Meaning
Apologizing for not comprehending something said.
Cultural Background
In urban areas, it is very common to mix English. You might hear 'Sorry, main samjha nahi' or 'Māf karna, I didn't get it.' In professional settings, people prefer 'Mujhe samajh nahi aaya' (I didn't get it) as it sounds slightly more objective. Using 'Kshamā' (Sanskrit) can be seen as very respectful but might also mark you as a 'book-learned' speaker rather than a natural one. Confused characters often use 'Kya?' with a specific head tilt. The phrase is often used for comedic effect when a character is out of their depth.
The Head Tilt
In India, a slight side-to-side head tilt while saying this phrase makes you look much more like a native speaker and conveys genuine effort.
Gender Check
If you are a woman and you say 'samjhā', people will understand you, but it's the #1 giveaway that you're still a beginner.
Meaning
Apologizing for not comprehending something said.
The Head Tilt
In India, a slight side-to-side head tilt while saying this phrase makes you look much more like a native speaker and conveys genuine effort.
Gender Check
If you are a woman and you say 'samjhā', people will understand you, but it's the #1 giveaway that you're still a beginner.
English is Okay
If you're really stuck, saying 'Sorry?' with a rising intonation is perfectly acceptable in almost all parts of India.
Test Yourself
A woman is speaking. Which is the correct way for her to say she didn't understand?
माफ़ करना, मैं _______ नहीं।
Female subjects require the feminine singular past ending '-ī'.
Complete the formal version of the phrase.
माफ़ _______, मैं समझा नहीं।
'Kījiye' is the formal imperative form used with 'Aap'.
Match the phrase to the correct register.
1. क्षमा करें... 2. माफ़ करना... 3. पल्ले नहीं पड़ा...
'Kshamā' is formal, 'Māf' is neutral, and 'Palle nahī̃ padā' is slang.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'क्या आप कल दफ़्तर आएँगे?' B: '_______, मैं समझा नहीं। क्या आप फिर से कह सकते हैं?'
The context requires an apology for not understanding.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to say 'I don't understand'
Formal
- • क्षमा करें
- • समझ नहीं पाया
Neutral
- • माफ़ करना
- • समझा नहीं
Slang
- • क्या बोला?
- • पल्ले नहीं पड़ा
Practice Bank
4 exercisesमाफ़ करना, मैं _______ नहीं।
Female subjects require the feminine singular past ending '-ī'.
माफ़ _______, मैं समझा नहीं।
'Kījiye' is the formal imperative form used with 'Aap'.
1. क्षमा करें... 2. माफ़ करना... 3. पल्ले नहीं पड़ा...
'Kshamā' is formal, 'Māf' is neutral, and 'Palle nahī̃ padā' is slang.
A: 'क्या आप कल दफ़्तर आएँगे?' B: '_______, मैं समझा नहीं। क्या आप फिर से कह सकते हैं?'
The context requires an apology for not understanding.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, 'Sorry' is widely understood in India, but using the Hindi phrase shows respect for the culture.
It's neutral. To be extra polite, use 'Māf kījiye'.
Because 'samajhna' is an intransitive-behaving verb in this context and doesn't take the ergative 'ne'.
You can still use this phrase. It's a general 'I'm lost' signal.
Related Phrases
फिर से बोलिये
builds onPlease say it again
इसका क्या मतलब है?
similarWhat does this mean?
मुझे समझ नहीं आया
synonymUnderstanding didn't come to me
साफ़ बोलिये
specialized formSpeak clearly
