🇵🇭 Different Ways to Apologize in Filipino: Context Matters
July 27, 2025
In the Philippines, most people are bilingual — you'll often hear "Sorry" or "Sorry po" in everyday life. These English apologies are widely accepted and understood.
But depending on the situation, apologizing in Tagalog can feel more heartfelt, respectful, and culturally appropriate. Whether you're saying sorry to a loved one, a friend, a stranger, or a boss, the language you choose can make all the difference.
Let's look at the different ways to say "I'm sorry" in Filipino, along with when to use them and how commonly they're used.
💔 1. Apologizing After a Fight with Your Partner
This is when words need to come from the heart. Tagalog can communicate emotional depth in a way English sometimes can't.
❖ Patawarin mo ako.
"Please forgive me."
✅ Use when: You've hurt your partner emotionally or made a serious mistake.
💬 Common? Yes, in serious conversations. More emotional than casual.
❖ Nagkamali ako. Hindi ko intensyon na saktan ka.
"I made a mistake. I didn't mean to hurt you."
✅ Use when: You're taking accountability after a disagreement.
💬 Common? Fairly common. Sounds sincere and mature.
❖ Mahal kita, at ayokong masira ang relasyon natin. Patawad.
"I love you, and I don't want to ruin what we have. I'm sorry."
✅ Use when: You're expressing love and remorse after a serious fight.
💬 Common? Less frequent, but powerful in emotionally charged moments.
🤝 2. Apologizing to Friends
Friendships in the Philippines are tight-knit and informal. You don't need grand apologies — sincerity and humility go a long way.
❖ Pasensya na, ha.
"Sorry about that."
✅ Use when: You're running late or made a small mistake.
💬 Common? Extremely common and casual.
❖ Sorry, hindi ko sinasadya.
"Sorry, I didn't mean it."
✅ Use when: You accidentally offended or hurt your friend.
💬 Common? Very common — English + Tagalog is natural among friends.
❖ Alam kong nasaktan kita. Patawad.
"I know I hurt you. I'm sorry."
✅ Use when: You're trying to mend a deeper emotional rift.
💬 Common? Not everyday, but meaningful when used sincerely.
👵 3. Apologizing to an Older Relative or Family Member
Respecting elders is a major Filipino value. Apologies must reflect humility and politeness.
❖ Paumanhin po kung nasaktan ko po kayo.
"I apologize if I hurt you."
✅ Use when: You're addressing a parent, grandparent, or older relative.
💬 Common? Formal but respected. Used more in serious or traditional families.
❖ Patawad po, hindi ko po sinasadya.
"I'm very sorry, I didn't mean it."
✅ Use when: Apologizing for unintended disrespect or mistakes.
💬 Common? Moderately common in respectful households.
❖ Pasensiya na po kayo sa aking pagkukulang.
"Please forgive me for my shortcomings."
✅ Use when: Admitting a failure or mistake to elders.
💬 Common? Formal and emotional — more likely heard in heartfelt conversations.
🚶 4. Apologizing to Strangers or in Public Situations
Filipinos are generally warm and polite. These quick, courteous phrases smooth over minor mishaps.
❖ Pasensiya na po.
"I'm sorry."
✅ Use when: You bump into someone or cause a minor inconvenience.
💬 Common? Very common in everyday situations.
❖ Mawalang-galang lang po…
"Excuse me…"
✅ Use when: Politely interrupting or asking a question.
💬 Common? Polite and formal; still heard often in public spaces or with elders.
❖ Sorry po! Hindi ko sinasadya.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to."
✅ Use when: You accidentally spill, trip, or cause a fuss.
💬 Common? Extremely common, especially in informal settings.
🧑💼 5. Apologizing in a Professional Setting
In the workplace, formality and professionalism matter. Using Tagalog shows respect, especially in mixed-language settings.
❖ Paumanhin po sa aking pagkahuli.
"My apologies for being late."
✅ Use when: You arrive late to a meeting or appointment.
💬 Common? Formal but appreciated in professional settings.
❖ Patawad po sa abala. Sisikapin ko pong hindi na maulit.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
✅ Use when: You've caused a delay, error, or missed a deadline.
💬 Common? Respectful and well-received — often used in email or in-person apologies.
❖ Humihingi po ako ng paumanhin.
"I am asking for your forgiveness."
✅ Use when: You've caused a delay, error, or missed a deadline.
💬 Common? Respectful and well-received — often used in email or in-person apologies.
🧹 6. Apologizing to Householder Helpers / Domestic Workers
Domestic helpers hold an important place in many Filipino households, and showing respect through your words is essential. Apologizing politely can help build trust and show your appreciation.
❖ Pasensya na po kung nakapag-abala ako.
"Sorry if I caused any inconvenience."
✅ Use when: You unintentionally disrupted their work or routine.
💬 Common? Very common and polite in daily interactions.
❖ Patawad po kung may nagawa akong mali.
"Please forgive me if I did something wrong."
✅ Use when: You recognize you've made a mistake affecting them.
💬 Common? Respectful and sincere; used when necessary.
❖ Salamat po sa inyong pagtulong, at pasensya na po kung nagkaroon ng abala.
"Thank you for your help, and sorry if there was any trouble."
✅ Use when: Expressing gratitude alongside an apology for any trouble caused.
💬 Common? Polite and thoughtful — appreciated in closer relationships.
✅ Final Tips
- Add "po" and "kayo" to show respect, especially when speaking to elders, strangers, or in professional settings.
- Combine Tagalog and English naturally — code-switching is normal in the Philippines.
- Keep your tone humble, genuine, and appropriate to the situation.
Practice Makes Perfect
Start with the casual phrases and gradually work your way up to more formal expressions. Remember, sincerity matters more than perfect grammar. Filipinos appreciate the effort to speak their language, even if you make mistakes.
Magsimula na tayo! 🇵🇭 (Let's get started!)