Language/Assamese/Vocabulary/Telling-Time
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, we will delve into the topic of telling time in Assamese. Knowing how to tell time is essential for effective communication and daily life. Whether you are scheduling appointments, catching a train, or simply asking for the time, being able to express time accurately is crucial. In this comprehensive lesson, we will cover phrases for hours, minutes, and common time-related expressions. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of how to tell time in Assamese and be able to apply this knowledge in practical situations.
Assamese Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Hours[edit | edit source]
Let's start by learning how to express the hours in Assamese. The Assamese language follows a 12-hour clock system, similar to English. Here are the Assamese words for the hours from 1 to 12:
| Assamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| এক | êk | one |
| দুই | dui | two |
| তিনি | tini | three |
| চারি | chari | four |
| পাংচ | pãch | five |
| ছয় | shôy | six |
| সাত | sãt | seven |
| আট | at | eight |
| নয় | nôy | nine |
| দহ | dôh | ten |
| এঘা | êgha | eleven |
| বার | bãr | twelve |
Note that the pronunciation guide provided here is a rough approximation. It is recommended to listen to native Assamese speakers or use audio resources to develop a more accurate pronunciation.
Minutes[edit | edit source]
Next, let's move on to expressing minutes in Assamese. In Assamese, we use the word "মিনিট" (minit) to refer to minutes. When stating the minutes, we simply use the numbers from 1 to 60. Here are some examples:
| Assamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| প্ৰথম | prôthôm | first |
| দ্বিতীয় | dwitîyô | second |
| তৃতীয় | tritîyô | third |
| চতুৰ্থ | chôturthô | fourth |
| পঞ্চম | pôñchôm | fifth |
| ষষ্ঠ | shashthô | sixth |
| সপ্তম | sôptom | seventh |
| অষ্টম | ôshtôm | eighth |
| নবম | nôbôm | ninth |
| দশম | dashôm | tenth |
| এঘার | êghar | eleventh |
| বাৰ | bãr | twelfth |
Remember that the pronunciation guide provided here is just an approximation, and it is best to listen to native speakers for accurate pronunciation.
[edit | edit source]
In addition to hours and minutes, there are also several common time-related expressions that are frequently used in Assamese. Here are a few examples:
- সকাল (sôkāl) - morning
- দুপৰি (dupôri) - afternoon
- সন্ধ্যা (sôndhya) - evening
- রাতি (rati) - night
- কেইটা বাজিছে? (kêitā bājichê?) - What time is it?
- সকালে পাঁচটা (sôkāle pãchtā) - 5 o'clock in the morning
- দুপৰিতে তিনি বাজিছে (dupôritê tini bājichê) - It's three o'clock in the afternoon
These expressions will help you to further enrich your conversation when discussing time in Assamese.
Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]
Throughout history, the Assamese people have had a unique perception of time. Traditional Assamese society follows a more relaxed approach to time management, with less emphasis on punctuality compared to Western cultures. This cultural trait is deeply rooted in the agrarian lifestyle of the region, where the pace of life is influenced by the agricultural seasons and natural rhythms.
Assam is known for its tea gardens, and tea plays a significant role in the cultural fabric of the region. Tea gardens in Assam have a distinct timekeeping system known as "Tea Garden Time." This time system is adjusted to allow for the early sunrise and sunset in the region. Tea garden workers start their day early to take advantage of the daylight hours, and their work schedules align with this unique timekeeping system.
Additionally, Assam has a rich tradition of festivals, and many of these festivals are celebrated based on the lunar calendar. The timing of these festivals often varies from year to year, depending on the lunar cycles. As a result, the Assamese people have developed a deep understanding of lunar time and its significance in their cultural and religious practices.
Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now, let's practice what we have learned. Complete the following exercises to reinforce your understanding of telling time in Assamese.
Exercise 1: Time Translation[edit | edit source]
Translate the following English phrases into Assamese:
1. It's 8 o'clock in the morning. 2. The train leaves at 3:30 in the afternoon. 3. What time is it? 4. We have a meeting at 10:15. 5. She wakes up at 6:45 in the morning.
Solution: 1. সকালে আটটা। (sôkāle atôta) 2. ট্ৰেনটা দুপৰিতে তিনিটা পৰা যাব। (trenta dupôritê tinita parā yāb) 3. কেইটা বাজিছে? (kêitā bājichê?) 4. মিটিংটা দহটা পাঁচটাৰ অধিকাৰত আছে। (mitingtā dahatā pãchtar ôdhi-kārt ase) 5. সকালে ছয়টা পঁচটাৰ ষ্টৰে উঠে। (sôkāle shôyta pôñchtar shṭôre uthe)
Exercise 2: Conversation Practice[edit | edit source]
Imagine you are having a conversation with a friend in Assamese. Use the phrases and vocabulary you have learned to discuss the following topics:
1. What time do you usually wake up in the morning? 2. Do you prefer mornings or evenings? 3. What time is your favorite TV show on? 4. Can you meet me at 7 o'clock in the evening? 5. How do you spend your free time?
Solution: 1. তুমি সকালে কেইটাৰে উঠা হৈছে? (tumi sôkāle kêitāre uta hôiṣe?) 2. তুমি কেইটাৰে বা সন্ধ্যাৰে ভাল পাব? (tumi kêitāre bā sôndhyāre bhal pāb?) 3. তোমাৰ প্ৰিয় টিভি শ্বেত কেইটাৰে দেখা হয়? (tomār priyô ṭiwi shôet kêitāre dekha hôi?) 4. সন্ধ্যাৰে সাতটাৰ সময়ত মোক মিলিবা পাৰিবা পাৰি নেকি? (sôndhyāre sāttār samôyôt mōk miliba pāriba pāri neki?) 5. তোমাৰ ৰিক্ৰিয়েশ্বন সময়ত কি কৰা হয়? (tomār rikriyeśôn samôyôt ki kôra hôi?)
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations! You have completed the lesson on telling time in Assamese. You have learned how to express the hours, minutes, and common time-related expressions in Assamese. Make sure to practice using this vocabulary in your daily life to reinforce your learning. Understanding how to tell time will greatly enhance your ability to communicate and navigate daily activities in Assam. Keep up the good work, and continue exploring the fascinating world of the Assamese language and culture!
Sources[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- House
- Education
- Weather
- How to say Good Bye?
- Resources
- Health
- Modes of Transport
- Family and Relatives
- Family Members
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