24 Japanese Phrases to Say “Please Repeat That”

Sometimes in conversation, you just didn’t catch what someone said. It happens to everyone!

Whether you’re learning Japanese or chatting with a native speaker, knowing how to politely ask for a repeat is key. It keeps the conversation smooth and shows you care about understanding.

There are many ways to say “Please repeat that” in Japanese, from casual to super polite. It can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

Mastering these phrases will boost your confidence and help you connect better with others. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your listening skills and pick up new expressions.

With these 24 phrases, you’ll be able to ask for repeats naturally in any setting. Ready to sound more fluent and friendly?

Let’s dive in and explore these helpful Japanese phrases together!

Why Knowing Multiple Ways to Say “Please Repeat That” Helps

Not all situations call for the same phrase. Sometimes you want to be super polite, other times casual is fine.

Having a variety of options means you can choose the right tone every time. It’s like having a language toolkit ready at hand.

Plus, using different phrases keeps your conversations fresh and shows your growing skills.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

It’s easier to remember phrases when you associate them with real-life moments.

Try practicing these phrases with friends or language partners to see which ones feel most natural.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. もう一度言って (Mou ichido itte) – mo-u ee-chee-doh ee-teh

This is one of the most straightforward ways to say “Say it one more time.”

“もう” (mou) means “more” or “again,” “一度” (ichido) means “one time,” and “言って” (itte) is the casual imperative form of “to say.”

It’s casual enough to use with friends or classmates.

Keep it simple and friendly!

You might also hear “もう一回言って” (mou ikkai itte), which means the same but uses “回” (kai) as a counter for occurrences.

This phrase is a great go-to for casual chats and helps keep your Japanese sounding natural.

2. もう一回お願いします (Mou ikkai onegaishimasu) – mo-u een-kai oh-neh-gai-shee-mah-su

Adding “お願いします” (onegaishimasu) makes your request polite.

“もう一回” (mou ikkai) means “one more time,” and “お願いします” means “please.” It’s an easy phrase to remember and polite enough for most everyday situations.

Perfect for when you want to sound respectful but still casual.

Don’t forget to use the polite ending in formal settings.

For example, when talking to a teacher, say “もう一回お願いします” instead of a plain “もう一回言って.”

Practice this phrase regularly to build a polite yet approachable tone in conversations.

3. 何て言った？ (Nante itta?) – nan-teh eet-tah

This phrase means “What did you say?” and is casual and quick.

“何て” (nante) means “what kind of,” and “言った” (itta) is the past tense of “say.”

It’s ideal among close friends or peers when you want a quick repeat.

Use it carefully, as it can come off as blunt if said to strangers.

Pairing it with a friendly tone or a smile softens the impact.

It’s a handy phrase for informal chatting and shows you’re engaged and want to catch every word.

4. もう一度お願いします (Mou ichido onegaishimasu) – mo-u ee-chee-doh oh-neh-gai-shee-mah-su

This is a polite and formal way to say “Please say that one more time.”

It’s very similar to “もう一度言って” but adds the polite “お願いします.”

Great for work or formal encounters.

Remember to keep your tone respectful when using this phrase.

It’s often used in meetings or phone calls where clarity is important.

Using this phrase helps you sound courteous and professional.

5. もう一度言ってくれる？ (Mou ichido itte kureru?) – mo-u ee-chee-doh eet-teh koo-reh-roo

This is a casual but kind way of saying “Can you say that again for me?”

Adding “くれる” (kureru) expresses that the speaker is requesting a favor.

It’s very natural among friends.

Use it when you want to sound polite but not too formal.

“くれる” makes it clear you’re asking for help, which feels warm and personal.

It’s a good phrase to practice when building casual conversational skills.

6. もう一回言って (Mou ikkai itte) – mo-u een-kai eet-teh

Similar to number one, but with “一回” (ikkai) as the counter.

It’s simple and easy to use, perfect for everyday casual talks.

Great for beginners because of its straightforward structure.

Keep it short and sweet to sound natural.

It’s interchangeable with “もう一度言って.”

Practice both to recognize the subtle difference in counters.

