माफ़ी माँग लो
Ask for forgiveness
Littéralement: Forgiveness ask take
Use this phrase to tell a friend or peer to apologize and fix a social blunder.
En 15 secondes
- A direct command to tell someone to apologize immediately.
- Used by mediators or friends to fix a social mistake.
- Combines 'maafi' (forgiveness) with 'maang lo' (ask/take).
Signification
This is a direct way to tell someone to apologize or seek forgiveness. It is like saying 'Say you're sorry' or 'Make amends' after a mistake.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6A friend was rude to a waiter
Tumne badtameezi ki, ab maafi maang lo.
You were rude, now ask for forgiveness.
Mediating between two fighting siblings
Chalo, jaldi se maafi maang lo!
Come on, ask for forgiveness quickly!
Texting a friend who forgot your birthday
Tum bhool gaye? Maafi maang lo!
You forgot? Ask for forgiveness!
Contexte culturel
Apologizing in India is often a communal affair where friends or elders mediate conflicts. The phrase reflects the value placed on 'Suleh' (reconciliation) over individual ego. It gained massive popularity through Bollywood cinema, where the hero often demands an apology to restore family honor.
The Power of 'Lo'
Adding 'lo' makes the action feel complete. It's like saying 'go ahead and get it done' rather than just 'ask'.
Tone Matters
If said too loudly, it can sound like a harsh demand. Keep it soft if you want to sound like a helpful friend.
En 15 secondes
- A direct command to tell someone to apologize immediately.
- Used by mediators or friends to fix a social mistake.
- Combines 'maafi' (forgiveness) with 'maang lo' (ask/take).
What It Means
Maafi maang lo is a simple command. It translates to 'ask for forgiveness.' In Hindi, maafi means forgiveness. Maang lo comes from the verb maangna, which means to ask or demand. The lo at the end adds a sense of completion. It is a very common way to tell someone to fix a social rift. It is direct and clear. You are telling someone to swallow their pride.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when someone has messed up. It acts as a bridge-builder. You can say it to a friend who was rude. You can say it to a sibling who broke a toy. It is a versatile phrase. Just remember, it is a command. You are giving advice or an order. If you want to be softer, you could say maafi maang lijiye. But maafi maang lo is the standard, everyday version. It is perfect for those 'oops' moments in life.
When To Use It
Use it when the air needs clearing. Use it at a restaurant if your friend is being mean to the waiter. Use it when you are playing mediator between two fighting cousins. It works great in text messages too. If a friend sends a mean joke, reply with maafi maang lo. It is a way to say 'you crossed the line.' It is also used in emotional movies right before a big reconciliation. It is the first step to making things right.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your boss. That would be very risky! It is too direct for high-authority figures. Avoid using it in very formal legal settings. Also, do not use it if the mistake was tiny. If someone just bumped your shoulder, maafi maang lo is overkill. It sounds a bit dramatic for small accidents. Use it for actual hurt feelings or genuine mistakes. Don't use it if you are the one who messed up—that would be weird!
Cultural Background
In Indian culture, harmony is everything. Maintaining relationships is a top priority. Admitting a mistake is seen as a sign of maturity. However, pride can sometimes get in the way. That is why friends often step in. They use maafi maang lo to nudge someone toward peace. It reflects the collective nature of Indian society. We look out for each other's social standing. Apologizing isn't just about the 'I', it's about the 'we'.
Common Variations
You might hear sorry bol do in modern cities. This is the Hinglish version. It is very popular with younger people. Another variation is kshama maang lo, which is very formal. You will mostly hear that in historical TV shows. If you want to be extra polite, use maafi maang lijiye. If you are talking to a younger child, you might say sorry bolo. But maafi maang lo remains the classic, soulful choice.
Notes d'usage
This phrase sits in the neutral-informal zone. Use 'lo' for friends and 'lijiye' for anyone you'd address as 'Aap'.
The Power of 'Lo'
Adding 'lo' makes the action feel complete. It's like saying 'go ahead and get it done' rather than just 'ask'.
Tone Matters
If said too loudly, it can sound like a harsh demand. Keep it soft if you want to sound like a helpful friend.
The 'Sorry' Shortcut
In big cities like Mumbai or Delhi, people often just say 'Sorry bol do'. It's the urban cousin of this phrase!
Exemples
6Tumne badtameezi ki, ab maafi maang lo.
You were rude, now ask for forgiveness.
A direct way to correct a friend's behavior.
Chalo, jaldi se maafi maang lo!
Come on, ask for forgiveness quickly!
The 'chalo' makes it sound encouraging and urgent.
Tum bhool gaye? Maafi maang lo!
You forgot? Ask for forgiveness!
Used playfully to demand an apology for a minor slip.
Agar rishta bachana hai, toh maafi maang lo.
If you want to save the relationship, then ask for forgiveness.
High stakes and serious tone.
Unse maafi maang lo, wo bade hain.
Ask for his forgiveness, he is an elder.
Reflects the cultural importance of respecting elders.
Theek hai, main maafi maang leta hoon.
Fine, I will ask for forgiveness.
A variation where the speaker applies the phrase to themselves.
Teste-toi
Your friend broke a vase. Tell them to apologize.
Tumne gamla toda, ab ___.
Since a vase was broken, an apology ('maafi maang lo') is the appropriate response.
Make the phrase more formal for an older person.
Aap unse ___.
'Lijiye' is the formal version of 'lo', used for respect.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale of Apology Commands
Used with kids or very close friends.
Sorry bol!
Standard everyday use with peers.
Maafi maang lo.
Used for elders or professional settings.
Maafi maang lijiye.
When to say 'Maafi maang lo'
Friendship
After a silly argument
Family
Respecting elders
Dining
Being rude to staff
Texting
Missing a call
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot necessarily, but it is direct. It depends on your tone; it can be friendly advice or a stern command like Ab maafi maang lo!.
No, it is too informal. Use Mujhe maafi chahiye or Main maafi chahta hoon if you are the one apologizing to a superior.
Maafi is Urdu-origin and very common, while Kshama is Sanskrit-origin and used in very formal or religious contexts.
You would say Main maafi maang raha hoon for a male or maang rahi hoon for a female.
Yes, Sorry bol do is the Hinglish equivalent and is very common among younger generations in India.
In Indian culture, it's rarely too late. Using Maafi maang lo even after a week shows you still value the bond.
No, lo remains the same regardless of whether you are talking to a man or a woman.
Simply add 'Kripya' at the start: Kripya maafi maang lo, though Maafi maang lijiye is more natural for 'please'.
Absolutely! If a friend eats your fries, you can jokingly say Maafi maang lo abhi!.
There isn't a direct opposite command, but Maaf kar do means 'Please forgive me/them'.
Expressions liées
Maaf kijiye
Please forgive me (Formal)
Galti ho gayi
A mistake has happened
Bura mat maano
Don't take it personally / Don't feel bad
Koi baat nahi
It's okay / No problem
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