15 सेकंड में
- The standard way to say 'to apologize' in Portuguese.
- Uses the verb 'pedir' (to ask) plus 'desculpa' (excuse).
- Works for both minor accidents and serious social mistakes.
मतलब
This phrase literally means 'to not ask for an apology.' In practice, it is the standard way to say you are apologizing for something you did wrong.
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 6Bumping into a stranger on the street
Peço desculpa, não o vi!
I apologize, I didn't see you!
Being late for a business meeting
Peço desculpa pelo atraso, o trânsito estava terrível.
I apologize for the delay, the traffic was terrible.
Texting a friend after a late reply
Desculpa a demora em responder!
Sorry for the delay in responding!
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The phrase reflects the importance of social harmony in Lusophone cultures. By 'asking' for an excuse, the speaker places the power of forgiveness in the other person's hands. It is a linguistic gesture of humility that dates back to more formal social codes.
The plural trick
Using the plural 'pedir desculpas' sounds slightly more formal or emphatic than the singular.
Don't just say 'Sorry'
Avoid using the English word 'Sorry' unless you are in a very international environment; it can come off as lazy or insincere.
15 सेकंड में
- The standard way to say 'to apologize' in Portuguese.
- Uses the verb 'pedir' (to ask) plus 'desculpa' (excuse).
- Works for both minor accidents and serious social mistakes.
What It Means
Pedir desculpa is the heart of saying sorry in Portuguese. Even though it literally looks like you are 'asking' for an excuse, you are actually offering an apology. It is the most natural way to express regret. You are basically saying, 'Please, give me your forgiveness.' It is humble and direct.
How To Use It
You will usually use it with the verb pedir. If you bump into someone, you say Peço desculpa. If you forgot a friend's birthday, you say Vim pedir desculpa. It is very flexible. You can use it as a noun or a verb phrase. It works perfectly in almost any sentence structure. Just remember to conjugate pedir based on who is apologizing.
When To Use It
Use it when you make a mistake. Use it when you are late for a meeting. It is perfect for when you accidentally spill coffee. It works well when you need to interrupt someone politely. If you are texting a friend you ghosted, start with this. It is the 'Swiss Army knife' of social repairs.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for deep, life-altering tragedies. For those, sinto muito (I feel much) is better. Do not use it if you are just 'sorry' about the weather. That is not your fault, so don't 'ask' for an excuse. Avoid it if you are trying to be extremely aggressive or cold. It sounds too sincere for a sarcastic 'sorry not sorry' vibe.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values politeness and 'saving face.' Asking for an excuse is a way to restore social harmony. It shows you respect the other person's feelings. In Portugal, people might be more formal with it. In Brazil, it is often shortened to just desculpa or foi mal. It reflects a society that cares deeply about interpersonal connections.
Common Variations
You will often hear pedir desculpas in the plural. Both singular and plural are perfectly correct. In Brazil, pedir perdão is used for bigger mistakes. If you are in a rush, just say desculpe. For a very tiny mistake, foi sem querer (it was without wanting) is a great companion. It adds that 'it was an accident' flavor to your apology.
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
In Portugal, 'Peço desculpa' is the gold standard for politeness. In Brazil, 'Me desculpa' (with the pronoun) is more frequent in conversation. Both are understood everywhere.
The plural trick
Using the plural 'pedir desculpas' sounds slightly more formal or emphatic than the singular.
Don't just say 'Sorry'
Avoid using the English word 'Sorry' unless you are in a very international environment; it can come off as lazy or insincere.
The 'Com licença' distinction
If you are just trying to get past someone in a crowd, use 'Com licença' (Excuse me) instead of 'Desculpa'.
उदाहरण
6Peço desculpa, não o vi!
I apologize, I didn't see you!
A very standard, polite way to handle a small accident.
Peço desculpa pelo atraso, o trânsito estava terrível.
I apologize for the delay, the traffic was terrible.
Professional and takes immediate responsibility.
Desculpa a demora em responder!
Sorry for the delay in responding!
Commonly shortened in texts by dropping the verb 'pedir'.
Eu vim aqui pedir desculpa por ter comido o teu iogurte.
I came here to apologize for eating your yogurt.
Direct and honest for a minor domestic conflict.
Eu quero pedir desculpa por tudo o que eu disse ontem.
I want to apologize for everything I said yesterday.
Shows sincere regret in an emotional context.
Peço desculpa, professor, mas não entendi esta parte.
I apologize, teacher, but I didn't understand this part.
A polite way to break into a conversation or lecture.
खुद को परखो
Choose the correct form of the verb 'pedir' to apologize for yourself.
Eu ___ desculpa pelo meu erro.
The first-person singular of 'pedir' is 'peço'.
Complete the phrase used when you arrive late.
Quero pedir ___ pelo atraso.
'Pedir desculpa' is the set phrase for apologizing.
🎉 स्कोर: /2
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formality of Apologies
Used with friends/family
Foi mal! / Desculpa!
Standard everyday use
Peço desculpa.
Professional or serious
Peço-lhe as minhas sinceras desculpas.
When to use 'Pedir Desculpa'
Spilling a drink
Oops, peço desculpa!
Wrong phone number
Desculpe, foi engano.
At work
Peço desculpa pela falha.
With a partner
Quero pedir desculpa.
अभ्यास बैंक
2 अभ्यासEu ___ desculpa pelo meu erro.
The first-person singular of 'pedir' is 'peço'.
Quero pedir ___ pelo atraso.
'Pedir desculpa' is the set phrase for apologizing.
🎉 स्कोर: /2
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालBoth are correct! Desculpa is more common in casual speech, while desculpas (plural) can sound a bit more formal or heartfelt.
Yes, absolutely. In casual settings, just saying Desculpa! is the most common way to apologize quickly.
Use the full phrase: Peço desculpa pelo ocorrido. Adding the verb pedir makes it sound more professional.
Desculpa is for everyday mistakes. Perdão is much heavier, used for serious offenses or in religious contexts.
You can say Não faz mal (No harm done), Tudo bem (It's fine), or Sem problema (No problem).
Yes, it is used in both, but Portuguese people use Peço desculpa more often, while Brazilians might say Me desculpa or Peço desculpas.
Pedir means 'to ask' or 'to request'. So you are literally requesting an excuse from the person.
Only if you did something wrong. If you are just passing through, use Com licença. If you stepped on a toe, use Desculpa.
Peço is present tense (I apologize now). Pedi is past tense (I apologized yesterday).
It is neutral. It depends on how you conjugate it and the tone of your voice.
संबंधित मुहावरे
Com licença
Excuse me (to pass or leave)
Sinto muito
I'm so sorry (sympathy)
Foi mal
My bad (slang/informal)
Perdão
Forgiveness / Pardon
