What to say if you didn’t understand someone in English | EF English Live (2024)
Learning a new language can be a tricky business; but you want to get it right. Right?
When you are learning English, a lot of effort is put into picking up vocabulary, spelling, reading and writing.
However, the area where your learning becomes most crucial is when it finally gets put into practice – not just in the classroom, but in real life. In the classroom, be it online or in a school, someone is at hand to listen, to support, to test you and shape your learning.
But how can you make sure you understand what’s going on once you go out into the world and begin to practice your English? Often as we begin to practice our new-found language skills, we realize that the way words sound in conversation can be very different from how we learned originally. Accents, speed, slang and idiomatic variances can mean we feel very lost – almost as if the other person isn’t speaking English at all.
Here is the EF English Live guide to helpful phrases and words to use when you’re not quite sure what someone is telling you…
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Formal
These short phrases are polite ways to communicate that you didn’t hear or don’t understand something in the English language.
I didn’t hear you. Please could you tell me again?
Informal
These are more common, casual, conversational ways to ask someone to repeat themselves, or communicate your lack of understanding. Some are more informal (i.e. rude!) than others.
Sorry? – most useful for when you simply didn’t hear
Sorry, what? – useful for not recognizing the sound you heard
A little more informal (can be rude)
‘Scuse me? – a more casual version of ‘excuse me’
Huh? – not quite a word but a sound; careful how you use it as it can sound rude; as a sound is more commonly associated with ‘I don’t get it’ or ‘I don’t understand’ rather than ‘I can’t hear you’
What? – sometimes this can seem aggressive, be careful!
Eh? – a sound usually used to communicate that it is difficult to hear/decipher someone
Hmm? – a sound used when you are a bit more absent-minded or maybe not listening so hard
Slang
Come again?
Say what? – this is particularly American English
Pass that by me again?
You what? – this is more common in the United Kingdom
I don’t get it… not a question but a statement, meaning simply ‘I don’t understand’
Idioms
Idioms are sayings particular to their language of origin. Here we take a look at three that you might use if you wanted to find a more creative way of saying something that sounds complicated, unclear or difficult to understand.
To tell someone that you don't understand their language, you can use the following phrases: 1. "I'm sorry, but I don't speak/understand [language name]." 2. "Apologies, I'm not familiar with [language name]." 3. "I'm afraid I can't comprehend what you're saying.
"I understand" or "I comprehend" are alternatives to "I got it" that convey the same message without sounding rude. Another options could be "I see what you mean" or "I appreciate the explanation" or "I take note of it" or "I am aware now".
Ideally, you'll know how to introduce yourself and ask someone if they understand English in their own language first. Depending on how well they speak, you'll probably want to talk slowly and use simple words. The trick is to avoid shouting or raising your voice because this can be perceived as rude.
Try to avoid alienating them by consistently asking them to translate for you. Don't spend entire date nights trying to learn the language from your partner. Try to brush up on the basics ahead of time, and use your time together to try to establish your relationship.
However, if you are talking to a native speaker of English, you might use the term “non-native speaker” to be more specific. It is also important to be respectful when referring to people who don't speak English fluently. Avoid using terms that are derogatory or condescending.
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