Real-Life Conversation

Apologizing the Brazilian Way

5 min readBy Adriely Góis

Olá! Vamos conversar. An apology in Brazil is part word, part tone, part repair. Knowing the right phrase keeps small mistakes small.

Light apologies

Desculpa. Foi mal. Mil desculpas. Three levels of warmth. Foi mal is friendly and a bit informal. Mil desculpas is heavier.

Real apologies

Desculpa, eu errei. Não foi minha intenção. Como posso resolver. Brazilians value a specific apology over a vague one.

Vocabulário · Take this with you

Desculpa o atraso, tive um imprevisto.Sorry for being late, I had a problem come up.
Tranquilo, sem problema.All good, no worries.

Let's practice together

VocêDesculpa o atraso, tive um imprevisto.Sorry for being late, I had a problem come up.

AdrielyTranquilo, sem problema.All good, no worries.

Adriely, sua professora brasileira. Te vejo na próxima aula.

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