என்னை மன்னிக்கவும்
ennai mannikkavum
In Tamil, "I am sorry" is expressed as என்னை மன்னிக்கவும் (ennai mannikkavum).
This phrase is used to ask for forgiveness after doing something wrong.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ennai (me) and mannikkavum (please forgive).
Which one should you use?
You can omit ennai and simply say மன்னிக்கவும் to say "forgive" or "sorry" in a more general sense.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more casual approach when speaking to friends or younger people, you can use the informal form என்னை மன்னித்துவிடு.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb mannikkavum is in the imperative form used for requests or commands.
How do you pronounce it?
ennai mannikkavum
Did you know?
- The root of மன்னிக்கவும் is related to the word for 'king' or 'ruler' in ancient Tamil. Apologizing was historically viewed as an act of granting a royal pardon.
- In Tamil culture, a verbal apology is often accompanied by a slight bow or a physical gesture of humility to match the weight of the word மன்னிக்கவும்.
- While 'mannikkavum' is used for forgiveness, many Tamil speakers use the English word 'sorry' in everyday conversation, even in formal settings, making it a hybrid linguistic habit.
Examples in context
- மன்னிக்கவும்I am sorry
- தவறு செய்த என்னை மன்னிக்கவும்.thavaṟu seytha ennai mannikkavum.Please forgive me for making a mistake.
- என்னை மன்னிக்கவும், நான் சொல்லவில்லை.ennai mannikkavum, nāṉ sollavillai.I am sorry, I didn't say that.
Example conversation
Arun accidentally broke Divya's favorite mug.
- அருண் Arunஎன்னை மன்னிக்கவும், திவ்யா.ennai mannikkavum, divya.I am sorry, Divya.
- திவ்யா Divyaபரவாயில்லை, அருண்.paravāyillai, aṟuṇ.It is okay, Arun.
- அருண் Arunநான் இதை மாற்றித் தருகிறேன்.nāṉ ithai māṟṟith tharugirēṉ.I will replace this for you.
- திவ்யா Divyaதேவையில்லை, அது வெறும் கோப்பைதான்.thēvaiyillai, athu verum kōppai thāṉ.No need, it was just a mug.
