I'm learning
עברית
סליחה — meaning in English: Sorry
slikha · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
excuse me / I'm sorry / forgiveness / pardon
סליחה
slikha
אורח
oreakh
אישית
ishit
המשימות
hamesimot
המושגים
hamusagim
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Hebrew for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
neutral
very common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word סליחה (slikha) in everyday interactions to express apologies for minor inconveniences, such as bumping into someone on the street or interrupting a conversation. It's also common in more formal settings, like during business meetings or when addressing someone in a position of authority, to soften the impact of a mistake or request.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is התנצלות (hitnatzlut), which means 'apology,' but it carries a more formal tone and is often used in written contexts. You would choose סליחה in everyday conversation to convey a casual and sincere apology, while התנצלות might be more appropriate in official statements or when discussing the severity of an offense.
Culture
The word סליחה (slikha) stems from the root ס-ל-ח, which conveys the concept of forgiveness and pardon. In Israeli culture, expressing regret or asking for forgiveness is considered an essential social skill, highlighting the importance of maintaining harmony in relationships. There's also a humorous anecdote that many Israelis share about how frequent apologies can be; a visitor might joke that in Israel, saying סליחה is basically a part of the national language!
FAQ
