Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| perdão | /pɛʁˈdɐ̃w̃/ [pɛɦˈdɐ̃ʊ̯̃] (Northeast Brazil) /peʁˈdɐ̃w̃/ (Brazil) |
| desculpe-me | |
| me desculpa | /mi desˈkuw.pɐ/ (Brazil, word by word) |
| desculpa | /desˈkuw.pɐ/ (Brazil) /d͡ʒisˈkuw.pɐ/ (Brazil) |
These phrases are used to express an apology or to ask for forgiveness.
What does it mean word for word?
The form desculpe-me is composed of the imperative desculpe (excuse) and the object pronoun me (me).
Which one should you use?
Perdão is a formal expression that carries a heavier weight, often used when seeking actual forgiveness. In contrast, desculpa is a more common, informal way to apologize. To be more polite or formal, you should use desculpe rather than desculpa.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Perdão and desculpe-me are considered formal. The form desculpa is informal and should be used among friends or peers. If you wish to say "pardon me" in a formal sense of "with your permission", you may also use Com licença.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the informal phrase me perdoa is used to mean "pardon me" and desculpa aí can be used to mean "excuse me".
How does it change in a sentence?
In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, the pronoun me is frequently placed before the verb as in me desculpa, rather than after the verb as in desculpe-me.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɛʁˈdɐ̃w̃/ [pɛɦˈdɐ̃ʊ̯̃]
Did you know?
- In Portuguese, perdão is so weighty that using it for a minor mistake can sometimes come across as overly dramatic or ironic.
- While desculpa is used for apologies, the related word culpa refers to 'guilt' or 'blame' in both legal and moral contexts.
- In a religious context, perdão is the primary word used for divine forgiveness, which contributes to its heavy emotional weight in everyday speech.
Examples in context
- Perdão, por um momento.Pardon me for a moment.This example shows how to use perdão to ask for a moment of someone's time.Tatoeba #2056785 by MarlonX19, translation #1102515 by ajgajg1134
- Desculpe-me por não ter respondido antes.Pardon me for not getting back to you sooner.This example uses desculpe-me to apologize for a delay in responding.Tatoeba #2434187 by alexmarcelo, translation #2461419 by erikspen
- Perdão?Pardon me?This example shows how perdão can be used as a question.Tatoeba #1197461 by alexmarcelo, translation #31477 by CK
- Com licença, posso falar com você?Pardon me, may I speak with you?
- Perdão, eu não entendi o que você disse. Pode repetir, por favor?Pardon me, I didn't understand what you said. Can you repeat, please?
- Desculpe-me, você sabe onde fica a estação de trem?Pardon me, do you know where the train station is?
- Desculpa, posso pegar emprestado o seu livro por alguns dias?Pardon me, can I borrow your book for a few days?
- Me desculpe, você poderia me dizer onde fica o banheiro?Pardon me, could you tell me where the restroom is?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe accidentally bumps into Juliana in a quiet library.
- FelipePerdão, eu não vi você.Pardon me, I didn't see you.
- JulianaNão tem problema, Felipe.No problem, Felipe.
- FelipePeço perdão pelo inconveniente.I ask your pardon for the inconvenience.
- JulianaEstá tudo bem, Juliana agradece a gentileza.It is all fine, Juliana appreciates the kindness.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pardon me” translations and entries perdão, desculpa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (me, desculpa) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
