Minhas desculpas

You can use it alone or at the start of a sentence. It works perfectly when you arrive late to a lunch. Use it when you accidentally interrupt someone in a meeting. It feels natural in both speech and writing. Pair it with a slight nod for extra sincerity. If you really messed up, say mil desculpas. That means "a thousand apologies." It adds a dramatic but friendly touch.

Use it in professional settings to stay polite. It is great for emails when you forget an attachment. Use it at a nice restaurant if you drop a fork. It is perfect for social gatherings with people you don't know well. Use it when you need to be respectful but not overly stiff. It works well when bumping into someone on the street. It shows you have good manners and class.

Do not use it for very serious life-changing mistakes. If you break a heart, you need a deeper perdão. Avoid using it with very close best friends. It might sound a bit too formal or sarcastic. Don't use it if you aren't actually sorry. Brazilians can spot a fake apology quickly. If you are just passing through a crowd, use com licença. That means "excuse me" rather than "I am sorry."

Portuguese speakers value social harmony and politeness. Being perceived as educado (polite/well-bred) is very important. This phrase highlights the importance of acknowledging others' feelings. In Brazil, people often apologize for small things to keep the peace. It is a social lubricant that keeps conversations flowing smoothly. It reflects a culture that prefers warmth over cold efficiency.

You will often hear peço desculpas, which means "I ask for apologies." There is also the very common desculpe-me. In casual settings, people just say foi mal. That is the slang version for "my bad." For a big mistake, try sinto muito. That translates to "I feel it a lot." Each variation changes the emotional weight of your apology.