Signification
Describing someone who is very patient.
Contexte culturel
Patience is seen as a 'holy' virtue. People who have 'mahabang pasensya' are often described as 'parang santo' (like a saint). This reflects the deep Catholic influence on Filipino values. In the capital, 'mahabang pasensya' is a survival skill for the commute. It is common to see stickers on public transport (jeepneys) that say 'Bawal ang pikon' (No getting annoyed/touchy), which is a call for long patience. Hierarchy is important. Subordinates are expected to have 'mahabang pasensya' with their bosses. Conversely, a boss with 'mahabang pasensya' is highly loved and respected by their team. The 'panganay' (eldest child) is often expected to have the longest patience with their younger siblings, acting as a second parent.
The 'Pisi' Alternative
If you want to sound like a native, use 'Habaan mo ang pisi mo' (Lengthen your string). It's a very common idiom that means exactly the same thing.
Don't say 'Matagal'
Even though 'long' can be 'matagal' in other contexts, it never applies to patience. Stick to 'mahaba'.
Signification
Describing someone who is very patient.
The 'Pisi' Alternative
If you want to sound like a native, use 'Habaan mo ang pisi mo' (Lengthen your string). It's a very common idiom that means exactly the same thing.
Don't say 'Matagal'
Even though 'long' can be 'matagal' in other contexts, it never applies to patience. Stick to 'mahaba'.
Patience as a Compliment
Telling someone 'Ang haba ng pasensya mo' is one of the highest compliments you can give a Filipino worker or parent.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Ang nanay ko ay may ________ pasensya sa amin.
We need the adjective 'mahaba' with the linker '-ng' to connect it to 'pasensya'.
Which of these is the most natural way to tell someone to be patient in traffic?
Traffic na naman! Ano ang dapat mong sabihin?
'Habaan' is the verb form used for commands or advice regarding patience.
Match the Filipino phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the common variations of the 'length' metaphor for patience.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: Pasensya na, male-late ako ng konti. B: Okay lang, ________.
In this context, 'mahaba ang pasensya ko' (my patience is long) is the most natural response.
In which situation is 'mahabang pasensya' MOST appropriate?
Choose the best scenario:
Patience is required for delays and frustrations, like a slow computer.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
When to use Mahabang Pasensya
People
- • Teachers
- • Parents
- • Nurses
Places
- • Traffic
- • Long lines
- • Meetings
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesAng nanay ko ay may ________ pasensya sa amin.
We need the adjective 'mahaba' with the linker '-ng' to connect it to 'pasensya'.
Traffic na naman! Ano ang dapat mong sabihin?
'Habaan' is the verb form used for commands or advice regarding patience.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the common variations of the 'length' metaphor for patience.
A: Pasensya na, male-late ako ng konti. B: Okay lang, ________.
In this context, 'mahaba ang pasensya ko' (my patience is long) is the most natural response.
Choose the best scenario:
Patience is required for delays and frustrations, like a slow computer.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, at work, or in formal writing.
It's understandable but not natural. Filipinos almost always use 'mahaba' (long).
The opposite is 'maikling pasensya' (short patience) or 'mabilis mapikon' (easily annoyed).
You say 'Nauubos na ang pasensya ko' (My patience is being consumed/emptied).
The '-ng' is a linker required to connect the adjective to the noun it describes.
It is a loanword from Spanish 'paciencia,' but it is fully integrated into Filipino.
No, it only describes people or their emotional state.
It's an idiomatic way to say 'be more patient,' literally 'lengthen the string.'
Yes, similar forms exist in Cebuano (taas nga pasensya) and Ilocano.
Yes, that is a more formal way to say 'I have long patience.'
Expressions liées
Maikling pasensya
contrastShort fuse / easily angered
Pasensya na
builds onI'm sorry / bear with me
Habaan ang pisi
synonymTo lengthen the string
Matimtiman
specialized formPatient and persevering
Pagtitimpi
similarSelf-restraint
