मला माफ करा
mala maaf kara
The English phrase "I am sorry" is expressed in Marathi as मला माफ करा (mala maaf kara).
The phrase is used to ask for forgiveness after doing something wrong. While मला माफ करा is a standard way to apologize, you might also use the informal phrase Majha Dosha Ahe to say "It's my fault".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase मला माफ करा literally translates to "me forgive do".
Which one should you use?
The form मला माफ करा is used when speaking to elders, superiors or a group of people. In contrast, the informal form मला माफ कर is used when speaking to someone younger or of equal social status.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the verb changes based on the relationship between the speaker and the listener: use मला माफ करा for plural or formal address, and use मला माफ कर for informal address when speaking to someone of equal status or younger.
How do you pronounce it?
mala maaf kara
Did you know?
- The word माफ in the apology is actually a linguistic traveler from the Middle East, originating from the Arabic root meaning 'to pardon' or 'to grant health'.
- In many Marathi households, a non-verbal apology is often more powerful than saying मला माफ करा, such as a slight bow of the head or touching the feet of an elder.
- If you want to express a deeper, more heartfelt regret than a simple 'sorry', Marathi speakers often use the word क्षमा (kshama), which feels more formal and solemn.
Examples in context
- माझ्या चुकीबद्दल मला माफ करा.mājhyā cukībaddala mala māpha karā.Please forgive me for my mistake.
- मला माफ करा, मी ते विसरलो.mala māpha karā, mī te visaralō.I am sorry, I forgot it.
Example conversation
Priya accidentally knocks over Rahul's water glass.
- प्रिया Priyaअरे देवा! मला माफ करा, राहुल.are dēvā! malā māpha karā, rāhula.Oh my god! I am sorry, Rahul.
- राहुल Rahulकाही हरकत नाही, प्रिया.kāhī harakata nāhī, priyā.It is no problem, Priya.
- प्रिया Priyaमी हे लगेच साफ करते.mī hē lagēca sāpha karatē.I will clean this up right away.
- राहुल Rahulठीक आहे, काळजी नको.ṭhīka āhē, kāḷajī nakō.That is fine, don't worry.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries माफ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
