Greetings play a crucial role in any language. They are the doorways to polite and effective communication. When interacting with native French speakers or visiting French-speaking countries, it’s important to know how to say basic phrases like “come again.” Whether you need to express this phrase formally or informally, we have got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to say “come again” in French, covering both formal and informal variations. We’ll also discuss any necessary regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Come Again” in French
When it comes to formal interactions, such as speaking to a business associate, an elder, or a person with whom you hold great respect, these phrases will come in handy:
1. “Revenez, s’il vous plaît”
The translation for “Come again, please” in formal French is “Revenez, s’il vous plaît.” This phrase packs politeness and is a very formal way to express the desire for someone to return. Remember to use “s’il vous plaît” (please) to maintain the formal tone.
2. “Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît?”
In a formal setting, if you didn’t understand something or missed a part, you can politely ask someone to repeat themselves. This phrase means “Could you repeat, please?” Using “pouvez-vous” at the beginning conveys politeness and respect.
3. “Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous répéter?”
Another way to ask someone to repeat what they said in a formal manner is by saying “Excuse me, could you repeat?” This phrase starts by apologizing for interrupting and then politely asks for repetition. It is an excellent way to show respect to the speaker and maintain a formal tone.
Informal Ways to Say “Come Again” in French
Informal settings, such as conversations with friends, family, or colleagues of the same level, allow for a more relaxed approach. Here are a few phrases to use in informal situations:
1. “Répète, s’il te plaît”
In an informal setting, it is common to use “tu” (you) instead of “vous.” Therefore, a more casual way to ask someone to repeat would be “Répète, s’il te plaît” which means “Repeat, please.” This phrase is suitable when conversing with friends or people you are on a first-name basis with.
2. “Qu’est-ce que tu as dit?”
When you couldn’t catch what someone said in an informal situation, you can use “Qu’est-ce que tu as dit?” which translates to “What did you say?” This phrase has a casual tone and is suitable to use with friends or colleagues you share a friendly rapport with.
Tips and Examples
Here are some bonus tips and examples to help you effectively use these phrases:
1. Active Listening
Active listening is key when someone speaks in French. Paying attention to details, taking notes if needed, and maintaining eye contact shows your interest and helps avoid asking someone to repeat themselves too often.
2. Politeness is Valued
In French culture, politeness holds immense value. Using “s’il vous plaît” in formal contexts and “s’il te plaît” in informal ones not only demonstrates good manners but also makes interactions more pleasant.
3. Practice Pronunciation
French pronunciation can be challenging for non-native speakers. Practicing the phrases with correct intonation and accent will enhance your ability to communicate effectively and build better connections with native French speakers.
Example 1:
Imagine you are visiting a French-speaking country for the first time, and you want to ask a friendly local to repeat something:
You: “Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous répéter?” (Excuse me, could you repeat?)
Local: “Bien sûr, je peux répéter.” (Certainly, I can repeat.)
Example 2:
Now, let’s assume you are in a casual conversation with a French friend and missed something they said:
You: “Qu’est-ce que tu as dit?” (What did you say?)
Friend: “Je suis allé au cinéma hier soir.” (I went to the cinema last night.)
Remember, language learning is a journey that involves continuous improvement. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and engage in conversations with native French speakers. With practice, you’ll become more comfortable using these phrases and expanding your French language skills.
