How to Say Sorry in Tagalog: Casual and Formal
Tagalog gives you a few distinct ways to say sorry, from a light everyday phrase to a strong plea for forgiveness. The little word po also turns any of them polite. Here is the toolkit, with pronunciation and when to use each.
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The quick answer
The everyday casual phrase is Pasensya na (pah-SEN-shah nah), a soft sorry / bear with me for small things. The borrowed English Sorry is also extremely common in the Philippines and sounds completely natural.
For a more formal apology, use Paumanhin (pah-oo-MAN-hin), meaning excuse me / I apologize. And for a heartfelt plea, Patawad (pah-TAH-wad) means forgive me, carrying the most emotional weight.
Casual ways to say sorry
Among friends, Pasensya na is the natural, gentle choice for minor slips or asking someone to bear with you. Filipinos also say Sorry constantly, and Sorry na (with na) is a common, slightly pleading come on, sorry.
For a light apology with a peer, either Pasensya na or Sorry works. The word na softens things and adds a friendly, coaxing tone.
How po makes it polite
The small word po is the key to Filipino politeness. Adding it to any phrase makes it respectful, especially toward elders, strangers, and people of higher status. So Pasensya na po, Paumanhin po, and Patawad po are all more polite than the versions without po.
You cannot go wrong adding po when speaking to someone older or in a formal setting. It signals respect instantly and is one of the first things learners should build into their apologies.
Patawad for real forgiveness
Patawad is stronger than the others. It literally asks for forgiveness and carries real emotion, so it fits serious situations, not a small bump. You will hear it in heartfelt apologies and even in songs and drama.
You can say Patawarin mo ako (pah-tah-WAH-rin mo ah-KO), meaning please forgive me, or add po for respect: Patawad po. Save Patawad for when you genuinely need forgiveness, and use Pasensya na or Paumanhin for lighter moments.
Tagalog sorry phrases at a glance
- Pasensya na (pah-SEN-shah nah) — sorry / bear with me, casual and gentle
- Sorry / Sorry na — borrowed English, very common casually
- Paumanhin (pah-oo-MAN-hin) — excuse me / I apologize, more formal
- Patawad (pah-TAH-wad) — forgive me, strong and heartfelt
- Patawarin mo ako (pah-tah-WAH-rin mo ah-KO) — please forgive me
- ...po — add to any phrase for politeness (Pasensya na po, Paumanhin po)
Match the weight: Pasensya na for light, Paumanhin for formal, Patawad for real forgiveness.
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Common mistakes learners make
First, do not use Patawad for small things. It is heavy and emotional, so using it after a minor bump sounds dramatic. For that, Pasensya na or Sorry is right.
Second, do not forget po with elders and strangers. Leaving it off is not rude among peers, but with someone older it can come across as too familiar.
Third, the stress placement matters: Paumanhin is pah-oo-MAN-hin, and Patawad is pah-TAH-wad. Saying them with the wrong stress can make them harder to catch.
How to respond to an apology
When someone apologizes, common replies are Okay lang (it's okay), Ayos lang (it's fine), and Walang problema (no problem). Add po for politeness: Okay lang po. A warm Ayos lang puts the other person at ease.
Learning these replies is worthwhile, since you will often be on the receiving end. They are short, friendly, and easy to remember.
Make it automatic
The stress patterns and the habit of adding po only settle when you say phrases out loud. Practice Pasensya na, Paumanhin, and Patawad with the right stress, and get used to slipping in po for respect.
Try a few small scenes aloud: asking a friend to bear with you (Pasensya na), apologizing formally (Paumanhin po), asking forgiveness sincerely (Patawad). Pick the fitting phrase each time. Rehearsing these short exchanges out loud, even with an AI speaking partner, builds the reflex so the right level of politeness comes naturally.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the most common way to say sorry in Tagalog?
Pasensya na for casual, everyday situations, and the borrowed Sorry is also very common. For formal settings use Paumanhin, and for heartfelt pleas use Patawad.
What does adding po do?
Po makes any phrase polite and respectful, especially toward elders, strangers, and superiors. Pasensya na po and Paumanhin po are more respectful than the versions without po.
What is the difference between Pasensya na and Patawad?
Pasensya na is a light, gentle sorry or bear with me. Patawad is a strong, emotional plea for forgiveness, used in serious situations, not small slips.
Is it okay to just say Sorry in the Philippines?
Yes, the English Sorry is extremely common and sounds natural, especially casually. For formal or sincere apologies, use Paumanhin or Patawad, and add po for respect.