Bengali · Family & People
বন্ধু
bondhu
Friend
Beginnernoun
Definition
A person you know well and like.
Example
সে আমার সবচেয়ে ভালো বন্ধু।
He is my best friend.
Etymology
The Bengali word 'বন্ধু' (bondhu) finds its origin in the Sanskrit 'बन्धु' (bandhu), meaning friend or relative. It has evolved to primarily indicate friendship in modern usage.
How & Where It’s Used
Used casually in informal contexts, 'বন্ধু' is popular among all age groups and is prevalent in spoken Bengali, often employed in addressing friends.
Literary Heritage
The term is featured in various songs and poetry, celebrating friendship and communal ties, particularly in the works of poets like Jibanananda Das.