Short answer: "sorry" in Portuguese is Desculpa, or Sinto muito depending on the situation.
Desculpa, the core translation
The default way to say "sorry" in Portuguese is Desculpa. Pronounced roughly desh-KOOL-pah.
When Portuguese speakers actually use it
"Desculpa" is everyday sorry; "Sinto muito" is deep regret.
Alternative: Sinto muito
Sinto muito is the other option Portuguese speakers reach for in this situation. It's not a synonym so much as a register shift, use the one that matches who you're talking to.
Practice this in a real Portuguese conversation
Reading a phrase and saying it out loud are two different skills. Skala's AI conversations let you drop "Desculpa" into a real Portuguese exchange in your first 3-minute lesson, so it sticks the first time.
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FAQ
What's the most polite way to say "sorry" in Portuguese?
Both Desculpa and Sinto muito are polite. Pick based on who you're talking to: register, not translation, is what natives are tuning into.
How do I pronounce Desculpa?
Roughly desh-KOOL-pah. Recording yourself once and comparing to a native audio inside Skala closes the gap faster than reading pronunciation guides.