dispensa
dispénsa with stress marks
apology; excuse
Usage Note
Dispensa is borrowed from Spanish dispensa and is used to ask for forgiveness or to excuse oneself politely. The phrase dispensa na is a gentle, humble apology — softer and more personal than the formal paumanhin — and is especially heard in regional and older speech.
Examples
" Dispensa na po, nahuli ako. "
Natural Translation
I'm sorry, I was late.
Literal Translation
Excuse-me already (respect), late I.
" Dispensa na kung nagkaproblema ang aking pagdating. "
Natural Translation
I apologize if my arrival caused a problem.
Literal Translation
Excuse-me already if caused-problem the my arrival.
" Dispensa na po kayo sa amin kung nakaabala ang aming pagbisita nang walang abiso sa ganitong oras. "
Natural Translation
Please forgive us if our visit without notice at this hour caused any inconvenience.
Literal Translation
Excuse-me already (respect) you to us if disturbed the our visit without notice at this-kind hour.
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