Running Late in Brazil? Portuguese Phrases to Share Your ETA Politely
A useful delay message says you are late, gives a realistic arrival estimate, and updates the other person if the plan changes.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Estou atrasado (masculine) and estou atrasada (feminine) mean “I’m running late.” You can add um pouco to soften the message, or say houve um imprevisto when something unexpected happened.
Say that you are on your way but delayed
If you are still traveling, say where you are in the journey only when it helps the other person. A short, clear update is usually easier to act on than a long apology without an arrival time.
Desculpa, estou um pouco atrasado.
Sorry, I’m running a little late.
Houve um imprevisto no caminho.
Something unexpected came up on the way.
Já estou a caminho.
I’m already on my way.
Give an estimate and offer a practical choice
Chego em vinte minutos means “I’ll arrive in twenty minutes.” Use em + a time period for an estimate, and update it if traffic or transit changes the timing.
If the wait affects a reservation or another person’s schedule, ask whether they would rather wait, start without you, or choose another time. That turns an apology into a useful next step.
Acho que chego em quinze minutos.
I think I’ll arrive in fifteen minutes.
Você prefere começar sem mim?
Would you prefer to start without me?
Se for melhor, a gente pode remarcar.
If it’s better, we can reschedule.
Put it into practice
Send the update as soon as you know, give a realistic estimate, and revise it if the situation changes.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “If it’s better, we can reschedule”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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