Learn English: What to Say When You Don’t Understand Something

Please find below a number of suggestions for what you can say when you don’t understand what someone has said.

IMPORTANT: A lot of people say “What?” (including native speakers) but I strongly recommend that you do not because it sounds slightly rude, especially in Britain. Please, please, use some of the below instead:

If you can’t understand someone:

Can you repeat that, please?

Can you say that again, please?

Can you please speak more slowly?

I’m sorry, I don’t understand.

I didn’t catch that, sorry?

Sorry?

What does something mean?

If you are asking about the meaning of a specific word, make sure you are structuring the question correctly:

EXAMPLES

Incorrect

“What does it mean, ‘something’?

Correct

“What does ‘something’ mean?”

“How do you say ‘something’ in English?”

“What’s this in English?” (Pointing to an object.)