What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ¿podrías repetirlo? is composed of the conditional verb podrías (could you), the infinitive repetir (to repeat) and the direct object pronoun lo (it).
Which one should you use?
The form ¿podrías repetirlo? specifically uses the pronoun lo to refer to a masculine noun or a general concept. If you are referring specifically to a feminine noun, such as la frase, you should use ¿podrías repetirla? instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the level of formality, you can adjust the verb. Using the third-person singular form podría instead of the second-person podrías makes the request more formal. Conversely, using the present indicative puedes instead of the conditional podrías makes the request more informal and direct.
When do people say it?
In natural Spanish conversation, it is very common to soften the request by adding Perdón (Excuse me/Sorry) to the beginning, as in Perdón, ¿podrías repetirlo? (Sorry, could you repeat that?).
Did you know?
- If you want to sound extremely polite or slightly old-fashioned, you might use ¿Mande? instead. This is particularly common in Mexico as a way to show respect when you did not hear someone.
- In some regions, the phrase ¿Cómo dices? is used as a natural alternative to ¿podrías repetirlo? It literally translates to 'How do you say?', but it functions as 'What did you say?'
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you find ¿podrías repetirlo? too long, you can simply say ¿Cómo? to ask someone to repeat themselves. While it sounds like 'How?', in this context it functions as a quick 'What?' or 'Pardon?'
Examples in context
- Oye, ¿puedes decirlo de nuevo?Hey, can you say that again?
- Lo siento, ¿podrías repetirlo?I'm sorry, could you repeat it?
- No escuché bien, ¿podrías repetirlo?I didn't hear well, could you repeat it?
Example conversation
María is talking to Javier on the phone during a bad connection.
- JavierNos vemos a las ocho en el cine.We will meet at eight at the cinema.
- MaríaLa señal es mala, ¿podrías repetirlo?The signal is bad, could you repeat that?
- JavierDije que nos vemos a las ocho.I said that we'll meet at eight.
- MaríaPerfecto, Javier, allí estaré.Perfect, Javier, I'll be there.
