Learning how to ask someone to repeat their words is an essential skill in any language. In Japanese, there are several ways to express the phrase “Can you repeat?” depending on the level of formality and the situation. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your knowledge of the Japanese language, this guide will provide you with tips, examples, and variations to effectively communicate your request. Let’s explore how to say “Can you repeat?” in Japanese!
Table of Contents
The Informal Way
If you’re speaking with friends or those younger than you, using informal language is suitable. The informal phrase for “Can you repeat?” in Japanese is:
“もう一度言ってくれる？” (Mō ichido itte kureru?)
This straightforward phrase literally translates to “Can you say it one more time?” in English.
Here’s an example:
Japanese: あの映画、すごく面白かったよ！
Romaji: Ano eiga, sugoku omoshirokatta yo!
English: That movie was really interesting!
Japanese: え？もう一度言ってくれる？
Romaji: E? Mō ichido itte kureru?
English: Huh? Can you say it one more time?
Remember, this informal expression should only be used with people you are close to or in casual situations.
The Formal Way
When speaking with someone older or in a formal context, it is essential to use polite language. In formal settings, the phrase “Can you repeat?” in Japanese is:
“もう一度言っていただけますか？” (Mō ichido itte itadakemasu ka?)
This polite phrase can be translated to “Could you please say it once more?” in English.
Let’s include it in an example:
Japanese: お昼ごはんは何を食べましたか？
Romaji: Ohirugohan wa nani o tabemashita ka?
English: What did you have for lunch?
Japanese: え？もう一度言っていただけますか？
Romaji: E? Mō ichido itte itadakemasu ka?
English: Excuse me? Could you please say it once more?
Using this formal expression demonstrates respect and politeness, especially in professional or hierarchical environments.
Additional Tips and Regional Variations
While the informal and formal phrases are widely understood throughout Japan, it’s worth noting that there may be regional variations in pronunciation and wording. Here are a few additional tips to help you along your language journey:
Variations in Informal Expressions
- もう一回言ってくれる？ (Mō ikkai itte kureru?) – This variation is similar to the informal phrase, but replaces “ichido” with “ikkai,” which means “one more time” as well.
- もう一度言ってくれると助かるんだけど (Mō ichido itte kureru to tasukarun da kedo) – This expression adds extra emphasis to the request by saying, “I’d appreciate it if you could say it once more.”
Variations in Formal Expressions
- もう一度おっしゃっていただけますか？ (Mō ichido osshatte itadakemasu ka?) – An even more polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said, using the honorific “おっしゃる” (ossharu) to mean “to say.”
- もう一度申し上げていただけませんか？ (Mō ichido mōshiagete itadakemasen ka?) – This variation is extremely formal and shows utmost respect, using the humble form “申し上げる” (mōshiageru) to mean “to say.”
Remember that context plays a significant role in communication, so it’s essential to gauge the appropriate level of formality depending on the situation and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to.
Final Thoughts
Asking someone to repeat themselves politely is crucial for effective communication in any language, including Japanese. In this guide, we explored the informal way to say “Can you repeat?” as “もう一度言ってくれる？” (Mō ichido itte kureru?), suitable for casual situations. We also discussed the formal version, “もう一度言っていただけますか？” (Mō ichido itte itadakemasu ka?), more suitable for formal or hierarchical environments.
Remember to adapt your language use based on the context and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. By incorporating regional variations and additional tips, you can further enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Japanese.
Practice these phrases and explore further to expand your Japanese language skills. Whether you’re having a casual conversation or engaging in a formal setting, knowing how to ask someone to repeat will undoubtedly make your interactions smoother and more meaningful.
Enjoy your language learning journey, and don’t hesitate to ask for repetitions when needed – どうぞよろしくお願いします！(Dōzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu!)
