Politenessphrase
Pasensya
pah-SEHN-syah
EnglishSorry / forgive me / patience
Word of the Day · Friday, July 24, 2026
Pasensya — Bisaya Word of the Day for July 24, 2026
Origin & Etymology
"Pasensya" comes from Spanish "paciencia" (patience) — its Bisaya usage stretched from "be patient with me" into a general, lighter apology, distinct from the more direct "pasayloa."
How Bisaya Speakers Use It
"Pasensya na lang" is often used to soften bad news or a letdown, not just as an apology for a mistake — a vendor out of stock might say it the same way someone apologizing for being late would.
Example Sentences
Apologizing for being late
Pasensya na, naulahi ko sa miting.
“Sorry, I was late for the meeting.”
A vendor apologizing for unavailability
Pasensya na lang, wa nay stock ang gusto nimo.
“Sorry, there's no stock left of what you wanted.”
Asking for patience while improving
Ayohon pa nako, pasensya lang sa akoa.
“I'll do better, please have patience with me.”
Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz
What is "pasensya" often used for besides apologizing for a mistake?
Related Bisaya Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Pasensya" mean in Bisaya?
"Pasensya" means "Sorry / forgive me / patience" in Bisaya/Cebuano. It is a phrase in the Politeness category, pronounced as "pah-SEHN-syah".
How do you pronounce "Pasensya" in Cebuano?
"Pasensya" is pronounced "pah-SEHN-syah". The stressed syllable is indicated by capital letters in the phonetic guide.
How do you use "Pasensya" in a Bisaya sentence?
Example: "Pasensya na, naulahi ko sa miting." — "Sorry, I was late for the meeting.". "Pasensya na lang" is often used to soften bad news or a letdown, not just as an apology for a mistake — a vendor out of stock might say it the same way someone apologizing for being late would.
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