কেন — meaning in English: Why?

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Guess the translation for Why?

নিশ্চয়

nischoy

সতর্ক

shotorok

কেন

ken

বড়

baṛ

কার

kar

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'কেন' during conversations to inquire about reasons or motivations. For instance, a child might ask 'কেন?' when they want to understand why they cannot have dessert before dinner, or during a classroom discussion when students ask their teacher why a certain historical event happened.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym of 'কেন' is 'কেনো' (keno), which can also mean 'why' but is often used in more poetic or literary contexts. You would choose 'কেন' in everyday dialogue, while 'কেনো' might appear in a song or a poem for stylistic effect.

Culture

'কেন' comes from the root of questioning, deeply embedded in Bengali culture where curiosity is encouraged. The word has been used across generations in everyday conversations, showcasing the importance of understanding the rationale behind situations, whether in family discussions or philosophical debates.

FAQ

Q.What does the word 'কেন' mean in English?

'কেন' translates to 'Why?' in English, and is used to ask questions about reasons or causes. It's a fundamental word for engaging in deeper conversations.

Q.How do you use 'কেন' in a sentence?

You can use 'কেন' at the beginning of a question, such as 'তুমি কেন আসোনি?' which means 'Why didn't you come?' This structure is typical in Bengali inquiries.

Q.Is there a formal way to ask 'Why?' in Bengali?

While 'কেন' is neutral and widely accepted, in more formal situations, you might choose to say 'আপনি কেন?' which adds a respectful tone to your inquiry.

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Bengali Vocabulary