معاف کیجئے
maaf kijiye
The English phrase "I am sorry" is translated into Urdu as معاف کیجئے (maaf kijiye).
This phrase is used to ask for forgiveness after doing something wrong.
What does it mean word for word?
The word معاف literally means "forgiveness" or "pardon".
Which one should you use?
While معاف کیجئے is a polite way to say 'I am sorry' or 'forgive me', it is more of a request for forgiveness than a statement of feeling.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can make this even more formal and polite by adding ga to the end, resulting in معاف کیجئے گا. For an informal setting, you may use معاف کردو to say "Forgive me."
How do you pronounce it?
maaf kijiye
Did you know?
- Because معاف is derived from the Arabic root meaning 'to be healthy' or 'to be safe', asking for forgiveness is etymologically linked to the idea of being well and free from harm.
- In many South Asian cultures, an apology is often accompanied by a slight bow or touching one's heart to show that the regret is sincere and not just a formality.
- The word معاف can also be used in a legal context to describe a tax or a debt that has been waived or remitted.
Examples in context
- کیا آپ مجھے معاف کیجئے گا؟kya aap mujhe maaf kijiye ga?Will you forgive me?
Example conversation
Zainab accidentally spills water on Hamza's book.
- زینب Zainabاوہ! معاف کیجئے، حمزہ۔Oh! Maaf kijiye, Hamza.Oh! I am sorry, Hamza.
- حمزہ Hamzaکوئی بات نہیں، زینب۔koi baat nahi, Zainab.It's okay, Zainab.
- زینب Zainabمیں اسے صاف کر دیتی ہوں۔main ise saaf kar deti hoon.I will clean it up.
- حمزہ Hamzaٹھیک ہے، فکر نہ کریں۔theek hai, fikr na karein.Alright, don't worry.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries معاف, CC BY-SA 4.0.
