ಕ್ಷಮಿಸಿ
kshamisi
In Kannada, I am sorry is expressed as ಕ್ಷಮಿಸಿ (kshamisi).
While English speakers say I am sorry as a statement about themselves, it is more natural in Kannada to use the imperative form ಕ್ಷಮಿಸಿ, which functions as Please forgive me. This is used to apologize for a mistake or to ask for forgiveness.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ಕ್ಷಮಿಸಿ literally means forgive or please forgive.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ಕ್ಷಮಿಸಿ is a polite way to say I am sorry in formal settings. For a more sincere apology that shows high respect, you can use Dayavittu kshamisi. In very informal conversations, the English word Sorry is widely understood. Use ಕ್ಷಮಿಸು when speaking informally to friends or younger people.
How do you pronounce it?
kshamisi
Did you know?
- Unlike English where 'I am sorry' can be used to express sympathy for a death, ಕ್ಷಮಿಸಿ is strictly for seeking forgiveness and is not used for condolences.
- The root of ಕ್ಷಮಿಸಿ comes from the Sanskrit word Kshama, which means not only 'forgiveness' but also 'patience' and 'endurance'.
- In Kannada culture, a physical gesture of folding the hands in a Namaste position often accompanies ಕ್ಷಮಿಸಿ to show deeper sincerity and humility.
Examples in context
- ನನ್ನ ತಪ್ಪಿಗೆ ಕ್ಷಮಿಸಿ.nanna tappige kshamisi.Forgive me for my mistake.
- ತಡವಾಗಿದ್ದಕ್ಕೆ ಕ್ಷಮಿಸಿ.tadavāgiddakke kshamisi.Sorry for being late.
Example conversation
Kavya accidentally bumped into Pranav in a hallway.
- ಕಾವ್ಯ Kavyaಅಯ್ಯೋ, ಕ್ಷಮಿಸಿ!ayyō, kṣamisi!Oh, I am sorry!
- ಪ್ರಣವ್ Pranavಪರವಾಗಿಲ್ಲ, ಕಾವ್ಯ.paravāgilla, kāvya.It's okay, Kavya.
- ಕಾವ್ಯ Kavyaನಾನು ಗಮನಿಸಲಿಲ್ಲ.nānu gamani-salilla.I wasn't paying attention.
- ಪ್ರಣವ್ Pranavಸರಿ ಇದೆ, ಪರವಾಗಿಲ್ಲ.sari ide, paravāgilla.It's fine, no problem.
