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माफ करना

A1 verb #1,800 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

माफ करना

maaf karna Top 1,800

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces माफ करना en 30 secondes

Explication माफ करना in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'maaf karna' is primarily used as a polite formula. Learners should focus on the phrase 'Maaf kijiye' as a direct translation for 'Excuse me' or 'I'm sorry.' At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex conjugations. Just remember that 'Maaf kijiye' is the polite way to get someone's attention or apologize for a small mistake like bumping into someone. You might also learn 'Mujhe maaf kar do' for a simple 'Forgive me' among friends. The focus is on social survival and basic politeness. You should be able to recognize the word in simple sentences and use it to navigate public spaces in India. Think of it as a magic word that makes your interactions smoother.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'maaf karna' in more complete sentences. You start adding the reason for the apology using 'ke liye' (for). For example, 'Late aane ke liye maaf kijiye' (Forgive me for coming late). You also learn the difference between 'maaf karna' (to forgive) and 'maafi mangna' (to ask for forgiveness). You can use the past tense 'Maine use maaf kar diya' (I forgave him) and the future tense 'Kya aap mujhe maaf karenge?' (Will you forgive me?). You are also becoming aware of the different levels of formality (kijiye vs karo) and when to use each based on who you are talking to.

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At the B1 level, you can use 'maaf karna' to handle more complex social situations. You might use it to interrupt a conversation politely: 'Maaf kijiye, kya main kuch keh sakta hoon?' (Excuse me, can I say something?). You understand the nuances of compound verbs, like how adding 'dena' (maaf kar dena) makes the forgiveness sound more complete or generous. You can participate in longer conversations about mistakes and reconciliation. You also start to recognize the Sanskrit alternative 'kshama karna' in formal announcements or slightly more elevated speech. Your usage becomes more fluid, and you can conjugate the verb across all major tenses without much hesitation.

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At the B2 level, you understand the emotional and cultural weight behind 'maaf karna.' You can use it in debates to politely disagree: 'Maaf kijiye, par main aapki baat se sahmat nahi hoon' (Forgive me, but I don't agree with you). You can understand the word in movies and literature where it might be used metaphorically or with deep irony. You are comfortable with the 'Ne-construction' in the past tense and how it interacts with the object. You can also distinguish between 'maaf' (forgiveness) and 'maafi' (pardon/amnesty) in news reports. Your vocabulary expands to include idioms related to forgiveness and social grace.

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At the C1 level, you can appreciate the stylistic choices between 'maaf karna,' 'kshama karna,' and 'bakhsh dena.' You can use these words to convey subtle differences in tone—from a humble plea to a grand, authoritative pardon. You can discuss abstract concepts like the philosophy of forgiveness in Hindi. You understand how 'maaf karna' fits into the broader Persian-Arabic influence on Hindustani and can use it effectively in professional, academic, or literary contexts. You can write formal letters of apology that use the subjunctive and other advanced grammatical structures to show extreme respect and sincerity.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'maaf karna.' You can use it with all its cultural, historical, and emotional resonance. You can understand puns, wordplay, and archaic uses of the word in classical poetry (like Ghalib or Kabir). You can navigate the most sensitive social situations in India, using the perfect level of formality and non-verbal cues to accompany your words. You can analyze the legal implications of a 'maafi' (pardon) in constitutional law or the theological implications of 'bakhshish' in Sufi poetry. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for sophisticated expression and deep cultural connection.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

माफ करना en 30 secondes

Maaf karna is the standard Hindi verb for 'to forgive' or 'to excuse,' used in both casual and formal situations.
It is a compound verb consisting of the word 'maaf' (forgiven) and the light verb 'karna' (to do).
The phrase 'Maaf kijiye' is the most common way to say 'Excuse me' or 'I'm sorry' politely in Hindi.
Culturally, it is a vital tool for social harmony, requiring attention to levels of formality (Aap/Tum/Tu).

The Hindi verb माफ करना (maaf karnā) is a cornerstone of interpersonal communication in the Hindi-speaking world. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'to forgive' or 'to excuse.' However, its usage spans a vast spectrum of human interaction, from the casual 'Excuse me' when bumping into someone on a crowded Delhi metro to the profound, soul-searching 'Forgive me' in a moment of deep personal regret. The word 'maaf' itself has its roots in Arabic (ma'f), which entered Hindi through Persian influence, bringing with it a sense of absolution and the lifting of a burden or debt. When you use this phrase, you are essentially asking the other person to release the negative feelings or the 'account' of a mistake you have committed.

