Signification
Used to apologize or get someone's attention politely.
Contexte culturel
In Pakistan, 'Maaf kijiye' is often accompanied by a slight tilt of the head or placing a hand on the chest to show sincerity. In cities like Lucknow, the phrase is part of a larger 'Tehzeeb' where being overly polite is a point of pride. In modern offices in Karachi or Islamabad, 'Maaf kijiye' is used to soften professional feedback or to interrupt a senior during a presentation. When a price is too high, saying 'Maaf kijiye' and walking away is a polite way to end the negotiation without offending the shopkeeper.
The 'G' factor
Add 'ga' at the end (Maaf kijiyega) to sound like a native pro. It makes the request sound even more polite and less like a command.
Don't over-apologize
While polite, saying it 10 times in one minute can make you sound nervous or insincere. Once is usually enough!
Signification
Used to apologize or get someone's attention politely.
The 'G' factor
Add 'ga' at the end (Maaf kijiyega) to sound like a native pro. It makes the request sound even more polite and less like a command.
Don't over-apologize
While polite, saying it 10 times in one minute can make you sound nervous or insincere. Once is usually enough!
Eye Contact
When saying 'Maaf kijiye' to an elder, it's polite to lower your gaze slightly rather than staring directly into their eyes.
The 'Sorry' shortcut
In big cities, 'Sorry' is understood, but 'Maaf kijiye' will always get you more respect and a warmer response.
Teste-toi
You bump into an elderly person at the market. What do you say?
Market situation:
You must use the formal 'kijiye' form with elders to show respect.
Complete the sentence to ask for the way.
_______، راستہ کہاں ہے؟
Starting with 'Maaf kijiye' is the polite way to ask for directions.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Bumping into a boss, 2. Bumping into a little brother
Formal for the boss, informal for the brother.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: معاف کیجیے، کیا یہ آپ کا قلم ہے؟ B: جی ہاں، _______!
After someone returns your pen, you say 'Thank you' (Shukriya).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use Maaf Kijiye
Accidents
- • Bumping
- • Stepping on toe
- • Spilling tea
Requests
- • Asking time
- • Asking way
- • Asking name
Interruptions
- • In a meeting
- • During a call
- • Sneezing
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMarket situation:
You must use the formal 'kijiye' form with elders to show respect.
_______، راستہ کہاں ہے؟
Starting with 'Maaf kijiye' is the polite way to ask for directions.
1. Bumping into a boss, 2. Bumping into a little brother
Formal for the boss, informal for the brother.
A: معاف کیجیے، کیا یہ آپ کا قلم ہے؟ B: جی ہاں، _______!
After someone returns your pen, you say 'Thank you' (Shukriya).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo. For 'You're welcome', use 'Koi baat nahi' (No problem) or 'Khush amdeed' (Welcome).
It's very slangy and can sound rude. Always add 'kijiye' or 'karna'.
'Maaf kijiye' is more common in speech; 'Maazrat' is more formal and used in writing or official announcements.
Yes! It's like saying 'Pardon?'. You can say 'Maaf kijiye?' with a rising intonation.
You say 'Maine aap ko maaf kiya'.
Yes, the phrase remains the same whether a man or a woman is speaking.
Yes, it's very appropriate for acknowledging minor mistakes or delays in professional Urdu.
Use 'Maafi ka khwastgar hoon' (I am a seeker of forgiveness), though this is very rare in daily life.
Yes, it's perfect for that.
Yes, frequently! Usually in the context of a lover asking for forgiveness.
Yes, it's the most common way to ask for space.
The most common response is 'Koi baat nahi' (No problem).
Expressions liées
معذرت
synonymApology / Excuse
افسوس
contrastRegret / Sympathy
مہربانی
similarKindness
درگزر کرنا
specialized formTo overlook / forgive
شرمندہ
builds onAshamed
