Peço sinceras desculpas
I sincerely apologize.
Literally: {"Pe\u00e7o":"I ask","sinceras":"sincere","desculpas":"apologies"}
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses deep, genuine regret.
- Use for serious mistakes, not minor slip-ups.
- More formal than 'desculpa' or 'foi mal'.
- Essential for rebuilding trust and showing respect.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to for a really heartfelt apology in Portuguese. It's more than just saying 'sorry'; it's conveying genuine regret and acknowledging that you messed up. Think of it as the verbal equivalent of a deep sigh and a sincere look in the eyes.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend after forgetting an important event
Amiga, peço sinceras desculpas por ter esquecido do seu evento. Fiquei muito chateado comigo mesmo.
Friend, I sincerely apologize for forgetting your event. I was very upset with myself.
Professional email to a client after a service issue
Prezado(a) Sr(a). [Client Name], peço sinceras desculpas pelos transtornos causados pela falha em nosso sistema.
Dear Mr./Ms. [Client Name], I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the failure in our system.
In a Zoom job interview after a technical glitch
Peço sinceras desculpas pela interrupção, minha conexão de internet está instável hoje.
I sincerely apologize for the interruption, my internet connection is unstable today.
Cultural Background
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, showing respect and acknowledging faults sincerely is highly valued, especially in personal and professional relationships. The phrase `Peço sinceras desculpas` emerged as a formal and culturally appropriate way to express deep remorse, distinguishing itself from casual apologies. Its existence reflects a societal emphasis on maintaining harmony and repairing social bonds after transgressions.
The Power of 'Sinceras'
Don't underestimate the word `sinceras` (sincere). It's the key ingredient here, elevating your apology from routine to deeply felt. Make sure you mean it!
The Over-Apology Trap
Using `Peço sinceras desculpas` for minor things like being a minute late to a chat makes it lose its punch. Save it for when you *really* need to show you're sorry, or you'll sound insincere.
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses deep, genuine regret.
- Use for serious mistakes, not minor slip-ups.
- More formal than 'desculpa' or 'foi mal'.
- Essential for rebuilding trust and showing respect.
What It Means
This isn't your casual 'oops!' It's a strong, heartfelt apology. You're not just saying you're sorry; you're asking for forgiveness with sincerity. It carries emotional weight. You feel bad about what happened. It shows you truly regret your actions. It's a way to mend fences. It signals deep remorse. You value the relationship. You want to make things right. It’s a serious expression of regret. You're not taking your mistake lightly. It’s a polite but firm admission. You understand the impact of your actions. It’s a signal of humility. It’s the adult way to handle a mistake. It’s like saying, ‘I messed up, and I feel terrible about it.’
How To Use It
Use this when you've genuinely done something wrong. Think big mistakes, not stubbing your toe. Did you miss a crucial deadline? Did you hurt someone's feelings? Did you break a promise? This phrase fits perfectly. It’s for situations where a simple desculpa isn't enough. It’s for when you need to convey the depth of your regret. Imagine you accidentally offended a colleague. You’d use this to smooth things over. Or if you forgot a friend's birthday. This shows you care. It’s also great for formal settings. Think job interviews or important meetings. It’s a versatile tool for sincere apologies. It’s your secret weapon for making amends. It’s how you rebuild trust. It’s how you show you’re a good person. It’s for when you mean it.
Formality & Register
This phrase leans towards the formal side. It’s definitely not slang. You wouldn't use it to apologize for spilling coffee on your shirt. But it’s not stiff or overly bureaucratic either. It strikes a good balance. It’s respectful and serious. You can use it in professional emails. It’s perfect for customer service interactions. It works well when speaking to elders. It’s also appropriate with friends. But only if the situation is serious. If you upset a close friend deeply. It shows you respect their feelings. It’s polite enough for strangers. Yet heartfelt enough for loved ones. It’s a safe bet for most apologies. Unless it’s super casual. Then you might want something lighter. Think of it as a polite nod. A serious apology requires serious words. This phrase delivers that. It’s your reliable apology. It’s always a good choice. It’s never inappropriate for a real apology.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you’re late for a meeting. You walk in and say, Peço sinceras desculpas pelo meu atraso. Your boss will appreciate the seriousness. Or maybe you accidentally forwarded a private email. You’d tell the recipient, Peço sinceras desculpas pelo meu erro. It covers professional blunders. What about online? You accidentally ghosted a friend on WhatsApp. You might text them, Peço sinceras desculpas por não ter respondido antes. It shows you value their friendship. Even in a streaming show, a character might say it. They’d use it after a major betrayal. It’s a dramatic, heartfelt moment. It's used in real life too. It’s not just for textbooks. It’s for when you mess up. It’s for when you need to say sorry, *really* sorry. It’s for fixing things. It’s for showing you care. It’s for demonstrating accountability.
