Peço vossa compreensão
I ask for your understanding/patience
Literally: I ask your comprehension
In 15 Seconds
- A polite request for patience during delays or mistakes.
- Common in professional emails and public announcements.
- Uses the formal 'vossa' to show deep respect.
Meaning
This is a polite way to ask for someone's patience or understanding when things aren't going perfectly. It is like saying 'I ask for your indulgence' or 'Please bear with me' during a hiccup.
Key Examples
3 of 7A flight delay announcement
O voo está atrasado e peço vossa compreensão.
The flight is delayed and I ask for your understanding.
Technical issues during a presentation
O vídeo não carrega, peço vossa compreensão por este precalço.
The video isn't loading, I ask for your understanding regarding this mishap.
Replying to an email after a long delay
Peço vossa compreensão pela demora na resposta.
I ask for your understanding regarding the delay in my response.
Cultural Background
The use of 'vossa' (your) is a formal second-person plural pronoun that has mostly disappeared from spoken Portuguese in Brazil and casual Portugal. However, it remains a staple in formal 'Chancery' style and public addresses, signaling high-level etiquette and institutional respect.
The 'Vossa' Secret
While 'vossa' sounds like 'your' (plural), in this specific phrase, it functions as a super-polite singular or plural 'your'. It's a shortcut to sounding like a pro.
Don't overdo it
If you use this for every tiny mistake, you'll sound like a robot. Save it for things that actually cause an inconvenience.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite request for patience during delays or mistakes.
- Common in professional emails and public announcements.
- Uses the formal 'vossa' to show deep respect.
What It Means
Peço vossa compreensão is a classic Portuguese way to smooth things over. You are essentially asking someone to see things from your perspective. It implies that a mistake happened or a delay is occurring. You aren't just saying sorry. You are asking for the gift of their patience. It sounds very respectful and slightly old-fashioned because of the word vossa.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you are the face of a problem. Maybe your internet cut out during a Zoom call. Perhaps the restaurant kitchen is backed up. You drop this phrase to acknowledge the inconvenience. It shifts the focus from the error to the human connection. It is the verbal equivalent of a polite bow. Use it at the start or end of an explanation.
When To Use It
This is your go-to for professional or semi-formal settings. Use it in emails when you are replying late. Use it in a speech if you get emotional or lose your place. It works great in public service announcements. If a train is delayed, you will hear this over the loudspeaker. It is perfect for when you need to sound responsible and composed.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your best friends while grabbing a beer. It will sound like you are reading from a legal contract. They might think you are being sarcastic or weirdly distant. Avoid it for massive, life-altering mistakes where a deep sinto muito is needed. Also, don't use it if you aren't actually sorry. It can sound cold if delivered with a shrug.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture places a high value on 'educação' (politeness/manners). Using the possessive vossa is a linguistic relic. In everyday speech, most people use sua, but vossa survives in formal scripts. It creates a 'safe distance' of respect. It reflects a society that prefers formal harmony over blunt confrontation. It’s the 'keep calm and carry on' of the Lusophone world.
Common Variations
You might hear peço a sua compreensão in more modern offices. In Brazil, peço a compreensão de todos is very common for groups. If you want to be extra fancy, try contamos com a vossa compreensão. This implies that a whole team is asking for the favor. It’s a great way to hide behind a group if you messed up!
Usage Notes
This phrase sits firmly in the formal register. It is the gold standard for corporate communication and public service. Using 'vossa' instead of 'sua' elevates the tone significantly.
The 'Vossa' Secret
While 'vossa' sounds like 'your' (plural), in this specific phrase, it functions as a super-polite singular or plural 'your'. It's a shortcut to sounding like a pro.
Don't overdo it
If you use this for every tiny mistake, you'll sound like a robot. Save it for things that actually cause an inconvenience.
The Brazilian Twist
In Brazil, you'll more likely hear 'Peço a compreensão de vocês'. It's slightly less stiff but serves the exact same social purpose.
Examples
7O voo está atrasado e peço vossa compreensão.
The flight is delayed and I ask for your understanding.
Standard use in public transport to calm passengers.
O vídeo não carrega, peço vossa compreensão por este precalço.
The video isn't loading, I ask for your understanding regarding this mishap.
Acknowledges a technical fail gracefully.
Peço vossa compreensão pela demora na resposta.
I ask for your understanding regarding the delay in my response.
A polite way to restart a conversation after being 'ghosted'.
As obras vão durar dois dias, peço vossa compreensão.
The work will last two days, I ask for your understanding.
Used to maintain 'good neighbor' relations.
Estamos sem bacalhau hoje, peço vossa compreensão.
We are out of cod today, I ask for your understanding.
Softens the blow of bad news in service.
A casa está um caos, peço vossa compreensão, majestade!
The house is a mess, I ask for your understanding, your majesty!
Using formal language ironically with friends for humor.
Estou com dor de cabeça, peço vossa compreensão e silêncio.
I have a headache, I ask for your understanding and silence.
A vulnerable but firm request for empathy.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete this formal request.
Devido ao barulho, peço ___ compreensão.
In formal contexts, 'vossa' is the standard possessive used with 'compreensão' to address an audience or respected individual.
Complete the phrase for a professional email.
Peço a vossa ___ pelo erro no relatório.
'Compreensão' is the specific word used when asking people to be patient with an error or oversight.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of 'Peço vossa compreensão'
Talking to siblings or close friends.
Desculpa aí!
Standard daily interactions.
Peço desculpa.
Business emails and public speaking.
Peço vossa compreensão.
Legal or diplomatic documents.
Solicitamos a vossa mui distinta compreensão.
Where to use 'Peço vossa compreensão'
At the Airport
Flight delays
Office Email
Late deadlines
Restaurant
Slow service
Public Speech
Technical glitches
Practice Bank
2 exercisesDevido ao barulho, peço ___ compreensão.
In formal contexts, 'vossa' is the standard possessive used with 'compreensão' to address an audience or respected individual.
Peço a vossa ___ pelo erro no relatório.
'Compreensão' is the specific word used when asking people to be patient with an error or oversight.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, even though vossa is technically plural, it is used in formal Portuguese to address a single person with high respect, like a client or a boss.
Yes! Peço a sua compreensão is very common and slightly less formal. It's a safe bet for most business situations.
Not exactly. While Desculpe is an apology, Peço vossa compreensão is a request for the other person to be patient with the situation.
Avoid using it with family or close friends. Saying Peço vossa compreensão to your mom because you forgot to wash the dishes will definitely get you a weird look.
A polite response would be Com certeza (Certainly) or Sem problema, eu compreendo (No problem, I understand).
Yes, but it sounds very 'European Portuguese' or extremely formal. Brazilians usually prefer Peço a compreensão de todos.
Both! It's very common in formal emails, but you'll also hear it in announcements at malls, airports, or hospitals.
Compreensão is more about empathy/patience, while entendimento is more about intellectually understanding a concept.
It's usually used to de-escalate. However, if said with a sharp tone, it can sound like a very polite way of saying 'Deal with it'.
No, you can also use Agradeço vossa compreensão (I thank you for your understanding) once the person has already been patient.
Related Phrases
Peço desculpa
I apologize / I'm sorry
Com licença
Excuse me
Agradeço a paciência
I appreciate the patience
Lamento o transtorno
I regret the inconvenience