Semantic Range: In everyday conversation, it functions as a social lubricant. If you need to get someone's attention, you might say 'Maaf kijiye' (Excuse me). If you arrive late to a meeting, it becomes an apology. In a religious or spiritual context, it refers to the divine act of pardoning sins. It is a 'compound verb' (kriyā), where 'maaf' (the noun/adjective meaning forgiven) is combined with 'karna' (to do).
Social Significance: In Indian culture, where social harmony (lihaaz) and hierarchy are often emphasized, knowing how and when to ask for forgiveness is crucial. It is not just about the words but the tone and the level of formality (Tu/Tum/Aap) used with the verb. Using 'maaf kar' with an elder would be seen as highly disrespectful, whereas 'maaf kijiye' shows proper upbringing (sanskaar).

"गलती इंसान से ही होती है, उसे माफ करना सीखो।" (To err is human, learn to forgive.)

— A common Hindi proverb emphasizing the virtue of forgiveness.

To truly understand 'maaf karna', one must look at its counterpart 'kshama karna'. While 'maaf' is more common in spoken Hindustani and has a Persian flavor, 'kshama' is Sanskrit-derived and often feels more formal or literary. In a Bollywood movie, a hero might beg for 'maafi' (the noun form), while a king in a historical drama might grant 'kshama'. For a learner, 'maaf karna' is the most versatile and essential version to master. It covers about 90% of all apology-related situations you will encounter.

"क्या आप मुझे माफ करेंगे?" (Will you forgive me?)

Grammatical Structure: The verb is transitive. You forgive 'someone' (object + ko). For example: 'Mujhe (me-to) maaf kijiye.' The reason for forgiveness is usually preceded by 'ke liye' (for). 'Late aane ke liye maaf karna' (Forgive me for coming late).

Using माफ करना correctly requires understanding the three levels of politeness in Hindi: informal (tu), familiar (tum), and formal (aap). Because an apology is inherently a request for grace, the formal 'Aap' form is the most common and safest for learners. The verb changes its ending based on the tense and the person you are addressing. Let's break down the most common conjugations and situational uses that you will need to navigate daily life in a Hindi-speaking environment.

The Imperative (Requests/Commands)

Formal: 'माफ कीजिए' (Maaf kijiye) - Use this with strangers, elders, or in professional settings. It is the equivalent of 'Please forgive me' or 'Excuse me.'
Familiar: 'माफ करो' (Maaf karo) - Use this with friends or people your own age.
Intimate/Direct: 'माफ कर' (Maaf kar) - Use this only with very close friends or children, though it can sound harsh if not used carefully.

"अरे, माफ कीजिएगा, मैंने आपको देखा नहीं।" (Oh, excuse me, I didn't see you.)

When you want to express that you have already forgiven someone, you use the past tense. Since 'karna' is a transitive verb, in the past tense (Ne-construction), the verb agrees with the object if the object is not followed by 'ko'. However, since we usually forgive 'someone' (using 'ko'), the verb often stays in the masculine singular form: 'Maine use maaf kar diya' (I forgave him/her). The addition of 'dena' (to give) as an auxiliary verb ('kar diya') adds a sense of completion and benevolence to the act.

Common Tense Conjugations

Present Habitual: 'मैं सबको माफ करता हूँ' (I forgive everyone).
Future: 'क्या तुम मुझे माफ करोगे?' (Will you forgive me? - masculine) / 'क्या तुम मुझे माफ करोगी?' (feminine).
Present Continuous: 'वह अपनी गलती के लिए माफी मांग रहा है' (He is asking for forgiveness for his mistake - note the use of 'maafi mangna' here).

"मैं तुम्हें कभी माफ नहीं करूँगा!" (I will never forgive you! - dramatic/movie style)

In professional emails or formal letters, you might see the phrase 'असुविधा के लिए माफ करें' (Asuvidha ke liye maaf karein - Please forgive [us] for the inconvenience). This uses the subjunctive form 'karein' to express a polite request. Understanding these subtle shifts in the verb 'karna' allows you to navigate everything from a casual bump in the street to a formal business apology with confidence and cultural grace.

