Gaining proficiency in a foreign language opens doors to new cultural experiences and enhances communication skills. If you are learning Chinese, one essential phrase to master is “Can you repeat that?” Being able to ask someone to repeat themselves is crucial when you encounter unfamiliar words or phrases. Whether you need this phrase in a formal or informal setting, this comprehensive guide has got you covered!
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Formal Ways to Say “Can You Repeat That?” in Chinese
If you find yourself in a formal situation where you need to ask someone to repeat what they said, consider using one of the following phrases:
1. 请再说一遍 (qǐng zài shuō yī biàn)
This is a polite way to ask someone to repeat what they just said. The phrase “请再说一遍” literally translates to “please say it again.”
Example: 您好，我没听清楚，请再说一遍。(Nín hǎo, wǒ méi tīng qīngchǔ, qǐng zài shuō yī biàn.)
Translation: Hello, I didn’t hear clearly, please say it again.
2. 麻烦您再讲一次好吗 (má fán nín zài jiǎng yī cì hǎo ma)
This phrase is a bit more formal and can be used in professional settings. It translates to “Could you please explain it again?”
Example: 抱歉，麻烦您再讲一次好吗？(Bàoqiàn, má fán nín zài jiǎng yī cì hǎo ma?)
Translation: Sorry, could you please explain it again?
Informal Ways to Say “Can You Repeat That?” in Chinese
When you’re in a casual or friendly situation, you can opt for these more relaxed ways of asking someone to repeat themselves:
1. 你能再说一遍吗 (nǐ néng zài shuō yī biàn ma)
If you’re speaking with friends or people around your age, this phrase is perfect. It means “Can you say it again?”
Example: 嘿，你能再说一遍吗？我没听清楚。(Hēi, nǐ néng zài shuō yī biàn ma? Wǒ méi tīng qīngchǔ.)
Translation: Hey, can you say it again? I didn’t hear clearly.
2. 重复一下 (chóng fù yī xià)
This phrase is a more casual way of asking someone to repeat themselves. It means “Repeat it, please.”
Example: 重复一下，我没明白。(Chóng fù yī xià, wǒ méi míngbai.)
Translation: Repeat it, please. I didn’t understand.
Common Usage Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you navigate the usage of these phrases:
- Always use polite and respectful language in formal situations, especially when talking to someone older or in a professional setting.
- When in doubt, opt for the more formal phrases as they are generally more appropriate across various situations.
- Pay attention to your tone of voice as it can greatly impact the effectiveness of your request.
- Don’t be afraid to ask people to slow down or speak more clearly if you’re having difficulty understanding them.
- Practice active listening skills to minimize the need for frequent repetitions. Focus on improving your comprehension abilities.
- Be patient with yourself and others. Language learning takes time, and mistakes are part of the journey.
In Conclusion
Asking someone to repeat themselves in Chinese is an essential skill to possess when learning the language. By using the formal or informal phrases provided in this guide, you’ll be able to confidently request clarification in different contexts. Remember to adjust your level of formality based on the situation and maintain a friendly and respectful tone. With practice and dedication, you’ll soon find yourself understanding and communicating in Chinese with ease. 加油！(Jiāyóu! Good luck!)