When To Use It
Use Peço sinceras desculpas when you need to convey genuine regret. This applies to personal relationships. It also applies to professional settings. Did you make a significant error at work? Use it. Did you hurt a friend's feelings unintentionally? Use it. Did you fail to meet a commitment? Use it. It’s for situations where your actions had a negative impact. You want to acknowledge that impact. You want to show you understand. You feel bad about it. It’s more than a simple mistake. It’s something that caused distress. Or inconvenience. Or disappointment. It’s your way of saying, ‘I messed up, and I’m truly sorry for the trouble I caused.’ It’s for when you need to be taken seriously. It’s for when you want to rebuild trust. It’s for showing you’re responsible. It’s for demonstrating empathy. It’s for making a real apology.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for minor inconveniences. Apologizing for being 30 seconds late to a casual chat? Too much. Saying this because you forgot to like someone's Instagram post? Overkill! It dilutes the impact of the phrase. It makes you sound insincere. Or overly dramatic. Stick to desculpa or foi mal for small things. Think of it like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It's just not the right tool. You wouldn't use Peço sinceras desculpas if you accidentally bumped into someone. A quick desculpa or com licença is better. Save this phrase for when it truly matters. Don't overuse it, or it loses its power. It's like crying wolf. People won't believe you next time. So, keep it for real apologies. It’s not for every little thing. It's for when you mean it. It's for when it counts. It's for significant errors.
Common Mistakes
One big mistake is using it too casually. Like saying Peço sinceras desculpas for forgetting to bring snacks to a picnic. That’s way too formal for the situation. Another error is mispronouncing it. If you butcher the words, it might sound insincere. Or just plain funny. A common learner error is thinking it's just a slightly stronger 'sorry'. It’s much more than that. It implies deeper regret. Another mistake is using it when a simpler phrase is better. Like foi mal with friends. Or desculpa in passing. Trying to sound super formal can backfire. It can sound robotic. Or even sarcastic if not delivered well. Remember context is key. Is it a serious offense? Or a minor slip-up? Choose wisely. Don't let your apology fall flat. Master the nuances. Get it right. Avoid sounding silly. Avoid sounding fake. Avoid embarrassment. Use it when it fits.
Common Variations
While Peço sinceras desculpas is standard, variations exist. In Brazil, you might hear Me desculpe sinceramente. It’s very similar in meaning and formality. It’s just a slightly different grammatical structure. Lamento profundamente is another option. It means 'I deeply regret'. It carries a similar weight. It’s often used in more formal contexts. Or when expressing sorrow for something significant. Mil desculpas means 'a thousand apologies'. It’s a bit more emphatic. It can be used both formally and informally. It’s like saying ‘I’m incredibly sorry’. Sometimes people just say Sinto muito (I feel much). This is more general regret. It can be used for sympathy too. But in the context of an apology, it works. It’s less formal than Peço sinceras desculpas. Think of regional differences. What sounds natural in Lisbon might differ slightly in Rio. But the core meaning of deep regret remains. These variations offer flexibility. They let you fine-tune your apology. They help you sound more natural. They connect you better.
Real Conversations
Scenario 1: You missed a friend's important event.
Friend
Onde você estava ontem? Perdi meu aniversário! (Where were you yesterday? I missed my birthday!)You
Oh, [Friend's Name], peço sinceras desculpas! Esqueci completamente e me sinto péssimo. (Oh, [Friend's Name], I sincerely apologize! I completely forgot and feel awful.)Friend
Tudo bem, mas fiquei chateado. (It's okay, but I was upset.)Scenario 2: You made a mistake in a work report.