You will encounter माफ करना in almost every facet of Indian life. From the high-octane drama of Bollywood cinema to the polite exchanges in a South Delhi cafe, this phrase is ubiquitous. It serves as both a shield against social friction and a bridge to reconciliation. Let's explore the specific environments where this word is most frequently heard and the nuances it carries in each context.

1. Public Transport and Crowds: In the bustling streets of Mumbai or the packed markets of Chandni Chowk, 'Maaf kijiye' is the standard way to say 'Excuse me.' You'll hear it when someone is trying to push through a crowd, when someone accidentally steps on your foot, or when a rickshaw driver wants you to move out of the way. It is often shortened to just 'Maaf' in very hurried situations.
2. Bollywood and Television: Indian cinema is famous for its emotional depth. 'Maaf karna' is a staple in climactic scenes. Whether it's a son asking for his father's forgiveness ('Babuji, mujhe maaf kar dijiye') or a lover seeking a second chance, the phrase is delivered with heavy emotional weight. In these contexts, it often implies a deep, life-altering pardon rather than a simple excuse.

"माफ करना, क्या आप थोड़ा खिसक सकते हैं?" (Excuse me, could you shift a little?)

In customer service, 'maaf karna' is used to soften the blow of bad news or delays. A waiter might say, 'Maaf kijiye, aaj paneer khatam ho gaya hai' (Forgive me, the paneer is finished today). Here, it functions as a polite 'I'm sorry to inform you.' It's also common in phone conversations when someone doesn't hear what was said: 'Maaf kijiye? Kya aap fir se bol sakte hain?' (Excuse me? Can you say that again?).

"भगवान मुझे माफ करें।" (May God forgive me.)

3. Formal and Judicial Contexts: In news reports or legal discussions, 'maaf karna' can refer to a 'pardon' or 'amnesty.' For instance, 'Rashtrapati ne uski saza maaf kar di' (The President pardoned his sentence). In these high-stakes environments, the word carries the authority of the state or the law.

While माफ करना is a simple phrase, learners often trip over its grammatical nuances and social applications. Hindi is a language of relationship and hierarchy, and using the wrong form of 'maaf karna' can sometimes make an apology sound like a demand, or a formal request sound awkwardly intimate. Let's look at the most frequent pitfalls so you can avoid them.

1. Confusing 'Maaf Karna' with 'Maafi Mangna': This is the #1 mistake. 'Maaf karna' means 'to forgive' (the action done by the person who was wronged). 'Maafi mangna' means 'to ask for forgiveness' (the action done by the person who made the mistake). If you say 'Main tumhe maaf mangta hoon,' it's grammatically incorrect. You should say 'Main tumse maafi mangta hoon' (I ask for forgiveness from you) or simply 'Mujhe maaf kar do' (Forgive me).

❌ Incorrect: "मैं आपको माफ मांगता हूँ।"
✅ Correct: "मैं आपसे माफी मांगता हूँ।"

2. Wrong Level of Formality: Using 'Maaf kar' or 'Maaf karo' with a teacher, a boss, or an elder is a significant faux pas. It sounds like you are ordering them to forgive you. Always use 'Maaf kijiye' or 'Maaf kijiyega' in these situations. Conversely, using 'Maaf kijiye' with your younger sibling might sound overly sarcastic or distant.

❌ Incorrect: "मुझे देर के लिए माफ करो।"
✅ Correct: "देर से आने के लिए माफ कीजिए।"

3. Pronunciation of 'Maaf': In Devanagari, 'maaf' is often written as माफ़ (with a dot/nukta under the 'ph'). Many learners pronounce it as 'maap' (like 'map'). While understood, it sounds unrefined. Try to blow air through your lips to get that 'f' sound. Also, ensure the 'aa' sound is long; 'maf' (short a) sounds like a different word entirely.

Finally, don't over-apologize for things that aren't your fault. In some Western cultures, 'sorry' is used as a filler. In India, while 'maaf kijiye' is polite, using it too much for every tiny thing can sometimes come across as lack of confidence or even insincerity. Use it when you mean it!

