Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to politely ask someone to repeat themselves. In this guide, we will cover formal and informal ways to ask someone to repeat what they said, with examples and tips. Whether you’re a language learner, traveling to a new country, or simply want to improve your communication skills, we’ve got you covered!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Can You Say That Again?”
When in a formal setting, it’s important to use respectful language when asking someone to repeat themselves. Here are some phrases you can use:
1. Excuse me, could you please repeat that?
Using “excuse me” shows politeness and requesting the other person to repeat what they said.
2. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again?
This phrase acknowledges your own misunderstanding and politely asks the speaker to repeat the information.
3. Pardon me, I didn’t hear what you just said. Could you repeat it?
This phrase politely asks the person to say what they said before without being offensive or rude.
Informal Ways to Say “Can You Say That Again?”
When you’re in a casual or informal setting, you can use these phrases to ask someone to repeat what they said:
1. Sorry, could you repeat that?
The usage of “sorry” shows your apologies for not understanding, while courteously asking for the information to be repeated.
2. Huh? Can you say that again?
This phrase is commonly used in informal conversations to ask politely for the speaker to repeat themselves.
3. What was that? Could you say it one more time?
A friendly way of asking someone to repeat themselves without being too formal.
Further Tips and Examples
1. Maintaining Eye Contact
When asking someone to repeat themselves, it’s important to maintain eye contact and show that you’re actively listening. This conveys your interest in understanding the speaker and encourages clear communication.
2. Be Patient and Respectful
Remember to be patient if someone needs to repeat themselves. It’s not uncommon for miscommunication to happen, and respectful behavior is vital. Always show gratitude when the person takes the time to repeat what they said.
“Excuse me, could you please repeat that? I didn’t quite catch what you just said.”
3. Use Nonverbal Signals
In situations where verbal communication may be challenging, you can use nonverbal signals to indicate that you didn’t understand. Nodding your head, raising an eyebrow, or putting your hand to your ear can all express the need for repetition without saying a word.
4. Paraphrase the Key Information
If you partially understand what the person said, you can paraphrase the key information and ask if you got it right. For example, “So, you’re saying that…?” This not only confirms your understanding but also gives the speaker an opportunity to clarify any misconceptions.
5. Adjusting Your Tone
Depending on the situation, you can adjust your tone of voice. For example, if you’re in a loud environment, you might need to use a slightly louder or clearer voice when asking someone to repeat themselves.
Remember, effective communication involves active listening and respectful interactions. By using these phrases and tips, you’ll be able to ask someone to repeat themselves politely and confidently in various situations. Practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to apply these strategies in your daily conversations!
