When learning a new language, it’s essential to know how to ask someone to repeat what they said. In Portuguese, you may encounter different ways to express this question, depending on the formality of the situation or the region you find yourself in. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “What did you say?” in Portuguese, providing you with useful tips, examples, and even some regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “What Did You Say?”
When addressing someone in a formal context, such as a professional setting or when speaking with elders, it’s important to use polite language. Here are some phrases you can use to ask someone to repeat what they said formally:
- O que você disse? – This direct translation of “What did you say?” is commonly used in formal situations. It’s a simple and straightforward way to ask for clarification, suitable for most formal occasions.
- Desculpe, não entendi. Poderia repetir, por favor? – This polite phrase meaning “Sorry, I didn’t understand. Could you repeat, please?” shows respect and demonstrates your willingness to overcome any communication barriers. It is ideal for more formal situations.
- Poderia repitir, por favor? – A slightly shorter and still polite way to ask “Could you repeat, please?” This phrase can be used in various formal contexts, such as business meetings, job interviews, or when speaking with superiors.
Informal Ways to Say “What Did You Say?”
In casual situations, such as conversations with friends, family, or peers, you can use more informal language to ask someone to repeat themselves. Here are a few informal phrases you can use:
- O quê? – This short and common phrase simply means “What?” It is widely used in informal conversations among friends, allowing you to seek clarification without sounding too formal.
- Como assim? – This phrase translates to “What do you mean?” and is often used to ask someone to repeat or explain their statement further. It’s useful when you didn’t fully grasp what was said and want further clarification in a casual setting.
- Desculpa, não entendi. Pode falar de novo? – Similar to the phrase used in formal contexts, this informal version meaning “Sorry, I didn’t understand. Can you say it again?” shows politeness while maintaining a casual tone.
Regional Variations
Portuguese has dialectal differences, with variations in vocabulary and pronunciation across different Portuguese-speaking regions. While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood throughout the Portuguese-speaking world, some regional variations exist. Here are a couple of examples:
E aí? / Mi ouviu? (Brazilian Portuguese)
These phrases are more commonly used in Brazil, especially in informal settings, to ask “What did you say?” Among friends or in casual conversations, “E aí?” (What’s up?) can be used to request repetition. Similarly, “Mi ouviu?” can be heard in certain regions of Brazil and translates to “Did you hear me?”
Examples in Context
Let’s now put these phrases into context through some examples, illustrating their usage in different situations:
- Formal Examples:
Situation: Business meeting
Person A: Hoje falaremos sobre o relatório de vendas.
Person B: Desculpe, não entendi. Poderia repetir, por favor?
Translation:
Person A: Today we will discuss the sales report.
Person B: Sorry, I didn’t understand. Could you repeat, please?
Alternatively, in an informal context:
Person A: Tá sabendo do novo filme que lançaram?
Person B: O quê?
Translation:
Person A: Have you heard about the new movie they released?
Person B: What?
- Informal Examples:
Situation: Friends discussing plans
Friend A: Vamos sair pra jantar amanhã, que tal?
Friend B: Como assim?
Translation:
Friend A: Let’s go out for dinner tomorrow, what do you think?
Friend B: What do you mean?
Alternatively, in a formal conversation:
Friend A: O diretor decidiu adiar a reunião para a próxima semana.
Friend B: Desculpe, não entendi. Poderia repitir, por favor?
Translation:
Friend A: The director decided to postpone the meeting until next week.
Friend B: Sorry, I didn’t understand. Could you repeat, please?
Final Notes
Remember that the phrases provided in this guide are just a starting point when asking someone to repeat what they said in Portuguese. Always pay attention to the specific context and adjust your language accordingly. Whether you find yourself in a formal or informal situation, in Portugal or Brazil, these phrases will help you ensure effective communication.
Be patient with yourself as you learn, stay curious, and enjoy the process of learning Portuguese!
