When learning a new language, it’s essential to know how to ask someone to repeat a question if you didn’t understand it the first time. In French, the phrase “Can you repeat the question?” can be translated in several ways depending on the formality, region, and context. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to ask for repetition in French, as well as some handy tips and examples to help you in your language learning journey.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Ask for Repetition
If you need to ask for repetition in a formal setting, such as in a professional or academic environment, you can use the following phrases:
- “Pouvez-vous répéter la question, s’il vous plaît?” – This phrase translates to “Can you repeat the question, please?”. It is a polite and respectful way to ask for clarification.
- “Pourriez-vous reformuler votre question, s’il vous plaît?” – This means “Could you rephrase your question, please?”. Sometimes, a speaker may not understand the question due to its complexity or wording, so asking for a reformulation can be helpful.
- “Excusez-moi, je n’ai pas bien saisi la question. Est-ce que vous pourriez la répéter?” – This longer sentence conveys the meaning of “Excuse me, I didn’t grasp the question well. Could you repeat it?”. It is a more elaborate way to ask for repetition in a formal setting.
Informal Ways to Ask for Repetition
In informal situations, such as casual conversations or with friends, you can use these expressions to ask someone to repeat the question:
- “Est-ce que tu peux répéter la question?” – This phrase, which is suitable for informal conversations, translates to “Can you repeat the question?”. It is commonly used among friends or peers.
- “Tu peux reformuler la question?” – This means “Can you rephrase the question?”. Similar to the second phrase in the formal section, it asks the speaker to rephrase the question for better understanding.
- “Désolé(e), je n’ai pas compris la question. Tu peux la répéter?” – This longer sentence conveys the meaning of “Sorry, I didn’t understand the question. Can you repeat it?”. It is a more colloquial way to ask for repetition among friends.
Example Dialogues
Let’s take a look at some example dialogues to see how these phrases can be used in context:
Formal Dialogue:
Person A: Bonjour, pouvez-vous répéter la question, s’il vous plaît?
Person B: Bien sûr, voici la question à nouveau…
Informal Dialogue:
Person A: Salut, tu peux répéter la question?
Person B: Oui, bien sûr. La voici encore une fois…
Tips for Asking for Repetition in French
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when asking for repetition in French:
- Body Language: If you’re struggling to understand a question, it’s helpful to use body language cues, such as raising your eyebrows or leaning in slightly, to signal that you need clarification.
- Politeness: In formal situations, always remember to use polite language when asking for repetition. Starting with “Excuse me” or “Sorry” shows respect and courtesy.
- Active Listening: Try to listen attentively to the question the first time. If you’re unsure, politely ask for repetition rather than guessing or assuming what was asked.
With these phrases, examples, and tips in mind, you’ll feel more confident in asking for repetition in French, whether in formal or informal settings. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to engage in conversations and expose yourself to the French language as much as possible. Bonne chance!
