What to say in Portuguese when you need something repeated

Introduction

Knowing how to ask someone to repeat themselves in Brazilian Portuguese is essential for real conversations, especially for beginners. This article explains common phrases, polite forms, pronunciation tips, and when to use each expression so you can handle misunderstandings smoothly and sound natural in Brazil.

Why learning repetition phrases matters

When you are learning a language, not catching a word or phrase is normal. Being able to request repetition politely helps you stay engaged, avoid embarrassment, and keep conversations flowing. Brazilians value warmth and friendliness, so using polite forms and casual alternatives depending on context will make interactions more positive.

Basic polite phrases to ask someone to repeat

Here are the most common polite ways to ask for repetition in Brazilian Portuguese. Use these in formal settings, with people you do not know well, or to show respect.

Simple polite request

Pode repetir, por favor
Usage note: This is a direct and polite formula. Use it in stores, classrooms, or when talking to strangers. Replace por favor with a softer tone if you want extra politeness.

Example:
Pode repetir, por favor o que você disse sobre o horário?

Asking for clarification of what was said

Desculpe, não entendi
Usage note: Use this to admit you did not understand the whole message. It opens the door for the speaker to repeat or rephrase.

Example:
Desculpe, não entendi. Você pode falar devagar?

Requesting slower speech

Pode falar mais devagar?
Usage note: Useful when the speaker talks too fast. It is polite and practical.

Example:
Pode falar mais devagar? O seu sotaque é bonito, mas eu preciso de mais tempo para entender.

Casual and informal ways to ask for repetition

In friendly settings, with peers, or when talking to people your age, you can use less formal phrases. These sound natural and warm in everyday Brazilian Portuguese.

Short informal expressions

Como?
Usage note: Very common and brief. Equivalent to how? Use with friends or when context is casual.

Example:
Como? Não ouvi o final da frase.

Another relaxed option

O que você falou?
Usage note: Slightly more specific than Como, it directly asks what was said.

Example:
O que você falou? Achei interessante, repete aí por favor.

Informal + friendly

Repete?
Usage note: A contracted, conversational form used with close friends and family. Short and very colloquial.

Example:
Repete? Eu tava no telefone e perdi o começo.

Polite variations and nuances

Politeness in Portuguese depends on tone, word choice, and context. Below are variations that change formality or soften the request.

Adding softeners

Desculpa, pode repetir?
Usage note: Adding desculpa (sorry) softens the request and signals humility. Good with people of different ages or positions.

Example:
Desculpa, pode repetir? Eu me distraí um momento.

Using indirect phrasing

Você pode dizer isso de novo, por favor?
Usage note: Slightly longer but very polite. Use this when you want to be especially courteous, for example with teachers or older adults.

Example:
Você pode dizer isso de novo, por favor? Quero anotar certinho.

Asking to repeat specific parts

Sometimes you understood most of the message but missed only a word, number, or name. Use targeted phrases to ask for that detail instead of repeating everything.

Missing a single word

Qual palavra você usou?
Usage note: Ask this when you remember the sentence but not a single word. It helps the speaker pinpoint the missing part.

Example:
Qual palavra você usou? Eu entendi a ideia, só não peguei essa palavra.

Missed a name

Como foi o nome?
Usage note: Use when you missed someone’s name or a place name.

Example:
Como foi o nome? Eu não anotei e quero entrar em contato depois.

Missed a number or date

Você pode repetir o número/data?
Usage note: Be specific: número for phone numbers, data for dates. Numbers are often misheard, so repeating digits slowly helps.

Example:
Você pode repetir o número? Pode falar um dígito por vez?

When the problem is pronunciation or accent

Brazilians have many regional accents. If you struggle because of pronunciation, say so kindly. This encourages the speaker to adapt.

Asking about the accent

Você pode falar de forma mais clara?
Usage note: Polite and neutral. Ask this when you need clarity but do not want to comment on someone’s accent directly.

Example:
Você pode falar de forma mais clara? Assim eu consigo anotar melhor.

Requesting phonetic help

Como se pronuncia essa palavra?
Usage note: Use this to learn the pronunciation of a specific word. Speakers usually enjoy teaching pronunciation.

Example:
Como se pronuncia essa palavra? Pode falar devagar e repetir?

Using echo questions to confirm meaning

Echo questions repeat part of the sentence to confirm what you heard. They are useful to check small details and show active listening.

