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How to Say ‘Sorry to bother you.’ in Portuguese

Desculpe incomodar.

des-koo-lpe een-koo-moo-DAR

[des-koo-lpe een-koo-moo-DAR]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: A polite opener when phoning a restaurant or catching a busy waiter. It softens the request before you ask about group bookings.

Phrase Breakdown

Desculpe

[des-koo-lpe]

sorry

A polite expression used to forgive or ask for forgiveness.

Example

Eu estou desculpado.

I am forgiven.

incomodar

[een-koo-moo-DAR]

to bother

Verb meaning to disturb or inconvenience someone; polite when approaching strangers.

Example

Não quero incomodar, mas tenho uma pergunta.

I don't want to bother you, but I have a question.

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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