desculpa

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sorry, excuse me, excuse, apology
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/deʃˈku.pa/
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A word used to apologize or to ask for forgiveness, and also a noun meaning an excuse offered to justify an action.

Examples

  • Ele deu uma desculpa para não vir à festa.
    He gave an excuse to not come to the party.
  • Sua desculpa não me convenceu.
    Your excuse didn't convince me.
  • Desculpa, você poderia fechar a porta?
    Sorry, could you close the door?
  • Com licença, desculpa, posso sentar aqui?
    Excuse me, sorry, may I sit here?
  • Preciso de uma boa desculpa para faltar ao trabalho.
    I need a good excuse to miss work.

Similar words

alegação
peço desculpa
excusação
desculpa, por favor
perdão
justa causa
pretexto
desculpa aí
justificação
motivo

Meanings

Excuse me / sorry

interjection
everyday
neutral
An informal interjection used to apologize or to get someone's attention.

Examples

  • Desculpa, você poderia fechar a porta?
    Sorry, could you close the door?
  • Desculpa, eu não ouvi o que você disse.
    Sorry, I didn't hear what you said.
  • Ele disse desculpa antes de sair.
    He said sorry before leaving.
  • Com licença, desculpa, posso sentar aqui?
    Excuse me, sorry, may I sit here?
  • Quando tropecei, eu apenas falei desculpa.
    When I tripped, I just said sorry.

Similar words

Excuse

noun
everyday
neutral
A noun meaning a reason offered to justify or mitigate an action, often used to avoid blame.

Examples

  • Ele deu uma desculpa para não vir à festa.
    He gave an excuse to not come to the party.
  • Sua desculpa não me convenceu.
    Your excuse didn't convince me.
  • Preciso de uma boa desculpa para faltar ao trabalho.
    I need a good excuse to miss work.
  • As desculpas foram aceitas pelo professor.
    The apologies were accepted by the teacher.
  • Ele pediu desculpa pelo atraso.
    He asked apology for the delay.

Similar words

Etymology

From Latin disculpare, formed from dis- ‘away’ and culpa ‘fault’.

FAQ

What does desculpa mean in Portuguese?

Desculpa can be an informal apology or a noun meaning an excuse.

When should I use desculpa instead of desculpe?

Use desculpa in casual situations; desculpe is more formal.

Can desculpa be used as a verb?

It is the third‑person singular present of the verb desculpar, but as a standalone word it functions as an interjection or noun.

How do I form the plural of desculpa?

The noun plural is desculpas.

Is desculpa used in Brazil the same as in Portugal?

Both countries use it similarly, though Brazil tends to favor the informal desculpa more often.

What is the origin of desculpa?

It comes from Latin disculpare, with dis- ‘away’ and culpa ‘fault’.

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