If you’re planning a trip to Portugal or any other Portuguese-speaking country in Europe, it’s always helpful to learn a few basic phrases to navigate through daily interactions. One of the most important phrases to know is “excuse me.” In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to say “excuse me” in European Portuguese, along with some useful tips and examples for different situations.
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Formal ways to say “Excuse me” in European Portuguese
When you want to be more polite or show respect to someone in a formal context, such as when addressing strangers, elderly people, or people in positions of authority, you can use the following phrases:
1. Com licença
In Portugal, “com licença” (pronounced kohm lee-SEHN-sah) is the most common way to say “excuse me” formally. It directly translates to “with permission” or “with your pardon.” This phrase is suitable for situations like getting someone’s attention or asking for assistance politely.
Example: Com licença, pode dizer-me onde fica a estação de trem? (Excuse me, can you tell me where the train station is?)
Informal ways to say “Excuse me” in European Portuguese
When addressing friends, family members, or people of similar age or familiarity, you can use more informal expressions. These expressions are also used in casual situations where formality is not required.
2. Desculpa (or Desculpe)
Both “desculpa” (pronounced dehs-COOL-pah) and “desculpe” (pronounced dehs-COOL-peh) translate to “sorry” or “excuse me” in English. “Desculpa” is the informal version used among friends or people you are familiar with, whereas “desculpe” is slightly more formal and can be used in situations where a certain level of politeness is expected.
Example (informal): Desculpa, posso passar? (Excuse me, can I pass?)
Example (formal): Desculpe, pode repetir, por favor? (Excuse me, can you repeat that, please?)
Tips for saying “Excuse me” in European Portuguese
Here are some additional tips to enhance your usage of “excuse me” in European Portuguese:
1. Non-verbal cues
In addition to saying “excuse me,” remember that non-verbal cues such as making eye contact, raising your hand slightly, or nodding can also help convey your politeness. These cues can be particularly useful in crowded places or when trying to get someone’s attention from a distance.
2. Body language
It’s important to be mindful of your body language when saying “excuse me.” Avoid aggressive gestures or invading personal space. Instead, maintain a relaxed and open posture to ensure your intentions are not misunderstood.
3. Politeness is key
Portuguese people generally appreciate politeness and good manners. Using “com licença,” “desculpa,” or “desculpe” when appropriate shows respect and helps build positive interactions with locals.
Summary
In European Portuguese, knowing how to say “excuse me” is fundamental for respectful and effective communication. Whether you are in a formal or informal setting, understanding different phrases and their contexts will help you navigate through daily interactions with ease. Remember to use “com licença” in formal situations and “desculpa” or “desculpe” in informal contexts. By incorporating these phrases into your vocabulary and paying attention to non-verbal cues, you’ll be able to handle various situations politely and confidently throughout your European Portuguese-speaking journey.
