Introduction
Understanding subtle differences between similar Spanish phrases helps beginners speak more naturally and avoid confusion. This article explains the difference between two ways to ask someone to repeat something: Repetir and Decir otra vez. You will learn when to use each, common examples, short dialogues, vocabulary, beginner tips, and mistakes to avoid.
Basic meanings
Repetir is a verb meaning to repeat, to say or do something again. It is used both transitively and reflexively, and is common in formal and informal contexts.
Decir otra vez is a phrase made from the verb decir plus the adverbial phrase otra vez, literally meaning to say again. It is a straightforward, conversational way to ask someone to repeat what they said.
How they differ in nuance
Both repetir and decir otra vez indicate that you want information repeated, but there are small differences in tone and structure:
Repetir is often used as a direct verb request, for example in the imperative or in structured sentences like puedo repetir or puede repetir. It can sound slightly more formal or neutral and appears in instructions, classroom settings, and polite requests.
Decir otra vez feels more casual and conversational. It emphasizes the action of saying again and is common in everyday speech, like asking a friend to repeat something you missed.
Grammar and common forms
Repetir is an irregular stem-changing verb: repetir -> yo repito, tú repites, él/ella repite, nosotros repetimos, ellos repiten. For beginners, the key forms to learn are the imperative and polite requests.
Imperative forms for repetir useful for beginners:
tú repite
usted repita
nosotros repitamos
ustedes repitan
Decir otra vez uses the conjugation of decir plus otra vez. Useful beginner forms:
tú di otra vez (informal imperative)
usted diga otra vez (polite imperative)
puedes decirlo otra vez? (can you say it again?)
Practical examples in everyday contexts
Below are realistic beginner-level sentences and short dialogues you might encounter in shops, classrooms, restaurants, or with friends. Each Spanish example is followed by a simple English explanation.
Classroom: Profesor, ¿puede repetir la pregunta?
Teacher, can you repeat the question?
Conversation with a friend: Perdón, ¿puedes decir otra vez? No escuché bien.
Sorry, can you say that again? I did not hear well.
At a counter: ¿Puede repetir su nombre, por favor?
Can you repeat your name, please?
Phone message: ¿Me lo puede decir otra vez lentamente?
Can you say it again slowly?
On forms or instructions: Para continuar, repita su clave.
To continue, repeat your password.
Short dialogues
Dialogue 1 — Bus stop:
Persona A: ¿A qué hora sale el autobús?
Persona B: A las tres.
Persona A: ¿Puedes decir otra vez?
Persona B: A las tres de la tarde.
In this casual exchange the speaker uses decir otra vez to ask informally.
Dialogue 2 — Classroom:
Estudiante: No entendí la regla. ¿Puede repetir, por favor?
Profesor: Claro, repito la regla: …
Here, repetir is used in a polite class setting where the teacher responds formally.
When to choose one over the other
Choose repetir when:
– You need a neutral or slightly formal request.
– You are in a classroom, office, or dealing with service staff.
– You want to use the verb directly (e.g., repítalo, repite la frase).
Choose decir otra vez when:
– You are speaking casually with friends or family.
– You want a more conversational-sounding request.
– You prefer a phrase that focuses on the action of saying rather than the single verb repeat.
Variations and useful alternatives
Other beginner-friendly ways to ask someone to repeat include:
¿Cómo? — A short, very common way to signal you did not hear. Useful in casual speech.
¿Qué dijo? — What did you say? Often used after missing information.
¿Puede decirlo otra vez, por favor? — A polite alternative using decir otra vez.
¿Puede repetirlo, por favor? — A polite form using repetir.
Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistake 1: Using the wrong verb form. Beginners sometimes say repite instead of repita when speaking politely to an adult. Use usted repita for formal situations or por favor + infinitive to keep it simple: por favor, repetir? is incorrect; say por favor, ¿puede repetir? or por favor, repita.
Mistake 2: Confusing meanings when adding objects. Repetir requires a direct object when you mean repeat something specific: repite la frase (repeat the sentence). Saying repite alone is okay in informal contexts, but including the object is clearer.
Mistake 3: Overusing ¿Cómo? in formal settings. ¿Cómo? is fine with friends but may sound brusque with strangers or service staff. Use ¿Puede repetir, por favor? or ¿Puede decirlo otra vez, por favor? instead.
Beginner tips for practicing these phrases
Tip 1: Memorize a small set of polite forms for service interactions: ¿Puede repetir, por favor? and ¿Puede decirlo otra vez, por favor?. These will cover most situations.
Tip 2: Practice short role-plays: One person reads a short sentence, the other asks ¿Cómo? or ¿Puede repetir? Rotate roles to build confidence.
Tip 3: Use audio practice: Listen to a short Spanish clip, pause, and practice saying ¿Cómo? or ¿Puedes decir otra vez? to request repetition. Notice tone and formality.
Vocabulary and phrase list
Repetir — to repeat
Decir — to say
Otra vez — again
¿Cómo? — How? / What did you say?
¿Puede repetir, por favor? — Can you repeat, please?
¿Puedes decir otra vez? — Can you say it again? (informal)
Repítalo — Repeat it (formal command)
Repítelo — Repeat it (informal command, masculine object or neutral)
Examples using menus, signs, and common service situations
At a café order: Camarero: ¿Qué quieres?
Cliente: Perdón, ¿puedes decir otra vez el nombre del sándwich?
Practical: Use decir otra vez with staff when you missed the name in casual cafés.
On a sign or announcement: Atención: por favor repita su número de asiento si hay confusión.
Practical: Institutional messages often use repetir for clarity and formality.
On a schedule or timetable: Si no oye el aviso, pida que se lo repitan en la boletería.
Practical: Public services often use repetir or passive constructions for instructions.
Quick reference cheat-sheet for beginners
Need a fast choice? Use these ready phrases:
Casual, with friends: ¿Puedes decir otra vez? or ¿Cómo?
Polite, with strangers or staff: ¿Puede repetir, por favor? or ¿Puede decirlo otra vez, por favor?
Classroom: Profesor, ¿puede repetir la explicación?
Short and clear: Repita, por favor.
Conclusion
Both Repetir and Decir otra vez let you ask for something to be said again, but choosing between them depends on tone and context. Use repetir for neutral or formal requests and institutional language, and use decir otra vez for casual, everyday speech. Practice the polite forms and simple dialogues here to build confidence and sound natural when asking someone to repeat themselves.
