Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| desculpa | /desˈkuw.pɐ/ (Brazil) /d͡ʒisˈkuw.pɐ/ (Brazil) |
| me desculpe/desculpa |
This phrase is used as an apology or to say 'sorry'. If your intention is to physically pass through a crowd or enter a room, you should use com licença instead of desculpa.
Which one should you use?
The word desculpa is the informal version of the formal desculpe. When you want to refer to 'excuses' as a noun, such as in the phrase 'to give excuses', use the plural form desculpas.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the colloquialism desculpa aí may be used in casual contexts. In Portugal, when asking for attention in formal settings, you may use the phrases desculpe o incómodo or peço desculpa.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form desculpe is the imperative used for formal or polite address (você), whereas desculpa is the informal imperative (tu).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of desculpa is /desˈkuw.pɐ/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The verb 'desculpar' shares a common ancestor with the English word 'culpable', which relates to 'culpa' or 'guilt'.
- Because 'desculpa' is the informal version for 'tu', using it with a stranger or an elder in many Portuguese-speaking cultures can be perceived as a lack of respect.
- The formal Portuguese way to ask for pardon, 'peço desculpa', literally translates to 'I ask excuse', making the speaker the active subject of the request.
Examples in context
- Desculpa-me, mas posso usar o telefone?Excuse me, but may I use the phone?This example shows how to use desculpa to ask permission to use the phone.Tatoeba #7059532 by iart61, translation #1327467 by CK
- Desculpa!Excuse me.This example shows the use of desculpa as a short apology.Tatoeba #1139594 by vekiano, translation #433504 by CK
- Você terá que me desculpar, mas terei que ser bastante exigente.You will have to excuse me but I will have to be very picky.This example demonstrates the use of desculpa within a more complex sentence regarding being demanding.Tatoeba #7821827 by Ricardo14, translation #7937032 by adiante19
- Com licença, você pode me ajudar?Excuse me, can you help me?
- Desculpe interrompê-lo, mas poderia me dizer onde fica o restaurante?Sorry to interrupt you, but could you tell me where the restaurant is?
Example conversation
Felipe accidentally bumps into Mariana in a hallway.
- FelipeDesculpa, Mariana, eu não te vi.Sorry, Mariana, I didn't see you.
- MarianaTudo bem, Felipe, não foi nada.It's okay, Felipe, it was nothing.
- FelipeDesculpa mesmo, eu estava distraído.I am truly sorry, I was distracted.
- MarianaNão se preocupe com isso.Don't worry about it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “excuse me” translations and entries desculpa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desculpa, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
