Signification
A polite apology for causing trouble.
Contexte culturel
In Pakistan, saying this is part of 'Mehman Nawazi'. Even if you are paying for a service, being polite to the provider is seen as a sign of good upbringing (Khandani). Lucknow is the heart of Urdu etiquette. Here, you might hear 'Zehmat' more often than 'Takleef', accompanied by a slight bow or 'adaab' gesture. In modern offices in Karachi or Islamabad, this phrase is the standard opening for 'bad news' or 'requests' in Slack or WhatsApp groups. Urdu speakers in the UK or USA often use a hybrid: 'Takleef کے لیے sorry'. While common, 'ma'zrat' is still preferred for formal letters.
The 'Zehmat' Upgrade
If you are talking to an elderly person or a high-ranking official, use 'Zehmat' instead of 'Takleef'. It will make you sound incredibly cultured.
Don't Over-apologize
In Urdu culture, saying it once is polite. Saying it ten times makes the other person feel awkward, as if they are being too difficult to deal with.
Signification
A polite apology for causing trouble.
The 'Zehmat' Upgrade
If you are talking to an elderly person or a high-ranking official, use 'Zehmat' instead of 'Takleef'. It will make you sound incredibly cultured.
Don't Over-apologize
In Urdu culture, saying it once is polite. Saying it ten times makes the other person feel awkward, as if they are being too difficult to deal with.
The Response
If someone says this to you, always reply with 'Koi baat nahi' (No problem) or 'Arre nahi, takleef kaisi?' (Oh no, what trouble?). It's the polite counter-move.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the polite apology.
تکلیف کے لیے _______۔
'Ma'zrat' is the correct word for apology in this context.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When would you say 'Takleef ke liye ma'zrat'?
Calling late is an inconvenience that requires this apology.
Complete the dialogue between a customer and a shopkeeper.
Customer: تکلیف کے لیے معذرت، کیا آپ کے پاس چینی ہے؟ Shopkeeper: جی ہاں، _______۔
'Koi baat nahi' is the standard polite response to this apology.
Which of these is the MOST formal version?
Choose the high-level formal variation.
'Zehmat' is more formal than 'Takleef'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Takleef vs. Maafi
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesتکلیف کے لیے _______۔
'Ma'zrat' is the correct word for apology in this context.
When would you say 'Takleef ke liye ma'zrat'?
Calling late is an inconvenience that requires this apology.
Customer: تکلیف کے لیے معذرت، کیا آپ کے پاس چینی ہے؟ Shopkeeper: جی ہاں، _______۔
'Koi baat nahi' is the standard polite response to this apology.
Choose the high-level formal variation.
'Zehmat' is more formal than 'Takleef'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is widely used by Urdu and Hindi speakers in India, especially in formal or polite circles.
No, if you break something, use 'Mujhe maaf kar den' (Please forgive me). 'Ma'zrat' is for inconveniences, not damages.
'Ma'zrat' is the formal Urdu word. 'Sorry' is used in casual, urban Urdu but might be seen as too informal in a business letter.
Use 'Hum takleef ke liye ma'zrat chahte hain.'
Not at all. It just means trouble or pain. In this phrase, it's a very polite word.
Yes, if you are asking them for a big favor or bothering them while they are busy. It shows respect.
'Zehmat' is a synonym for 'Takleef' but is more formal. It literally means 'bother' or 'effort'.
It is spelled with an 'Ain' (معذرت), so there is a slight 'aa' sound in the middle.
Yes, it's very common in formal or semi-formal texts (e.g., to a teacher or boss).
The plural is 'Takaleef' (تکالیف), but it is rarely used in this specific idiom.
Expressions liées
زحمت کے لیے معذرت
synonymApologies for the bother.
پریشانی کے لیے معذرت
similarSorry for the worry/distress.
معاف کیجیے گا
similarPlease forgive me / Excuse me.
برا نہ ماننا
contrastDon't feel bad / Don't take offense.