Manager
Este relatório tem alguns erros graves. (This report has some serious errors.)You
Senhor(a) [Manager's Last Name], peço sinceras desculpas pelo meu descuido. Vou corrigir imediatamente. (Mr./Ms. [Manager's Last Name], I sincerely apologize for my carelessness. I will correct it immediately.)Manager
Obrigado. Conte com você na próxima. (Thank you. I'm counting on you next time.)Scenario 3: You accidentally offended someone online.
Person
Não acredito que você disse isso! (I can't believe you said that!)You
Peço sinceras desculpas se te ofendi. Não foi minha intenção. (I sincerely apologize if I offended you. That wasn't my intention.)Person
Ok, agradeço o pedido de desculpas. (Okay, I appreciate the apology.)Quick FAQ
Is this phrase formal? Yes, it's quite formal. It's best for serious situations. Can I use it with friends? Only if you've seriously upset them. For casual apologies, use foi mal. What's the difference from desculpa? Desculpa is a simple 'sorry'. This phrase means 'I sincerely apologize'. It shows deeper regret. It’s a big step up. It’s for when you mean it. It’s for when it matters.
Usage Notes
This phrase is firmly in the formal register. Use it when addressing superiors, clients, in professional correspondence, or when you have committed a significant error and need to convey deep remorse. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences or casual situations, as it can sound overly dramatic or insincere.
The Power of 'Sinceras'
Don't underestimate the word `sinceras` (sincere). It's the key ingredient here, elevating your apology from routine to deeply felt. Make sure you mean it!
The Over-Apology Trap
Using `Peço sinceras desculpas` for minor things like being a minute late to a chat makes it lose its punch. Save it for when you *really* need to show you're sorry, or you'll sound insincere.
Delivery Matters
When saying this aloud, a softer tone and direct eye contact (if appropriate) amplify sincerity. In writing, a well-placed apology can mend bridges, just like in person.
Cultural Weight
In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, acknowledging fault gracefully is crucial for maintaining social harmony. This phrase respects that value by offering a formal, heartfelt way to repair relationships.
Examples
12Amiga, peço sinceras desculpas por ter esquecido do seu evento. Fiquei muito chateado comigo mesmo.
Friend, I sincerely apologize for forgetting your event. I was very upset with myself.
Shows deep personal regret to a friend for a significant oversight.
Prezado(a) Sr(a). [Client Name], peço sinceras desculpas pelos transtornos causados pela falha em nosso sistema.
Dear Mr./Ms. [Client Name], I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the failure in our system.
Formal and professional, acknowledging a significant problem and its impact.
Peço sinceras desculpas pela interrupção, minha conexão de internet está instável hoje.
I sincerely apologize for the interruption, my internet connection is unstable today.
Politely addresses an unexpected issue during a formal interview, showing professionalism.
Peço sinceras desculpas a todos que se sentiram ofendidos pelo meu post anterior. Não foi minha intenção.
I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt offended by my previous post. It wasn't my intention.
Public apology on social media, addressing a wider audience and acknowledging offense.
Mãe, peço sinceras desculpas pelas minhas palavras ontem. Eu estava errado e me arrependo.
Mom, I sincerely apologize for my words yesterday. I was wrong and I regret it.
Expressing deep remorse and admitting fault in a close family relationship.
Gente, peço sinceras desculpas pelo atraso! O trânsito estava impossível, quase tive que mandar um drone.
Guys, I sincerely apologize for being late! Traffic was impossible, I almost had to send a drone.
Uses the formal phrase with a touch of humor to lighten the mood after a minor delay.
✗ Peço sinceras desculpas por ter batido em você de leve. → ✓ Desculpe!
✗ I sincerely apologize for bumping into you lightly. → ✓ Sorry!
Overly formal and dramatic for a minor physical contact.
✗ Eu só queria pedir desculpas pelo erro no relatório. → ✓ Peço sinceras desculpas pelo meu erro no relatório.
✗ I just wanted to apologize for the mistake in the report. → ✓ I sincerely apologize for my mistake in the report.
The original is too casual for a serious work error; the corrected version shows proper remorse.
Peço sinceras desculpas a todos os presentes pela minha ausência inesperada na reunião de ontem.
I sincerely apologize to everyone present for my unexpected absence from yesterday's meeting.
Formal acknowledgement of a significant absence.
Entendemos sua frustração e peço sinceras desculpas pela experiência negativa.
We understand your frustration and I sincerely apologize for the negative experience.
Customer service context, showing empathy and apologizing for a bad experience.