Hindi is rich with synonyms for forgiveness, each carrying a different flavor depending on its linguistic origin (Sanskrit, Persian, or Arabic) and the context of the situation. Understanding these alternatives to माफ करना will help you express yourself more precisely and understand more complex literature and media.

1. क्षमा करना (Kshama Karna): Origin: Sanskrit.
Nuance: This is the formal, 'pure' Hindi (Shuddh Hindi) version. It sounds more noble and spiritual. You will find it in textbooks, formal speeches, and religious texts. If 'maaf' is 'sorry', 'kshama' is 'pardon'.
"कृपया मुझे क्षमा करें।" (Please pardon me - very formal)
2. माफी (Maafi): Origin: Persian/Arabic.
Nuance: This is the noun form. It's used with verbs like 'mangna' (to ask) or 'milna' (to get). 'Mujhe maafi chahiye' (I want forgiveness). It's very common in daily speech.
3. भूल जाना (Bhool Jaana): Literal Meaning: To forget.
Nuance: Often used as a way to say 'let's move on' or 'forgive and forget.' If someone apologizes, you might say 'Chhodo, bhool jao' (Leave it, forget it), which is a casual way of granting forgiveness.

"जो हुआ सो हुआ, अब उसे भूल जाओ।" (What happened, happened; now forget it.)

4. बख्श देना (Bakhsh Dena): Origin: Persian.
Nuance: This carries a sense of 'sparing' someone or granting a boon. It's often used in a religious context (God sparing a sinner) or in historical dramas (a king sparing a prisoner's life). It sounds very poetic and grand.

In summary, while 'maaf karna' is your go-to phrase, being aware of 'kshama' and 'bakhshna' will help you navigate the different social and literary layers of the Hindi language.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Compound Verbs with 'karna'

The 'Ne' postposition in past tense

Imperative forms (Tu/Tum/Aap)

Using 'ke liye' for purpose/reason

Object marking with 'ko'

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Exemples par niveau

माफ कीजिए।

Excuse me / I'm sorry.

Formal imperative form of 'maaf karna'.

मुझे माफ कर दो।

Forgive me.

Informal/Familiar imperative using 'do'.

क्या आप मुझे माफ करेंगे?

Will you forgive me?

Future tense, masculine singular.

अरे, माफ करना!

Oh, sorry!

Infinitive used as a casual interjection.

माफ कीजिए, बाथरूम कहाँ है?

Excuse me, where is the bathroom?

Using 'maaf kijiye' to get attention.

मुझे माफ कीजिए, मैं लेट हूँ।

Forgive me, I am late.

Simple present tense apology.

वह मुझे माफ नहीं करेगा।

He will not forgive me.

Future negative.

प्लीज, माफ कर दो।

Please, forgive (me).

Mixing English 'please' with Hindi, very common.

देर से आने के लिए माफ कीजिए।

Forgive me for coming late.

Using 'ke liye' (for) to give a reason.

मैंने उसे माफ कर दिया।

I forgave him.

Past tense with 'kar diya' for completion.

क्या तुम मेरी गलती माफ कर सकते हो?

Can you forgive my mistake?

Using 'sakna' (can) for ability/possibility.

माँ ने मुझे माफ कर दिया।

Mother forgave me.

Subject + ne + object + verb agreement.

गलती के लिए माफ करना।

Forgive (me) for the mistake.

Infinitive used as a general request.

माफ कीजिए, क्या यह आपकी सीट है?

Excuse me, is this your seat?

Polite inquiry.

वह हमेशा सबको माफ कर देता है।

He always forgives everyone.

Present habitual tense.

हमें माफ कर दीजिए, हमसे गलती हो गई।

Forgive us, we made a mistake.

Plural subject and formal request.

माफ कीजिए, क्या मैं यहाँ बैठ सकता हूँ?

Excuse me, can I sit here?

Polite interruption/request.

अगर मैंने कुछ गलत कहा हो, तो माफ करना।

If I said something wrong, then forgive me.

Conditional sentence (Agar... to).

उसने अपनी पुरानी बातों के लिए माफी मांगी।

He asked for forgiveness for his past actions.

Using the noun 'maafi' with 'mangna'.

माफ कीजिएगा, मुझे आपकी बात समझ नहीं आई।

Excuse me, I didn't understand what you said.

Polite 'kijiyega' for future/polite request.

