In 15 Seconds
- Polite way to break into an ongoing conversation or activity.
- Works in both professional and casual social settings.
- Softens the intrusion before asking a question or making a point.
Meaning
This is the go-to way to say 'sorry for interrupting' when you need to jump into a conversation or grab someone's attention. It is polite, versatile, and essential for navigating social interactions without being rude.
Key Examples
3 of 6Asking for directions from a group
Desculpe interromper, mas vocês sabem onde fica a estação?
Sorry to interrupt, but do you know where the station is?
Joining a work meeting
Desculpe interromper, posso dar uma sugestão rápida?
Sorry to interrupt, can I give a quick suggestion?
Texting a busy friend
Desculpa interromper o seu trabalho, mas preciso de uma resposta.
Sorry to interrupt your work, but I need an answer.
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use 'Desculpe interromper' even when they aren't really interrupting, just to sound more 'educado' (polite). It's a way to soften their presence. In Portugal, interrupting without saying 'Peço desculpa' can be seen as a sign of poor education. The 'Peço' (I ask) makes it more humble. In Luanda, respect for hierarchy is important. Using this phrase with elders is often accompanied by avoiding direct eye contact as a sign of respect. In modern tech hubs like São Paulo, 'Desculpe interromper' is often shortened in Slack/Teams to 'Desculpa interromper' or even just 'Licença' to save time while staying polite.
The 'Mas' Rule
Always follow 'Desculpe interromper' with 'mas' (but) to explain why you are interrupting. It makes the interruption feel justified.
Don't Overuse
If you say it five times in one meeting, you'll start to sound annoying rather than polite. Use it sparingly.
In 15 Seconds
- Polite way to break into an ongoing conversation or activity.
- Works in both professional and casual social settings.
- Softens the intrusion before asking a question or making a point.
What It Means
Desculpe interromper is your social 'get out of jail free' card. It literally means 'sorry for interrupting.' You use it when people are already talking. It shows you value their time and space. It is the verbal equivalent of a gentle tap on the shoulder. Use it to be polite and respectful.
How To Use It
Place it at the very start of your sentence. It acts as a buffer before your actual request. You can say it while raising a hand slightly. In Portuguese, we often follow it with a quick reason. For example: Desculpe interromper, mas onde fica o banheiro? It flows naturally in almost any conversation. Don't overthink the grammar; just let it slide out.
When To Use It
You will use this constantly in Portugal or Brazil. Use it at a busy restaurant to catch a waiter. Use it in a meeting when you have a burning question. It is perfect for walking up to a group of friends. Even if you are just texting a busy person, it works. It softens the blow of your intrusion. It makes you sound like a cultured, thoughtful person.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if nobody is talking. That would just be weird and confusing. If you are alone with someone, use com licença instead. Avoid using it if you are actually trying to be rude. It won't save you if you're shouting over someone. Also, don't use it for major apologies like breaking a vase. That requires a much stronger sinto muito or me perdoe.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers generally value social harmony and politeness. However, conversations in Lusophone cultures can be quite overlapping and lively. Interrupting isn't always seen as a sin, but acknowledging it is. This phrase bridges the gap between chaos and courtesy. It reflects a culture that loves to talk but respects the flow. It’s the lubricant for the gears of social life.
Common Variations
If you want to be more casual, try desculpa interromper. The 'a' at the end of desculpa makes it informal. For a very formal setting, use peço desculpa por interromper. In Brazil, you might hear desculpa atrapalhar quite often. This literally means 'sorry for bothering.' Both are great, but interromper is the classic choice for any learner.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly stable across the Lusophone world. The main variation is the 'a/e' ending for formality. In very formal European Portuguese, adding 'por' (Desculpe por interromper) is more grammatically standard but often dropped in speech.
The 'Mas' Rule
Always follow 'Desculpe interromper' with 'mas' (but) to explain why you are interrupting. It makes the interruption feel justified.
Don't Overuse
If you say it five times in one meeting, you'll start to sound annoying rather than polite. Use it sparingly.
Body Language
In Brazil, a small hand gesture (like a mini-wave) often accompanies this phrase to show you are friendly.
Examples
6Desculpe interromper, mas vocês sabem onde fica a estação?
Sorry to interrupt, but do you know where the station is?
A classic way to approach strangers who are chatting.
Desculpe interromper, posso dar uma sugestão rápida?
Sorry to interrupt, can I give a quick suggestion?
Shows professional respect for the current speaker.
Desculpa interromper o seu trabalho, mas preciso de uma resposta.
Sorry to interrupt your work, but I need an answer.
Uses the informal 'desculpa' for a friend.
Desculpe interromper a conversa, a comida está na mesa!
Sorry to interrupt the conversation, the food is on the table!
A polite way to announce something to a group.
Desculpe interromper o seu monólogo, mas eu também existo!
Sorry to interrupt your monologue, but I exist too!
A sarcastic way to tease a friend who won't stop talking.
Desculpe interromper, eu sei que o momento é difícil.
Sorry to interrupt, I know this is a difficult moment.
Used when you must deliver news during a sensitive time.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct formal form of the verb 'desculpar'.
________ interromper, mas o senhor poderia me ajudar?
Since the speaker is addressing someone as 'o senhor', the formal imperative 'Desculpe' is required.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a business meeting in Lisbon?
You need to stop a colleague to point out a mistake.
'Peço desculpa por...' is the most formal and culturally appropriate way to interrupt in a Portuguese professional setting.
Match the phrase to the correct social context.
1. Desculpa interromper... | 2. Desculpe interromper... | 3. Foi mal interromper...
Matching the register to the relationship is key in Portuguese.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: (Talking about movies) ...e então o herói morre no final. B: ________ interromper, mas esse filme não é aquele com o Brad Pitt?
The context is an interruption of a story, making 'Desculpe' the only logical choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Desculpe interromper'
Work
- • Meetings
- • Zoom calls
- • Office desk
Social
- • Parties
- • Group chats
- • Dinner
Practice Bank
4 exercises________ interromper, mas o senhor poderia me ajudar?
Since the speaker is addressing someone as 'o senhor', the formal imperative 'Desculpe' is required.
You need to stop a colleague to point out a mistake.
'Peço desculpa por...' is the most formal and culturally appropriate way to interrupt in a Portuguese professional setting.
1. Desculpa interromper... | 2. Desculpe interromper... | 3. Foi mal interromper...
Matching the register to the relationship is key in Portuguese.
A: (Talking about movies) ...e então o herói morre no final. B: ________ interromper, mas esse filme não é aquele com o Brad Pitt?
The context is an interruption of a story, making 'Desculpe' the only logical choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but adding 'interromper' makes it clear why you are apologizing, which is more polite in specific situations.
It's not 'wrong', but it's informal. If you want to sound professional, stick to 'Desculpe'.
'Com licença' is 'Excuse me' (asking for permission). 'Desculpe interromper' is 'Sorry for interrupting' (apologizing for the action).
The most natural way is 'Peço desculpa por interromper'.
Yes, but 'Lamento interromper' or 'Desculpe o incômodo' is often more common in writing.
You can use both. 'Interromper-te' is specifically 'interrupting you' (informal).
It's part of the 'cordialidade' culture—minimizing social friction at all times.
Just say 'Opa, desculpe!' (Oops, sorry!).
No, 'Perdão' is usually too formal or heavy for a simple interruption.
Absolutely. 'Desculpe interromper, professor' is perfect.
Related Phrases
Com licença
similarExcuse me
Desculpe o incômodo
similarSorry for the bother
Não queria interromper
builds onI didn't want to interrupt
Sinto muito
contrastI'm very sorry / I feel much
