Signification
Used to apologize or get someone's attention.
Contexte culturel
Malayalis value humility. Even if a mistake isn't entirely your fault, saying 'Kshamikkanam' first can de-escalate a situation instantly. In corporate offices in Kochi or Trivandrum, 'Kshamikkanam' is used to interrupt a senior's speech politely. The root 'Kshama' is a spiritual concept. You will see it written on the walls of many ashrams and temples. On Malayalam YouTube or Instagram, creators often start with 'ക്ഷമിക്കണം' if they haven't uploaded in a while.
The Head Nod
When saying 'Kshamikkanam', a slight downward nod of the head makes the apology feel much more sincere to a Malayali.
Don't over-apologize
In Kerala, over-apologizing for tiny things can sometimes make people feel awkward. Use it once and move on.
Signification
Used to apologize or get someone's attention.
The Head Nod
When saying 'Kshamikkanam', a slight downward nod of the head makes the apology feel much more sincere to a Malayali.
Don't over-apologize
In Kerala, over-apologizing for tiny things can sometimes make people feel awkward. Use it once and move on.
English 'Sorry'
If you forget the word, 'Sorry' is perfectly fine in cities, but 'Kshamikkanam' will earn you much more respect in rural areas or with older people.
Teste-toi
Match the Malayalam sentence to the correct situation.
1. വൈകിയതിന് ക്ഷമിക്കണം. 2. ക്ഷമിക്കണം, സമയം എത്രയായി? 3. ക്ഷമിക്കണം, നമ്പർ മാറിപ്പോയി.
Vaikiyathinu = Late; Samayam = Time; Number maarippoyi = Number changed/wrong.
Fill in the blank to complete the apology.
എന്റെ തെറ്റുകൾ ______. (Ente thettukal ______.)
The sentence means 'Please forgive my mistakes.'
What would you say if you accidentally bumped into someone?
Stranger: 'Hey!' You: '______'
Kshamikkanam is the appropriate response for an accidental bump.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
When to use Kshamikkanam
Apology
- • Spilling tea
- • Being late
- • Wrong number
Excuse Me
- • Asking time
- • Asking way
- • Interrupting
Banque d exercices
3 exercices1. വൈകിയതിന് ക്ഷമിക്കണം. 2. ക്ഷമിക്കണം, സമയം എത്രയായി? 3. ക്ഷമിക്കണം, നമ്പർ മാറിപ്പോയി.
Vaikiyathinu = Late; Samayam = Time; Number maarippoyi = Number changed/wrong.
എന്റെ തെറ്റുകൾ ______. (Ente thettukal ______.)
The sentence means 'Please forgive my mistakes.'
Stranger: 'Hey!' You: '______'
Kshamikkanam is the appropriate response for an accidental bump.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, it is very respectful. However, for minor things, you might not need such a formal word.
'Kshamikkanam' is more common in speech. 'Kshamikkoo' is more like a poetic request.
Try saying 'K-sha' slowly. Even if it's not perfect, people will understand the context.
Yes, it is the perfect phrase for that situation.
Absolutely. It is very common in formal or semi-formal texts.
Expressions liées
സാരമില്ല
contrastIt's okay / No problem
മാപ്പ്
specialized formPardon
കുഴപ്പമില്ല
similarNo trouble
ക്ഷമിക്കൂ
synonymPlease forgive
