What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 再说一遍 is composed of 再 (again), 说 (say) and 一遍 (one time/once through), literally meaning "say [it] once more."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The informal phrase 再说一遍 means "Say it again." For a more polite or formal interaction, you can use 请再说一遍 (Please say it again) by adding 请 (please) to the beginning. If you need to be even more formal or apologetic, you can use 不好意思，请您再说一次, which means "I'm sorry, could you please say it once more?"
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding a question mark or using a rising intonation at the end turns the statement into a request for repetition.
How do you pronounce it?
zài shuō yí biàn?
What mistakes should you avoid?
Using just 啊？ with a rising tone is a very common, informal way to say "come again?" among friends, but can be seen as rude to elders or superiors.
Did you know?
- In very polite settings, instead of asking someone to repeat, people often use a phrase that translates to 'My ears are not hearing well' to shift the 'fault' of the misunderstanding onto themselves.
- The word 再 used in 再说一遍 specifically refers to an action that will happen in the future, whereas 又 also means 'again' but describes something that has already happened.
- The measure word 遍 in 一遍 is used for actions that have a definite beginning and end, unlike the measure word 次 which simply counts the number of occurrences.
Examples in context
- 我听不清楚，请再说一遍。I couldn't hear clearly, please say it again.
- 你刚才说了什么？再说一遍好吗？What did you just say? Can you say it again?
- 没问题，我刚才说，我们下个月一起去旅行。No problem, I just said we should travel together next month.
- 请再说一遍？Qǐng zài shuō yí biàn?Could you please say that again?
- 不好意思，请再说一遍？Bù hǎoyìsi, qǐng zài shuō yí biàn?Sorry, could you say that again?
- 你说什么？请再说一遍？Nǐ shuō shénme? Qǐng zài shuō yí biàn?What did you say? Please say it again?
Example conversation
Rainning is heard in the background while two friends talk in a park.
- 浩然 Haoran雨婷，你说什么？Yǔtíng, nǐ shuō shénme?Yuting, what did you say?
- 雨婷 Yuting我说今天天气很冷。Wǒ shuō jīntiān tiānqì hěn lěng.I said the weather is very cold today.
- 浩然 Haoran听不清，请再说一遍？Tīng bù qīng, qǐng zài shuō yí biàn?I couldn't hear you, please say that again?
- 雨婷 Yuting我说今天很冷，浩然。Wǒ shuō jīntiān hěn lěng, Hàorán.I said it is cold today, Haoran.