Peço sinceras desculpas, supervisor. Fui negligente na verificação dos dados e isso causou o problema.
I sincerely apologize, supervisor. I was negligent in verifying the data and that caused the problem.
Directly admitting fault and negligence in a professional setting.
Peço sinceras desculpas se meu comentário anterior foi insensível. Não foi minha intenção causar dor.
I sincerely apologize if my previous comment was insensitive. It wasn't my intention to cause pain.
Addressing potential offense and clarifying intent in a public online space.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
This is a formal apology for a project delay, making 'Peço sinceras desculpas' the most appropriate choice.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence uses 'Peço sinceras desculpas' appropriately?
The phrase is best for serious situations like a major error in a financial report. The other options are too minor for such a strong apology.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
In Portuguese, when the verb conjugation clearly indicates the subject (like 'Peço' for 'I'), the explicit subject pronoun 'Eu' is often omitted in formal contexts to sound more natural and less redundant.
Translate this sentence into Portuguese.
This translates the English phrase directly, maintaining the formal and sincere tone.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate phrase.
For a company addressing system failures, 'pede sinceras desculpas' (asks sincere apologies) is the most formal and appropriate choice to convey deep regret.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While grammatically understandable, the standard and more natural word order in Portuguese for this formal apology is 'sinceras desculpas' (sincere apologies) rather than 'desculpas sinceras'.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
This reconstructs a common and polite apology for being late, using the formal phrase 'Peço sinceras desculpas'.
Choose the most appropriate response.
You accidentally revealed confidential information at work. What should you say to your boss?
This situation requires a very formal and direct admission of fault, making 'Peço sinceras desculpas' the only appropriate option among the choices.
🎉 Score: /8
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of Apologies
Quick, light, for minor slip-ups.
Foi mal!
Standard apology, good for friends and everyday situations.
Desculpa.
A more thoughtful apology, suitable for slightly more serious issues.
Me desculpe.
Deep regret, used for significant mistakes or in professional settings.
Peço sinceras desculpas.
When to Use 'Peço Sinceras Desculpas'
Professional Error
Mistake in a client report.
Personal Betrayal
Hurting a close friend's feelings.
Serious Oversight
Forgetting a crucial anniversary.
Customer Service Failure
Major product defect.
Public Misstatement
Controversial social media post.
Formal Address
Apologizing to a superior.
Apology Spectrum: 'Peço Sinceras Desculpas' vs. Others
Scenarios for Sincere Apologies
Workplace
- • Missed deadlines
- • Reporting errors
- • Client dissatisfaction
Personal Life
- • Relationship conflicts
- • Broken promises
- • Emotional hurt
Public Statements
- • Social media gaffes
- • Public service issues
- • Misinformation
Formal Settings
- • Addressing superiors
- • Official communications
- • Formal events
Practice Bank
8 exercises____ pelo atraso na entrega do projeto.
This is a formal apology for a project delay, making 'Peço sinceras desculpas' the most appropriate choice.
Which sentence uses 'Peço sinceras desculpas' appropriately?
The phrase is best for serious situations like a major error in a financial report. The other options are too minor for such a strong apology.
Find and fix the mistake:
Eu peço sinceras desculpas por meu comportamento.
In Portuguese, when the verb conjugation clearly indicates the subject (like 'Peço' for 'I'), the explicit subject pronoun 'Eu' is often omitted in formal contexts to sound more natural and less redundant.
I sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding.
Hints: Think 'I ask' for 'peço'., 'Sincere' is 'sinceras' (feminine plural)., 'Apologies' is 'desculpas'.
This translates the English phrase directly, maintaining the formal and sincere tone.
A empresa ____ pelos inconvenientes causados pela queda do sistema.
For a company addressing system failures, 'pede sinceras desculpas' (asks sincere apologies) is the most formal and appropriate choice to convey deep regret.
Find and fix the mistake:
Peço desculpas sinceras por ter te magoado.
While grammatically understandable, the standard and more natural word order in Portuguese for this formal apology is 'sinceras desculpas' (sincere apologies) rather than 'desculpas sinceras'.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This reconstructs a common and polite apology for being late, using the formal phrase 'Peço sinceras desculpas'.
You accidentally revealed confidential information at work. What should you say to your boss?
This situation requires a very formal and direct admission of fault, making 'Peço sinceras desculpas' the only appropriate option among the choices.
