What to Say When You Don’t Understand

Repair the message, not your whole language level

Conversation repair means dealing with a misunderstanding while the exchange is still happening. The difficulty might be a quiet voice, an unfamiliar word, a number or a sentence with too many details. Instead of announcing that you understand nothing, say which part you need again. This gives the other person a manageable task. It also lets you keep the information you already understood rather than starting the entire conversation from zero.

This is different from treating every pause as a confidence problem. If nervousness is the main obstacle, our article on speaking anxiety addresses preparation and manageable speaking goals. Here, the focus is the actual information gap: what was said, what it means and whether you interpreted it correctly.

1. Ask for the part you missed

A general request for repetition is a useful starting point. In English, try “Sorry, could you say that again?” In French, “Pardon, vous pouvez répéter ?” In Spanish, “Perdone, ¿puede repetirlo?” These French and Spanish examples use polite forms suitable for unfamiliar adults. With a friend, you might say “Tu peux répéter ?” or “¿Puedes repetirlo?” Choose one version to practise first rather than memorizing every possible register.

When only one detail is missing, name it: “Could you repeat the address?” French: “Vous pouvez répéter l’adresse ?” Spanish: “¿Puede repetir la dirección?” If you heard the street but missed the building number, ask for the number. A specific question usually produces a shorter answer, which is easier to check. Avoid repeatedly asking for the whole message when the problem is just one small detail.

2. Ask for a different explanation

Hearing the same unfamiliar expression louder will not necessarily help. If the sounds are clear but the meaning is not, request a rephrasing: “Could you explain that another way?” French: “Vous pouvez expliquer autrement ?” Spanish: “¿Puede explicarlo de otra manera?” You can also ask about one word: “What does ‘deposit’ mean here?” In French, “Que veut dire ‘acompte’ ici ?” In Spanish, “¿Qué significa ‘anticipo’ aquí?”

The word “here” matters because familiar words can have different meanings in different situations. A deposit for a booking and a deposit into a bank account are not identical uses. Ask for a concrete example if the explanation remains abstract: “Could you give me an example?” A helpful reply should connect the word to the situation, not replace it with several more unfamiliar words.

3. Check your interpretation before acting

Sometimes you understand most of a message but remain unsure about its practical consequence. Confirm the detail in your own words: “So I need to arrive before nine, is that right?” French: “Donc, je dois arriver avant neuf heures, c’est bien ça ?” Spanish: “Entonces, tengo que llegar antes de las nueve, ¿correcto?” This is more informative than saying “OK”, because the speaker can hear exactly what you believe.

For names, dates and money, repeat the detail distinctly. Ask “Did you say fifteen or fifty?” rather than guessing from context. In a medical, legal or financial conversation, do not let a repair phrase substitute for qualified help when you still cannot understand important instructions. Request written information or appropriate language assistance before making a consequential decision.

Three original exercises: choose the useful repair

Try answering before reading the suggested responses. These written situations practise choosing a strategy; they are not recordings, official exam questions or a test of your listening level.

1. You understand that a meeting is on Monday, but miss its start time. Choose A) Ask what Monday means. B) Ask for the time again. C) Ask the speaker to explain the entire project. D) Agree and guess.
2. A receptionist clearly says “a refundable deposit”, but you do not know what refundable means. Choose A) Ask for the same words louder. B) Ask for the room number. C) Confirm a price you did not hear. D) Ask what refundable means in this booking.
3. A colleague says the office closes at six, but visitors must arrive before five. Choose A) Check that you must arrive before five. B) Say you will arrive at six. C) Ask how to spell office. D) Repeat only the closing time.

Suggested answers and reasons

1: B. You only lack the time, so ask “What time does the meeting start?” 2: D. The problem is meaning, not volume. Ask “Does refundable mean I can get the deposit back? Under what conditions?” 3: A. The arrival deadline is different from the closing time. Say “So visitors need to arrive before five, right?” The correct strategy targets the detail that changes your next action.

Practise a short exchange, then change one detail

Use this original French mini-dialogue: “Le rendez-vous est jeudi à quinze heures.” “Pardon, vous pouvez répéter l’heure ?” “À quinze heures.” “Donc, jeudi à quinze heures, c’est bien ça ?” “Oui.” Notice the sequence: hear the message, identify the missing part, ask and confirm. Replace the day and time, then practise without reading. Try the same sequence in English or Spanish using phrases from this guide.

At A1 or A2, a short request and one repeated detail are enough for useful practice. At B1 or B2, add a reason or paraphrase a longer instruction. These are suggested task adaptations, not official CEFR certification criteria. After practice, record the phrase you could not retrieve and review it using our mistake-review method. For broader practice options, explore active vocabulary, dictation and conjugation.

Carry three phrases into your next conversation

Choose one phrase for repetition, one for explaining meaning and one for confirmation. Say them aloud until you can recall them without the page. In your next exchange, use the phrase that matches the gap instead of pretending to understand. Afterwards, note whether the response resolved it. If you need a starting level for structured study, take Vocalyra’s free placement assessment. The aim is not to interrupt less at any cost. It is to leave the conversation with a message you can act on accurately.