In this lesson we will teach you how to say “Excuse me” , “I am sorry”, and how to apologize in Dari. In English we have two words that are used for apologizing and excusing. One says “I am sorry” to show that he/she  regrets doing something or to show that he or she feel sad or bad for something she did. It is a type of apology. Also the expression “Excuse me” is used when we politely get someone’s attention etc.

In Dari Language we have only one and the same word for both, saying “I am sorry” and “Excuse me”.  The meaning of the phrase is determined based on the context or situation in which it is used. For example, if you step on someone’s toe and then say “Bubakhshaid” it means “I am sorry” but if you say “bubakhshaid” and then ask the person’s name it will obviously mean “Excuse me”. This same word is used to ask someone for forgiveness. Bellow we have expressions for apologizing, saying “I am sorry”, saying “Excuse me” and the answers to these expressions. Please watch the accompanying video for their correct use and pronunciation.

Bubakhshed                             Excuse me/ I am sorry                                        بُبخشید

Mazerat Mekhwaham             I apologize                                                معذرت میخواهم

Moshkel Naist                         No Problem                                                   مشکل نیست

Khahesh Mekonom                Don’t worry about it./ Forget about it.           خواهش میکنم

Parwa nadari                          It is OK./It doesn’t matter. (informal )             پروا ندارد

Guna az man bood                it was my fault                                               .گنا از من بود

Afwa mekhaham                   I beg your pardon                                          عفوه  میخواهم

Shumaa  Malamat boded     you were guilty                                         شما ملامت بودید