How to Say ‘I’m Running Late’ in Portuguese: Estou Atrasado
Use estou atrasado or atrasada to apologize for being late and dizer vou me atrasar to warn someone in advance.
Real Life Portuguese · 4 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Estou atrasado or estou atrasada means ‘I’m late.’ The adjective agrees with the speaker. Add desculpa or me desculpa to apologize, and include an arrival estimate when you can.
Use estou atrasado when you are already late
Desculpa, estou atrasado. Chego em dez minutos.
Sorry, I’m running late. I’ll arrive in ten minutes.
Estou atrasada por causa do trânsito.
I’m late because of the traffic.
Use vou me atrasar to warn someone
Vou me atrasar means ‘I’m going to be late.’ Send it as soon as you know your schedule has changed, rather than waiting until you arrive.
Vou me atrasar um pouco. O ônibus demorou.
I’m going to be a little late. The bus took a while.
Acho que vou me atrasar para a reunião.
I think I’m going to be late for the meeting.
Use estou chegando only when you are close
If you are nearly at the destination, estou chegando (I’m almost there) is a useful update. If you have not left yet, say when you expect to depart or arrive instead.
Já estou chegando. Estou a duas ruas daí.
I’m almost there. I’m two streets away.
Vou sair agora e chego por volta das oito.
I’m leaving now and should arrive around eight.
Put it into practice
Use estou atrasado/a when late, vou me atrasar to give advance notice, and share an arrival estimate when possible.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Sorry, I’m running late. I’ll arrive in ten minutes”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
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