Echo for confirmation

Você disse que vai chegar às oito?
Usage note: Repeat the key element you heard with a rising intonation. It invites correction or confirmation.

Example:
Você disse que vai chegar às oito? Só confirmando o horário.

Echo with substitution

Você quer dizer amanhã ou hoje?
Usage note: Offer alternatives to narrow down what the speaker meant. This helps when you heard a word but the meaning is ambiguous.

Example:
Você quer dizer amanhã ou hoje? Não tenho certeza de qual dia você falou.

Expressing partial understanding

When you understood the gist but need a specific detail repeated, use phrases that communicate partial understanding. This is efficient and keeps the conversation focused.

Indicating partial comprehension

Entendi a ideia, mas não peguei…
Usage note: Follow with the missing element, such as a word, time, or location.

Example:
Entendi a ideia, mas não peguei o nome do restaurante.

Asking for a rephrase

Você pode dizer com outras palavras?
Usage note: Use this when a simpler explanation would help. Good for classroom or learning settings.

Example:
Você pode dizer com outras palavras? Assim eu entendo melhor a estrutura.

Pronunciation and tone tips

Tone and speed make a big difference. Brazilians often use rising intonation for questions. Be polite, smile, and your request will be taken kindly. Speak slowly when repeating and consider spelling out difficult words letter by letter when necessary.

How to ask someone to spell

Pode soletrar, por favor?
Usage note: Ask the speaker to spell a word or name if you need exact letters. Useful for email addresses, names, and uncommon words.

Example:
Pode soletrar, por favor? Assim eu não erro ao anotar.

Useful short dialogues for real situations

Below are short, natural dialogues showing how to ask for repetition in context. They use everyday scenarios you’ll likely encounter in Brazil.

Dialogue 1: at a café
Pessoa A: O café da casa vem com chantilly.
Pessoa B: Como?
Pessoa A: O café da casa vem com chantilly.

Dialogue 2: asking for directions
Pessoa A: Vire à direita na terceira rua.
Pessoa B: Desculpe, não entendi. Pode falar mais devagar?
Pessoa A: Vire à direita na terceira rua.

Dialogue 3: phone number
Pessoa A: Meu número é nove, oito, sete, seis.
Pessoa B: Você pode repetir o número?
Pessoa A: Claro: 9-8-7-6.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Beginners often avoid asking for repetition to save face. This leads to misunderstanding. Remember that asking for clarification is normal and expected. Also avoid literal translations from English that sound unnatural in Portuguese. Stick to the phrases above and pay attention to tone and politeness markers like por favor and desculpa.

Avoiding overuse

Repeating too frequently can interrupt the flow. Use targeted questions when possible, for example asking for a number or a single word instead of requesting the entire sentence again.

Avoid direct translations

Directly translating How do you say? or Excuse me, could you repeat? sometimes produces awkward forms. Use natural Brazilian Portuguese phrases listed in this article to sound more native.

Practice tips for learners

Practice these phrases aloud and listen to native speakers. Mimic their intonation when asking questions. Role-play short dialogues with language partners or tutors. Record yourself asking for repetition and compare to native examples to improve naturalness.

Listening strategies

Improve comprehension by listening to Brazilian podcasts, TV shows, and conversations. Note common words that are hard to catch and practice asking for them. Context helps predict missing words, so focus on the overall message as well.

When someone asks you to repeat

Be patient and helpful. Repeat slowly, rephrase, or spell when necessary. Brazilians appreciate friendly patience, so respond with a smile and a clear repetition.

Quick reference cheat sheet

Keep a short list on your phone or notebook for quick access when speaking with natives.

Pode repetir, por favor — polite and direct
Desculpe, não entendi — I did not understand
Pode falar mais devagar? — Speak more slowly
Como? — How? (informal)
O que você falou? — What did you say?
Repete? — Repeat? (very informal)
Você pode dizer isso de novo, por favor? — Can you say that again?
Qual palavra você usou? — Which word did you use?
Você pode soletrar, por favor? — Can you spell it?

Conclusion

Mastering polite and casual ways to ask for repetition in Brazilian Portuguese makes conversations smoother and reduces frustration. Use the phrases and tips in this article to practice real interactions, adapt your tone to the situation, and ask for specific details when possible. With a few simple expressions, you will feel more confident asking people to repeat or clarify and will improve your listening skills faster.