Agpakawanak
In Ilocano, the way to say sorry is Agpakawanak.
Agpakawanak is used as an expression of regret or sorrow.
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the verb root pakawan (forgive) with the prefix ag- (indicating an action) and the enclitic -ak (meaning 'I'). Literally, it means 'I am asking for forgiveness'.
Which one should you use?
Agpakawanak implies a request for actual forgiveness for a mistake, whereas Pasensya is often used for minor inconveniences or social slips.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Agpakawanak is a more formal and sincere way to express regret than using loanwords from other languages. For formal contexts, you can use Pasensya to mean 'Sorry' or Pasensyaanak to mean 'I apologize'.
Did you know?
- The term Pasensya used in Ilocano is a loanword from the Spanish 'paciencia', which originally refers to the virtue of patience.
- Unlike English where 'sorry' can be a general expression of sympathy, Agpakawanak is strictly used when the speaker is the one who caused the harm.
- An English speaker might say 'I am sorry' to express a feeling, but an Ilocano speaker using Agpakawanak is effectively saying 'Please release me from this fault'.
Examples in context
- Agpakawanak ta nalipatak.Sorry, I forgot.
- Agpakawanak ta nagkamaliak.Sorry, I made a mistake.
- Agpakawanak ta saanka a nakatugaw.Sorry that you could not sit down.
Example conversation
Antonio accidentally stepped on Maria's foot.
- AntonioAgpakawanak, Maria!I'm sorry, Maria!
- MariaAwanen, Antonio. Makapanunotak met.It's okay, Antonio. I understand.
- AntonioNaimbag kadi ti sakam?Is your foot okay?
- MariaWen, madi metten.Yes, it's nothing.
