Learning key phrases in a new language can be a rewarding and exciting experience. One essential phrase to know when learning Korean is “Can you say that again?” This phrase comes in handy when you need someone to repeat what they said, ensuring clear communication. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “Can you say that again?” in Korean, providing you with valuable tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Can You Say That Again?” in Korean
When speaking to someone older, in a professional setting, or people you don’t know well, it is crucial to use formal speech in Korean. Here are a few ways you can ask someone to repeat themselves politely:
- Literal Phrase: 다시 한 번 말씀해 주실래요? (dashi han beon malsseumhae jurraeyo?)
The phrase “다시 한 번” (dashi han beon) means “one more time” or “once again,” while “말씀해 주실래요?” (malsseumhae jurraeyo?) translates to “Can you say that?” Combining these two phrases creates a polite request asking the speaker to repeat themselves.
Alternative Phrase: 한 번 더 말씀해주실래요? (han beon deo malsseumhaejushirraeyo?)
This alternative phrase has a similar meaning, essentially asking someone to say it one more time politely.
Informal Ways to Say “Can You Say That Again?” in Korean
Informal speech is used with friends, family, or people of the same age group. Below, you will find a couple of ways to ask someone informally to repeat something:
- Literal Phrase: 다시 한 번 말해 줄래? (dashi han beon malhae jullae?)
“다시 한 번” (dashi han beon) still means “one more time” or “once again,” while “말해 줄래?” (malhae jullae?) is an informal way of saying “Can you say that?” Combining these phrases creates an informal request to repeat what was said.
Alternative Phrase: 좀 더 말씀해 줄래? (jom deo malsseumhaejullae?)
If you want to sound even more casual and relaxed, this alternative phrase is perfect. The phrase “좀 더” (jom deo) translates to “a little bit more,” bringing a friendly tone to the request.
Tips and Examples
To effectively use these phrases, we have gathered some useful tips and provided examples to help you understand their usage better:
1. Politeness Matters
It’s important to remember that Koreans greatly value politeness in their language. Adding polite endings, such as “주세요” (juseyo) or “주실래요?” (jurraeyo?), can significantly impact the tone of your request.
Example: 죄송하지만, 한 번 더 말씀해 주세요? (Joesonghajiman, han beon deo malsseumhae juseyo?) – “I’m sorry, but could you say that one more time, please?”
2. Non-Verbal Cues
In situations where language barriers are present, non-verbal cues like hand gestures can also be helpful. Similarly, you can use facial expressions or body language to indicate your need for someone to repeat what they said.
Example: *pointing to your ear* 다시 말해 주세요? (dashi malhae juseyo?) – “Can you say that again?”
3. Politeness and Familiarity Balance
In a group conversation where individuals of different ages or statuses are involved, striking a balance between formal and informal speech can be beneficial. Gauge the situation and choose a level of politeness accordingly.
Example: 죄송합니다, 좀 더 말씀해 주실래요? (Joesonghamnida, jom deo malsseumhae jurraeyo?) – “I’m sorry, but could you say that a little bit more, please?”
Conclusion
Learning how to ask someone to repeat themselves is an essential skill in any language. In this guide, we covered the formal and informal ways to say “Can you say that again?” in Korean. Remember to adapt your speech based on the level of formality required and the familiarity of the situation. Practice these phrases, understand the cultural nuances, and soon you’ll be confidently communicating in Korean!
