Desculpa
informal
In Portugal you say Desculpa to a friend and Desculpe to someone you address formally. A more careful apology is Peço desculpa. It is also called Lamento.
Meaning: apology (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Desculpa | informal |
| Desculpe | formal |
| Peço desculpa | polite, formal |
| Lamento | sympathy |
Use Peço desculpa for a real mistake, such as arriving late to a meeting. Desculpa fits small slips.
Which one should you use?
Lamento means "I regret" or "I am sorry to hear", so it fits bad news. Lamento muito is common for condolences.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Brazilians often say Sinto muito to show sympathy. In Portugal Lamento is also very common.
Did you know?
- Desculpa comes from the verb desculpar, to excuse.
Examples in context
- Desculpa o atraso.Sorry for the delay.
- Peço desculpa, foi engano meu.I am sorry, it was my mistake.
- Lamento muito a sua perda.I am very sorry for your loss.
Example conversation
Tomás arrives late to meet his friend Sara in front of a cinema in Porto.
- TomásDesculpa, Sara. O autocarro atrasou-se.Sorry, Sara. The bus was late.
- SaraNão faz mal. O filme só começa às nove.No problem. The film only starts at nine.
- TomásAinda bem.Good.
