yi haƙuri
To say sorry in Hausa, use yi haƙuri.
yi haƙuri is used as an expression of regret or sorrow. Beyond apologizing, it also functions as an instruction to be patient or to endure a difficult situation.
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb yi, which means to do or make and the noun haƙuri, meaning patience or endurance.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make an apology more polite and sincere, you can add don Allah (for God's sake) before the phrase, resulting in don Allah yi haƙuri, which translates to 'please forgive me' or 'please be patient'.
Did you know?
- In Hausa culture, a sincere yi haƙuri is often accompanied by a slight bow or a lowering of the gaze to show humility and respect to elders.
- The phrase don Allah used to soften yi haƙuri literally means 'for God's sake' and reflects the deep integration of Islamic influence in the Hausa language.
- There is a linguistic distinction where yi haƙuri asks the other person to 'do' patience, shifting the focus from the speaker's guilt to the listener's strength.
Examples in context
- Yi haƙuri. Ba zan ƙara haka ba.I'm sorry. I won't ever do that again.This sentence shows how to use yi haƙuri to express regret for an action.Tatoeba #10886442 by ecorralest101, translation #6344818 by CK
- Yi haƙuri, lambar ba dai-dai ba ce.Sorry, you have the wrong number.This sentence uses yi haƙuri to apologize for a mistake regarding a phone number.Tatoeba #10835277 by ecorralest101, translation #881163 by Martha
- Yi haƙuri, ba mu karɓar katunan kuɗi.Sorry, we don't accept credit cards.This sentence uses yi haƙuri to apologize when a credit card is not accepted.Tatoeba #10869210 by ecorralest101, translation #4039444 by CK
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Musa accidentally bumps into Aisha in a crowded market.
- MusaYi haƙuri, Aisha. Ban yi da gangan ba.I'm sorry, Aisha. I didn't do it on purpose.
- AishaBa komai, Musa. Ba matsala ba.It's okay, Musa. No problem.
- MusaYi haƙuri da rashin kulawa ta.Sorry for my lack of attention.
- AishaNa yafe maka. Babu damuwa.I forgive you. No worries.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
