How to Say Excuse Me in Portuguese

When traveling or living in Brazil, understanding how to say excuse me in Portuguese is crucial for navigating social situations. Whether you need to get someone’s attention, ask for permission to pass, or apologize for a small mistake, knowing the right phrases will help you interact smoothly with locals. In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to say excuse me in Portuguese, along with the cultural context that will help you use these phrases appropriately.

Learning how to say excuse me in Portuguese can significantly enhance your experience in Brazil. Whether you’re ordering food in a bustling restaurant, making your way through crowded streets, or simply trying to be polite, these phrases will prove invaluable. By mastering how to say excuse me in Portuguese, you’ll not only improve your communication skills but also show respect for the local culture, which is highly appreciated by Brazilians.

How to Say Excuse Me in Portuguese

1. Com licença

The phrase “com licença” is the most common and versatile way to say excuse me in Portuguese. It’s a polite and respectful way to ask for permission to do something, whether you need to pass by someone or interrupt a conversation. For example, if you’re in a crowded market or on public transportation, saying “com licença” lets others know that you need to get through, and it’s considered the most courteous way to do so.

Example:
“Com licença, posso passar?”
Translation: “Excuse me, can I pass?”

“Com licença” is also commonly used in formal situations. For instance, if you’re attending a meeting and need to interrupt to ask a question, saying “com licença” before speaking shows that you respect the ongoing discussion and are politely seeking permission to interject.

Example:
“Com licença, posso fazer uma pergunta?”
Translation: “Excuse me, can I ask a question?”

Understanding how to say “excuse me” in Portuguese with “com licença” can be particularly useful in various settings, such as at work, in educational environments, or even in casual social gatherings. This phrase demonstrates good manners and is universally appreciated in Brazil.

2. Desculpe

Another important phrase to learn when understanding how to say “excuse me” in Portuguese is “desculpe.” This word is often used when you want to apologize for a minor inconvenience or mistake. For example, if you accidentally bump into someone on the street, “desculpe” is the appropriate word to use to acknowledge the error and apologize.

Example:
“Desculpe, não foi minha intenção.”
Translation: “Excuse me, it wasn’t my intention.”

“Desculpe” can also be used in situations where you need to interrupt someone, but the context is slightly more informal than when using “com licença.” It’s a versatile phrase that can be adapted to different situations, making it a valuable addition to your Portuguese vocabulary.

Example:
“Desculpe, posso pegar isso?”
Translation: “Excuse me, can I take this?”

In addition to “desculpe,” there are variations like “me desculpe” or simply “desculpa,” which can be used depending on the level of formality required. Learning how to say “excuse me” in Portuguese using “desculpe” and its variations will give you the flexibility to navigate both formal and informal scenarios.

3. Dá licença

“Dá licença” is a more informal way to say “excuse me” in Portuguese. This phrase is commonly used in casual settings, such as among friends or in relaxed environments. For instance, if you’re at a friend’s house and need to leave the room, you might say “dá licença” as a polite way to excuse yourself.

Example:
“Dá licença, vou ao banheiro.”
Translation: “Excuse me, I’m going to the bathroom.”

While “dá licença” serves the same purpose as “com licença,” it’s important to use it in the right context. Understanding how to say “excuse me” in Portuguese with “dá licença” will help you adapt to more casual interactions where a formal tone might feel out of place.

This phrase is a reflection of the friendly and informal nature of Brazilian culture. When learning how to say “excuse me” in Portuguese, being aware of the nuances between “com licença” and “dá licença” will help you choose the most appropriate expression based on the situation.

4. Perdão

“Perdão” is another way to say “excuse me” in Portuguese, typically used when you need to express a more sincere or formal apology. It’s similar to the word “pardon” in English and is often used in situations where you want to show that you’re genuinely sorry for something that may have caused significant inconvenience or harm.

Example:
“Perdão, não percebi que você estava esperando.”
Translation: “Excuse me, I didn’t realize you were waiting.”

Using “perdão” is especially important in situations where your actions may have disrupted someone else. Understanding how to say “excuse me” in Portuguese with “perdão” adds a layer of seriousness to your apology, making it clear that you acknowledge the mistake and are sincerely apologetic.

“Perdão” can also be used in cases where you’ve accidentally interrupted someone, whether in conversation or another activity. It’s a phrase that carries more weight than “desculpe” and is often used in more formal contexts or when the situation calls for a deeper apology.

5. Por favor

While “por favor” doesn’t directly translate to “excuse me,” it’s often used in a similar way in Portuguese, especially when making requests. It’s a polite way to ask for something and is commonly paired with other phrases like “com licença” or “desculpe” to add an extra level of courtesy.

Example:
“Por favor, poderia me ajudar?”
Translation: “Excuse me, could you help me?”

Understanding how to say “excuse me” in Portuguese using “por favor” can be particularly helpful in service-oriented settings, such as restaurants, shops, or when asking for directions. This phrase shows that you are being considerate and respectful, which is always appreciated in Brazilian culture.

When combined with other polite expressions, “por favor” enhances the overall tone of your request, making it more likely that you’ll receive a positive response. It’s a simple but powerful tool in your language arsenal.

Cultural Tips

Learning how to say “excuse me” in Portuguese is not just about memorizing phrases; it’s also about understanding the cultural context in which these phrases are used. Brazilians highly value politeness and respect in social interactions, and using these phrases correctly will help you build positive relationships.

For example, when in doubt about which phrase to use, “com licença” is often a safe choice because of its versatility and appropriateness in most situations. On the other hand, “dá licença” is better suited for informal settings, and “perdão” should be reserved for more serious apologies.

Understanding how to say “excuse me” in Portuguese will also help you avoid potential misunderstandings. For instance, in some situations, failing to say “com licença” before passing someone might be seen as rude, whereas using it shows that you’re mindful of others’ space and comfort.

Practicing these phrases in real-life situations will not only help you feel more comfortable speaking Portuguese but will also demonstrate your respect for Brazilian culture. Brazilians are generally very forgiving of language mistakes, especially when they see that you’re making an effort to communicate politely.

Conclusion

Mastering how to say “excuse me” in Portuguese is an essential skill for anyone planning to spend time in Brazil. Whether you’re navigating crowded streets, making a polite request, or offering an apology, these phrases will help you communicate effectively and respectfully. By learning when and how to use these expressions, you’ll be better equipped to interact with locals and immerse yourself in Brazilian culture.

Remember, politeness goes a long way in any language, and Portuguese is no exception. The more you practice how to say “excuse me” in Portuguese, the more natural it will feel, and the more confident you’ll become in your interactions. So don’t hesitate to use these phrases often, and you’ll find that they open doors to smoother and more enjoyable experiences in Brazil.

Caminhos Language Centre is the largest and most exciting Portuguese school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We have an excellent infrastructure, over 15 experienced Brazilian teachers, and a friendly multilingual support staff. We are the only school in Brazil able to offer Portuguese group courses throughout the year on 10 different levels. Moreover, our school also offers more than just Portuguese lessons for foreigners, we offer you the complete Rio de Janeiro experience. Every day we organize 100% free and fun activities for you to socialize and practice your Portuguese. We can also help you with a student visa for Brazil and accommodation in Rio de Janeiro. Follow us on Instagram for some Portuguese tips and news.