If you’re learning Spanish and find yourself in a situation where you didn’t quite catch what someone said, it’s important to know how to ask them to repeat themselves politely. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to say “Can you say that again?” in Spanish, including formal and informal variations. Let’s dive in and discover how to effectively communicate this request in various contexts.
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Formal Ways to Say “Can you say that again?”
When addressing someone in a formal setting, such as in a professional environment or when speaking to someone older or in a position of authority, it’s crucial to use formal speech. Here are a couple of phrases you can use to ask someone to repeat themselves politely:
1. ¿Puede repetirlo, por favor? (Can you repeat it, please?)
This phrase is both polite and respectful. By using the formal form of the pronoun “you” (‘usted’), you show deference and acknowledgment of their position. It’s a versatile phrase suitable for various formal situations.
Example:
Person A: Disculpe, ¿puede repetirlo, por favor? (Excuse me, can you repeat that, please?)
Person B: ¡Por supuesto! (Of course!)
2. ¿Podría decirlo nuevamente? (Could you say it again?)
This alternative phrase is also highly polite and formal. It uses the conditional form of the verb “poder” (to be able to), which adds a sense of politeness and respects the other person’s abilities and time. This phrase is particularly useful in professional or business contexts.
Example:
Person A: Me parece que no entendí bien. ¿Podría decirlo nuevamente, por favor? (I think I didn’t understand well. Could you say it again, please?)
Person B: Claro, con gusto. (Sure, with pleasure.)
Informal Ways to Say “Can you say that again?”
In less formal situations, such as when talking to friends, peers, or family members, you can use a more relaxed and informal language. Below, we provide two examples of how to ask someone to repeat themselves informally:
1. ¿Puedes repetirlo, por favor? (Can you repeat it, please?)
This phrase uses the informal form of the pronoun “you” (‘tú’) and is a simple and straightforward way to ask someone to repeat something. It’s suitable for casual conversations with friends or acquaintances.
Example:
Person A: No escuché lo que dijiste. ¿Puedes repetirlo, por favor? (I didn’t hear what you said. Can you repeat it, please?)
Person B: ¡Claro! Dije que tenemos una reunión mañana. (Of course! I said we have a meeting tomorrow.)
2. ¿Me lo puedes decir otra vez? (Can you tell me again?)
This alternative phrase is commonly used in informal situations. It adds a bit of personal connection, as the phrase includes “me” (me) and uses the word “decir” (to tell). It’s an informal yet gentle way to ask for clarification.
Example:
Person A: No entendí bien. ¿Me lo puedes decir otra vez? (I didn’t understand well. Can you tell me again?)
Person B: ¡Claro, no hay problema! (Sure, no problem!)
Tips for Effective Communication
Here are a few essential tips to help you effectively communicate your request for someone to repeat something in Spanish:
1. Use a polite tone:
Whether you’re speaking formally or informally, maintaining a polite tone is crucial. Politeness shows respect and can lead to better and more helpful responses.
2. Pay attention to body language:
Sometimes, non-verbal cues can convey your request more clearly. Combine your verbal request with appropriate facial expressions and gestures to enhance understanding.
3. Be open about your limitations:
If you’re still learning Spanish, don’t hesitate to let the other person know. People are often understanding and willing to help.
Conclusion
Being able to ask someone to repeat themselves is an essential skill when learning a new language like Spanish. In this guide, we’ve explored both formal and informal ways to say “Can you say that again?” in Spanish, highlighting the differences in politeness and context. Remember to adapt your language to the situation and always approach the request with respect.
Whether you use phrases like “¿Puede repetirlo, por favor?” or “¿Puedes repetirlo, por favor?”, expressing your desire for clarification will help you to improve your understanding and communication skills. Enjoy your language learning journey and don’t shy away from asking others to repeat themselves when needed. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
