When learning a new language, it is essential to know how to ask for clarification when someone says something you didn’t quite catch. In Spanish, this often involves asking “What did he say?” or “What did she say?”. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various ways to express this question, including formal and informal versions, as well as provide helpful tips and examples. So, let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Ask “What Did He Say?”
Formal language is commonly used when addressing strangers, professionals, or in more serious contexts. Here are a few formal ways to ask “What Did He Say?” in Spanish:
1. ¿Qué dijo?
The most direct and formal way to ask “What did he say?” is by using the phrase “¿Qué dijo?” This phrase is suitable for most situations, and it is widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
2. ¿Podría repetir, por favor?
If you want to politely ask someone to repeat what they said, you can use the phrase “¿Podría repetir, por favor?” This translates to “Could you repeat, please?” and is an appropriate choice in formal settings, such as a business meeting or a conference.
3. ¿Me podría aclarar lo que dijo?
When you need clarification on something specific that was said, you can use the phrase “¿Me podría aclarar lo que dijo?” which means “Could you clarify what you said?” This expression shows a desire to fully understand the speaker’s message and is commonly used in more formal situations.
Informal Ways to Ask “What Did He Say?”
Informal language is typically used among friends, family, or in casual situations. Here are a few informal ways to ask “What Did He Say?” in Spanish:
1. ¿Qué dijo?
The phrase “¿Qué dijo?” can also be used in informal settings, just like in formal contexts. However, when speaking casually, pronunciation and intonation may differ, giving it a more relaxed feel.
2. ¿Cómo dijo?
In a less formal environment, you can use the phrase “¿Cómo dijo?” which translates to “How did he say?” This expression implies a desire for the speaker to repeat or elaborate on what they said.
3. ¿No entendí, qué fue lo que dijo?
If you didn’t understand what was said and want to ask for clarification, you can use the phrase “¿No entendí, qué fue lo que dijo?” This means “I didn’t understand, what did he say?” and is commonly used among friends or acquaintances.
Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken in various regions worldwide, and while the phrases mentioned above are widely understood, some regional variations exist. Here’s an example:
Variation in Argentina:
In Argentina, it is common for people to use the phrase “¿Qué dijo?” or “¿Qué dijo él?” to ask “What did he say?” However, the word “decir” can be replaced by the slang word “boleto,” which means “ticket.” This results in phrases like “¿Qué boleto tiró?” or “¿Qué boleto soltó?” which convey a similar meaning in an informal and regional manner.
Examples
Let’s take a look at some examples to better understand how to use the phrases mentioned above:
- Formal:
Person A: Lo siento, no entendí lo que dijo el presentador.
Person B: No hay problema, ¿quieres que te aclare lo que dijo?(Person A: I’m sorry, I didn’t understand what the presenter said.
Person B: No problem, do you want me to clarify what he said?)
Informal:
Person A: Che, no escuché bien lo que dijo el profesor.
Person B: No te preocupes, le pedimos que repita.
(Person A: Hey, I didn’t hear well what the professor said.
Person B: Don’t worry, we’ll ask him to repeat.)
Remember, practice makes perfect! As you continue to use these phrases in conversations, you’ll become more confident in understanding and clarifying what others say in Spanish. Enjoy the process of learning and communicating in this beautiful language!
