ขอขมา
ask for forgiveness
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 ask for forgiveness、formally apologize for an offense
It means to acknowledge a serious wrong or offense and respectfully ask the person affected for forgiveness.
ask for forgiveness、formally apologize for an offense
To formally and respectfully admit wrongdoing toward someone and ask for their forgiveness.
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ขอขมาพ่อแม่ khɔ̌ɔ khamaa phɔ̂ɔ mɛ̂ɛ ask one's parents for forgiveness ขอขมาพ่อแม่ details
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นักเรียนมาขอขมาครู nákrian maa khɔ̌ɔ khamaa khruu The student came to ask the teacher for forgiveness. นักเรียนมาขอขมาครู details
Learning notes
Explanation
The expression consists of ขอ, “to ask for,” and ขมา, “forgiveness,” so its basic image is literally “to ask for forgiveness.” It goes beyond simply saying sorry: the speaker acknowledges a wrong and seeks forgiveness from the offended party. It therefore sounds more solemn, respectful, and ceremonial than ขอโทษ. It is often used when apologizing to parents, grandparents, teachers, or other respected people. It also appears in cultural and religious ceremonies involving requests for forgiveness from the deceased or sacred beings and objects.
Usage
It is used for a serious, respectful apology, especially when someone formally approaches a parent, teacher, elder, or another person they have wronged. It also occurs in funerals and traditional or religious ceremonies centered on seeking forgiveness.
Caution
For minor everyday situations such as bumping into someone or arriving slightly late, use ขอโทษ. In such contexts, ขอขมา may sound unnecessarily grave or ceremonial.
Differences from similar words
1 ask for forgiveness synonyms
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ขออภัย is a formal apology often used in polite notices, announcements, and institutional statements. ขอขมา more strongly conveys personally asking someone to forgive a specific wrong or offense.
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ขอโทษ is the everyday choice for saying sorry and can cover minor mistakes. ขอขมา is more solemn and formal, emphasizing an admission of wrongdoing and a request for forgiveness.