Understanding the nuances of expressing apology in Hindi can be crucial for navigating social interactions and building meaningful relationships. “So sorry” conveys a deeper sense of regret than a simple “sorry,” and finding its equivalent in Hindi requires understanding the cultural context and emotional weight of the phrase. This article explores various ways to say “so sorry” in Hindi, covering different levels of formality and specific situations.
Expressing “So Sorry” in Formal Hindi
In formal settings, or when addressing elders or superiors, using respectful language is essential. Here are some common ways to express “so sorry” in formal Hindi:
- मुझे बहुत अफ़सोस है (mujhe bahut afsos hai): This translates directly to “I am very sorry” and is a widely accepted and polite way to apologize.
- मैं क्षमा चाहता/चाहती हूँ (main kshama chahta/chahti hoon): Meaning “I seek forgiveness,” this phrase is more formal and implies a deeper sense of regret. Use चाहता (chahta) if you are male and चाहती (chahti) if you are female.
- कृपया मुझे क्षमा करें (kripya mujhe kshama karen): This translates to “Please forgive me” and is a highly respectful way to apologize.
Saying “So Sorry” in Informal Hindi
When speaking with friends, family, or peers, you can use more casual expressions:
- मुझे माफ़ करना (mujhe maaf karna): This is a common and versatile phrase meaning “Forgive me.”
- सॉरी यार (sorry yaar): Adding “yaar” (friend) makes the apology more informal and suitable for close friends.
- बहुत बुरा लगा (bahut bura laga): This means “I felt very bad” and expresses genuine remorse.
“So Sorry” in Specific Situations
The best way to say “so sorry” can also depend on the specific situation. For example:
- If you caused inconvenience: “मुझे बहुत दुःख है कि मैंने आपको परेशान किया (mujhe bahut dukh hai ki maine aapko pareshan kiya)” – “I am very sorry that I inconvenienced you.”
- If you hurt someone’s feelings: “मैंने जो कहा, उसके लिए मुझे बहुत अफ़सोस है (maine jo kaha, uske liye mujhe bahut afsos hai)” – “I am very sorry for what I said.”
- If you made a mistake: “गलती के लिए मुझे माफ़ करना (galti ke liye mujhe maaf karna)” – “Forgive me for the mistake.”
So Sorry Meaning in Hindi: Responding to an Apology
Knowing how to respond to an apology is just as important as knowing how to offer one. Common responses include:
- कोई बात नहीं (koi baat nahi): “It’s okay,” or “No problem.”
- चलता है (chalta hai): “It happens.”
- सब ठीक है (sab theek hai): “Everything is alright.”
Responding to an Apology
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Phrase
Expressing a sincere apology in Hindi goes beyond a simple translation. It involves understanding the context, relationship, and the gravity of the situation. This guide provides you with a range of expressions to choose from, ensuring you can convey your remorse appropriately and effectively. By choosing the right phrase for “so sorry” in Hindi, you can strengthen your relationships and navigate social situations with grace and sensitivity.
FAQ
- What is the most common way to say “sorry” in Hindi? माफ़ करना (maaf karna) is the most common and versatile way to say “sorry.”
- How do I say “I’m really sorry” in a formal setting? Use मुझे बहुत अफ़सोस है (mujhe bahut afsos hai) or मैं क्षमा चाहता/चाहती हूँ (main kshama chahta/chahti hoon).
- Is “sorry” used in Hindi? Yes, the English word “sorry” is often used in informal Hindi conversations.
- How do I respond to an apology in Hindi? You can say कोई बात नहीं (koi baat nahi), चलता है (chalta hai), or सब ठीक है (sab theek hai).
- What is the difference between माफ़ करना (maaf karna) and क्षमा करना (kshama karna)? While both mean “to forgive,” क्षमा करना (kshama karna) is generally considered more formal.
- How do I apologize for hurting someone’s feelings in Hindi? Say “मैंने जो कहा, उसके लिए मुझे बहुत अफ़सोस है (maine jo kaha, uske liye mujhe bahut afsos hai).”
- Is it important to understand the context when apologizing in Hindi? Yes, choosing the right phrase and tone depends heavily on the context and your relationship with the person you’re apologizing to.
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