ਅਫ਼ਸੋਸ
afsos
The English phrase "my condolences" is translated into Punjabi as ਅਫ਼ਸੋਸ (afsos).
While it literally means regret, ਅਫ਼ਸੋਸ is commonly used as a standalone expression to convey sympathy or condolences upon hearing of a death.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ਅਫ਼ਸੋਸ literally means "regret" or "sorrow".
How do you pronounce it?
afsos
When do people say it?
In formal situations, you might also say Rab tuhanu himmat bakhshe, which means "May God give you courage."
Did you know?
- The word ਅਫ਼ਸੋਸ is versatile and can be used as a sharp exclamation of 'what a pity' in casual conversation, far removed from the gravity of a funeral.
- The word ਅਫ਼ਸੋਸ is actually a linguistic traveler from Persian, rather than being rooted in ancient Sanskrit as many might expect for an Indo-Aryan language.
- While English speakers often say 'I am sorry' to express sympathy, using the literal Punjabi equivalent of 'I am sorry' for a death can sometimes sound too much like an apology for a mistake.
Examples in context
- ਮੈਨੂੰ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਜਾਣ ਦਾ ਬਹੁਤ ਅਫ਼ਸੋਸ ਹੈ।mainū̃ tuhāḍē pitā jī dē jāṇ dā bahut afsos hai.I am deeply sorry about the passing of your father.
- ਇਸ ਦੁੱਖ ਦੀ ਘੜੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਬਹੁਤ ਅਫ਼ਸੋਸ ਹੈ।is dukh dī ghaṛī vica mainū̃ bahut afsos hai.I feel great sorrow during this time of grief.
Example conversation
Manpreet visits Aman at his home after his grandfather passed away.
- ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ Manpreetਅਮਨ, ਮੈਨੂੰ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਦਾਦੇ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਜਾਣ ਦਾ ਬਹੁਤ ਅਫ਼ਸੋਸ ਹੈ।aman, mainū̃ tuhāḍē dādē jī dē jāṇ dā bahut afsos hai.Aman, I am very sorry for the loss of your grandfather.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਧੰਨਵਾਦ, ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ।dhannavāda, manpreet.Thank you, Manpreet.
- ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ Manpreetਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਦਾ ਖਿਆਲ ਰੱਖਣਾ।parivāra kā khi'āla rakhṇā.Please take care of your family.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਜੀ, ਮੈਂ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕਰਾਂਗਾ।jī, maĩ kōśiśa karāṅgā.Yes, I will try.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ਅਫ਼ਸੋਸ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
