Desculpa
everyday, Brazil
In Brazil the everyday way to say "I am sorry" is Desculpa, or Me desculpe when you want to sound more polite. Sinto muito is for sympathy, such as after bad news.
Meaning: apology (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Desculpa | everyday, Brazil |
| Me desculpe | polite |
| Sinto muito | sympathy, formal |
Desculpa is short for Eu te peço desculpa and fits almost any small apology between friends, family or colleagues. Add pelo atraso to apologize for being late.
Which one should you use?
Sinto muito means "I feel it deeply" and is what you say when someone has lost a relative or had bad luck. It is not the usual choice for stepping on someone's foot.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Brazilians often use desculpa and desculpe with você and te. In Portugal peço desculpa and desculpe are also heard, but the Brazilian short desculpa is the one you will meet most on the street.
Did you know?
- Foi mal is a very casual Brazilian way to apologize, close to "my bad".
Examples in context
- Desculpa, eu me atrasei.Sorry, I am late.
- Me desculpe pelo erro.I am sorry for the mistake.
- Sinto muito pela sua perda.I am sorry for your loss.
Example conversation
Rafael bumps into Camila in a crowded bus in Rio de Janeiro.
- RafaelDesculpa, eu não vi você.Sorry, I did not see you.
- CamilaTudo bem, não foi nada.It is fine, it was nothing.
- RafaelMe desculpe mesmo.I am really sorry.
