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Basic Lessons

Asking Directions (10)

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How to Ask Something to be Repeated

Here are the phrases to request that something be said again. "Sumimasen (I am sorry, but ...)" can be added at the beginning to make it more polite. "Onegaishimasu" is a convenient phrase used when making a request. 

Mou ichido onegaishimasu.
もう一度お願いします。
Please say it again.
Mou ichido itte kudasai.
もう一度言ってください。
Mou ichido itte kudasaimasen ka.
もう一度言ってくださいませんか。
Could you please say it again?
Yukkuri onegaishimasu.
ゆっくりお願いします。
Please say it slowly.

Saying "E" or "Haa" with a rising intonation is also a way to get the speaker to repeat. However, they are not very polite, therefore should not be used to your superiors. 

Denwa wa doko ni arimasu ka.
電話はどこにありますか。
Where is a telephone?
Shokudou no mae ni arimasu.
食堂の前にあります。
It is in front of the cafeteria.
E?
え?
Say again?
Shokudou no mae desu.
食堂の前です。
In front of the cafeteria.

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