Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “Can you repeat?” in English. Whether you want to ask someone to repeat themselves politely or in a more informal manner, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll provide you with various phrases and tips on how to express this request effectively. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Can You Repeat?”
1. “Excuse me, could you please repeat that?”
Example: “Excuse me, could you please repeat that? I didn’t quite catch what you said.”
2. “I’m sorry, but could you repeat what you just said?”
Example: “I’m sorry, but could you repeat what you just said? I didn’t hear you clearly.”
3. “Pardon me, would you mind repeating that for me?”
Example: “Pardon me, would you mind repeating that for me? I didn’t understand.”
Informal Ways to Say “Can You Repeat?”
1. “Sorry, can you say that again?”
Example: “Sorry, can you say that again? I didn’t catch what you said.”
2. “Hey, I didn’t get that. Could you repeat it?”
Example: “Hey, I didn’t get that. Could you repeat it? I didn’t hear you well.”
3. “Wait, what was that? Can you say it one more time?”
Example: “Wait, what was that? Can you say it one more time? I couldn’t understand.”
Tips for Asking Someone to Repeat
1. Maintain eye contact: By looking at the person while asking them to repeat, you convey your interest and attentiveness.
2. Use body language: Nodding your head slightly or leaning forward can signal that you are actively listening and willing to hear the message again.
3. Be polite: Remember to use polite phrases and maintain a respectful tone, particularly in formal settings or when speaking to strangers.
Commonly Used Phrases to Ask for Repetition
- “Could you please say that again?”
- “I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch what you said.”
- “Can you repeat, please?”
- “I didn’t hear you, could you say it one more time?”
- “Sorry, I didn’t understand. Could you explain it again?”
- “Pardon? Could you repeat what you just said?”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
“What?” or “Huh?” – While these are commonly used to ask for repetition informally, they may sound rude or disrespectful in formal situations. It’s best to use the phrases mentioned earlier to maintain etiquette.
Variations in Regional English
English speakers worldwide use various phrases to request repetition, but the core meaning remains the same. The examples provided in this guide are universally understood and acceptable in most English-speaking countries.
Conclusion
Learning how to ask for someone to repeat what they said is an essential skill to improve your communication in English. By using the above phrases and tips, you’ll be able to express your request politely and effectively. Remember to match your tone to the situation, maintaining respect and courtesy. Practice these phrases, and you’ll feel more confident in any conversation!
