Common Phrase
Sorry in Marathi is माफ करा (māph karā). Learn the formal क्षमस्व, how to say 'my mistake', and why माफ करा also means excuse me.
Sorry in Marathi — माफ करा, क्षमस्व & a Real Apology
Sorry in Marathi is माफ करा (māph karā) — and the same phrase doubles as excuse me. One phrase covers bumping into someone, interrupting, and apologising.
Hands-free: the guide reads itself aloud.
Quick Answer
| Marathi | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| माफ करा | māph karā | Sorry / excuse me |
| क्षमस्व | kshamasva | Forgive me (formal) |
| माझी चूक होती | mājhī chūk hotī | It was my mistake |
| पुन्हा होणार नाही | punhā hoṇār nāhī | It won't happen again |
Say It Like a Local
| Marathi | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| माफ करा, एक मिनिट | māph karā, ek minit | Excuse me, one moment |
| उशीर झाला, माफ करा | ushīr jhālā, māph karā | I'm late, sorry |
| माफ करा, ऐकू नाही आलं | māph karā, aikū nāhī ālaṁ | Sorry, I didn't hear you |
From the Curriculum
| Marathi | Transliteration | Meaning | Hindi |
|---|---|---|---|
| माफ करा | māph karā | sorry / excuse me | Hindi: माफ कीजिए |
उशीर झाला, माफ करा. <button type="button" class="say" data-say="उशीर झाला, माफ करा." aria-label="Listen: उशीर झाला, माफ करा.">🔊</button>
I am late, sorry.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ माफ़ कीजिए (Hindi) → ✅ माफ करा (the Marathi form drops the Hindi -कीजिए)
- ❌ Using क्षमस्व with friends → ✅ it is ceremonial; friends get a casual माफ करा
Tip: Sorry + माझी चूक होती ('my mistake') lands better than a long explanation. Maharashtrians value owning the mistake in one line.
FAQs
What is sorry in Marathi?
माफ करा (māph karā). It also means 'excuse me', so it covers both apologising and politely getting attention.
What is the difference between माफ करा and क्षमस्व?
माफ करा is everyday speech; क्षमस्व is formal Sanskrit-style, used in speeches and serious apologies.
How do you say excuse me in Marathi?
The same माफ करा — say it while passing through a crowd or before asking a question.