Useful Portuguese phrases for repeating words clearly

Introduction

Learning how to ask someone to repeat themselves clearly is one of the most practical skills for beginner learners of Brazilian Portuguese. This guide explains polite phrases, simple vocabulary, realistic dialogues, and common mistakes so you can confidently ask for clarification in everyday situations like stores, restaurants, transport, and social interactions.

Why repeating words clearly matters

When you are starting to learn Brazilian Portuguese, native speakers often talk quickly or use unfamiliar pronunciation. Being able to ask for repetition helps you understand directions, order food, buy tickets, and follow simple conversations. It also shows politeness and helps build confidence in real situations.

Key verbs and words to know

Repetir — to repeat. Use it when you want someone to say something again.

Falar — to speak. Useful in phrases asking how someone said something.

Desculpe — excuse me or sorry. A polite opener before asking for repetition.

Não entendi — I did not understand. Direct and common for beginners.

Devagar — slowly. Use this when you need someone to speak more slowly.

Mais devagar — slower or more slowly. Often used with falar.

Como? — How? or Pardon?. A short way to ask someone to repeat.

Pode repetir? — Can you repeat? A very common polite request.

Simple polite phrases to ask someone to repeat

Desculpe, pode repetir, por favor?

Use this when you want someone to repeat what they said politely. Por favor adds courtesy.

Desculpe, não entendi. Pode falar mais devagar, por favor?

Say this when the speaker is too fast. It asks them to slow down so you can understand each word.

Como foi?

A casual way to ask What did you say? Useful in informal settings with friends or colleagues.

O que você disse?

Directly asks What did you say? Suitable when you missed one short piece of information like a number or name.

Pode soletrar, por favor?

Ask this when you need someone to spell a name, address, or item aloud.

Repete, por favor?

A shorter, informal variant of Pode repetir? Good with peers and younger people.

Useful short replies and follow-ups

Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you. Use to show appreciation after someone repeats or clarifies. Male speakers say obrigado; female speakers say obrigada.

Entendi — I understood. Use to confirm you got the information.

Ainda não entendi — I still did not understand. Use if you need another repetition or a different explanation.

Mais devagar, por favor — Slower, please. Good when a single word is unclear due to speed.

Pode escrever? — Can you write it down? Practical for addresses, numbers, or complicated names.

Practical vocabulary for everyday situations

Endereço — address. Useful when asking for directions or location details to be repeated.

Horário — schedule or time. Use when you missed a time or bus number.

Preço — price. Ask to repeat prices in shops and markets.

Telefone — phone number. Ask to repeat digits.

Nome — name. Ask someone to repeat or spell a name.

Short realistic dialogues: asking for repetition

Situation: At a café

Cliente: Desculpe, pode repetir o pedido da promoção?

Barista: A promoção é café com pão por 8 reais.

Cliente: Desculpe, não entendi. Pode falar mais devagar, por favor?

Barista: Café com pão por oito reais.

Cliente: Obrigada, entendi.

Situation: On the bus

Passageiro: Com licença, qual ônibus vai para o centro?

Motorista: Ônibus 42.

Passageiro: Como foi? Pode repetir o número, por favor?

Motorista: Quarenta e dois.

Passageiro: Obrigado.

Situation: At a store

Cliente: Pode repetir o preço da camisa?

Vendedor: R$129,90.

Cliente: Só para confirmar, cento e vinte e nove reais e noventa centavos?

Vendedor: Isso mesmo.

How to ask for spelling and clarification

When you need precise information like a name, street, or email, ask someone to spell it. Spelling requests avoid misunderstandings, especially with similar-sounding letters or unfamiliar names.

Pode soletrar, por favor? — Ask to spell the word or name.

Como se escreve? — How is it written? Use when you want to know the correct spelling.

Você pode escrever o nome, por favor? — Useful when the other person can write it down for clarity.

Example:

Atendente: É Maria.

Você: Pode soletrar, por favor?

Atendente: M-A-R-I-A.

Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistake 1: Saying desculpa instead of desculpe. While both are used, desculpe is more formal and safer in public or service contexts. Use desculpe to be polite.

Mistake 2: Using por favor at the wrong moment. Adding por favor is polite but unnecessary after every short phrase. Place it at the end of your request for natural speech: Pode repetir, por favor?

Mistake 3: Confusing obrigado and obrigada. Match the ending to your speaker gender: men use obrigado, women use obrigada.

Mistake 4: Not asking to write important details. If a price, address, or phone number is critical, ask Pode escrever? to avoid errors.

Tips for sounding natural and polite

Start with a polite opener: Desculpe or Com licença. These make your request friendlier.

Use por favor at the end of requests to sound respectful: Pode repetir, por favor?

Repeat important numbers back: Sozinho or repeating digits makes sure both parties agree: É o 42? or O número é 42?

Mix simpler phrases: If you do not understand a whole sentence, ask for the specific part: Qual o horário? or Qual o preço?

Practice the short filler phrase Como? or Como foi? for quick repetitions in informal conversations.

Real-life examples for common places

Restaurant: Desculpe, pode repetir o prato do dia, por favor? Hoje é peixe ou frango?

Store: Não entendi o preço. Pode falar de novo, por favor?

Taxi: Como foi o endereço? Pode falar mais devagar, por favor?

Pharmacy: Pode repetir as instruções do remédio, por favor? Quantas vezes por dia?

Train station: Qual plataforma? Desculpe, pode repetir o número da plataforma?

Quick reference cheat sheet

Desculpe, pode repetir, por favor?

Desculpe, não entendi.

Desculpe, pode falar mais devagar, por favor?

Como?

Pode soletrar, por favor?

Pode escrever?

Conclusion

Mastering simple, polite phrases to ask for repetition will make everyday Brazilian Portuguese interactions much easier. Use common verbs like repetir and falar, polite openers such as desculpe, and clear follow-ups like pode falar mais devagar. Practicing the short dialogues and tips in real contexts will help you navigate stores, transport, restaurants, and social situations with confidence.