ekla

Ekla is a transliteration of the Bengali word একলা, meaning alone, solitary, or unaccompanied. In Bengali, it functions as an adjective and an adverb and is used in everyday speech as well as in literature and poetry to convey independence or isolation.

The term is widely recognized in cultural expressions and phrases such as ekla chalo re, which translates roughly to “go on alone” or “walk alone.” This usage reflects themes of self-reliance and individual resolve that appear in Bengali literary and musical works. While ekla is common in Bengali, its recognition outside Bengali-speaking communities is primarily as a loanword or transliteration of the local term.

Ekla can also appear as a personal name or nickname in South Asia, where it may be chosen for its meaning or phonetic appeal. As a name, it is more likely to be found within communities familiar with Bengali language and culture.

In other languages of the region, related forms or cognates exist with varying spellings and meanings. For example, in some Indo-Aryan languages a related root meaning “one” or “single” appears, though such cognates are distinct from the Bengali ekla in pronunciation and usage. Overall, ekla is best understood as a Bengali word that denotes solitude or aloneness and can appear in modern and traditional contexts.