How to say "sorry" in Punjabi — "Maaf karna" and "Mainu maaf karo" — plus how to apologize sincerely and how to reply when someone says sorry to you.
To say "sorry" in Punjabi, say "Maaf karna" (ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ) for a polite "sorry / excuse me", or "Mainu maaf karo" (ਮੈਨੂੰ ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰੋ) for a sincere "please forgive me". The word for an apology itself is maafi (ਮਾਫ਼ੀ).
"Sorry" in Punjabi
| Phrase | Gurmukhi | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Maaf karna | ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ | General "sorry" or "excuse me" — polite |
| Mainu maaf karo | ਮੈਨੂੰ ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰੋ | "Forgive me" — sincere |
| Mainu maaf kar deo | ਮੈਨੂੰ ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰ ਦਿਓ | "Please forgive me" — respectful |
| Mafi mangda / mangdi haan | ਮਾਫ਼ੀ ਮੰਗਦਾ / ਮੰਗਦੀ ਹਾਂ | "I apologize" (male / female speaker) |
| Meri galti hai | ਮੇਰੀ ਗਲਤੀ ਹੈ | "It's my mistake / fault" |
Note that "Maaf karna" doubles as "excuse me" — use it to get someone's attention or to squeeze past in a crowd, just like in English.
How to Reply When Someone Apologizes
- Koi gall nahi (ਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ) — "It's okay / no problem" (the standard reply)
- Koi nahi (ਕੋਈ ਨਹੀਂ) — "No worries" (casual)
- Chhadd deo (ਛੱਡ ਦਿਓ) — "Let it go / forget it"
A Cultural Note
A sincere apology in Punjabi culture often comes with folded hands (haath jodna) and, when it's an elder, real humility. Saying "Mainu maaf kar deo" with both hands joined carries far more weight than a quick "sorry" — it signals genuine respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say sorry in Punjabi?
Say "Maaf karna" (ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ) for a general sorry, or "Mainu maaf karo" (ਮੈਨੂੰ ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰੋ) to ask sincere forgiveness.
How do you say "it's okay" in Punjabi?
Say "Koi gall nahi" (ਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ), which means "it's nothing / no problem".
What does "maafi" mean in Punjabi?
Maafi (ਮਾਫ਼ੀ) means "apology" or "forgiveness" — to apologize is maafi mangna, literally "to ask for forgiveness".
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