Have you ever encountered a consequence you did not intend in the Philippines? Worry not, for we are going to talk about Tagalog excuses! These excuses not only depict themselves but show the culture of the Philippines ingrained within them, including its people’s daily challenges. Let us look into them and begin this excuses-filled article in the realm of the Filipino dictionary!
Why Do We Use Excuses?
Oftentimes, we use dahilan (excuse) as a means to receive leniency from a consequence of our actions or to justify them. For example, we are late for work in Manila because of the traffic—in this scenario, the main cause for us being late is the traffic itself. I mean, traffic congestion in Manila is a really tough one! However, we are also responsible somehow, because we know we could have avoided it by going to work an hour earlier.
On the other hand, there are valid excuses like sickness. After all, sometimes we get sick in the most unfavorable and least expected time. We do not want to be sick, but surprisingly, the villain has come to obstruct our lifestyle. There are more excuses that belong to this category, such as natural disasters and other things that are out of our control.
Nevertheless, excuses are but a friend to explain our side of experiences or struggles. Of course, let us just make sure that we use them with integrity and with regard to ethics. Because we do not want to feel like we’re being lied to, right?
Tagalog Excuses: Heavy Traffic
Pasensya Na Po, Na-Traffic Po Ako
When directly translated into the English language, this means, “I am sorry, I experienced traffic.” Commonly, this phrase is employed whenever a person is late for work because of heavy traffic. Imagine this: you are sitting in a jeepney that is stuck in heavy traffic while seeing the time pass by. If you ask me, that is a very scary situation—finding yourself incapable of doing anything as your clock ticks to your call time.
However, in most schools in the Philippines, this excuse grew old. They no longer see this as a valid excuse unless a major disruption, such as a disaster-damaged road or a damaged metro train, took place.
May Tumirik Po Na Bus Sa EDSA
In the English language, it means “A bus suddenly broke down in EDSA.” To give context, EDSA is a highway in the Philippines that is a staple for transportation vehicles. This is the road that buses, jeepneys, UV express, and e-jeepneys use. If it is a highway, then, why does a single bus matter so much to be an excuse? Well, since EDSA is a very busy highway—filled with private and public vehicles—it becomes packed during rush hours (morning until noon). In other words, a single bus is a big obstruction in a heavy road.
Ang Lakas Po Ng Ulan
This means, in English, “The rain is heavy.” Statistically speaking, the Philippines gets hit by about 18 to 20 typhoons per year. Yep, I am not even messing around. That is because of its geographical location, being intimate with the Pacific Ocean. That is why you can somehow see that typhoons, a dangerous disaster, are like a walk in a park for the Filipinos. In fact, you can see some kids swimming in flooded areas!
Anyway, the reason that this is a widely used excuse is because of, unfortunately, flood-prone areas in the Philippines. Those areas become flooded during typhoon seasons, which may cause a blockage for vehicles. Hence, congested traffic ensues. This specific disaster-related excuse is accepted depending on the degree of the disaster. If the typhoon is strong, you may not even need an excuse, as the company or school may suspend any attendance in the meantime.
Tagalog Excuses: Sickness
Masama Po Yung Pakiramdam Ko
This is directly translated as “I am not feeling well.” Oftentimes, Filipinos use the English language as a means of discoursing in their daily lives, especially in a corporate setting. That is why you will oftentimes hear the English translation of this when used as an excuse.
With enough truthful evidence of your situation, this excuse is a valid one. However, there will be situations where your company will badly need your assistance. If that is the case, the best choice is to just pop an aspirin and continue the duty. But worry not because this circumstance is very rare, and most companies value their employees’ health. Indeed, health is wealth!
More Tagalog Excuses
Kinain Po Ng Aso Namin Yung Assignment
Directly translated, this means, “Our dog ate my assignment.” This is the line that I always hear at school as an excuse for missing schoolwork. Ridiculous, right? However, hearing some legitimate stories, I found out that there really are some situations where their dog ate their schoolwork! But that is just a small fraction of the times I’ve heard this. I guess dogs can be mischievous at times!
Titignan Ko Yung Schedule Ko
Have a friend who always says, “I’ll check my schedule,” to most (if not every) invitation? That is the very meaning of this phrase in English. This excuse is used to subtly ghost an invitation. In other words, if a person says this, there is a 50 percent chance that that person does not want to join.
Excuses tackle almost every field! This includes work, school, family, and more. From general ones up to very specific and formal settings, excuses are always present! That is because some unfortunate things really do happen. Sadly, the use of excuses can sometimes be a facade of something more, like unwillingness. In that case, the best thing to do is to be virtuous by telling the truth.
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