Significado
A more formal or sincere apology.
Contexto cultural
Apologizing is often accompanied by a non-verbal cue like avoiding direct eye contact or a slight bow, which signals humility. In Filipino offices, 'Patawad po' is used to maintain 'Pakikisama' (harmony) even when the mistake was shared or systemic. The phrase is central to the Catholic tradition in the Philippines, used in the 'Confiteor' (I Confess) prayer during Mass. Children are taught to say 'Patawad po' and then 'Mano' (take the elder's hand to their forehead) as a sign of total reconciliation.
The Power of Po
When in doubt, always add 'po'. It never hurts to be too respectful in Filipino culture.
Avoid Drama
Don't use 'Patawad po' for bumping into someone in the street; it makes you sound like you're in a movie.
Significado
A more formal or sincere apology.
The Power of Po
When in doubt, always add 'po'. It never hurts to be too respectful in Filipino culture.
Avoid Drama
Don't use 'Patawad po' for bumping into someone in the street; it makes you sound like you're in a movie.
Eye Contact
When saying 'Patawad po' to an elder, look down slightly to show true humility.
Restoring Harmony
Remember that an apology in the Philippines is about fixing the relationship, not just admitting a fact.
Teste-se
Fill in the blank with the correct respectful apology.
__________, nabasag ko ang baso.
'Patawad po' is the most appropriate respectful apology for breaking something.
Match the situation to the best phrase.
You are 30 minutes late to a formal dinner with your Filipino in-laws.
Being significantly late to a formal family event requires a sincere, respectful apology.
Which phrase is the MOST formal and sincere?
Choose the best option for a letter to a professor.
'Patawad po' (or 'Paumanhin po') is preferred in formal written correspondence over 'Sorry'.
Complete the dialogue.
Amo: Bakit hindi mo natapos ang trabaho? Katulong: __________, naging masama po ang pakiramdam ko.
The worker is explaining a failure to complete a task and should start with a respectful apology.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exercicios__________, nabasag ko ang baso.
'Patawad po' is the most appropriate respectful apology for breaking something.
You are 30 minutes late to a formal dinner with your Filipino in-laws.
Being significantly late to a formal family event requires a sincere, respectful apology.
Choose the best option for a letter to a professor.
'Patawad po' (or 'Paumanhin po') is preferred in formal written correspondence over 'Sorry'.
Amo: Bakit hindi mo natapos ang trabaho? Katulong: __________, naging masama po ang pakiramdam ko.
The worker is explaining a failure to complete a task and should start with a respectful apology.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, 'Sorry' is very common in the Philippines, but 'Patawad po' is much more sincere and respectful for serious matters.
It is used in religious contexts, but it is also a standard secular word for a sincere apology.
'Pasensya' is 'patience' (asking for patience), while 'Patawad' is 'forgiveness' (asking for mercy).
A full bow isn't necessary, but a slight nod of the head shows you are sincere.
You can say 'Patawad' (without po) if you really hurt him, but 'po' is usually for elders.
You can say 'Sige, ayos lang' (It's okay) or 'Pinatatawad na kita' (I forgive you).
Yes, in formal emails or when addressing a superior about a mistake.
It reflects a cultural view of 'bargaining' for mercy or a reduction in social debt.
Always 'Patawad po.' The 'po' follows the first word.
No, that would be 'Paumanhin po' (Excuse me).
Frases relacionadas
Pasensya na po
similarI ask for your patience / Sorry.
Paumanhin po
synonymMy apologies.
Sori po
similarSorry (respectful).
Patawarin mo ako
specialized formForgive me (informal).
Mawalang-galang na po
relatedExcuse me / With all due respect.
