mawalang-galang na
mawalang-galang na is the Tagalog way to say excuse me.
This phrase is used when interrupting someone, asking a question to a stranger or apologizing for a minor intrusion in a formal setting.
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a contraction of mawala ang galang na, which literally means to lose respect or to lack respect, used as a polite way to say forgive my lack of respect.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mawalang-galang na is a highly formal and polite way to say excuse me compared to the more common English loanword excuse me used in casual Tagalog. Paumanhin po is a formal way to say excuse me. Pasensya na is an informal way to say excuse me.
How does it change in a sentence?
To increase the politeness of this phrase when speaking to elders or superiors, you can add the particle po at the end: Mawalang-galang na po.
Did you know?
- In many parts of the Philippines, saying mawalang-galang na to an elder is often accompanied by the gesture of 'mano', where one touches the elder's hand to their own forehead.
- The particle na in this phrase is an ancient linguistic feature inherited from Proto-Austronesian, a language family that spread across the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
- The word pasensya used in the informal 'excuse me' comes from the Spanish word 'paciencia', meaning 'patience'.
Examples in context
- Mawalang-galang na.Excuse me.This sentence is useful for saying excuse me using mawalang-galang na.Tatoeba #5214308 by kanlaon, translation #433504 by CK
- Paumanhin po, maaari po bang makahingi ng tulong?Excuse me, may I ask for your assistance?
- Pasensya na, pwede bang makahingi ng pabor?Excuse me, can I ask for a favor?
- Mawalang-galang na, may tanong lang ako.Excuse me, I just have a question.
Example conversation
Mark approaches Christina to ask for directions in a hallway.
- MarkMawalang-galang na po, alam niyo ba ang daan sa opisina?Excuse me, do you know the way to the office?
- ChristinaOpo, diretso lang po kayo sa dulo.Yes, just go straight to the end.
- MarkMaraming salamat po sa tulong.Thank you very much for the help.
- ChristinaWalang anuman po.You're welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mawalang-galang, na, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
