Introduction
Learning how to ask someone to repeat themselves is essential for beginners. This article gives practical Spanish phrases, vocabulary, and short dialogues you can use when you need repetition. All Spanish examples are tailored for Latin American Spanish and are explained in clear English so you can start using them right away.
Why ask for repetition?
Beginners often miss words because of speed, accent, or unfamiliar vocabulary. Asking for repetition helps you avoid misunderstandings and shows politeness. Simple phrases let you control the conversation and learn new words in context.
Key words to know
Here are basic vocabulary items that appear in repetition requests. The first time each appears, it is bolded; later it appears in italics.
Repetir — to repeat
Otra vez — again
Despacito — slowly (literally a little slow)
No entendí — I did not understand
¿Cómo? — What?/How? (used to ask for repetition)
¿Puede — can you (formal)
¿Puedes — can you (informal)
Más claro — more clearly
Simple beginner phrases to ask for repetition
Use short, polite phrases when you need someone to repeat. These are common in shops, classrooms, and everyday conversations.
¿Puede repetir, por favor?
This is a polite, formal request meaning can you repeat please
¿Puede repetir, por favor?
¿Puedes repetir?
Informal version for friends or peers
¿Puedes repetir?
¿Puedes decirlo otra vez?
Can you say it again; useful when you missed the whole sentence
¿Puedes decirlo otra vez?
¿Qué dijo?
What did he/she say; quick and common in casual speech
¿Qué dijo?
¿Cómo?
Short and very common; literally how but used to ask for repetition
¿Cómo?
Phrases asking for slower speech or clearer pronunciation
Sometimes you understood the words but they were too fast. Use these to ask for a slower pace or clearer speech.
Más despacio, por favor
Slower please; a must-know phrase for beginners
Más despacio, por favor
Habla más despacio
Speak more slowly (informal)
Habla más despacio
Más claro, por favor
Speak more clearly, useful if pronunciation was unclear
Más claro, por favor
¿Puedes repetir más despacio?
Can you repeat more slowly; combines repetition and speed request
¿Puedes repetir más despacio?
Polite ways to say you did not understand
When you want to avoid sounding abrupt, use polite phrases that explain you did not understand. These work in formal and informal settings depending on the verb form.
No entendí
I did not understand; simple and direct
No entendí
No entendí bien
I did not understand well; adds a softer tone
No entendí bien
No escuché
I didn’t hear; useful if background noise was the issue
No escuché
Perdón, no entendí la última parte
Sorry, I didn’t understand the last part; helpful in longer explanations
Perdón, no entendí la última parte
Short practical dialogues
Below are short, realistic dialogues showing how beginners ask for repetition in common situations like at a cafe, on the bus, and in class. Use these to practice aloud.
Cafe:
Barista: ¿Qué va a ordenar?
Cliente: ¿Puede repetir, por favor?
Barista: Claro, ¿qué va a ordenar?
Barista: ¿Qué va a ordenar?
Cliente: ¿Puede repetir, por favor?
Barista: Claro, ¿qué va a ordenar?
Bus or taxi:
Conductor: La próxima parada es avenida Central.
Pasajero: ¿Cómo?
Conductor: La próxima parada es avenida Central.
Conductor: La próxima parada es avenida Central.
Pasajero: ¿Cómo?
Conductor: La próxima parada es avenida Central.
Classroom:
Profesor: El examen es la próxima semana.
Estudiante: ¿Puede repetir la fecha, por favor?
Profesor: El examen es la próxima semana.
Estudiante: ¿Puede repetir la fecha, por favor?
Vocabulary and mini-explanations
Learn what these key words mean and how to use them in other contexts.
Repetir — to repeat. Use with subjects: yo repito, tú repites, puede repetir
repetir
Otra vez — again. Attach to many verbs: dígalo otra vez, repítelo otra vez
otra vez
Por favor — please. Adds politeness to any request
por favor
Despacito / más despacio — slowly / more slowly. Both common; use más despacio for clarity
despacito
Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistake 1: Overusing the same phrase and sounding abrupt. Instead of repeating only ¿Cómo? each time, vary phrases like ¿Puede repetir, por favor? or No entendí.
Mistake 2: Using formal language with friends or vice versa. Choose ¿Puedes repetir? with peers and ¿Puede repetir, por favor? in formal contexts.
Mistake 3: Speaking too loudly when you ask for repetition. Use the polite phrase and request más despacio rather than raising your voice.
Practice tips for beginners
Tip 1: Memorize a small set of phrases. Start with three: ¿Puede repetir, por favor?, Más despacio, por favor, and No entendí.
Tip 2: Practice switching between formal and informal forms in role plays. For example, pretend you are in a store (formal) then with a friend (informal).
Tip 3: Record short dialogues and replay them. Pause and ask yourself each of the sample questions aloud to build confidence.
Simple exercises to try
Exercise 1: Listen to a short Spanish announcement and write down what you heard. If you miss parts, practice asking ¿Puede repetir más despacio? then replay.
Exercise 2: With a language partner, have them read a menu item and intentionally speak fast. Ask for repetition and then for slower speech: ¿Puedes decir eso otra vez? Más despacio, por favor.
Exercise 3: In class, when a teacher gives instructions, practice saying Perdón, no entendí la última parte and request clarification for the exact step you missed.
Useful phrases to read on signs, forms, and menus
Sometimes written Spanish is easier to handle, but you may still need repetition of spoken instructions.
Lea de nuevo — read again; useful on instructions
Lea de nuevo
Información adicional — additional information; often points to more details when you missed something
Información adicional
Repita la palabra — repeat the word; a direct instruction for practice or clarification
Repita la palabra
Real-world quick reference card
Keep a small list on your phone with these phrases you can copy-paste or show in a message when you need help hearing or understanding someone.
¿Puede repetir, por favor?
¿Puedes repetir más despacio?
No entendí, ¿puede decirlo otra vez?
Más despacio, por favor
¿Cómo?
Conclusion
Asking for repetition is a practical skill that helps beginners stay in the conversation and learn faster. Memorize a handful of polite phrases, practice them in simple dialogues, and use the tips here to avoid common mistakes. With short, ready-to-use phrases like ¿Puede repetir, por favor? and Más despacio, por favor, you will feel more confident asking people to repeat themselves in real situations.
