माफ करीं
maaf kareen
The English phrase 'sorry' can be expressed in Bhojpuri as माफ करीं (maaf kareen).
This expression is used to convey regret or sorrow.
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of maaf (forgive/pardon) and kareen (a polite/honorific form of the verb 'to do').
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form माफ करीं is a polite way to say sorry, making it suitable for speaking to elders, strangers or in formal settings. For a more formal way to say 'I apologize', you can use Maafi chahatani.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Eastern Uttar Pradesh, the phrase khama maangatani is used to seek formal forgiveness.
How does it change in a sentence?
In informal settings, such as when speaking to close friends or younger people, the verb ending changes to माफ करऽ.
How do you pronounce it?
maaf kareen
Did you know?
- In Bhojpuri culture, an apology to an elder often involves a physical gesture of touching the elder's feet, known as 'charan sparsh', to make the माफ करीं more sincere.
- The word माफ in माफ करीं is not native to India but entered the language via Arabic and Persian, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange in North India.
- In many Bhojpuri-speaking regions, apologizing is less about one's own feeling of regret and more about the social act of asking the other person to 'do' the act of forgiveness.
Examples in context
- हमरा से गलती भइल, माफ करीं।hamra se galti bhail, maaf kareen.I made a mistake, please forgive me.
- देर भइला खातिर माफ करीं।der bhaila khatir maaf kareen.Please forgive me for being late.
- गड़बड़ी खातिर माफ करीं।gadbari khatir maaf kareen.Please forgive me for the mess.
Example conversation
Anjali is apologizing to Sunil for breaking his pen.
- अंजलि Anjaliसुनील, तोहार पेन टूट गइल, माफ करीं।sunil, tohar pen toot gail, maaf kareen.Sunil, your pen broke, please forgive me.
- सुनील Sunilठीक बा, अंजलि, कवनो बात नईखे।theek ba, anjali, kawno baat naikhe.It's okay, Anjali, it's no big deal.
- अंजलि Anjaliहम नया पेन लेके आइब।ham naya pen leke aibe.I will bring a new pen.
- सुनील Sunilठीक बा, धन्यवाद।theek ba, dhanyabaad.Okay, thank you.
