# Bengali

/bɛŋˈɡɑɫi/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bengali
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the language

noun · CEFR B2

the language spoken in Bangladesh and parts of eastern India, such as West Bengal.

For teachers: the Indo-Aryan language spoken primarily in Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam. Uncountable in this sense.

- She grew up in Dhaka, so she speaks Bengali fluently.
- The poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote extensively in Bengali, contributing significantly to the language's modern literary tradition.

Usage: Often referred to as 'Bangla' by native speakers.

Teaching tip: In many contexts, especially within South Asia, the endonym 'Bangla' is increasingly preferred over the English term 'Bengali'.

### 2. a person

noun · CEFR B2

a person who comes from Bengal or whose family is from there.

For teachers: an individual belonging to the Bengali ethnic group, originating from the Bengal region of South Asia.

- Many Bengalis living in London celebrate the New Year in April.
- The festival brought together Bengalis from across the diaspora to celebrate their shared cultural heritage through music and food.

### 3. relating to Bengal

adjective · CEFR B2

related to the people, language, or culture of Bengal.

For teachers: pertaining to the region of Bengal, its inhabitants, or their language and culture.

- I really love Bengali food, especially the fish dishes.
- The museum features a dedicated gallery for Bengali textiles, showcasing the intricate patterns of traditional jamdani weaving.

## Examples

- She speaks Bengali fluently with her family.
- The local community center offers classes for children to learn Bengali and explore their cultural heritage.
- With over two hundred million native speakers, Bengali ranks as one of the most widely spoken languages globally, possessing a rich literary tradition that spans several centuries.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.