Signification
Used to apologize for a mistake.
Contexte culturel
Apologizing is often non-verbal. A slight bow or touching the ears is a common accompaniment to 'Maaf kara'. In modern offices in Pune or Mumbai, 'Sorry' is used for minor things, but 'Maaf kara' is used in formal emails to clients or senior management to show deep respect. In villages, people might use 'Chuk bhul dyavi ghyavi' more often than 'Maaf kara' in community settings. Dramatic apologies in plays often use the more Sanskritized 'Kshama kara' for heightened emotional effect.
The 'Ph' Sound
Don't worry if you can't say 'f' perfectly. Most Marathi speakers say 'Maaph' with a 'p' sound followed by a puff of air.
Don't over-apologize
In Indian culture, over-apologizing for small things can sometimes make people uncomfortable. Use it when it's meaningful.
Signification
Used to apologize for a mistake.
The 'Ph' Sound
Don't worry if you can't say 'f' perfectly. Most Marathi speakers say 'Maaph' with a 'p' sound followed by a puff of air.
Don't over-apologize
In Indian culture, over-apologizing for small things can sometimes make people uncomfortable. Use it when it's meaningful.
Add 'खूप'
To make it more sincere, say 'Mala khup maaf kara' (Forgive me very much).
Body Language
A small nod of the head makes the apology feel much more authentic to a Marathi speaker.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'karne'.
सर, मला माफ ____.
Since the speaker is addressing 'Sir', the formal/honorific form 'करा' (kara) must be used.
Which of these is the correct way to say 'I am sorry' to a friend?
To a friend:
'Mala' is the correct pronoun and 'kar' is the informal verb form.
Match the situation to the best phrase.
Situation: You accidentally broke a glass at a restaurant.
This situation requires an apology for an accidental mistake.
Complete the dialogue.
A: तुम्ही माझे पुस्तक आणले का? B: नाही, मी विसरलो. ________.
B is apologizing for forgetting the book.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesसर, मला माफ ____.
Since the speaker is addressing 'Sir', the formal/honorific form 'करा' (kara) must be used.
To a friend:
'Mala' is the correct pronoun and 'kar' is the informal verb form.
Situation: You accidentally broke a glass at a restaurant.
This situation requires an apology for an accidental mistake.
A: तुम्ही माझे पुस्तक आणले का? B: नाही, मी विसरलो. ________.
B is apologizing for forgetting the book.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsMostly yes, but 'Maaf kara' is more formal and sincere. 'Sorry' is used for trivial things.
Yes, dropping the 'Mala' is very common in casual speech.
'Maaf' is from Persian/Urdu, 'Kshama' is from Sanskrit. 'Kshama' is more formal.
You can say 'Kahi harkat nahi' (No problem) or 'Thik aahe' (It's okay).
'Maaf' is used with 'kara'. 'Maafi' is used with 'magne' (to ask for).
Yes, 'Mala maaf kara' is the perfect formal apology for a workplace.
Because in Marathi, you are asking for forgiveness to be given *to* you.
Younger people often say 'Sorry yaar' or 'Chukun jhale' (It happened by mistake).
You say 'Mi tula maaf kele'.
Only if you've made a big mistake and are talking to an elder. It's not required for small things.
Expressions liées
क्षमा करा
synonymForgive me (Sanskrit origin)
सॉरी
similarSorry
चूक झाली
builds onA mistake happened
क्षमस्व
specialized formPardon
दिलगीर आहे
similarI am sorry/sad about it
