How to Say “Excuse Me” and “Sorry” in Portuguese
Brazilian Portuguese uses different expressions for “excuse me,” a quick apology, and sincere sympathy. The situation tells you which one fits.
Real Life Portuguese · 4 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Com licença is the everyday choice for “excuse me” when you want to pass someone, enter a space, or politely get a person’s attention. It is useful before asking a stranger a question. The phrase literally means “with permission,” but learn it as a complete polite expression.
Use com licença to pass or politely get attention
To get a server’s attention, you can say “Com licença” and then make your request. Keep your voice friendly; the phrase opens the interaction without sounding like an apology for something you did.
Com licença, posso passar?
Excuse me, may I get through?
Com licença, onde fica a estação?
Excuse me, where is the station?
Com licença. Você pode me ajudar?
Excuse me. Can you help me?
Use desculpa or desculpe for an apology
Desculpa is a common informal way to say “sorry” or “my bad.” Desculpe is also widely used and can sound more careful or polite. You will hear different preferences, so the context matters more than trying to find a rigid formal–informal boundary.
For a more complete apology, say “Desculpa por…” or “Desculpe por…,” then name the action with por plus an infinitive: desculpa por chegar tarde (sorry for arriving late).
Desculpa, me atrasei.
Sorry, I’m late.
Desculpe por interromper.
Sorry for interrupting.
Foi mal!
My bad! (Very casual.)
Use sinto muito to show sympathy
Sinto muito often means “I’m sorry” in the sense of expressing sympathy for difficult news. It can also sound serious when you are apologizing, so the situation and tone guide how it is understood. For a routine mistake, desculpa or desculpe is usually a clearer first choice.
If someone shares bad news, “Sinto muito” acknowledges what they are going through. Follow it with an offer of support only if you mean it, such as “Se precisar conversar, estou aqui” (If you need to talk, I’m here).
Sinto muito pelo que aconteceu.
I’m so sorry about what happened.
Desculpe, não ouvi a pergunta.
Sorry, I didn’t hear the question.
Com licença, posso sentar aqui?
Excuse me, may I sit here?
Put it into practice
Picture three situations: passing someone, arriving late, and hearing sad news. Match com licença, desculpa, or sinto muito to the job each expression does.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Excuse me. Can you help me”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.