Me perdoe

You can use it as a standalone sentence. You can also add what you are sorry for. For example, Me perdoe por me atrasar. It works well in both speech and writing. In Brazil, the me usually comes before the verb in conversation. In Portugal, you might hear perdoe-me more often. It is a versatile tool for social repair.

Use it when you have genuinely messed up. Use it if you forgot a close friend's birthday. Use it if you accidentally offended a colleague. It is perfect for emotional moments. It also works in formal letters to show respect. If you spill wine on someone's white carpet, this is the phrase. It shows you recognize the gravity of the situation.

Don't use it for small, trivial things. If you bump into someone on the bus, use licença or desculpe. Using me perdoe for a tiny sneeze feels too dramatic. Avoid it if you aren't actually sorry. Brazilians value warmth and can spot a fake apology. It is not for 'excuse me' when asking for directions. Keep it for moments that require a bit of heart.

Brazilian culture is deeply rooted in personal connections and social harmony. Asking for forgiveness is seen as a sign of character. There is a religious undertone to the word perdão, but it is used secularly. It reflects a culture that prefers reconciliation over holding long grudges. It is about clearing the air to keep the friendship flowing. A sincere apology can often end with a hug or a pat on the back.

You will often hear me desculpa for everyday mistakes. Peço perdão is the most formal version, almost poetic. In the south of Brazil, people might just say perdão. If you are talking to more than one person, use me perdoem. For a very casual vibe with friends, foi mal is the slang equivalent. Each variation adjusts the 'temperature' of your apology.