סליחה
Slicha
In Hebrew, the English phrase "excuse me" is translated as סליחה (Slicha).
The word סליחה is a common way to say excuse me in Hebrew. It is versatile and can be used both to get someone's attention or to apologize for a mistake, functioning as both "excuse me" and "sorry".
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word סליחה literally means "forgiveness".
Which one should you use?
In daily conversation, סליחה serves as a standard way to say "excuse me" or "sorry". However, the same word is also used to mean a more formal "forgiveness" when used in religious or literary contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
Slicha
Did you know?
- In traditional prayer books, the term סליחות refers to a specific series of penitential prayers recited in the days leading up to Yom Kippur.
- The word סליחה is an 'action noun', which means instead of saying 'I forgive' or 'excuse me', you are essentially saying the concept of 'forgiveness' itself.
- The root of the word, ס-ל-ח, is also found in much older, biblical Hebrew, connecting modern daily apologies to ancient texts.
Examples in context
- סליחה, יש לי שאלה.Excuse me, I have a question.This sentence shows how to use סליחה to get someone's attention before asking a question.Tatoeba #1446046 by Eldad, translation #1445889 by johnd
- סליחה אם פגעתי בך.Excuse me if I hit you.This sentence demonstrates using סליחה as an apology.Tatoeba #2568034 by VirtuOZ, translation #2638938 by Joseph
- סליחה, תנו לי לעבור.Excuse me, could you let me through?This sentence shows how to use סליחה when trying to move through a crowd.Tatoeba #1433419 by MrShoval, translation #12250442 by Miktsoanit
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noam accidentally bumps into Rotem on a busy street.
- נועם Noamסליחה, לא רציתי לפגוע בך.slicha, lo ratziti lifgo'a bach.Excuse me, I didn't mean to hit you.
- רוטם Rotemזה בסדר, נועם.ze beseder, Noam.It's okay, Noam.
- נועם Noamאת בסדר? אני ממש מצטער.at beseder? ani mamash mitzta'er.Are you okay? I am very sorry.
- רוטם Rotemאני בסדר גמור, תודה.ani beseder gamur, toda.I am perfectly fine, thanks.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries סליחה, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
