¿puedes repetir eso, por favor?
The English phrase "can you repeat that please" is translated into Spanish as ¿puedes repetir eso, por favor?
This phrase is a polite request used when you did not hear or understand something and want the speaker to say it again.
Which one should you use?
While ¿puedes repetir eso, por favor? is a standard request, omitting por favor to say ¿puedes repetir eso? makes the request more direct and less polite. For a slightly different nuance, ¿Me lo puedes repetir, por favor? translates to "Can you repeat it for me, please?"
How does it change in a sentence?
To increase the level of formality or politeness when addressing a stranger or someone in a position of authority, use the third-person singular form puede instead of the informal puedes.
Did you know?
- While ¿Cómo? is common, using ¿Mande? is a uniquely polite way to ask for repetition in parts of Mexico, often used to show respect to elders or superiors.
- The word repetir can also mean 'to have a second helping of food' in a dining context, such as asking to repeat a dish.
- The word repetir shares its Latin root repetere with the English word 'repetition', meaning both languages trace the concept back to the idea of 'striking back' or hitting a point again.
Examples in context
- No escuché bien, ¿puedes repetir eso, por favor?I didn't hear well, can you repeat that, please?
Example conversation
In a busy cafe, Alejandro is asking Lucía for her order.
- Alejandro¿Qué quieres tomar, Lucía?What do you want to drink, Lucía?
- LucíaUn café con mucha leche y canela.A coffee with lots of milk and cinnamon.
- AlejandroLo siento, ¿puedes repetir eso, por favor?I'm sorry, can you repeat that, please?
- Lucía¡Claro! Un café con leche y canela.Of course! A coffee with milk and cinnamon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eso, favor, por, repetir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
