Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “What did you say?” in Chinese. Whether you’re looking for a formal or informal way to express this phrase, I’ve got you covered. While regional variations exist, I will focus on the standard Mandarin Chinese usage. In this guide, I’ll provide you with tips, examples, and variations to ensure you are well-equipped to communicate effectively in different situations.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
Formal expressions are essential when interacting in polite or official settings. Here are some ways to say “What did you say?” formally:
1. 请再说一遍 (Qǐng zài shuō yībiàn)
This formal phrase simply translates to “Please say it again.” It is a polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said.
Example:
Teacher: 你能否把这个概念再解释一遍？ (Nǐ néng fǒu bǎ zhège gàiniàn zài jiěshì yībiàn?)
Can you explain this concept again?
Student: 请再说一遍。 (Qǐng zài shuō yībiàn.)
Please say it again.
2. 你能再重复一次吗？ (Nǐ néng zài chóngfù yīcì ma?)
This phrase translates to “Can you repeat it once again?” and is commonly used in more formal situations where you want someone to repeat what they just said.
Informal Expressions
When you’re talking with friends, family, or in informal settings, you can use more casual expressions to ask for clarification. Here are a couple of ways:
1. 你说什么？ (Nǐ shuō shénme?)
This informal phrase literally means “What did you say?” and is commonly used amongst friends and acquaintances.
2. 你刚才说什么？ (Nǐ gāngcái shuō shénme?)
When you want to ask what someone just said, this phrase is perfect. It translates to “What did you just say?” and is commonly used in informal conversations.
Tips for Usage
Now that you have learned the formal and informal ways to ask “What did you say?” in Chinese, here are some tips to help you master its usage:
1. Pay Attention to Tone and Context
Chinese is a tonal language, so it’s essential to use the correct tones when pronouncing these phrases. Ensure that your tone matches the intended meaning to avoid misunderstandings.
2. Nonverbal Cues and Body Language
In some situations, using nonverbal cues like raising your eyebrows, leaning forward, or cupping your hand behind your ear can convey that you didn’t hear or understand what was said.
3. Politeness Matters
In Chinese culture, politeness is highly valued. Using phrases like “请” (qǐng, please) in formal contexts or softening your tone in informal settings can ensure smoother communication.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned the formal and informal ways to say “What did you say?” in Chinese. Remember to adapt your expressions based on the situation, and pay attention to your tone and nonverbal cues. By using these phrases, you’ll be able to clarify and understand better in your Chinese conversations. Happy communicating!