7. すみません、もう一度言ってもらえますか？ (Sumimasen, mou ichido itte moraemasu ka?) – soo-mee-mah-sen, mo-u ee-chee-doh eet-teh mo-rah-eh-mah-su kah

This is a very polite way to ask someone to repeat something.

“すみません” means “excuse me,” “もらえますか” is a polite request form meaning “could you do for me.”

Perfect for formal or unfamiliar situations.

It shows that you are respectful and considerate.

Great to use with teachers, managers, or strangers.

Using this phrase will earn you respect and clarity.

8. もう一度言い直してくれる？ (Mou ichido iinaoshite kureru?) – mo-u ee-chee-doh ee-na-oh-shee-teh koo-reh-roo

This phrase means “Can you say it again, correcting it?”

“言い直して” (iinaoshite) means “to say again or correct.”

It’s casual and friendly.

Useful when you think the speaker made a mistake or you didn’t catch something clearly.

It’s a polite way to ask for a clearer or corrected repetition.

Try it when you want to learn and understand better in informal settings.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 申し訳ありませんが、もう一度お願いします (Moushiwake arimasen ga, mou ichido onegaishimasu) – mo-shee-wah-keh ah-ree-mah-sen gah, mo-u ee-chee-doh oh-neh-gai-shee-mah-su

This is a very formal and respectful way to ask for a repeat.

“申し訳ありません” is a strong apology meaning “I’m terribly sorry.”

Used in formal business or official situations.

It conveys humility and politeness.

A good phrase to memorize for professional Japanese.

It helps maintain respect even when you need clarification.

10. お手数ですが、もう一度言っていただけますか？ (Otesuu desu ga, mou ichido itte itadakemasu ka?) – oh-teh-soo dess gah, mo-u ee-chee-doh eet-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mah-su kah

This phrase means “Sorry to trouble you, but could you please say that again?”

“お手数ですが” is a polite expression meaning “sorry for the trouble.”

Highly respectful and perfect for formal situations.

Shows consideration for the other person’s effort.

Use it during presentations or meetings to sound very courteous.

It’s an excellent phrase to build rapport in professional contexts.

11. 恐れ入りますが、もう一度お願いします (Osore irimasu ga, mou ichido onegaishimasu) – oh-soh-reh ee-ree-mah-su gah, mo-u ee-chee-doh oh-neh-gai-shee-mah-su

This is another formal phrase meaning “I’m sorry to trouble you, but please say it again.”

“恐れ入ります” expresses deep apology and respect.

Use it with clients or superiors.

It’s slightly softer than “申し訳ありません.”

Perfect for delicate or sensitive conversations.

Practice this to sound polished and respectful.

12. もう一度繰り返していただけますか？ (Mou ichido kurikaeshite itadakemasu ka?) – mo-u ee-chee-doh koo-ree-kai-shee-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mah-su kah

This means “Could you please repeat it once more?” in a very polite form.

“繰り返して” means “to repeat.”

It’s common in business or formal settings.

Use this when you need clear repetition in official talks.

It’s a safe, respectful phrase to always have handy.

Using it shows your professionalism and attention to detail.

13. もう一度おっしゃっていただけますか？ (Mou ichido osshatte itadakemasu ka?) – mo-u ee-chee-doh oh-ssha-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mah-su kah

This is an honorific way to say “Could you please say that again?”

“おっしゃって” is the honorific form of “to say.”

Used when addressing someone of higher status.

Very polite and respectful.

Ideal for formal interviews or meetings.

It’s a phrase that shows excellent manners in Japanese culture.

14. もう一度ご説明いただけますか？ (Mou ichido go setsumei itadakemasu ka?) – mo-u ee-chee-doh go set-su-meh-ee ee-tah-dah-keh-mah-su kah

This phrase means “Could you please explain it again?”

“ご説明” means “explanation” with honorific prefix.

Good for asking repeats in lectures or detailed conversations.

It’s polite and shows you want to understand thoroughly.

Great for academic or professional environments.

Use it to sound engaged and respectful when learning.

