Polite ways to say “Could you repeat the sentence?” in Portuguese

Introduction

Learning polite ways to ask someone to repeat themselves is essential for real conversations in Brazilian Portuguese. This article teaches beginner-friendly phrases, short dialogues, vocabulary, and practical tips so you can confidently say please repeat the sentence in natural, polite ways.

Why knowing polite repetition requests matters

As a beginner, you will often need speakers to repeat words, directions, or sentences. Asking politely helps in shops, restaurants, buses, classrooms, and conversations with new friends. Brazilian Portuguese has several common expressions, varying by formality and context. Understanding them will make interactions smoother and friendlier.

Basic polite phrases to ask someone to repeat a sentence

Start with these simple, very common phrases. The first appearance of each main phrase is highlighted.

Você pode repetir a frase, por favor?

Pode repetir, por favor?

Desculpa, não entendi. Pode repetir?

Como foi?

O que você disse?

Perdão, pode falar de novo?

Explanation of the key phrases

Você pode repetir a frase, por favor? literally asks if the person can repeat the sentence and uses você which is common in Brazilian Portuguese for both informal and semi-formal situations. Use por favor to be polite.

Você pode repetir a frase, por favor? is safe in stores, restaurants, or with colleagues.

Pode repetir, por favor? is a shorter, slightly more casual form. It omits the pronoun but is widely used and polite.

Pode repetir, por favor? works well when ordering food, asking directions, or talking to classmates.

Desculpa, não entendi. Pode repetir? adds an apology and explains you did not understand, which many Brazilians appreciate because it signals politeness and context.

Desculpa, não entendi. Pode repetir? is useful in noisy places or when someone speaks quickly.

Como foi? is an informal colloquial way to ask someone to repeat what they just said. It is similar to How was that? or Pardon? in English.

Como foi? works with friends or people of similar age but avoid it in very formal settings.

O que você disse? means What did you say? It is direct but still neutral; tone matters, so add por favor or desculpa to soften it.

O que você disse? plus por favor is ideal for polite clarification.

Perdão, pode falar de novo? uses perdão as an alternative to desculpa. Falar de novo literally means speak again and is a friendly, polite request.

Perdão, pode falar de novo? works well with store clerks or bus drivers when you miss a stop announcement.

Short dialogues: everyday situations

These beginner-friendly dialogues show natural usage. Use them as templates for real interactions.

At a café

Cliente: Desculpa, não entendi. Pode repetir o pedido?

Barista: Claro. Você quer um café com leite grande?

On public transportation

Passageiro: Perdão, pode falar de novo? Qual é a próxima parada?

Motorista: A próxima é Avenida Paulista.

In a store

Comprador: Pode repetir, por favor? Quanto custa a camiseta?

Vendedor: São cinquenta reais.

In class

Aluno: Como foi? Não peguei a última frase.

Professor: Eu disse que a tarefa é para sexta-feira.

Variations for different levels of formality

Brazilian Portuguese uses different tone and words depending on who you speak to. Here are polite options for formal, neutral, and informal contexts.

Formal: Desculpe, a senhora pode repetir, por favor?

Neutral: Você pode repetir, por favor?

Informal: Como foi?

Very friendly: Fala de novo, por favor?

Notes on pronouns and tone

Using senhora or senhor is respectful for older people or formal services. Você is widely used and safe for most situations. The tone of voice is crucial: a gentle tone and por favor make the request polite. Avoid using brusque intonation with O que você disse? without softeners if you want to remain friendly.

Useful vocabulary and quick translations

Below are common words and their simple English explanations to help you understand requests and replies.

repetir — to repeat

frase — sentence

por favor — please

desculpa / desculpe — sorry / excuse me

perdão — pardon

pode — can / could

falar de novo — speak again

não entendi — I did not understand

como foi — pardon? / how was that?

o que você disse — what did you say?

Common replies you might hear

When you ask someone to repeat, they may use these responses. Learn them to follow the conversation.

Claro, repito: … — Sure, I repeat: …

Desculpa, falei rápido. Eu disse: … — Sorry, I spoke fast. I said: …

É só isso: … — It is just this: … (used to repeat a short phrase)

Repetindo: … — Repeating: …

Perdão, eu quis dizer: … — Sorry, I meant: …

Beginner tips for better comprehension

These practical suggestions help you both ask for repetition and improve understanding over time.

1. Use por favor and desculpa to be polite; Brazilians respond more warmly when you are courteous.

2. Ask the speaker to slow down: Pode falar mais devagar, por favor?

3. Request spelling for unfamiliar words: Você pode soletrar, por favor?

4. Repeat what you heard to confirm: Eu ouvi …? Está certo?

5. Combine repetition with context: Pode repetir a parte sobre o horário, por favor?

Examples combining repetition and clarification

In a restaurant: Desculpa, não entendi o nome do prato. Pode repetir e dizer os ingredientes?

At the bus stop: Perdão, pode falar de novo? Esse ônibus passa na Rua XV?

With a cashier: Pode repetir o total, por favor? Não consegui ver na tela.

Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

Beginners often make simple errors that affect politeness or clarity. Here are common mistakes and quick fixes.

Mistake: Using a blunt tone with O que você disse?

Fix: Add por favor or desculpa to soften it: Desculpa, o que você disse?

Mistake: Using European Portuguese vocabulary or formal structures.

Fix: Stick to Brazilian examples listed in this article like você, por favor, desculpa, and perdão.

Mistake: Asking long complicated questions when tired or nervous.

Fix: Keep it short and polite: Pode repetir, por favor?

Practice mini-scenarios for daily life

Use these ready-to-say lines in everyday situations. They are short, polite, and effective.

Ordering at a bakery: Desculpa, pode repetir o preço do pão?

At a pharmacy: Perdão, não entendi o horário do remédio. Pode repetir?

Talking to a receptionist: Você pode repetir o número do quarto, por favor?

Final practical pointers

When you ask for repetition, follow up by repeating what you heard to confirm. This helps the speaker correct specific parts and improves your listening skills. Always include por favor or desculpa in public spaces to sound polite and natural in Brazilian Portuguese.

Conclusion

Mastering polite ways to ask someone to repeat a sentence boosts confidence in everyday Brazilian Portuguese interactions. Use phrases like Você pode repetir a frase, por favor?, Desculpa, não entendi. Pode repetir?, and Perdão, pode falar de novo?, listen carefully to common replies, and practice short dialogues in real contexts to become fluent and polite.