से सा
se sā
The English phrase "sorry" is translated into Newari as से सा (se sā).
से सा is used as an expression of regret or sorrow.
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
se sā
Did you know?
- In traditional Newar communities, using the phrase से सा toward a much older person without a preceding respectful title might actually be seen as a lack of manners rather than a sincere apology.
- Newari is a Tibeto-Burman language, meaning its underlying structure for expressing regret is fundamentally different from the Indo-Aryan languages like Nepali spoken around it.
- A person using से सा outside of the Kathmandu Valley would likely be identified as Newar immediately by other Nepali speakers.
Example conversation
Rajesh accidentally bumps into Sarita in a crowded market.
- सरिता Saritaह्वो! छं जिं खः ।hwo! chan jin khah.Oh! You hit me.
- राजेश Rajeshसे सा, सरिता, जिं ल्हाः मखः ।se sa, Sarita, jin lhah makha.Sorry, Sarita, I didn't see.
- सरिता Saritaखँ ह्वः, गनतः मया ।khan hwa, ganatah maya.It's okay, it doesn't matter.
- राजेश Rajeshसय, से सा ।saya, se sa.Still, I am sorry.