15. もう一度お話しいただけますか？ (Mou ichido ohanashi itadakemasu ka?) – mo-u ee-chee-doh oh-hah-nah-shee ee-tah-dah-keh-mah-su kah

This means “Could you please tell me again?” in a polite form.

“お話し” means “talk” or “story” with polite prefix.

Useful in interviews or formal storytelling.

It’s gentle and respectful.

Shows interest and patience.

Perfect to build rapport in polite conversations.

16. もう一度お聞きしてもよろしいでしょうか？ (Mou ichido okiki shite mo yoroshii deshou ka?) – mo-u ee-chee-doh oh-kee-kee shee-teh mo yo-ro-shee deh-show kah

This phrase means “May I ask you to say it again?” very politely.

“お聞きして” is a humble way to say “to listen or ask.”

Great for very formal or customer service contexts.

It emphasizes respect and permission.

Use it to maintain politeness in delicate exchanges.

It’s a perfect phrase for professional settings.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. なんて？ (Nante?) – nan-teh?

This is a super casual way to say “What?” or “Say again?”

It’s short and often used among close friends.

Perfect for informal settings.

Be careful not to sound rude; tone matters a lot.

Often combined with a laugh or smile to soften it.

Great for sounding like a native in relaxed chats.

18. え？ (E?) – eh?

This is a simple and very casual “Huh?” or “What?”

Commonly used when you didn’t hear something clearly.

It’s short and to the point.

Use it only with people you’re close to.

Not suitable for formal or polite conversations.

Try it with friends to sound natural and spontaneous.

19. もう一回言ってよ (Mou ikkai itte yo) – mo-u een-kai eet-teh yo

This phrase means “Say it one more time, okay?” with a casual “よ” (yo) ending.

It adds emphasis and friendliness.

Used among friends or peers.

It can sound a bit demanding, so use playfully.

Great to practice casual intonation.

Perfect for informal, fun conversations.

20. もう一度言ってくれ (Mou ichido itte kure) – mo-u ee-chee-doh eet-teh koo-reh

This is a casual and somewhat rough way to say “Say it again.”

“くれ” (kure) is a plain form used with close friends.

Not polite, so be careful when using it.

Often used by men or in casual male speech.

Practice only if you’re confident with informal Japanese.

It’s a phrase to use wisely to avoid sounding rude.

21. もう一回頼む (Mou ikkai tanomu) – mo-u een-kai tah-noh-mu

This means “I’m asking for one more time” casually.

“頼む” (tanomu) means “to request” and is informal.

Good for casual requests among friends.

It’s friendly and direct.

Use it to sound natural in everyday Japanese.

Great phrase to add to your casual toolkit.

22. もう一度言ってみて (Mou ichido itte mite) – mo-u ee-chee-doh eet-teh mee-teh

This phrase means “Try saying it again.”

“みて” (mite) is the “try doing” form.

Used when encouraging someone to repeat.

Casual and friendly tone.

Good for language practice or playful chats.

It helps build comfort with repetition in conversation.

23. もう一回言ってくんない？ (Mou ikkai itte kunnai?) – mo-u een-kai eet-teh koon-nai

This is a very casual and colloquial way to say “Could you say it again?”

“くんない” (kunnai) is a contracted form of “くれない,” meaning “won’t you do.”

Common among young people.

Use it with close friends only.

It’s playful and informal.

Great to sound like a native speaker in casual settings.

24. もう一回言ってちょうだい (Mou ikkai itte choudai) – mo-u een-kai eet-teh cho-dai

This phrase means “Please say it one more time” in a casual and friendly way.

“ちょうだい” (choudai) is a casual way to say “please give me.”

Used with friends or family.

It’s warm and inviting.

Great for casual everyday conversations.

Use it to sound approachable and friendly.

Concluding Thought

Learning how to say “Please repeat that” in Japanese is more than just memorizing phrases. It’s about understanding the social context and matching the tone to the situation.

From casual chats to formal meetings, these 24 phrases give you the tools to communicate clearly and politely.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and soon asking for repeats will become second nature, making your Japanese conversations smoother and more enjoyable!