If you’re planning to visit Nepal or learning the Nepali language, knowing how to say sorry in Nepali is one of the most important and respectful things you can learn. Apologizing properly can help build connections and show politeness in Nepali culture.
Basic Way to Say Sorry in Nepali
| English Phrase | Nepali | Pronunciation |
| I’m sorry | माफ गर्नुहोस् Maaf garnuhos | Maaf gar-nu-hos |
| Sorry (informal) | माफ गर Maaf gar | Maaf gar |
| Please forgive me | मलाई माफ गर्नुहोस् Malai maaf garnuhos | Ma-lai maaf gar-nu-hos |
Common Ways to Apologize in Nepali
Here are some commonly used expressions with their meanings:
- माफ गर्नुहोस् (Maaf garnuhos)
Meaning: I’m sorry / Please forgive me (formal)
Used with: Strangers, elders, or in formal situations
Example:
English: I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.
Romanized: Maaf garnuhos, maile tapailai dekhina.
Maaf gar-nu-hos, mai-le ta-pai-lai de-khi-na.
Nepali: माफ गर्नुहोस्, मैले तपाईंलाई देखिनँ।
- माफ गर (Maaf gar)
Meaning: Sorry (informal)
Used with: Friends, younger people, or in casual settings
Example:
Sorry for being late.
Dhilo bhayekoma maaf gara.
Dhi-lo bha-ye-ko-ma maaf ga-ra.
ढिलो भएकोमा माफ गर।
- मलाई माफ गर्नुहोस्। (Malai maaf garnuhos)
Meaning: Please forgive me (very polite and humble)
Example:
Please forgive me, I made a mistake.
Malai maaf garnuhos, maile galti gare.
Ma-lai maaf gar-nu-hos, mai-le gal-ti ga-re.
मलाई माफ गर्नुहोस्, मैले गल्ती गरेँ।
More Useful Apology-Related Phrases in Nepali
It was my mistake.
Tyo mero galti thiyo.
Tyo me-ro gal-ti thi-yo.
त्यो मेरो गल्ती थियो।
I didn’t mean to do that.
Maile tyasto garna khojeko hoina.
Mai-le tyas-to gar-na kho-je-ko hoi-na.
मैले त्यस्तो गर्न खोजेको होइन।
Are you angry with me?
Tapai masanga risaunubhayeko ho?
Ta-pai ma-san-ga ri-sau-nu-bha-ye-ko ho?
तपाईं मसँग रिसाउनुभएको हो?
I will not repeat it again.
Ma yo feri dohoryaune chaina.
Ma yo fe-ri do-ho-ryau-ne chai-na.
म यो फेरि दोहोर्याउने छैन।
Conclusion:
Learning how to say sorry in Nepali is not only polite but also essential for building respectful relationships during your stay in Nepal or in your language-learning journey. These simple words – “माफ गर्नुहोस्” and “माफ गर” – can go a long way in showing humility and kindness.
Whether you are a tourist exploring Nepal or a student of the Nepali language, don’t forget to add these apology phrases to your vocabulary!