What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally breaks down into mō ichido (one more time), itte (the te-form of iu, meaning "to say") and kudasai (please).
Which one should you use?
While ichido means "one time", the word ikkai is a more colloquial way to say "one time" and is used in more casual speech.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The standard polite form is もう一度言ってください, which is suitable for use with strangers, teachers or colleagues. For very formal situations, you can use もう一度おっしゃってください. In casual settings with friends or family, you can shorten the phrase to the informal もう一回言って.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb itte is the connective te-form of iu (to say), which is required to attach the polite request particle kudasai.
How do you pronounce it?
mō ichido itte kudasai
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to say mō ichido iite kudasai. The correct te-form of iu (to say) is itte with a small tsu.
Did you know?
- In a professional setting, instead of asking someone to repeat themselves, Japanese speakers often say すみません 'excuse me' with a questioning tone and a slight tilt of the head.
- In high-pressure business environments, asking someone to repeat themselves with もう一度言ってください can be seen as an implicit criticism of the speaker's clarity.
- The phrase もう一度 is used not only for speech but also as a common set phrase in Japanese sports and music to signal a 'take two' or a 'redo' of a specific movement.
Examples in context
- もう一度言ってください。Please say it again.This example shows how to use the phrase もう一度言ってください.Tatoeba #4562480 by Kiraness, translation #4749552 by luckystar
- すみません、もう一度言ってくださいExcuse me, please say it again.
- よく聞こえなかったので、もう一度言ってください。Yoku kikoenakatta node, mou ichido itte kudasai.I couldn't hear well, so please say it again.
Example conversation
Yui is practicing Japanese with Kenta.
- 結衣 Yuiそれはどういう意味ですか？sore wa dō iu imi desu ka?What does that mean?
- 健太 Kentaこれは「難しい」という意味です。kore wa 'muzukashii' to iu imi desu.This means 'difficult'.
- 結衣 Yuiもう一度言ってください。mō ichido itte kudasai.Please say it again.
- 健太 Kentaはい、難しいです。hai, muzukashii desu.Yes, it's difficult.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
