মাছ

Definition

Fish — the heart of Bengali cuisine; ilish (hilsa) is the king.

Example

Etymology

'মাছ' (machh) has its roots in Proto-Indo-Iranian *mā́ḱs, and is related to similar terms in other Indo-Aryan languages for 'fish.' This term has been a fundamental component of Bengali diet and culture throughout history.

How & Where It’s Used

'মাছ' (machh) is used in everyday conversation as well as written texts to refer to fish, appearing in both formal and informal contexts, especially in a coastal and riverine setting like Bengal.

Literary Heritage

References to 'মাছ' (machh) can be found in traditional Bengali poetry and folklore, such as in the writings of Jibanananda Das.

Related Terms