PrettyFluent
This is just a lesson preview. Get the interactive lesson free on PrettyFluent
🤷😔

How to Say ‘Even so, I'm sorry.’ in Portuguese

Mesmo assim, desculpa.

MEHZH-moo ah-SEENG desh-KOOL-pah

[MEHZH-moo ah-SEENG desh-KOOL-pah]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: Apologising a second time after being told it's fine is good manners in Portugal. It shows you take the other person's time seriously.

Phrase Breakdown

Mesmo assim,

MEHZH-moo ah-SEENG

Even so,

A fixed expression meaning 'even so' or 'all the same'. 'Mesmo' sounds like 'MEZH-mu', and 'assim' ends with a nasal sound.

Example

Estava a chover, mas saí mesmo assim.

It was raining, but I went out even so.

Words in this phrase

Mesmo

[MEHZH-moo]

even

With 'assim' it forms 'even so / all the same'.

Example

Mesmo assim, vou sair.

Even so, I'm going out.

assim

[ah-SEENG]

so / like that

Adverb; with 'mesmo' it means 'even so'.

Example

Está chover, mas mesmo assim vamos.

It's raining, but we're going anyway.

desculpa.

desh-KOOL-pah

sorry.

The informal 'sorry', used with friends. The formal version is 'desculpe'.

Example

Desculpa, não te vi.

Sorry, I didn't see you.

Words in this phrase

desculpa

[desh-KOOL-pah]

sorry

Informal way to apologize, from 'desculpar'.

Example

Desculpa o barulho.

Sorry for the noise.

Related guides

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Download PrettyFluent on the App StoreGet Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.”

Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer