For expressing regret or apology:
* Aroha: This literally means "love" but can also convey empathy, compassion, and regret. It's a very common word used in many situations, including expressing apologies.
* Tena koa: This is a more formal way of saying "sorry" and is often used in apologies for mistakes or inconveniences.
* Nō reira: This translates to "therefore" or "for that reason" and is used to explain why you are apologizing. It's followed by a phrase explaining the reason for the apology.
For expressing sympathy or condolence:
* Aroha: This word is also used to express sympathy and condolences.
* He ngakau nui: This translates to "big heart" and expresses a sense of compassion and empathy.
For saying "excuse me" or "pardon me":
* Ata: This is a polite way to get someone's attention or to interrupt them.
The best way to choose the right word or phrase is to consider the specific situation and your intended meaning.
For example, if you accidentally bumped into someone, you might say "Aroha, kāore au i te mea tika" ("Sorry, I wasn't paying attention"). But if you are expressing regret for a mistake, you might say "Tena koa, kua pohehe au" ("Sorry, I made a mistake").