ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ
maaf karna
In Punjabi, "excuse me" is expressed as ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ (maaf karna).
The phrase is used both to ask for forgiveness and as a polite way to say "excuse me" to get someone's attention.
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a construction combining the word ਮਾਫ਼, which means forgiveness or pardon, with a verb meaning "to do".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ is used in informal or neutral settings. For a more polite and respectful request, you can add the particle ਜੀ to the end, creating ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ ਜੀ (please forgive me). The form ਮੁਆਫ ਕਰੋ ਜੀ is also a formal way to say "Excuse me" that adds an extra touch of respect by using the honorific ਜੀ at the end.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is a verb construction that combines a noun meaning forgiveness with the verb "to do".
How do you pronounce it?
maaf karna
Did you know?
- The word ਮਾਫ਼ (maaf) has a deep history, tracing back through Persian to Arabic roots meaning 'to grant health' or 'to be safe' from harm.
- In many Punjabi social contexts, a physical gesture such as a slight bow of the head or bringing hands together often accompanies ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ to emphasize sincerity.
- In many Punjabi-speaking cultures, saying ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ ਜੀ is not just polite, it is a way to show deference to an elder's status by using the honorific ਜੀ.
Examples in context
- ਮਾਫ ਕਰਨਾ, ਕੀ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਥੋੜੀ ਜਗ੍ਹਾ ਦੇ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ?Excuse me, can you give me some space?
- ਮੁਆਫ ਕਰੋ ਜੀ, ਮੈਨੂੰ ਆਪਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਕੁਝ ਪੁੱਛਣਾ ਸੀ।Excuse me, I wanted to ask you something.
- ਮੈਨੂੰ ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ।mainū māf karanā.Please forgive me.
- ਮੇਰੀ ਗਲਤੀ ਲਈ ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ।merī galatī laī māf karanā.Forgive me for my mistake.
Example conversation
Harman accidentally bumps into Kiran in a store.
- ਹਰਮਨ Hermanਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ, ਮੈਂ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਦੇਖਿਆ ਨਹੀਂ।maaf karna, main tuhanu dekhya nahi.Excuse me, I didn't see you.
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ, ਹਰਮਨ।koi gall nahi, Harman.No problem, Harman.
- ਹਰਮਨ Hermanਕੀ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਠੀਕ ਹੋ, ਕਿਰਨ?ki tusi theek ho, Kiran?Are you okay, Kiran?
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਹਾਂ, ਮੈਂ ਬਿਲਕੁਲ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ।han, main bilkul theek han.Yes, I am perfectly fine.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ਕਰਨਾ, ਮਾਫ਼, CC BY-SA 4.0.