सच्चा इंसान वही है जो दूसरों को माफ करना जानता है।

A true human is one who knows how to forgive others.

Relative-correlative sentence structure.

मैं उसे कभी माफ नहीं कर पाऊँगा।

I will never be able to forgive him.

Future tense of 'paana' (to be able to).

माफ कीजिए, क्या आप मुझे रास्ता बता सकते हैं?

Excuse me, can you tell me the way?

Standard polite request for help.

उसने दिल से मुझे माफ कर दिया।

He forgave me from his heart.

Adverbial phrase 'dil se' (sincerely).

माफ कीजिए, पर मैं आपके इस विचार से सहमत नहीं हूँ।

Forgive me, but I do not agree with this idea of yours.

Using apology to soften a disagreement.

क्या राष्ट्रपति अपराधी को माफ कर देंगे?

Will the President pardon the criminal?

Formal/Judicial use of 'maaf karna'.

इतनी बड़ी गलती को माफ करना मुश्किल है।

It is difficult to forgive such a big mistake.

Gerundive use of the infinitive.

माफ कीजिएगा, बीच में बोलने के लिए।

Forgive me for speaking in the middle (interrupting).

Apologizing for an interruption.

उसने अपनी सारी संपत्ति दान कर दी ताकि लोग उसे माफ कर दें।

He donated all his property so that people would forgive him.

Purpose clause with 'taaki'.

माफ करना और भूल जाना ही सबसे अच्छा है।

To forgive and forget is the best thing.

Abstract nouns formed from infinitives.

क्या आप मेरी इस गुस्ताखी को माफ करेंगे?

Will you forgive this impertinence of mine?

Using formal vocabulary like 'gustakhi'.

उसे माफ करना मेरी सबसे बड़ी भूल थी।

Forgiving him was my biggest mistake.

Complex sentence with infinitive as subject.

माफ कीजिए, क्या मैं इस चर्चा में हस्तक्षेप कर सकता हूँ?

Excuse me, may I intervene in this discussion?

High-level formal vocabulary ('hastakshep').

क्षमा और माफी में एक सूक्ष्म अंतर होता है।

There is a subtle difference between 'kshama' and 'maafi'.

Comparing synonyms at a high level.

इतिहास उसे कभी माफ नहीं करेगा।

History will never forgive him.

Metaphorical use of forgiveness.

माफ कीजिएगा, मेरी बातों का गलत अर्थ न निकालें।

Forgive me, please do not misinterpret my words.

Subjunctive negative 'na nikaalein'.

आध्यात्मिक दृष्टि से, माफ करना स्वयं को मुक्त करना है।

From a spiritual perspective, to forgive is to free oneself.

Philosophical discourse.

यदि आप मुझे माफ कर सकें, तो मैं आपका आभारी रहूँगा।

If you could forgive me, I would be grateful to you.

Conditional with 'sakein' (subjunctive).

उसकी खताओं को माफ करना अब नामुमकिन है।

It is now impossible to forgive his faults.

Using Urdu-origin 'khata' (fault).

माफ कीजिए, क्या यह संभव है कि हम इस विषय पर फिर से विचार करें?

Excuse me, is it possible for us to reconsider this topic?

Using apology to initiate a complex request.

उनकी इस धृष्टता को माफ करना किसी भी सभ्य समाज के लिए कठिन होगा।

Forgiving this audacity of theirs would be difficult for any civilized society.

Highly formal Sanskritized vocabulary ('dhrishtata', 'sabhya').

माफ कीजिएगा, पर आपकी दलीलें तर्कसंगत नहीं प्रतीत होतीं।

Forgive me, but your arguments do not appear to be logical.

Formal disagreement with advanced verbs ('prateet hona').

आत्म-परिशोधन की प्रक्रिया में स्वयं को माफ करना अनिवार्य है।

In the process of self-purification, forgiving oneself is mandatory.

Abstract academic Hindi.

क्या राज्य का यह दायित्व है कि वह जघन्य अपराधों को भी माफ कर दे?

Is it the responsibility of the state to forgive even heinous crimes?

Legal/Ethical inquiry.

माफ कीजिए, मेरे कहने का तात्पर्य यह कदापि नहीं था।

Forgive me, that was by no means the intent of what I said.

Precise clarification with 'tatparya' and 'kadapi'.

