদের ______ হবে।
The sentence requires the infinitive 'ধরতে' to complete 'আমাদের ধৈর্য ধরতে হবে' (We have to hold patience).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss (formal) or your younger brother (informal) by changing the verb ending.
Usually, 'সহ্য করা' (endure) is better for pain. 'ধৈর্য ধরা' is for the mental act of waiting or not getting angry.
The opposite is 'ধৈর্য হারানো' (to lose patience) or 'অৈর্য হওয়া' (to become impatient).
Yes, but 'সবুর' is a loanword. It's very common in Bangladesh and sounds a bit more informal or spiritual.
You say 'আমার ধৈর্য নেই' (I have no patience).
Yes, to describe your strengths. 'আমি ধৈর্য ধরে কাজ করতে পারি' (I can work patiently).
Not exactly. 'অপেক্ষা করা' is to wait. 'ধৈর্য ধরা' is to wait *without getting upset*.
No, it's more like the 'dh' in 'adhere', but with the tongue against the teeth.
Yes, 'ধৈর্য রাখা' is a perfectly valid and common alternative.
Absolutely. It is the standard term in Kolkata as well.
It's considered B1 because while the words are simple, using the collocation correctly in context requires intermediate skill.
Yes, it's very common for parents to say 'একটু ধৈর্য ধরো সোনা' (Hold a little patience, dear).
Related Phrases
সবুর করা
synonymTo wait/be patient
সহ্য করা
similarTo endure/tolerate
অপেক্ষা করা
builds onTo wait
ধৈর্য হারানো
contrastTo lose patience
শান্ত থাকা
similarTo stay calm
