மன்னிக்கவும்
Mannikkavum
மன்னிக்கவும் (Mannikkavum) is the Tamil way to say excuse me.
மன்னிக்கவும் is used both to apologize for a mistake and to politely get someone's attention, similar to how the English phrase works.
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
மன்னிக்கவும் is a formal term. It is the standard polite way to say excuse me or forgive me in formal or respectful settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
மன்னிக்கவும் functions as a polite imperative, which makes it suitable for requests or apologies directed at others.
How do you pronounce it?
Mannikkavum
Did you know?
- In Tamil, the root of மன்னிக்கவும் is linked to the word for 'king' or 'emperor', suggesting that to be excused is to grant a royal pardon.
- While மன்னிக்கவும் is formal, in casual settings Tamil speakers often use the English word 'sorry' as a loanword, even when speaking primarily in Tamil.
- In many Tamil-speaking contexts, a slight bow of the head or a physical gesture of modesty is often more important than the actual words spoken to convey the apology.
Examples in context
- தயவுசெய்து என்னை மன்னிக்கவும்.thayavuseidhu ennai mannikkavum.Please forgive me.
- எனது தாமதத்தை மன்னிக்கவும்.enadhu thaamadhatthai mannikkavum.Please excuse my delay.
Example conversation
Priya accidentally bumped into Vijay at a crowded office.
- விஜய் Vijayஎன்ன நடந்தது?enna nadanthadhu?What happened?
- பிரியா Priyaஎன்னை மன்னிக்கவும், விஜய்.ennai mannikkavum, vijay.Forgive me, Vijay.
- விஜய் Vijayபரவாயில்லை, பிரியா.paravaillai, priya.It's okay, Priya.
- பிரியா Priyaநன்றி.nandri.Thank you.
