عَفْوًا
ʿafwan
Interjection
Meaning
excuse me
you're welcome
Usage
عَفْوًا serves two functions in Lebanese Arabic: 'excuse me' (to get attention or apologize) and 'you're welcome' (in response to شُكْرًا). As 'excuse me', it is slightly more polite/formal than سُورِي.
Examples
عَفْوًا، لَوْ سَمَحْتِي!
Excuse me, please! (f)
أَحْمَد: عَفْوًا، وَيْن الصَّيْدَلِيَّة لَوْ سَمَحْتِي؟
Ahmed: Excuse me, where is the pharmacy please?
عَفْوًا، لَوْ سَمَحْت، وَيْن الْجَامْعَة؟
Excuse me, please, where is the university?
Root
ع ف و
