Toshi
How to ask what I didn't understand in conversations I want to know natural and simple ways to ask people to say what thay have said. When talking with native English speaker, I often miss what they have said. In such a situation, how should I ask them back if they can repeat that words? "I didn't understand what you said. Please said that again" is too long and not natural when talking with friends. But "what?" seems rude, right? I often say "what was that?" but I'm not sure if it's natural or even makes sense. Please teach me as many natural words or ways as you come up with.
Feb 28, 2016 5:00 PM
Answers · 4
3
"I beg your pardon" is very common. "Sorry, what's that?". "Sorry, I didnt quite get what you have just said". Or just "sorry?" is enough to make a person understand you didnt quite understand what a person was telling you. Hope this helps!
February 28, 2016
1
In addition you can say "Sorry, I don't follow" or "Sorry I didn't get you" you can also simply say "sorry"
February 28, 2016
1
You can say "what did you say?" Or "Say that again". What did you say is probably the most used sentence for this context.
February 28, 2016
'What was that?' is fine, but you could try 'Sorry, I didn't quite catch that.' That's only six words, and it's more polite than directly asking the person to repeat what they said. It is polite because it's suggesting that it is your fault. Unless you are a parent or a teacher, telling someone to say something again can sound a bit rude and abrupt.
February 28, 2016
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