माफी पाऊँ
māphī pāū̃
To say sorry in Nepali, use माफी पाऊँ (māphī pāū̃).
माफी पाऊँ is an expression used to express regret or to ask for forgiveness in a respectful manner.
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of māphī (forgiveness) and pāū̃ (may I get/receive), literally meaning "may I receive forgiveness".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form माफी पाऊँ is a polite and formal way to apologize. For other ways to express forgiveness, you might use Khsama garnuhos to formally say "Please pardon me" or Maaph garnu hola to say "Please forgive me".
How do you pronounce it?
māphī pāū̃
Did you know?
- The word माफी (māphī) shares a deep linguistic root with the Arabic 'ma'af' and the Persian 'ma'af', reflecting historical trade and cultural exchanges across Asia.
- In highly traditional or religious contexts, apologies can be expressed through the act of 'pranam', where one touches the feet of an elder to seek forgiveness.
- The phrase माफी पाऊँ is structured as a question, 'may I receive forgiveness', rather than a statement of regret, reflecting a culture of humility.
Examples in context
- गल्ती भयो, माफी पाऊँ।galti bhayo, mapha paun.I made a mistake, please forgive me.
Example conversation
Maya accidentally bumps into Avinash in a hallway.
- माया Mayaओहो, माफी पाऊँ, अविनाश!Oho, maafi paaun, Avinash!Oh, sorry, Avinash!
- अविनाश Avinashकेही छैन, माया।Kehi chaina, Maya.It's nothing, Maya.
- माया Mayaम अलि हतारमा थिएँ।Ma ali hatarma thie.I was in a bit of a hurry.
- अविनाश Avinashठीक छ, समस्या छैन।Thik cha, samasya chaina.It's okay, no problem.
