Learning how to express “tell me again” in Spanish is a valuable skill that can help you better communicate and understand conversations. Whether you’re in formal or informal settings, this guide will provide you with various ways to convey this request. From essential phrases to examples and tips, you’ll become more confident in engaging in Spanish conversations. Let’s delve into the different ways of saying “tell me again” in Spanish.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions: Polite Ways to Ask “Tell Me Again”
“Could you please repeat that?”
When you’re in a formal or unfamiliar environment, it’s best to use polite language to show respect. This expression is suitable in professional settings, such as meetings or formal conversations. In Spanish, you can say:
¿Podría repetir eso, por favor?
This phrase literally translates to “Could you repeat that, please?” and is an ideal way to request someone to tell you again in a formal manner.
“I’m sorry, but I didn’t catch that. Could you repeat it, please?”
Another polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves, especially when you didn’t understand, is:
Disculpe, no entendí. ¿Podría repetirlo, por favor?
This phrase conveys politeness while expressing your difficulty in comprehending their previous statement.
Informal Expressions: Relaxed Ways to Ask “Tell Me Again”
“Say that again?”
In informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends or family, you can use a more relaxed expression like:
¿Dime otra vez?
This phrase literally translates to “Tell me again?” It’s a commonly used expression among friends or when you want someone to repeat what they just said in a laid-back manner.
“Wait, what? Can you say that one more time?”
A playful and informal way to ask someone to tell you again is:
¡Espera, qué? ¿Puedes decirlo otra vez?
This phrase adds a touch of surprise and humor while expressing your interest in hearing the information once more.
Tips and Examples:
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you effectively use these phrases in conversations:
Tone and Gestures:
Varying your tone and using appropriate gestures can enhance your communication when asking someone to tell you again. Maintain a calm and friendly tone while using these phrases to create a warm atmosphere in the conversation. Additionally, consider using gestures like cupping your ear or slightly tilting your head, indicating that you’re actively listening and need them to repeat.
Rephrasing:
Instead of directly repeating “tell me again,” another effective strategy is to rephrase your request. For example:
“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite get that. Can you please explain it once more?”
Using Synonyms:
Expanding your vocabulary by using synonyms can provide you with more alternatives to express your request for repetition. Here are some synonyms for “repeat” in Spanish:
- Volver a decir
- Reiterar
- Volver a repetir
- Rehacer
- Volver a mencionar
Feel free to substitute these synonyms in your sentences to add variety and depth to your conversations.
Example Conversations:
To further illustrate the usage of these phrases, here are a few example conversations:
Formal Conversation:
Person A: Buenos días, señor. Necesito que me entregue el informe antes del viernes.
Person B: Perdón, ¿podría repetirlo, por favor?
Person A: Claro, necesito que me entregue el informe antes del viernes.
Informal Conversation:
Person A: Anoche fui al cine y vi la última película de Pedro Almodóvar.
Person B: ¡Espera, qué? ¿Puedes decirlo otra vez?
Person A: Fui al cine ayer y vi la última película de Pedro Almodóvar.
By practicing these phrases and examples, you’ll feel more confident when asking someone to repeat themselves in Spanish. Remember, immersion and regular conversation practice are key to improving your language skills.
In Conclusion
Mastering the art of saying “tell me again” in Spanish opens up new possibilities for effective communication. Whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, being able to ask someone to repeat themselves politely is essential. Remember to adapt your language to fit the situation and continue practicing to become more fluent. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
