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How to Say ‘You're right, I apologise.’ in Portuguese

Tem razão, peço desculpa.

tayng hrah-ZOWN PEH-soo desh-KOOL-pah

[tayng hrah-ZOWN PEH-soo desh-KOOL-pah]

Phrase Breakdown

Tem razão,

tayng hrah-ZOWN

You're right,

Literally 'you have reason'. Both words are nasal: 'tayng rruh-ZOWNG'.

Example

Tem razão, é aqui.

You're right, it's here.

Words in this phrase

Tem

[tayng]

you have / has

Form of ter used to point out a quality someone has.

Example

Tem começa “Tem uma ótima voz.”

You have begins “You have a great voice.”

razão

[hrah-ZOWN]

reason / right

'Ter razão' means 'to be right'.

Example

Tu tens razão.

You are right.

peço desculpa.

PEH-soo desh-KOOL-pah

I apologise.

Literally 'I ask for forgiveness'. This is a common, polite apology in Portugal. Say it 'PEH-soo dush-KOOL-puh'.

Example

Peço desculpa pelo atraso.

I apologise for the delay.

Words in this phrase

peço

[PEH-soo]

I ask / I beg

First-person form of 'pedir' (to ask for); used in 'peço desculpa' = I apologise.

Example

Peço a conta, por favor.

I'll ask for the bill, please.

desculpa

[desh-KOOL-pah]

sorry / excuse (me)

Informal imperative of 'desculpar', used to apologize to a friend.

Example

Desculpa, não te vi.

Sorry, I didn't see you.

Guides for Portuguese learners

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.

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