😣🙏

How to Say ‘I'm sorry!’ in Portuguese

Peço desculpa!

PEH-soo desh-KOOL-pah

[PEH-soo desh-KOOL-pah]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: peço desculpa is the standard way to apologise in Portugal when you're at fault. desculpe is more for getting someone's attention or a light "sorry".

Phrase Breakdown

Peço

[PEH-soo]

I ask (for)

First person of 'pedir'; with 'desculpa' it means 'I apologise'.

Example

Peço um café, por favor.

I'm asking for a coffee, 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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