What does it mean word for word?
ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ (kripa karke) means please. ਮੈਨੂੰ (mainu) is the dative form of the word for I, meaning to me. ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰ ਦਿਓ (maaf kar deo) is made of maaf, meaning forgiven or excused and kar deo, meaning to do or give, so together it means to grant forgiveness.
Which one should you use?
A formal and very polite version is ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਮੁਆਫ ਕਰਨਾ ਜੀ. Among friends and peers, a short informal version is ਮੁੱਆਫ ਕਰ ਦੇ.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending deo is the polite imperative used when you address someone with respect. With close friends or younger people, the informal maaf kar de is used instead.
How do you pronounce it?
It is romanized as kripa karke mainu maaf kar deo.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the informal maaf kar de with elders or people you should show respect to. Use maaf kar deo with them.
Did you know?
- The word ਕਿਰਪਾ ('please') is derived from the Sanskrit word kṛpā, which traditionally carries a deeper meaning of 'divine grace' or 'mercy' rather than just a polite request.
- In many South Asian cultures, including Punjabi-speaking regions, a physical gesture of bowing or touching someone's feet often accompanies a sincere ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰ ਦਿਓ ('maaf kar deo').
- While English uses 'sorry' for both a mistake and a feeling of regret, Punjabi often uses ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ ('forgive me') specifically to ask for the removal of a grudge or offense.
Examples in context
- ਮੇਰੀ ਗਲਤੀ ਲਈ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰ ਦਿਓ।merī galtī la'ī kirpā kar kē mainu māf kar dio.Please forgive me for my mistake.
- ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰ ਦਿਓ, ਮੈਂ ਲੇਟ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ।kirpā kar kē mainu māf kar dio, maiñ lēt ho giā.Please forgive me, I am late.
Example conversation
Ravinder apologizes to Manpreet for accidentally breaking her favorite mug.
- ਰਵਿੰਦਰ Ravinderਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ, ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰ ਦਿਓ।Manpreet, kirpā kar kē mainu māf kar dio.Manpreet, please forgive me.
- ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ Manpreetਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ, ਰਵਿੰਦਰ।ko'ī gall nahīñ, Ravindar.It is okay, Ravinder.
- ਰਵਿੰਦਰ Ravinderਮੈਂ ਇਹ ਨਵਾਂ ਮੱਗ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਆਵਾਂਗਾ।maiñ ih navāñ mag lai kē āvāngā.I will bring a new mug.
- ਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ Manpreetਧੰਨਵਾਦ, ਪਰ ਹੁਣ ਇਸ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਨਹੀਂ।dhanvād, par huṇ is dī lōṛ nahīñ.Thanks, but it is not necessary now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ਕਿਰਪਾ, ਮਾਫ਼, ਮੈਨੂੰ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
