In Japanese culture, politeness and respect are highly valued, so it’s important to know how to make requests and express your desire for clarification politely. If you ever find yourself needing someone to repeat themselves, the phrase “please say it again” will come in handy. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to say “please say it again” in Japanese, providing tips, examples, and even regional variations where necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Please Say It Again”
When you’re speaking to someone you should show respect towards, such as a superior, elder, or stranger, using formal language is essential. Here are a few formal ways to request someone to repeat themselves:
1. もう一度言ってください (Mou ichido itte kudasai)
This phrase translates directly to “Please say it again.” It’s a respectful and widely used expression, suitable for most situations.
2. もう一度おっしゃってください (Mou ichido osshatte kudasai)
This phrase adds an additional level of formality by using the honorific “おっしゃる” (ossharu) instead of “言う” (iu), giving it a more polite tone. It is ideal for formal or business settings.
Informal Ways to Say “Please Say It Again”
When communicating with friends, family members, or people of equal or lower status, you can use a more casual tone. Here are some informal options to request someone to repeat themselves:
1. もう一回言って (Mou ikkai itte)
This phrase translates to “Say it one more time.” It is a commonly used expression among friends and acquaintances, and it maintains a friendly tone.
2. もう一回教えて (Mou ikkai oshiete)
Translating to “Teach me one more time,” this phrase can be used with close friends or people you have a comfortable relationship with.
Tips and Examples
To further enhance your understanding of saying “please say it again” in Japanese, consider the following tips and examples:
1. Pay Attention to Non-Verbal Cues
In Japanese culture, non-verbal cues can be important indicators of understanding or confusion. If someone seems unsure, you can politely ask them to repeat themselves by saying one of the phrases mentioned above.
2. Use Small Polite Phrases
When requesting clarification, it is always appreciated to use small polite phrases such as “すみません” (sumimasen, excuse me) before uttering the phrase. For instance, “すみません、もう一度言ってください” (Sumimasen, mou ichido itte kudasai) translates to “Excuse me, please say it again.”
3. Practice Your Pronunciation
Japanese pronunciation can be different from what you’re accustomed to in English. Pay attention to elongated vowel sounds and practice speaking the phrases to ensure your communication is clear and understood.
4. Regional Variations
While there aren’t significant regional variations specifically for this phrase, you might encounter slight differences in dialect or accent in certain areas of Japan. However, the formal or informal expressions mentioned earlier are widely understood throughout the country.
Example Dialogue:
Maki: すみません、もう一度言ってください。(Sumimasen, mou ichido itte kudasai)
Kenji: もう一度言いますね。(Mou ichido iimasu ne)(Translation: Maki: Excuse me, please say it again. Kenji: I’ll say it again, okay?)
Remember, politeness is highly valued in Japanese culture, so it’s crucial to use appropriate phrases when requesting someone to repeat themselves. By utilizing the formal and informal expressions provided above, paying attention to non-verbal cues, using polite modifiers, and practicing your pronunciation, you’ll be well on your way to navigating conversations and ensuring clear communication in Japanese. 気を付けてください (Ki wo tsukete kudasai – Take care!).
