What does it mean word for word?
The phrase もう一度 (mō ichido) literally means "one more time".
Which one should you use?
The default form もう一度言っていただけますか is suitable for business or formal situations. In contrast, もう一度言ってください is standard polite Japanese used in daily life, but it is less formal and less indirect than the default form.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several ways to ask someone to repeat themselves depending on the level of politeness required. For highly formal situations, you can use もう一度おっしゃっていただけますか？ The default form もう一度言っていただけますか is also formal and suitable for business. For standard polite daily use, use もう一度言ってください. If you are speaking informally, you can use もう一回言ってもらえる？ Finally, なんて？ is a very casual way to ask someone to repeat themselves and should be used only with friends or family.
How do you pronounce it?
mō ichido itte itadakemasu ka
Did you know?
- The polite request 言っていただけますか uses the auxiliary verb いただく (itadaku), which literally means 'to receive' something from a superior.
- In very casual settings, Japanese speakers often omit the words entirely and simply say えっ？ with a rising intonation to signal they didn't hear you.
- When asking for a repetition in a professional setting, a slight tilt of the head and a small nod often accompany the phrase to signal humility.
Examples in context
- すみませんが、もう一度言っていただけますか？Sumimasen ga, mou ichido itte itadakemasu ka?Excuse me, but could you repeat that?
- よく聞こえなかったので、もう一度言っていただけますか。Yoku kikoenakatta node, mou ichido itte itadakemasu ka.I couldn't hear you well, so could you repeat that?
- 今の、もう一度言っていただけますか？Ima no, mou ichido itte itadakemasu ka?Could you repeat what you just said?
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are discussing a schedule in a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta明日の会議は、十時からです。Ashita no kaigi wa, juuji kara desu.Tomorrow's meeting is from ten o'clock.
- 陽葵 Himariすみません、もう一度言っていただけますか？Sumimasen, mou ichido itte itadakemasu ka?Sorry, could you repeat that?
- 健太 Kenta十時からです。Juuji kara desu.It's from ten o'clock.
- 陽葵 Himari分かりました、ありがとうございます。Wakarimashita, arigatou gozaimasu.I understand, thank you.
