اِسمَح لي — meaning in English: excuse me

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for excuse me (allow me)

هذا

hadha

اِسمَح لي

جِراحيّ

أغلَقَ

عِمارة

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Arabic for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

اِسمَح لي is a polite expression used in various everyday situations among native Arabic speakers. You might hear it when someone is trying to pass through a crowded area, like a busy market, or when interrupting a conversation to ask a question. It's a fundamental phrase that fosters courtesy and respect in social interactions.

Synonyms & nuances

While اِسمَح لي is commonly used, you might encounter other phrases like عذراً ('excuse me' or 'pardon me'). However, اِسمَح لي is slightly more formal and implies a direct request for permission, making it the preferred choice in polite contexts.

Culture

The phrase اِسمَح لي comes from the root verb سَمح, which means 'to allow' or 'to permit'. This reflects the cultural emphasis on politeness and communal harmony in Arab societies. Using this phrase not only shows respect but also reinforces social bonds, making it a crucial part of daily communication.

FAQ

Q.When should I use اِسمَح لي?

You should use اِسمَح لي when you need to interrupt someone or ask for permission to pass by someone. It's appropriate in both formal and informal settings, making it versatile.

Q.Is اِسمَح لي polite or formal?

اِسمَح لي is considered a neutral and polite expression. It's suitable for most situations, from casual conversations to more formal interactions.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with this phrase?

A common mistake is using اِسمَح لي in overly casual contexts or with close friends, where a more relaxed expression might suffice. Always gauge the situation to maintain respect.

Learn arabic with Maspeak →

Arabic 5000