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Learn how to ask someone to repeat themselves like a native speaker of English
The expression "Can you repeat that?" is a simple and polite way to request that someone say something again when you didn’t hear it clearly or fully understand their words. This article will cover when and how to use this phrase, along with alternative expressions for both informal and formal situations. Whether you're looking for a courteous way to seek clarification or just want to improve your English skills, read on!
Key Points to Remember
- “Can you repeat that?” is a respectful way to ask someone to repeat their words.
- Use “Can you repeat that?” when you have trouble hearing or understanding someone.
- Other polite alternatives include “Sorry, what did you say?” or “Can you please repeat that?” You can also ask “Would you mind speaking louder?” if you're struggling to hear them clearly.
Instructions
What does the phrase "Can you repeat that?" really mean?
“Can you repeat that?” is a polite way to ask someone to say something again. This phrase is commonly used when you haven't heard someone clearly or don't fully understand what they said. It signals that you need more information or clarification, so feel free to use it in both informal and professional situations, whether with strangers, family, or colleagues.
When & How to Use “Can You Repeat That?”
If you didn’t hear or understand something, ask “Can you repeat that?” If you're struggling to hear someone in a noisy environment or didn't catch what they said, this phrase is a polite way to ask them to repeat it. Asking for clarification shows genuine interest in their words, rather than pretending you understood.
- Them: “Hey, how was your weekend?”
- You: “Can you repeat that? Sorry, my phone is cutting out!”
“Can you repeat that?” vs “Could you repeat that?”
“Could you repeat that?” carries a more formal tone than “Can you repeat that?” While both phrases are used in casual and formal situations, “Can you repeat that?” is typically more direct and informal. On the other hand, “Could you repeat that?” sounds slightly more polite and formal, as it suggests a request rather than an assumption that the other person will repeat themselves.
- Both “can” and “could” are modal verbs expressing ability or possibility, with “can” indicating likelihood and “could” suggesting possibility but not certainty.
- If you’re addressing your boss or someone in a higher position, use “Could you repeat that?” to maintain professionalism. For casual conversations with friends, family, or loved ones, “Can you repeat that?” is completely appropriate.
Is saying “Can you repeat that again?” correct?
“Can you repeat that again?” is grammatically redundant. While it is correct to say this when you want someone to repeat themselves, it’s redundant because “repeat” already implies “again.”
- Instead, you might say “I’m sorry, could you repeat that?” in formal contexts, or simply “Say that again?” in more casual settings.
Other Ways to Ask for Repetition
“Sorry, what did you say?” This is one of the most commonly used expressions to politely ask someone to repeat themselves in everyday conversation. It works in nearly all situations and is friendly and respectful. Feel free to use it with friends, family, your partner, or close colleagues. However, if you’re speaking to your boss, consider saying “I’m sorry” to be more polite.
- Them: “Want to go to the beach next weekend?”
- You: “Sorry, what did you say?”
“I’m sorry?” This expression can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when you lean in and raise your intonation. Your body language signals that you didn’t quite hear what was said, and raising your pitch at the end of the sentence indicates that you need clarification.
- Them: “Would you like to go for lunch later?”
- You: “I’m sorry?”
“Could you say that one more time?” If you’ve already asked someone to repeat themselves and still didn’t get it, this polite phrase asks for another repetition. It’s suitable for both formal and casual situations, so use it at work or with friends.
- Them: “What’s your take on the new market trends?”
- You: “I’m sorry?”
- Them: “What’s your take on the new marketplace trends?”
- You: “Could you say that one more time?”
“Sorry, I still don’t get it. Can you rephrase what you said?” If you can’t understand what the other person is saying after asking them to repeat themselves, use this phrase. Asking someone to rephrase helps clarify their meaning and provides a better understanding.
- Them: “What factors influence changes in the grading system?”
- You: “Can you repeat that?”
- Them: “I said, ‘What factors influence changes in the grading system?’”
- You: “Sorry, I still don’t get it. Can you rephrase what you said?”
“I’m sorry, I missed part of that. Could you repeat it?” If you didn’t catch everything the other person said, start with “I missed part of that” to show you have a general idea but need them to go over it again for clarity.
- Them: “The meeting will be on January 10th, and we’ll discuss the budget and upcoming projects.”
- You: “I’m sorry, I missed part of that. Could you repeat it?”
“Would you mind speaking up? I can’t hear you clearly.” Whether you're in a noisy place or just having difficulty hearing, use this polite request to ask someone to speak louder. If you’re still struggling, you can suggest moving to a quieter area.
- Them: “How was your trip? I heard you spent three weeks in Hawaii?”
- You: “Would you mind speaking up? I can’t hear you over the background noise.”
“I’m afraid I missed that. Would you kindly repeat yourself?” When speaking to your boss or anyone in a position of authority, using “kindly” instead of “please” adds a touch of formality and respect. It’s a great way to appear professional in the workplace.
- Them: “Next Friday, during the team meeting, please make sure to emphasize the KPIs, deadlines, and overall policies.”
- You: “I’m afraid I missed that. Would you kindly repeat yourself?”
“I beg your pardon?” Looking for a formal alternative to “Can you repeat that?” “I beg your pardon?” is a polite and professional way to ask for repetition, though it might sound a bit old-fashioned. It’s best used when talking to someone of higher authority or an older boss.
- Them: “I really appreciate all your hard work on this project. Was it as stressful as you expected?”
- You: “I beg your pardon?”
“Say that again?” This is a casual and informal way to ask someone to repeat what they said, often used with friends, family, or your partner. It’s a shortened version of “Can you say that again?” and can be adjusted to ask for clarification on specific details.
- “Say that name again?”
- “Say the last part again?”
- “Say the restaurant name again?”
“Could you slow down a bit? I’m not quite keeping up with you.” When someone is speaking too quickly, use this expression to politely ask them to slow down. This works well in casual conversations with friends, family, or your significant other, but it may come off as rude or unprofessional in more formal settings.
- Them: “I’m so excited for the party! I can’t wait to dress up, take photos, and hang out. What’s your outfit, and what time should I pick you up?”
- You: “Could you slow down a bit? I’m not quite keeping up with you.”
