Portuguese · Greetings & Essentials
"I'm sorry" in Portuguese: desculpe / sinto muito
desculpe / sinto muito
I'm sorry in Portuguese is desculpe for everyday apologies, and sinto muito for deeper sympathy or regret. Casual speech also uses desculpa. Reply with Tudo bem or Sem problema.
Bumping someone
Desculpe! Eu não te vi.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce desculpe / sinto muito
Say it
des-KOOL-pee / SEEN-too MOOEE-too
/des.ˈkuw.pi/, /ˈsin.tu ˈmui.tu/
des-KOOL-pee / SEEN-too MOOEE-too
"I'm sorry" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| desculpe | sorry / excuse me Polite default apology. | Polite default apology. |
| desculpa | sorry (casual) Friends and quick bumps. | Friends and quick bumps. |
| sinto muito | I'm so sorry / I feel bad Stronger regret or sympathy. | Stronger regret or sympathy. |
| foi mal | my bad Very casual Brazil. | Very casual Brazil. |
| com licença | excuse me (passing through) Not an apology for a mistake. | Not an apology for a mistake. |
How to use desculpe / sinto muito in real life
- 1Bumping someone
Desculpe! Eu não te vi.
Sorry! I didn't see you.
Desculpe covers small accidents.
- 2Missing a call
Desculpa a demora. O telefone estava no silencioso.
Sorry for the delay. The phone was on silent.
Desculpa is softer and casual.
- 3Bad news sympathy
Sinto muito pela sua perda.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Sinto muito fits serious sympathy.
Mistakes English speakers make with desculpe / sinto muito
Incorrect: Using only com licença after spilling a drink
Correct: Desculpe! / Desculpa!
Com licença is excuse me to pass. Mistakes need desculpe or desculpa.
Incorrect: Lo siento (Spanish)
Correct: Sinto muito / Desculpe
Portuguese uses sinto muito or desculpe, not Spanish lo siento.
Good to know
Brazilian apologies are often quick and warm, then repaired with action—helping pick things up, offering a drink. Sinto muito carries more weight; save it for real hurt. Friends may brush it off with Relaxa or Tranquilo.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Arriving late to a study session
ChatPal
Tudo bem? A gente começou sem você.
All good? We started without you.
You
Desculpe o atraso. O metrô parou.
Sorry for the delay. The metro stopped.
ChatPal
Sem problema. Sinto muito pela correria.
No problem. I'm sorry about the rush.
You
Obrigada. Já me sento e acompanho.
Thanks. I'll sit and catch up.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"I'm sorry" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "I'm sorry" in Portuguese
Desculpe or sinto muito?
Desculpe/desculpa for everyday faults. Sinto muito for deeper regret or sympathy.
Is desculpa rude?
No. It is just more casual than desculpe.
How do I answer an apology?
Tudo bem, Sem problema, or Imagina.
What about com licença?
Use it to pass through or get attention—not as a full sorry for a mistake.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
