Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| paumanhin | /paʔumanˈhin/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| patawad | /paˈtawad/ (Standard Tagalog) |
The Tagalog language uses different words for sorry depending on the severity of the situation and the level of social forgiveness required. You might use a term to express regret for a minor oversight or a deeper plea for forgiveness regarding a serious wrong.
Which one should you use?
The term paumanhin is used for social apologies, such as asking for forgiveness for an inconvenience or an oversight, similar to saying 'sorry' or 'excuse me'. In contrast, patawad is used for deeper, more serious apologies where one is asking for actual forgiveness for a wrong or a sin, meaning 'forgive me' or 'pardon me'.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you wish to use the verb form to ask someone to forgive you, use patawarin (for example, Patawarin mo ako meaning 'Forgive me').
How do you pronounce it?
/paʔumanˈhin/
Did you know?
- The root word of patawad is tawad, which also means to haggle or ask for a lower price in a market. In both contexts, the speaker is asking for a concession or a 'discount' on a debt or a mistake.
- Tagalog has a concept called hiya or 'shame' that heavily influences when paumanhin is used. Many apologies are not just about the mistake but about restoring the 'face' or social dignity of the other person.
- In Tagalog, the intensity of the apology is often signaled by repeating the word, such as saying patawad, patawad to show desperation.
Examples in context
- Patawad at natakot kita.I'm sorry that I frightened you.This example shows how to use patawad to express regret for frightening someone.Tatoeba #9773194 by canonselphycp400, translation #7185997 by CK
- Paumanhin, wala akong barya.I'm sorry, but I don't have any small change.This example demonstrates the use of paumanhin when apologizing for not having change.Tatoeba #10170290 by theSardonyx, translation #51426 by CK
- Paumanhin po sa pagkaantala.Sorry for the delay.This example illustrates how to use paumanhin to apologize for a delay.Tatoeba #11460499 by qwertzu, translation #2419348 by erikspen
- Paumanhin, hindi ko sinasadyang makasira ng inyong mga paninda.I apologize, I did not intend to damage your merchandise
- Pasensiya na po, ngunit hindi po ako ang nagkalkal sa mga paninda ko.Sorry, but I didn't rummage through my merchandise.
- Sori talaga at na-late ako kanina.I'm really sorry I was late earlier.
- Okay lang, basta wag na mangyari ulit.It's fine, just don't let it happen again.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria accidentally bumps into Jose in a hallway.
- MariaPaumanhin, hindi ko sinasadya.Sorry, I didn't mean to.
- JoseAyos lang, Maria. Wala iyon.It's okay, Maria. It's nothing.
- MariaSalamat sa pag-unawa, Jose.Thank you for understanding, Jose.
- JoseWalang anuman.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorry” translations and entries paumanhin, patawad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
