What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pouvez (can/are able to), vous (you), répéter (to repeat) and la question (the question).
Which one should you use?
While pouvez-vous répéter la question ? is a full, formal sentence, the single word Pardon ? is a common, shorter way to ask someone to repeat themselves in most social situations. Additionally, using the conditional Pourriez-vous répéter la question ? instead of pouvez-vous répéter la question ? makes the request even more polite and indirect.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can make it even more polite by adding s'il vous plaît to get Pouvez-vous répéter la question, s'il vous plaît? For informal situations involving friends or peers, you should use Peux-tu répéter la question ? or Est-ce que tu peux répéter la question? Another informal option is Désolé(e), je n'ai pas compris la question. Tu peux la répéter?
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase pouvez-vous répéter la question ? uses inversion (verb-subject order) to form a formal question.
Did you know?
- In French, the word question was once a 'learned word', meaning it was used primarily by scholars to keep its Latin roots instead of evolving into words like quête.
- While Pardon ? is common, some French speakers avoid using Quoi ? to ask someone to repeat a question because it can sound as aggressive as saying 'What!' in English.
- The French language has a unique way of handling the idea of 'repeating' where répéter can also mean to rehearse a play or a musical piece.
Examples in context
- Désolé, pouvez-vous répéter la question ?Sorry, can you repeat the question?
- Je n'ai pas entendu, pouvez-vous répéter la question ?I didn't hear, can you repeat the question?
- C'est trop rapide, pouvez-vous répéter la question ?It's too fast, can you repeat the question?
Example conversation
Nathan is in a French class and didn't hear the teacher's question.
- NathanPardon, pouvez-vous répéter la question ?Sorry, can you repeat the question?
- ChloéOui, bien sûr, Nathan.Yes, of course, Nathan.
- ChloéQuel est le sujet du livre ?What is the subject of the book?
- NathanMerci beaucoup, Chloé.Thank you very much, Chloé.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, question, répéter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