ग़ालिब ने कहा था कि 'बख्श देना' ही खुदा की सबसे बड़ी सिफ़त है।

Ghalib said that 'to forgive' is the greatest attribute of God.

Literary reference and Urdu influence.

माफ कीजिएगा, क्या आप इस दस्तावेज़ की सत्यता की पुष्टि कर सकते हैं?

Excuse me, can you confirm the authenticity of this document?

Technical/Formal request.

उनका अपराध अक्षम्य है, उन्हें माफ करना न्याय के विरुद्ध होगा।

Their crime is inexcusable; forgiving them would be against justice.

Using the adjective 'akshamya' (unforgivable).

Synonymes

क्षमा करना (Kshama karna) बख्श देना (Bakhsh dena) माफी देना (Maafi dena) नजरअंदाज करना (Nazarandaz karna - to overlook) छोड़ देना (Chhod dena - to let go) दरगुज़र करना (Darguzar karna - to overlook/forgive) रियायत देना (Riyayat dena - to grant concession) मुक्ति देना (Mukti dena - to liberate/pardon)

Antonymes

सजा देना (Saza dena - to punish) दंड देना (Dand dena - to penalize) बदला लेना (Badla lena - to take revenge) नाराज होना (Naraz hona - to be angry)

Collocations courantes

दिल से माफ करना (To forgive from the heart)

गलती माफ करना (To forgive a mistake)

सबको माफ करना (To forgive everyone)

तुरंत माफ करना (To forgive immediately)

कभी माफ न करना (To never forgive)

पूरी तरह माफ करना (To forgive completely)

माफ करने लायक (Forgivable)

माफ करने वाला (One who forgives)

माफ करने की शक्ति (Power to forgive)

भगवान माफ करे (May God forgive)

Phrases Courantes

माफ कीजिए (Maaf kijiye - Excuse me/Sorry)

मुझे माफ कर दो (Mujhe maaf kar do - Forgive me)

माफ करना, पर... (Maaf karna, par... - Forgive me, but...)

कोई बात नहीं, माफ किया (No problem, forgiven)

माफ कीजिएगा (Maaf kijiyega - Please excuse me - very polite)

क्या आप मुझे माफ करेंगे? (Will you forgive me?)

देर के लिए माफ करना (Forgive for the delay)

माफ करना भूल गया (Sorry, I forgot)

गलती के लिए माफ कीजिए (Forgive for the mistake)

माफ करना, क्या कहा? (Sorry, what did you say?)

Souvent confondu avec

माफ करना vs माफी मांगना (Maafi mangna)

To ask for forgiveness vs. to grant it.

माफ करना vs साफ करना (Saaf karna)

To clean vs. to forgive (sounds similar).

माफ करना vs मना करना (Mana karna)

To refuse vs. to forgive.

Expressions idiomatiques

"माफ करना और भूल जाना (Forgive and forget)"

"दिल बड़ा करके माफ करना (To forgive by having a big heart)"

"मिट्टी डालना (To bury the hatchet/forgive and move on)"

"गले लगाना (To embrace - often signifies forgiveness)"

"बात खत्म करना (To end the matter/forgive)"

"खून माफ होना (To be pardoned for a serious crime - often hyperbolic)"

"सात खून माफ (To be forgiven for many mistakes/crimes)"

"साफ दिल से माफ करना (To forgive with a clean heart)"

"गलती मानकर माफ करना (To forgive after acknowledging the mistake)"

"खुदा के वास्ते माफ करना (To forgive for God's sake)"

Facile à confondre

माफ करना vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

negation

Put 'nahi' before 'karna' (maaf nahi kiya).

formality

'Kijiyega' is even more polite than 'Kijiye'.

interjection

Can be used alone as 'Maaf!' in very quick situations.

Erreurs courantes

Saying 'Main maaf hoon' (I am forgiven) when you mean 'I am sorry'.
Using 'Maaf kar' with a teacher or boss.
Forgetting the 'ko' after the person you are forgiving.
Confusing 'maaf' (forgive) with 'saaf' (clean).
Using 'maaf karna' instead of 'maafi mangna' when you are the one who made the mistake.

Astuces

Use 'Aap' form by default

When in doubt, always use 'Maaf kijiye'. It is respectful and prevents any accidental rudeness, especially with people you don't know well.

