aroha mai
/aˈroha ˈmai/word by word
The Māori phrase for sorry is aroha mai.
aroha mai is used to express regret or sorrow. It is a gentle and heartfelt way to apologize used among friends and family.
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, aroha mai translates to 'love/compassion towards me', where aroha means love or compassion and mai is a particle indicating direction towards the speaker.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, speakers might add ana after whakapāha to indicate continuous or repeated apologies, as seen in E whakapāha ana ahau ki a koe.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this context, aroha mai functions as an interjection or a complete phrase to express an apology.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈroha ˈmai/
Did you know?
- In Maori culture, a sincere apology is often accompanied by the concept of mana. An apology is not just about the mistake but about restoring the 'mana' or prestige of the person who was wronged.
- Although we use it to say 'sorry', the root of aroha originally meant 'to beckon' or 'to wave'. This suggests a historical connection between physical gestures of calling and the emotional expression of love.
- The word aroha is so central to Maori culture that it is used not just for 'love' or 'sorry' but also to describe pity, empathy and grief.
Examples in context
- Aroha mai, engari me haere koe.I'm sorry, but you've got to go.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use aroha mai when expressing regret.Tatoeba #4517180 by iarere91, translation #2541320 by CK
- Aroha mai, kua ngaro taku wahi.Sorry, I lost my place.
- Aroha mai, kāore au i kite i a koe.Sorry, I did not see you.
Example conversation
Anahera accidentally bumps into Manaia in a hallway.
- AnaheraAroha mai, Manaia.Sorry, Manaia.
- ManaiaKāore he mate.It is no problem.
- AnaheraKei te pai koe?Are you okay?
- ManaiaAe, kei te pai au.Yes, I am fine.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (aroha, mai) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aroha, mai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
