माफी पाऊँ
māphī pāū̃
The English phrase 'excuse me' can be translated into Nepali as माफी पाऊँ (māphī pāū̃).
The phrase माफी पाऊँ is used when you are seeking pardon for a mistake or an unintentional offense.
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is composed of māphī, meaning forgiveness or pardon and pāū̃, meaning may I receive or may I get.
Which one should you use?
The phrase माफ गर is an informal way to say 'Excuse me' or 'Sorry'. In more formal contexts, you can use क्षमा चाहन्छु to mean 'I seek forgiveness' or क्षमा गर्नुहोला to mean 'Please excuse me'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While माफी पाऊँ is a valid way to express the sentiment, the more common and polite way to say 'excuse me' or 'forgive me' in social interactions is माफ गर्नुहोला. The informal option is माफ गर.
How do you pronounce it?
māphī pāū̃
Did you know?
- The word माफी ('maaphi') is borrowed from Arabic and Persian through Hindi, reflecting the deep historical influence of Islamic culture on the South Asian lexicon of forgiveness.
- The level of respect is baked into the grammar of the phrase. Switching from the formal माफ गर्नुहोला to the informal माफ गर does not just change the tone, it changes the power dynamic between the speaker and the listener.
- Using the highly formal क्षमा चाहन्छु to get someone's attention in a crowd can sound unintentionally dramatic, as if you have committed a serious offense.
Examples in context
- क्षमा चाहन्छु, क्यान्डललाई खोज्दै छु। (kshama chahanchhu, kyaandalalai khojdai chu)Excuse me, I am looking for the candle.
- मेरो गल्तीको लागि माफी पाऊँ ।mero galtiko laagi maafi paaun.Please forgive me for my mistake.
- ढिलो भएकोमा माफी पाऊँ ।dhilo bhaekoma maafi paaun.Please excuse me for being late.
Example conversation
Roshan accidentally bumps into Maya in a hallway.
- रोशन Roshanओहो, माफी पाऊँ माया!Oho, maafi paaun Maya!Oh, excuse me Maya!
- माया Mayaकेही छैन, रोशन।Kehi chaina, Roshan.It is nothing, Roshan.
- रोशन Roshanम हतारमा थिएँ।Ma hatarma thiyen.I was in a hurry.
- माया Mayaठिकै छ, नचिन्ता गर्नुहोस्।Thikai cha, nachinta garnuhos.It is okay, don't worry.
