When learning a new language, it’s essential to master simple phrases like “What did you say?” as they can be extremely helpful in various situations. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to express this phrase in Russian, including formal and informal variations. While regional variations exist, we will primarily focus on the standard Russian language. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What Did You Say?”
Tips:
- Use formal expressions when speaking to people you don’t know well or in official settings.
- Ensure proper pronunciation and intonation for clear communication.
1. Что вы сказали? (Chto vy skazali?)
This is the most common formal way to ask “What did you say?” in Russian. It is appropriate to use in professional environments, formal situations, or when addressing someone with respect. Remember to pronounce each word distinctly to avoid any confusion.
Example:
Situation: You are in a business meeting and didn’t hear a coworker speaking.
You: Извините, что вы сказали? (Izvinite, chto vy skazali?)
Coworker: Я сказал, что мы должны представить отчет в ближайший четверг. (Ya skazal, chto my dolzhny predstavit’ otchet v blizhayshiy chetverg.)
You: Спасибо за информацию. (Spasibo za informatsiyu.)
2. Что вы говорили? (Chto vy govorili?)
This is a slightly more formal alternative to the previous phrase. It can be used in situations where you missed part of a conversation and want to clarify what was said.
Example:
Situation: You are attending a conference and a speaker mentioned something crucial, but you couldn’t catch it.
You: Извините, что вы говорили? (Izvinite, chto vy govorili?)
Speaker: Я говорил о значимости этого исследования для нашего будущего. (Ya govoril o znachimosti etogo issledovaniya dlya nashego budushchego.)
You: Благодарю вас за пояснение. (Blagodaryu vas za poyasnienie.)
Informal Ways to Say “What Did You Say?”
Tips:
- Informal expressions are used among friends, family, or peers.
- Pay attention to the level of familiarity and respect in your relationship before using these phrases.
1. Что ты сказал? (Chto ty skazal?)
This phrase is used informally when speaking to friends, siblings, or people of the same age group. Remember to adjust the pronoun “ты” (ty) depending on whether you are addressing a male or female.
Example:
Situation: You and your friend are having a casual conversation, but you missed a part of what they said.
You: Что ты сказал? (Chto ty skazal?)
Friend: Я сказал, что у нас есть возможность съездить на пикник в следующую субботу. (Ya skazal, chto u nas est’ vozmozhnost’ s’ezdit’ na piknik v sleduyushchuyu subbotu.)
You: Отличная идея! (Otlichnaya ideya!)
2. Что говорил? (Chto govoril?)
This informal alternative can be used amongst friends or acquaintances in casual situations.
Example:
Situation: You and a colleague are discussing plans for the evening, but you didn’t catch their last remark.
You: Что говорил? (Chto govoril?)
Colleague: Я говорил о новом ресторане, который только открылся в центре города. (Ya govoril o novom restorane, kotoryy tol’ko otkrylsya v tsentre goroda.)
You: Спасибо! Давай попробуем его сегодня вечером. (Spasibo! Davay poprobuyem ego segodnya vecherom.)
Remember, informal expressions are mostly used in friendly or casual situations, so be aware of the context and level of familiarity before using them.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned how to say “What did you say?” in Russian. By mastering both formal and informal variations, you can confidently ask for clarification in various situations. Remember to consider the level of formality and familiarity before using these phrases. Practice pronouncing them clearly, and you’ll make a positive impression on those around you. Keep learning and exploring the beautiful Russian language! Удачи! (Good luck!)
