Welcome to our guide on how to say “repeat that” in Spanish! Whether you’re traveling to a Spanish-speaking country, interacting with Spanish-speakers, or simply learning the language, it’s important to know how to politely ask someone to repeat what they said. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to ask for clarification. While regional variations may exist, we’ll focus on widely-understood Spanish across different countries.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Repeat that” in Spanish:
When you’re in a formal setting or speaking to someone you want to address with utmost respect, you can use the following phrases:
1. ¿Puede repetirlo, por favor?
This translates to “Can you repeat that, please?” and is a polite and formal way to request someone to repeat what they said. It demonstrates respect and is ideal for professional environments, official meetings, or speaking with older individuals.
2. ¿Podría repetirlo, por favor?
This phrase, meaning “Could you repeat that, please?”, is another formal option. It conveys a similar level of respect and can be used interchangeably with the previous example. Feel free to choose the one that rolls off your tongue more comfortably.
Informal Ways to Say “Repeat that” in Spanish:
In less formal situations, among friends, or when speaking to someone of your age or younger, you can use these friendlier phrases:
1. ¿Puedes repetir eso, por favor?
Translating to “Can you repeat that, please?”, this phrase is informal but still polite. It is a commonly used phrase among peers, acquaintances, or in informal gatherings.
2. ¿Me puedes decir eso de nuevo, por favor?
This phrase means “Can you tell me that again, please?” and is often used casually among friends or in relaxed situations. The use of “me” adds a personal touch to the request.
Additional Tips and Examples:
Here are a few more tips and examples to enhance your understanding of requesting repetition in Spanish:
Tips:
- Always remember to use the word “por favor” (please) to maintain politeness.
- Keep an open and friendly tone when asking someone to repeat themselves.
- Non-verbal cues like a polite smile or nod can further convey your desire for clarification.
- If you didn’t hear a specific word, you can say “No escuché (I didn’t hear) + the word you missed.”
Examples:
Example 1:
Person A: Me gustaría reservar una mesa para dos personas a las 8 de la noche, por favor. (I would like to reserve a table for two at 8 pm, please.)
Person B: ¿Puede repetirlo, por favor? (Can you repeat that, please?)
Example 2:
Person A: Mañana tenemos una reunión importante a las 10 a.m. (Tomorrow we have an important meeting at 10 a.m.)
Person B: ¿Podría repetirlo, por favor? (Could you repeat that, please?)
Example 3:
Person A: Vamos a la playa este fin de semana. (We’re going to the beach this weekend.)
Person B: ¿Puedes repetir eso, por favor? (Can you repeat that, please?)
¡Practica y diviértete! (Practice and have fun!)
Now that you have learned different ways to ask someone to repeat in Spanish, practice your new phrases with native speakers or language exchange partners. Enhancing your language skills not only improves communication but also fosters cultural understanding. Remember, the more you practice, the more confident you’ll become!
