😮🤷‍♂️😔

How to Say ‘Oh, I didn't know, I'm sorry.’ in Portuguese

Ai, não sabia, peço desculpa.

eye nowng sah-bee-ah PEH-soo desh-KOOL-pah

[eye nowng sah-bee-ah PEH-soo desh-KOOL-pah]

Phrase Breakdown

Ai, não sabia,

eye nowng sah-bee-ah

Oh, I didn't know

'Sabia' is the imperfect tense of 'saber' (to know). Stress it as 'sa-BEE-a'.

Example

Ai, não sabia que estavas cá.

Oh, I didn't know you were here.

Words in this phrase

[eye]

Interjection expressing surprise, delight or pain.

Example

Ai, que bom!

Oh, how nice!

não

[nowng]

no / not

A negative word used to deny or negate something.

Example

Não temos valet, mas há estacionamento perto.

We do not have valet, but there is parking nearby.

sabia

[sah-bee-ah]

knew

Past tense of know, to be aware of something through observation.

Example

Eu sabia a resposta.

I knew the answer.

peço desculpa.

PEH-soo desh-KOOL-pah

I apologise

This is a polite apology, literally 'I ask forgiveness'. Say 'PÉ-su dsh-KUL-pa', with the first 'e' of 'desculpa' nearly silent.

Example

Cheguei atrasado, peço desculpa.

I arrived late, I apologise.

Words in this phrase

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.

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

Get 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