סליחה
slicha
In Hebrew, 'sorry' is expressed as סליחה (slicha).
סליחה is a versatile word used to apologize for a mistake or to politely get someone's attention, acting similarly to 'excuse me' in English. You should use סליחה specifically when you accidentally bump into someone, step on their foot or interrupt them.
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word סליחה is a noun that literally means 'forgiveness' or 'pardon'.
Which one should you use?
While סליחה is used as a versatile interjection for 'excuse me' or 'sorry', the phrase אני מצטער (ani mitzta'er) is used specifically to express personal regret or sympathy.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'sorry for [something]', use the preposition על after the word סליחה.
How do you pronounce it?
slicha
Did you know?
- The phrase אני מצטער comes from a root meaning 'to be in pain' or 'to grieve', showing that deep regret is linguistically tied to suffering.
- The word סליחה is derived from the same root as the biblical concept of divine forgiveness, linking a casual 'excuse me' to the profound act of pardoning a sin.
- In formal writing, you might see the word used in the context of 'pardon' or 'amnesty', showing how the same word spans from a sidewalk bump to a legal decree.
Examples in context
- סליחה על כל זה.Sorry about all this.This sentence shows how to use סליחה when expressing regret about a situation.Tatoeba #5473220 by fekundulo, translation #3727178 by CM
- סליחה, מה היה שמך?Sorry, what was your name?This sentence demonstrates using סליחה to politely interrupt someone.Tatoeba #6045953 by fekundulo, translation #3182854 by WestofEden
- סליחה, אבל זה חרטא.I'm sorry, but that's bullshit.This sentence uses סליחה to express an apology before making a blunt statement.Tatoeba #11815408 by maya_, translation #11806988 by shekitten
- 83 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rotem and Ido are talking in a quiet library.
- רוטם Rotemסליחה, זה קצת רועש פה.slicha, ze ktsat ro'esh po.Sorry, it is a bit noisy here.
- עידו Idoלא נורא, אני בכלל לא שומע.lo nora, ani bekhlal lo shome'a.It's okay, I don't hear anything at all.
- רוטם Rotemאתה בטוח? סליחה על הרעש.ata batuach? slicha al hara'ash.Are you sure? Sorry for the noise.
- עידו Idoבטח, הכל בסדר, רוטם.betach, hakol beseder, Rotem.Sure, everything is fine, Rotem.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries סליחה, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
