Significado
Greed is the root of destruction.
Contexto cultural
This proverb is one of the first moral lessons taught to children, often through folk tales like 'Thakurmar Jhuli'. It emphasizes that greed is a 'sin' (Pap), which is a very strong word in Bengali culture. In the business world of Dhaka, this phrase is often used as a cynical commentary on failed business ventures or scams that promised unrealistic returns. The word 'Pap' links to the concept of Dharma. In many religious discourses (Waz or Pravachan), this proverb is used to remind people of the afterlife or the spiritual consequences of greed. Even among Bengalis living abroad, this phrase remains a key cultural touchstone used to maintain traditional values of humility and contentment in a consumerist society.
The Locative Power
Notice how the '-e' suffix creates a 'chain' effect. It's a great way to remember how Bengali shows one thing leading to another.
Don't be too literal
Remember that 'Mrityu' (death) usually means social or financial ruin in modern contexts, not necessarily a funeral!
Significado
Greed is the root of destruction.
The Locative Power
Notice how the '-e' suffix creates a 'chain' effect. It's a great way to remember how Bengali shows one thing leading to another.
Don't be too literal
Remember that 'Mrityu' (death) usually means social or financial ruin in modern contexts, not necessarily a funeral!
The Half-Proverb
In casual talk, just saying 'লোভে পাপ...' (Lobhe pap...) and trailing off is a very native way to imply the rest of the warning.
Elder Respect
Using this proverb when talking to elders shows you have a good grasp of traditional Bengali values.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
লোভে ______, পাপে ______।
The correct sequence is 'Pap' (sin) then 'Mrityu' (death).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Lobhe pap, pape mrityu'?
A person loses all their money in a scam because they wanted to double it in one day.
This is a classic example of greed leading to ruin.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Context: A politician is caught taking bribes and loses his career.
While others might fit, 'Lobhe pap...' is the most direct moral commentary on his greed.
Complete the dialogue.
Rahim: 'I want to buy that expensive car by taking a high-interest loan.' Karim: 'Don't do it! Remember...'
Karim is warning Rahim about the dangers of his desire (greed) for the car.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosলোভে ______, পাপে ______।
The correct sequence is 'Pap' (sin) then 'Mrityu' (death).
A person loses all their money in a scam because they wanted to double it in one day.
This is a classic example of greed leading to ruin.
Context: A politician is caught taking bribes and loses his career.
While others might fit, 'Lobhe pap...' is the most direct moral commentary on his greed.
Rahim: 'I want to buy that expensive car by taking a high-interest loan.' Karim: 'Don't do it! Remember...'
Karim is warning Rahim about the dangers of his desire (greed) for the car.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasWhile it uses the word 'Pap' (sin), it is used by people of all religions in Bengal as a general moral proverb.
No, that might sound negative. Ambition is 'Ushshakankha'. Use this only when the ambition becomes unethical or harmful.
'Lobh' is the standard Bengali word. 'Laloch' is more common in Hindi/Urdu, though some Bengalis might use it informally.
Bengali proverbs often use a 'zero copula' where the verb 'to be' is implied. It makes the statement feel more like a universal law.
Only if you are discussing ethics or warning against a very risky/illegal move. Otherwise, it might be too strong.
Almost never in modern usage. It refers to the 'death' of one's career, reputation, or peace of mind.
You can, and people will understand, but it won't be the official proverb. Stick to 'Mrityu' for the full effect.
It's like the 'ri' in 'ring', but with the tongue slightly further back. In West Bengal, it sounds more like 'mrit-tu', in some parts of Bangladesh, it might lean towards 'mrut-tu'.
Yes, many Baul and folk songs use this to warn against the distractions of the material world.
There isn't a direct 'opposite' proverb, but 'Sototai shera pontha' (Honesty is the best policy) is the positive alternative.
Frases relacionadas
অতি লোভে তাঁতি নষ্ট
similarExcessive greed ruins the weaver.
লোভ সংবরণ করা
specialized formTo restrain one's greed.
সন্তোষই পরম সুখ
contrastContentment is the greatest happiness.
পাপের ঘড়া পূর্ণ হওয়া
builds onThe jar of sin is full.
