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Com licença vs. desculpe vs. desculpa vs. perdão

Word practice demo
While English often uses excuse me for everything from passing someone in a hallway to apologizing for a mistake, Portuguese makes clear distinctions based on intent and formality. The choice depends on whether you are asking for permission generally (com licença), apologizing formally (desculpe), apologizing casually (desculpa), or asking for forgiveness (perdão). In Portugal, the distinction between formal and informal is strictly observed, whereas in Brazil, usage is often more fluid and casual.

Com licença

A1
This phrase literally translates to with license or with permission. It is used strictly when you are asking for permission to do something, such as entering a room, leaving a table, or passing by someone who is blocking your way. It is not used to apologize for a mistake. It is used identically in both Brazil and Portugal.
Com licença, posso entrar no escritório?
(Excuse me, may I come into the office?)
Com licença, preciso sair do ônibus na próxima parada.
(Excuse me, I need to get off the bus at the next stop.)
Preciso atender este telefone, com licença.
(I need to answer this phone, excuse me.)

Desculpe

A1
This is the formal imperative form of the verb desculpar. It derives from você (Brazil) or o senhor/a senhora (Portugal). It is used to apologize for small mistakes, bumps, or to politely get a stranger's attention to ask a question. In Portugal, this is the standard required form for anyone you do not know; in Brazil, it signifies respect or distance.
Desculpe, sabe me dizer que horas são?
(Excuse me, can you tell me what time it is?)
Desculpe, não vi que o senhor estava na fila.
(Excuse me, I didn't see that you were in line.)
Desculpe pelo atraso, o trânsito estava terrível.
(I am sorry for the delay, traffic was terrible.)

Desculpa

A1
This is the informal imperative form (using tu). It is used to apologize or get attention among friends, family, and peers. In Portugal, using this with a stranger can be considered rude. In Brazil, however, the culture is very informal, so you will often hear desculpa used even with strangers in casual settings, though grammar purists prefer desculpe.
Desculpa, esqueci de te ligar ontem.
(Sorry, I forgot to call you yesterday.)
Mãe, desculpa, quebrei o seu copo favorito.
(Mom, I'm sorry, I broke your favorite glass.)
Desculpa, você viu minha carteira aqui?
(Excuse me, did you see my wallet here?)

Perdão

A1
Literally meaning pardon or forgiveness, this is a heavier, more dramatic word than the others. It is used for serious apologies where you truly regret an action. However, it is also frequently used (especially in Brazil) as a polite shorthand for 'Excuse me, I didn't hear what you said' or Beg your pardon?.
Perdão, não ouvi o que você disse.
(Excuse me, I didn't hear what you said.)
Peço perdão por ter ofendido você.
(I ask for forgiveness for having offended you.)
Ai! Pisei no seu pé! Perdão!
(Ouch! I stepped on your foot! So sorry!)

Summary

To choose the right word, identify your goal: use com licença if you want permission to pass or enter. Use desculpe (formal) or desculpa (informal) if you are apologizing for a mistake or interrupting someone to ask a question. Use perdão for serious regrets or when asking someone to repeat something they said. Remember that Portugal maintains a strict boundary between desculpe (strangers) and desculpa (friends), while Brazil is generally more relaxed with informal language.