क्षमा (kshamaa)

noun Means 'forgiveness/pardon' as a noun, and also functions as the base for the common verb क्षमा करना (kshamaa karnaa, 'to forgive'). The more formal, Sanskrit-flavored counterpart to माफ़ी (maafii).
Sense 1 : forgiveness, pardon
noun, feminine
Synonyms: माफ़ी (maafii), माफ़ (maaf)
Frequency: medium
Cultural Note: This is the word you will hear in a formal apology, a court setting, a religious sermon, or a solemn public statement, where माफ़ी (maafii) would feel too casual. In everyday family or market life, people almost always reach for माफ़ी (maafii) or just सॉरी (sorii), keeping क्षमा (kshamaa) for weightier moments.
Common Mistakes: 1) Learners often reach for क्षमा (kshamaa) in everyday speech where माफ़ी (maafii) or माफ़ (maaf) is far more natural; क्षमा (kshamaa) tends to sound formal, written, or ceremonial rather than casual. 2) The verb pairing is क्षमा करना (kshamaa karnaa, 'to forgive') and क्षमा माँगना (kshamaa maangnaa, 'to ask forgiveness') -- do not substitute माँगना (maangnaa) with करना (karnaa) or vice versa, as each noun-verb pairing is fixed.
Sample Sentences:
जैन धर्म में क्षमा को सबसे बड़ा गुण माना जाता है। In Jainism, forgiveness is considered the greatest virtue.
(jain dharm men kshamaa ko sabse badaa gun maanaa jaataa hai।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Indicative -- Aspect: Habitual -- Tense: Present -- Voice: Passive
न्यायाधीश ने आरोपी की क्षमा याचिका ठुकरा दी। The judge rejected the accused's plea for clemency.
(nyaayaadhiish ne aaropii kii kshamaa yaachikaa thukraa dii।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Indicative -- Aspect: Perfective -- Tense: Past -- Voice: Active
मुझे अपने पापों के लिए ईश्वर से क्षमा माँगनी चाहिए। I should seek forgiveness from God for my sins.
(mujhe apne paapon ke lie iishvar se kshamaa maangnii chaahie।)
Register: Devotional -- Mood: Subjunctive -- Voice: Active
राष्ट्रपति ने अपने वक्तव्य में देश से क्षमा माँगी। The president sought forgiveness from the nation in his statement.
(raashtrapti ne apne vaktavy men desh se kshamaa maangii।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Indicative -- Aspect: Perfective -- Tense: Past -- Voice: Active
गुरु ने कहा कि सच्ची क्षमा में क्रोध का कोई स्थान नहीं होता। The guru said that in true forgiveness there is no room for anger.
(guru ne kahaa ki sachchii kshamaa men krodh kaa koii sthaan nahiin hotaa।)
Register: Devotional -- Mood: Indicative -- Aspect: Habitual -- Tense: Present -- Voice: Active
यदि वह सच में पश्चाताप करता, तो शायद उसे क्षमा मिल जाती। If he had truly repented, he might have received forgiveness.
(yadi vah sach men pashchaataap kartaa, to shaayad use kshamaa mil jaatii।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Counterfactual -- Aspect: Habitual -- Voice: Active
क्षमा वीरों का आभूषण है। Forgiveness is the ornament of the brave.
(kshamaa viiron kaa aabhooshan hai।)
Register: Literary -- Mood: Indicative -- Tense: Present -- Voice: Active
महात्मा गांधी क्षमा और अहिंसा के सिद्धांतों पर चले। Mahatma Gandhi followed the principles of forgiveness and non-violence.
(mahaatmaa gaandhii kshamaa aur ahinsaa ke siddhaanton par chale।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Indicative -- Aspect: Perfective -- Tense: Past -- Voice: Active
हे प्रभु, हमें हमारे अपराधों की क्षमा दो। O Lord, grant us forgiveness for our transgressions.
(he prabhu, hamen hamaare apraadhon kii kshamaa do।)
Register: Devotional -- Mood: Imperative -- Voice: Active
समिति ने उसके अनुरोध पर विचार करते हुए उसे क्षमा प्रदान की। The committee, having considered his request, granted him forgiveness.
(samiti ne uske anurodh par vichaar karte hue use kshamaa pradaan kii।)
Register: Formal -- Mood: Indicative -- Aspect: Perfective -- Tense: Past -- Voice: Active
Morphology
Noun
(sg.f.direct): क्षमा (kshamaa)
(sg.f.oblique): क्षमा (kshamaa)
(pl.f.direct): क्षमाएँ (kshamaaen)
(pl.f.oblique): क्षमाओं (kshamaaon)