Learning how to ask someone to repeat themselves is an essential skill when communicating in any language. In Japanese, politely asking someone to repeat what they said requires using certain phrases and honorifics. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “Could you repeat that?” in Japanese. We will also provide you with useful tips and examples to help you navigate this situation fluently.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Way: “もう一度おっしゃっていただけますか？”
When requesting someone to repeat what they said in a formal setting or speaking to someone of higher status, you can use the following phrase:
もう一度おっしゃっていただけますか？ (Mou ichido osshattte itadakemasu ka?)
This phrase can be broken down as:
- もう一度 (Mou ichido): “One more time”
- おっしゃっていただけますか？ (Osshattte itadakemasu ka?): “Could you say it again, please?”
This polite expression indicates your respect toward the person you are speaking to. By using “いただけますか？” (itadakemasu ka?), which implies receiving a favor, you show your gratitude in advance for their willingness to repeat the information.
Example:
Person A: すみません、もう一度説明していただけますか？(Sumimasen, mou ichido setsumei shite itadakemasu ka?)
Person B: もちろんです、おっしゃっていたことをもう一度説明します。(Mochiron desu, osshattte ita koto wo mou ichido setsumei shimasu.)
2. Informal Way: “もう一回言ってもらえる？”
In casual conversations with friends, peers, or family members, you can use a more relaxed form of the phrase. Here is an informal way to ask someone to repeat themselves:
もう一回言ってもらえる？ (Mou ikkai itte moraeru?)
Here’s the breakdown of this phrase:
- もう一回 (Mou ikkai): “One more time”
- 言って (Itte): “Say”
- もらえる？ (Moraeru?): “Can you do for me?”
Using “もらえる？” (moraeru?) at the end of the sentence implies a request, indicating that you would appreciate the person’s kind gesture to repeat what they said.
Example:
Person A: ちょっと聞き取れなかったんだけど、もう一回言ってもらえる？(Chotto kikitorenakattan dakke, mou ikkai itte moraeru?)
Person B: もちろん、何度でも言うよ。(Mochiron, nando demo iu yo.)
Useful Tips for Asking Someone to Repeat Themselves in Japanese:
1. Be Polite
In Japanese culture, politeness is highly valued. When asking someone to repeat themselves, especially in a formal setting, it is essential to use honorific language and honorific verbs to show respect. This conveys your understanding of social dynamics and helps maintain a positive atmosphere during conversation.
2. Pay Attention to Non-verbal Cues
While verbally asking someone to repeat themselves is essential, paying attention to non-verbal cues can also be helpful. Sometimes, native speakers might notice that you didn’t understand or hear them well, and they might repeat what they said without being prompted. Active listening and nodding can indicate that you missed or didn’t catch their words, encouraging them to repeat the information.
3. Practice Active Listening
Improving your listening skills is equally important when learning a new language. By practicing active listening, you can enhance your ability to understand spoken Japanese. Focus on listening to Japanese podcasts, watching Japanese movies or TV shows, and engaging in conversations with native speakers. Familiarizing yourself with various accents and speech patterns will make it easier to catch the words next time.
4. Apologize if Necessary
If you missed what someone said, it is always polite to apologize by saying “すみません” (sumimasen, sorry) or “聞き取れませんでした” (kikitoremasen deshita, I didn’t catch that). By acknowledging your difficulty and showing humility, you convey your genuine interest in understanding the speaker, making them more inclined to repeat the information without hesitation.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Clarification
If the speaker repeats themselves, but you still don’t understand what they said, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or specific parts of the message. You can simply say “もう一度詳しく教えてくれますか？” (Mou ichido kuwashiku oshiete kuremasu ka?, Can you please explain in more detail?). Asking for specific information shows your commitment to grasping the content, and the speaker will appreciate your effort.
Remember, language learning is a journey that requires patience and practice. By using the phrases and tips provided in this guide, you can confidently navigate the situation when you need someone to repeat themselves in Japanese. Embrace each opportunity to engage with native speakers and enjoy the cultural exchange that comes with effective communication.
