माफ करा
maaf kara
In Marathi, the English word 'sorry' is expressed as माफ करा (maaf kara).
माफ करा is used to express regret or sorrow for a mistake. It also serves as a polite way to say 'excuse me' when you wish to get someone's attention.
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective माफ, meaning forgiven or pardoned and the verb करा, which is the imperative form of 'to do'.
How does it change in a sentence?
While माफ करा is the polite/standard version, the form माफ कर is used for informal situations.
How do you pronounce it?
maaf kara
Did you know?
- The word माफ used in apologies has its roots in Arabic and Persian, tracing back to words meaning 'to be healthy' or 'to be safe'.
- While माफ करा is a standard apology, if you are seeking forgiveness for a very heavy or serious transgression, a Marathi speaker might use the more formal क्षमा करा.
- In many Indian cultures, including Marathi-speaking regions, a physical gesture like joining hands in 'namaste' often accompanies a sincere माफ करा to show true humility.
Examples in context
- बरं. माफ करा मला.Okay. Sorry.This example shows the use of माफ करा to express a simple apology.Tatoeba #8677833 by sabretou, translation #28610 by engberg
- माफ करा. चूक माझी होती.I'm sorry. It was my mistake.This example uses माफ करा to take responsibility for a mistake.Tatoeba #7235369 by sabretou, translation #5298782 by CK
- माफ करा, मी पोर्तुगीज बोलत नाही.I'm sorry, I don't speak Portuguese.This example uses माफ करा to politely state a lack of ability in a language.Tatoeba #7871483 by sabretou, translation #5496212 by CarpeLanam
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rahul accidentally bumps into Sneha in a hallway.
- स्नेहा Snehaअरे! तुम्ही मला धक्का दिला.Are! Tumhi mala dhakka dila.Hey! You pushed me.
- राहुल Rahulखूप माफ करा, स्नेहा. मी पाहिलं नाही.Khoop maaf kara, Sneha. Mi pahila nahi.I am very sorry, Sneha. I didn't see.
- स्नेहा Snehaठीक आहे, राहुल. हरकत नाही.Thik aahe, Rahul. Harkat nahi.It's okay, Rahul. No problem.
- राहुल Rahulधन्यवाद.Dhanyavaad.Thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries माफ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