The 'Ke Liye' rule

Always use 'ke liye' (for) when explaining why you are apologizing. For example: 'Galti ke liye maaf kijiye' (Forgive for the mistake).

Non-verbal cues

A small nod or a humble expression goes a long way. In very sincere apologies, some people might touch their ears, which is a traditional sign of regret.

Learn the noun form

Learn 'Maafi' (forgiveness). You will hear 'Maafi mangna' (to ask for forgiveness) just as often as the verb 'maaf karna'.

The Nukta

The dot under the 'ph' in Devanagari (फ़) makes the 'f' sound. Pay attention to this 'nukta' as it changes the sound from 'p' to 'f'.

Bollywood cues

Watch for scenes where characters say 'Mujhe maaf kar do'. It's a great way to hear the emotional range and different conjugations of the verb.

Formal vs Casual

In a text to a friend, 'Sorry' or 'Maaf kar do' is fine. In an email to a professor, use 'Kshama karein' or 'Maaf kijiyega'.

Don't overthink the 'Ne'

While 'Maine use maaf kiya' is correct, in fast speech, people sometimes drop the 'ne'. But as a learner, try to keep it for grammatical accuracy.

Interruption

Use 'Maaf kijiye' to interrupt someone politely. It's much better than just starting to speak over them.

Association

Associate 'Maaf' with 'Absolve'. Both start with a similar vowel sound in some pronunciations and deal with clearing a fault.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Contexte culturel

Touching ears or bowing slightly while saying 'maaf karna' adds sincerity.

Concept of 'Kshama' in Hinduism and Jainism; 'Afw' in Islamic tradition.

Over-apologizing is less common than in the UK/Japan, but 'Maaf kijiye' is essential for basic politeness.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"माफ कीजिए, क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (Excuse me, can you help me?)"

"माफ कीजिए, क्या यह सीट खाली है? (Excuse me, is this seat empty?)"

"माफ करना, क्या मैंने आपको परेशान किया? (Sorry, did I disturb you?)"

"माफ कीजिए, क्या आप फिर से बोल सकते हैं? (Excuse me, can you say that again?)"

"माफ कीजिए, क्या मुझे यहाँ जाने का रास्ता मिल सकता है? (Excuse me, can I get the way to go here?)"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time you had to say 'maaf karna' to someone.

How do you feel when you forgive someone? Use Hindi verbs.

Describe a situation where it is hard to say 'maaf kijiye'.

Write a short dialogue between two friends who had a fight and are now apologizing.

What does 'kshama' mean to you compared to 'maaf'?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It can be both! The level of formality depends on how you conjugate the verb 'karna'. 'Maaf kijiye' is formal, while 'Maaf kar' is very informal. The word 'maaf' itself is standard for all situations.

Yes, 'Sorry' is extremely common in urban India and is understood by almost everyone. However, using 'Maaf kijiye' shows a deeper effort to learn the language and culture, and is often seen as more sincere.

'Maaf karna' is of Persian/Arabic origin and is the most common in daily speech. 'Kshama karna' is of Sanskrit origin and is used in formal, literary, or religious contexts. They mean the same thing but have different 'vibes'.

You can say 'Maaf kijiye' or 'Side dijiye' (Please give side). 'Maaf kijiye' is the more polite way to start the interaction if you accidentally bump into someone while moving.

Yes, when you are forgiving a specific person, that person is the direct object and usually takes the 'ko' postposition. For example, 'Maine usko maaf kiya' (I forgave him).

The standard phrase is 'Der se aane ke liye maaf kijiye' (Forgive me for coming late). You can also say 'Mujhe der ho gayi, maaf kijiye' (I got late, forgive me).

The correct and standard pronunciation is with an 'f'. However, in many rural dialects or due to regional influences, you might hear 'maap'. As a learner, aim for the 'f' sound.

The past tense is 'maaf किया' (maaf kiya). Because it's a transitive verb, in the past tense it often uses the 'Ne' construction: 'Maine use maaf kiya'.

Yes, it is used in legal and official contexts to mean a pardon or amnesty, such as a President pardoning a prisoner's sentence.

You can say 'Maine tumhe maaf kiya' or more naturally 'Maine tumhe maaf kar diya'. The 'kar diya' adds a sense of 'it's done and over with'.

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