🎉 Score: /8
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsIt literally translates to 'I ask sincere apologies'. The verb 'pedir' (to ask) is used here in the sense of offering or presenting an apology.
This phrase is considered quite formal. You would use it in professional settings, when speaking to someone you don't know well, or to someone older or in a position of authority.
'Desculpe' is a general 'sorry' suitable for everyday, minor situations. 'Peço sinceras desculpas' implies a much deeper level of regret and is reserved for more serious mistakes or offenses.
You can, but only if you've done something genuinely serious that has deeply upset your friend. For casual apologies among friends, 'foi mal' or 'desculpa' are much more common and appropriate.
This phrase is best for situations where you've made a significant error, caused considerable inconvenience, or hurt someone's feelings badly. Think major work mistakes, serious personal oversights, or formal public apologies.
'Lamento profundamente' means 'I deeply regret' and often expresses sorrow or sympathy for a situation, not necessarily one you caused. 'Peço sinceras desculpas' is specifically an apology for your own actions.
Yes, the phrase is widely understood and used in both Brazil and Portugal. While there might be slight regional preferences for alternatives, this remains a standard formal apology across Portuguese-speaking countries.
A frequent mistake is using it too often or for trivial matters. This dilutes its impact and can make the speaker seem insincere or overly dramatic. It's important to reserve it for situations that warrant a truly sincere and formal apology.
While 'desculpas sinceras' is understandable, the standard and more natural idiomatic order in Portuguese is 'sinceras desculpas'. Using the standard order enhances fluency and avoids sounding awkward.
It's pronounced roughly as 'PEH-soo seen-SEH-rahs desh-KOOL-pahs'. Pay attention to the 's' sounds and the 'lh' sound in 'desculpas', which is similar to the 'lli' in 'million'.
The vibe is serious, respectful, and deeply regretful. It conveys that you understand the gravity of your actions and are genuinely sorry for the negative impact they had.
Absolutely. Companies often use 'Pedimos sinceras desculpas' (We sincerely apologize) in official statements, customer service responses, or public relations messages to address significant issues.
In that case, 'Lamento muito' (I'm very sorry) or 'Sinto muito' (I feel much) might be more appropriate, as they express regret or sympathy without necessarily taking direct blame.
Yes, 'Me desculpe' (Excuse me / Forgive me) can be a good middle ground. It's sincere but often used in slightly less formal contexts than 'Peço sinceras desculpas'.
Both mean 'I sincerely apologize'. However, in formal Portuguese, the subject pronoun 'Eu' (I) is often omitted when the verb conjugation ('Peço') makes the subject clear. Omitting 'Eu' often sounds more natural and less emphatic.
Beyond the words themselves, your tone of voice, body language (if in person), and promptness in apologizing all contribute to perceived sincerity. Follow up with actions that demonstrate you've learned from the mistake.
Even after a sincere apology like 'Peço sinceras desculpas', the other person might still be hurt or angry. You can't force acceptance, but offering a genuine apology is the right first step towards reconciliation.
While possible in any language, using 'Peço sinceras desculpas' sarcastically is risky and generally ill-advised, especially for language learners. Its formal nature makes sarcasm potentially sound passive-aggressive or rude if not delivered perfectly.
Related Phrases
Desculpe
informal versionSorry
This is the most common and versatile way to say sorry, suitable for everyday situations where 'Peço sinceras desculpas' would be too formal.
Foi mal
very informalMy bad / Oops
This is a very casual slang term used among friends for minor mistakes, offering a stark contrast in formality and seriousness to 'Peço sinceras desculpas'.
Me desculpe
neutralExcuse me / Forgive me
This phrase is less formal than 'Peço sinceras desculpas' but more sincere than a simple 'Desculpe', offering a good middle ground for sincere apologies.
Lamento profundamente
related topicI deeply regret
While expressing deep regret, this phrase is often used for expressing sorrow about a situation rather than apologizing for a specific action you took.
Perdão
related topicPardon / Forgiveness
This word directly asks for forgiveness and can be used as a standalone apology, often implying a more significant offense than a simple 'desculpe'.
Mil desculpas
synonymA thousand apologies
This phrase is an emphatic way to apologize, similar in intensity to 'Peço sinceras desculpas' but can sometimes feel slightly less formal depending on context.
