How to say "excuse me" in Iraqi Arabic
لو سَمَحت
law sima7it
- Without tashkeel
- لو سمحت
- Franco / chat alphabet
- law sima7it
- Literally
- if you allow
When to use it
Use it to get attention, ask a question or pass by someone. To a woman say "law sima7ti". For bumping into someone, "il-3afu" also works.
Other ways to say it
to a woman
لو سِمَحتي
law sima7ti
if you allow (f)
The feminine form.
polite opener
عَفواً
3afwan
pardon
Used before interrupting or asking a stranger.
How people reply
تِفَضَّل
tfadhdhal
go ahead
نَعَم؟
na3am?
yes?
In a sentence
لو سَمَحت، وين الحَمّام؟
law sima7it, wein il-7ammaam?
Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
لو سَمَحت، أكو مَكان؟
law sima7it, aku makaan?
Excuse me, is there room?
عَفواً، هاي السَّيّارة مالتَك؟
3afwan, haay is-sayyaara maaltak?
Excuse me, is this car yours?