desculpe, não falo português
The English phrase "sorry, I don't speak portuguese" is translated into Portuguese as desculpe, não falo português.
This phrase is a polite way to inform someone that you are unable to communicate in the Portuguese language. If you want to specify that you possess some knowledge of the language but are not proficient, you can say não falo bem português to mean "I don't speak Portuguese well".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of desculpe (sorry/excuse me), não (not), falo (I speak) and português (Portuguese).
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter Lamento, não compreendo a língua portuguesa, which translates to "I'm sorry, I don't understand the Portuguese language".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Desculpe, não falo português is the more polite and formal version. In casual conversation, you can use the informal desculpa, não falo português.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb falo is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb falar (to speak), where the o ending indicates that the subject is "I".
Did you know?
- The word português is actually named after a specific city. It derives from Portus Cale, which was the ancient name for the city of Oporto.
- While desculpe is used to say 'sorry', the root of the word is shared with the English legal term 'exculpate', meaning to clear someone from blame or fault.
- If you are in Portugal, saying desculpe is more common for strangers, while in Brazil, the word com licença is frequently used first to get someone's attention before admitting you don't speak the language.
Examples in context
- Desculpe, não falo português.Sorry, I don't speak Portuguese.
Example conversation
A tourist is asking for directions from a local in a street.
- MarianaCom licença, onde fica o hotel?Excuse me, where is the hotel?
- LucasDesculpe, não falo português, você fala inglês?Sorry, I don't speak Portuguese, do you speak English?
- MarianaSim, eu falo um pouco.Yes, I speak a little.
- LucasÓtimo, eu posso ajudar.Great, I can help.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries falo, não, português, CC BY-SA 4.0.
