Understanding a new language can take time—and repetition. This polite question helps you stay in the conversation and shows your eagerness to learn.
Lets go over “Can You Repeat That?” in Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, French
Spanish
1. Word Overview
- Native Phrase: ¿Puedes repetir eso?
- English Translation: Can you repeat that?
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase (question)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpwe.ðes re.peˈtiɾ ˈe.so/
2. Example Sentence
- Perdón, ¿puedes repetir eso más despacio?
- Sorry, can you repeat that more slowly?
Puedes is the informal second-person singular form of poder (can), paired with the infinitive repetir (to repeat).
3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note
To be more formal, use ¿Puede repetir eso? with usted. In fast speech, native speakers might say ¿Lo puedes repetir?, adding clarity with lo (“it”).
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Practice asking ¿Puedes repetir eso? three different ways: slowly, politely, and with a smile in your voice.
Italian
1. Word Overview
- Native Phrase: Puoi ripetere?
- English Translation: Can you repeat (that)?
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase
- IPA Pronunciation: /pwɔi riˈpe.te.re/
2. Example Sentence
- Scusa, puoi ripetere per favore?
- Excuse me, can you repeat please?
Puoi is the informal “you can.” You can add quello to say Puoi ripetere quello? (Can you repeat that?).
3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note
In formal settings, say Può ripetere, per favore? using Lei (formal you). Italians value tone and courtesy, so a gentle voice goes a long way.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Write or say the phrase aloud with both puoi (informal) and può (formal). Listen for it in a video or podcast.
Portuguese
1. Word Overview
- Native Phrase: Pode repetir?
- English Translation: Can you repeat?
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɔ.dʒi ʁe.peˈtiʁ/ (Brazilian)
2. Example Sentence
- Desculpa, pode repetir isso mais devagar?
- Sorry, can you repeat that more slowly?
Pode is the polite “you can,” suitable for most interactions.
3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note
You can add por favor or de novo (again) for emphasis: Pode repetir de novo, por favor? This phrase is widely understood across Portuguese-speaking countries.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Speak this phrase aloud and then add mais devagar (more slowly) to make it practical.
German
1. Word Overview
- Native Phrase: Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?
- English Translation: Can you repeat that, please?
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase (formal question)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkœnən ziː das ˈbɪtə ˌviːdɐˈhoːlən/
2. Example Sentence
- Entschuldigung, können Sie das bitte wiederholen?
- Excuse me, can you please repeat that?
This is a formal sentence using Sie (you, formal). Wiederholen means “to repeat.”
3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note
For informal use with friends or family, say Kannst du das wiederholen? Using bitte adds politeness regardless of formality.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Say both versions aloud: Können Sie… (formal) and Kannst du… (informal). Record yourself to check pronunciation.
French
1. Word Overview
- Native Phrase: Vous pouvez répéter, s’il vous plaît ?
- English Translation: Can you repeat, please?
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase (formal)
- IPA Pronunciation: /vu pu.ve ʁe.pe.te sil vu plɛ/
2. Example Sentence
- Excusez-moi, vous pouvez répéter, s’il vous plaît ?
- Excuse me, can you repeat, please?
Vous pouvez = “you can” (formal). Répéter = “to repeat.” S’il vous plaît adds politeness.
3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note
To be less formal with friends, you can say Tu peux répéter ? but keep vous with strangers, older people, or in public.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Repeat the phrase in front of a mirror with a calm, polite tone. Practice asking for clarification confidently.
Multilingual Bonus
| Language | Phrase | Pronunciation (IPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | ¿Puedes repetir eso? | /ˈpwe.ðes re.peˈtiɾ ˈe.so/ |
| Italian | Puoi ripetere? | /pwɔi riˈpe.te.re/ |
| Portuguese | Pode repetir? | /ˈpɔ.dʒi ʁe.peˈtiʁ/ |
| German | Können Sie das bitte wiederholen? | /ˈkœnən ziː das ˈbɪtə ˌviːdɐˈhoːlən/ |
| French | Vous pouvez répéter, s’il vous plaît ? | /vu pu.ve ʁe.pe.te sil vu plɛ/ |