ക്ഷമിക്കണം
kṣamikkaṇaṁ
The Malayalam word for sorry is ക്ഷമിക്കണം (kṣamikkaṇaṁ).
While it literally means 'forgive me', ക്ഷമിക്കണം is the most common way to say 'sorry' when you have made a mistake or caused an inconvenience. English speakers often use the English word 'sorry' even when speaking Malayalam, as it is widely understood in urban areas.
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a combination of the root kṣamikka (to forgive) and the suffix -ṇam (expressing a polite request or necessity), literally meaning 'please forgive'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ക്ഷമിക്കണം is the standard polite way to express apology in formal or respectful settings.
How do you pronounce it?
kṣamikkaṇaṁ
Did you know?
- The root kṣamikka is derived from Sanskrit, where it relates to 'earth' or 'patience'. This links the act of forgiving someone to the quality of being as steady and enduring as the ground.
- Because ക്ഷമിക്കണം is quite formal, using it with close friends or siblings might actually sound sarcastic or overly dramatic. In casual settings, many Malayalis simply use the English word 'sorry' to avoid sounding stiff.
- If someone says ക്ഷമിക്കണം while asking for information from a stranger, they are not apologizing for a mistake but are using it as a polite 'excuse me' to initiate a conversation.
Examples in context
- ക്ഷമിക്കണം. എല്ലാം എന്റെ തെറ്റാണ്.Sorry. It's all my fault.This sentence shows how to use ക്ഷമിക്കണം when admitting a mistake.Tatoeba #653789 by jjrodz, translation #56374 by CK
- ദയവായി എന്നോട് ക്ഷമിക്കണം.dayavayi ennodu kshamikkanam.Please forgive me.
Example conversation
Rahul accidentally steps on Lakshmi's foot.
- ലക്ഷ്മി Lakshmiഅയ്യോ!ayyo!Ouch!
- രാഹുൽ Rahulക്ഷമിക്കണം, ലക്ഷ്മി.kshamikkanam, lakshmi.Sorry, Lakshmi.
- ലക്ഷ്മി Lakshmiസാരമില്ല രാഹുൽ.saaramilla rahul.It's okay, Rahul.
- രാഹുൽ Rahulശ്രദ്ധിക്കാം.shradhikkaam.I will be careful.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
