סְלִיחָה
Slicha
“Excuse me / Sorry”
Slicha (סְלִיחָה) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “excuse me / sorry,” pronounced “slee-KHAH.” The literal translation is “forgiveness, pardon.” Used for getting attention, apologizing for minor offenses, or asking someone to repeat themselves. Functions like 'excuse me,' 'sorry,' and 'pardon me.'
| Hebrew | סְלִיחָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Slicha |
| English Meaning | Excuse me / Sorry |
| Literal Translation | Forgiveness, pardon |
| Pronunciation | slee-KHAH |
| Category | Greetings & Common |
| Origin | Biblical Hebrew, from the root ס-ל-ח (to forgive). This root appears in key passages about God's forgiveness, including Exodus 34:9 where Moses pleads 'Selach na' (Please forgive). The Selichot prayers derive from the same root. |
Slicha sounds like a casual 'excuse me' — and it is — but its roots run straight into the most sacred day on the Jewish calendar. The word comes from the root ס-ל-ח (samekh-lamed-chet), meaning 'to forgive,' and it's the same root used in Selichot, the penitential prayers recited before Yom Kippur. So when you bump into someone on a crowded bus in Jerusalem and say 'Slicha!', you're using a word that in its fullest sense means 'forgiveness.' From pardon-me-I-need-to-get-past to the most solemn prayers for divine mercy — that's the range of this single Hebrew word.
Where Does “Slicha” Come From?
Biblical Hebrew, from the root ס-ל-ח (to forgive). This root appears in key passages about God's forgiveness, including Exodus 34:9 where Moses pleads 'Selach na' (Please forgive). The Selichot prayers derive from the same root.
When and How to Say “Slicha”
Used for getting someone's attention, squeezing past people in crowded spaces, mild apologies, and asking someone to repeat themselves. In Israeli culture, slicha often precedes a question to a stranger.
Cultural Context of Slicha
Israelis use slicha far more liberally than English speakers use 'sorry.' It's not a deep apology in everyday context — it's a social tool. But during the High Holy Days season (Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur), the word takes on its full theological weight as Jews seek forgiveness from both God and one another.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Excuse me / Sorry” in Hebrew?
“Excuse me / Sorry” in Hebrew is Slicha (סְלִיחָה), pronounced “slee-KHAH.” The literal translation is “Forgiveness, pardon.” Used for getting attention, apologizing for minor offenses, or asking someone to repeat themselves. Functions like 'excuse me,' 'sorry,' and 'pardon me.'
How do you pronounce Slicha?
Slicha is pronounced “slee-KHAH.” The literal meaning is “Forgiveness, pardon.”
Is slicha the same as saying sorry in Hebrew?
Slicha covers a wide range — from 'excuse me' (getting attention) to 'I'm sorry' (minor apology) to 'pardon?' (asking someone to repeat). For a deeper apology, Israelis say 'Ani mitstaer' (male) or 'Ani mitsta'eret' (female), meaning 'I am sorry/regretful.'
What are the Selichot prayers?
Selichot are penitential prayers recited in the weeks before Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). They come from the same root as slicha (ס-ל-ח, to forgive) and are pleas for God's forgiveness. Sephardic Jews begin reciting them a month before Rosh Hashanah.
How do you get someone's attention in Israel?
The most common way is to say 'Slicha!' — equivalent to 'Excuse me!' in English. You can also say 'Slicha, efshar…?' (Excuse me, is it possible…?) to politely make a request. Israelis are generally direct, so a firm 'Slicha!' followed by your question works perfectly.
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