Learning how to apologize is a key part of mastering any language. In this tutorial, you will learn many common and polite ways to say sorry in both English and Swahili (Kiswahili). These phrases can help you in personal relationships, business, school, and daily life.
Basic Apology Phrases
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| I’m sorry | Samahani |
| Sorry | Pole |
| I apologize | Naomba msamaha |
| Please forgive me | Tafadhali nisamehe |
| It was not my intention | Haikuwa nia yangu |
| I didn’t mean to hurt you | Sikukusudia kukuumiza |
Examples
- English: I’m sorry for what I said.
- Swahili: Samahani kwa kile nilichosema.
- English: Please forgive me, I made a mistake.
- Swahili: Tafadhali nisamehe, nilifanya kosa.
Formal Apologies
These are suitable for the workplace, customer service, or official communication.
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| I sincerely apologize | Naomba msamaha kwa dhati |
| I deeply regret my actions | Ninasikitika sana kwa matendo yangu |
| I accept full responsibility | Ninachukua jukumu kamili |
| Kindly accept my apology | Tafadhali kubali ombi langu la msamaha |
| I apologize for the inconvenience | Naomba msamaha kwa usumbufu |
Examples
- English: We apologize for the delay in service.
- Swahili: Tunaomba msamaha kwa kuchelewa kwa huduma.
- English: I take full responsibility for what happened.
- Swahili: Ninachukua jukumu kamili kwa kilichotokea.
Casual / Everyday Apologies
These phrases are used in friendly conversations or informal settings.
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| My bad | Kosa langu |
| Sorry, I didn’t see you | Pole, sikukuona |
| I didn’t mean it | Sikusudia |
| That was my mistake | Hilo lilikuwa kosa langu |
| Sorry I forgot | Pole nilisahau |
Examples
- English: My bad, I wasn’t paying attention.
- Swahili: Kosa langu, sikuwa makini.
- English: Sorry I missed your call.
- Swahili: Pole sikupokea simu yako.
Apologizing for Being Late
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Sorry I’m late | Samahani kwa kuchelewa |
| I got stuck in traffic | Nilikwama kwenye foleni |
| It won’t happen again | Haitatokea tena |
| Thank you for waiting | Asante kwa kusubiri |
| I apologize for the delay | Naomba msamaha kwa kuchelewa |
Examples
- English: I’m sorry I’m late.
- Swahili: Samahani nimechelewa.
- English: Please forgive me, there was an accident.
- Swahili: Tafadhali nisamehe, kulikuwa na ajali.
Apologizing in Writing (Letters or Emails)
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Dear [Name], I am writing to apologize | Mpendwa [Jina], naandika kuomba msamaha |
| I am truly sorry for any inconvenience | Nasikitika sana kwa usumbufu wowote |
| I regret my mistake | Ninasikitika kwa kosa langu |
| Please accept my sincere apology | Tafadhali kubali msamaha wangu wa dhati |
| I promise to make it right | Naahidi kurekebisha hali hii |
Example Email Snippet
English:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I apologize for the delay in sending the report. I understand how important it was. I take full responsibility and will make sure it does not happen again.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Swahili:
Mheshimiwa,
Naomba msamaha kwa kuchelewa kutuma ripoti. Ninaelewa umuhimu wake. Ninachukua jukumu kamili na nitahakikisha haitatokea tena.
Kwa heshima,
[Jina Lako]
Responding to an Apology (Accepting)
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| It’s okay | Sawa tu |
| No problem | Hakuna shida |
| I forgive you | Nimekusamehe |
| Let’s move on | Tuendelee mbele |
| Thank you for apologizing | Asante kwa kuomba msamaha |
Examples
- English: Don’t worry about it, I understand.
- Swahili: Usijali, ninaelewa.
- English: Thank you for being honest.
- Swahili: Asante kwa kuwa mkweli.
Apologizing for Misunderstandings
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| I think we misunderstood each other | Nafikiri hatukuelewana |
| That’s not what I meant | Sio hivyo nilivyomaanisha |
| Sorry for the confusion | Samahani kwa mkanganyiko |
| I didn’t express myself clearly | Sikujieleza vizuri |
| Let’s clarify things | Hebu tufafanue mambo |
Apologizing in Romantic or Family Situations
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| I’m sorry for hurting your feelings | Samahani kwa kuumiza hisia zako |
| I never wanted to make you sad | Sikuwahi kutaka kukuhuzunisha |
| Please forgive me, I love you | Tafadhali nisamehe, nakupenda |
| Let’s work through this together | Hebu tushughulikie hili pamoja |
| I care about you and I’m truly sorry | Ninakujali na nasikitika sana |
Useful Apology-Related Verbs and Nouns
| English Word | Swahili Word |
|---|---|
| To apologize | Kuomba msamaha |
| An apology | Ombi la msamaha |
| Regret | Majuto |
| Mistake | Kosa |
| Forgiveness | Msamaha |
| To forgive | Kusamehe |
Created for students
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