¡Saludos! If you’ve ever found yourself in a conversation in Spanish and missed something your conversation partner said, you may need to ask them to repeat themselves. In such situations, knowing how to say “say that again” in Spanish becomes quite useful. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to ask for repetition, providing you with various tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
In formal settings, such as business meetings, academic environments, or professional interactions, it’s essential to use polite language. Here are some expressions you can use to ask someone to repeat what they said:
1. Disculpe, ¿puede repetirlo, por favor?
This phrase can be translated as “Excuse me, could you repeat that, please?” It’s a polite and common way to ask for clarification when the conversation calls for formality. Remember to use the formal “usted” form of “puede repetirlo.”
Example:
Imagine you’re attending a business conference, and someone is explaining a complex concept you didn’t quite catch. Approach the speaker politely and ask, “Disculpe, ¿puede repetirlo, por favor?” They will appreciate your engagement and gladly repeat the information.
2. ¿Podría decirlo nuevamente, por favor?
“Could you say it again, please?” This phrase is suitable for formal situations when you want someone to repeat what they said. Using the polite form “podría” demonstrates respect and courtesy towards the speaker.
Example:
Let’s say you’re attending a formal presentation, and the speaker quickly mentions a crucial point without elaborating. In such cases, you can raise your hand and politely ask, “¿Podría decirlo nuevamente, por favor?” By doing so, you ensure you grasp all the necessary information.
Informal Expressions:
In casual conversations or informal settings, such as social gatherings or interactions with friends, you can adapt your language to sound more relaxed and friendly. Here are some informal ways to say “say that again” in Spanish:
1. Oye, ¿puedes repetirlo?
This expression translates to “Hey, can you repeat that?” Using “oye” adds a friendly tone to your request. It is commonly used among friends or acquaintances in informal contexts.
Example:
Imagine you’re chatting with a group of friends discussing a recent movie. If you miss a particular line, you can casually ask, “Oye, ¿puedes repetirlo?” Your friends will gladly repeat the dialogue, ensuring you catch every detail.
2. ¿Qué dijiste?
“What did you say?” This simple but effective phrase works well in casual dialogue when you’re seeking clarification. It is commonly used among friends or in relaxed environments, where formality isn’t required.
Example:
Let’s say you’re having a lively conversation with a group of friends at a café. If you miss something important during the discussion, feel free to say, “¿Qué dijiste?” Your friends will understand and happily repeat what was said, ensuring you’re back in the loop.
Additional Tips:
To enhance your understanding, here are a few additional tips related to asking for repetition in Spanish:
1. Utilize body language:
Sometimes, words alone aren’t enough to express your need for repetition. Combining your verbal request with appropriate body language, such as leaning forward, raising an eyebrow, or cupping your ear, can help convey your message more effectively.
2. Use hand gestures:
Supplementing your request with hand gestures can further denote your desire for repetition. Simple gestures like an open-palm wave or the universal gesture for “repeat” (forming a circular motion with your index finger) can assist in getting your point across.
3. Signal incomprehension politely:
Instead of immediately asking for repetition, you can politely indicate that you didn’t understand by saying “Perdón,” meaning “Sorry” or “Lo siento,” meaning “I’m sorry.” This signals to the speaker that they need to clarify what they said without explicitly asking them to repeat the entire statement.
4. Active listening:
While engaging in conversations, strive to actively listen to the speaker by maintaining eye contact, showing interest, and avoiding distractions. Active listening can significantly reduce the need for repetition as you’ll be more focused on understanding the dialogue.
Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you engage in conversations and ask for repetition when necessary, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become in your Spanish-speaking abilities. So, don’t hesitate to use these expressions and techniques; they will undoubtedly help you in your language journey.
