French Phrase
Tu peux répéter ?
Meaning
Literally ‘You can repeat?’, it is the informal way to ask someone to say something again because you didn’t catch it the first time. The tone is polite but casual.
When to use
Use this phrase in everyday conversation with friends, classmates, or anyone you address with ‘tu’ when you need clarification—e.g., after a noisy environment, a fast speaker, or a missed phone call.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tupeuxrépéter?
Tu (subject pronoun)
Second‑person singular informal pronoun used before a verb.
peux (pouvoir)
Present‑tense form of the modal verb pouvoir = ‘can / be able to’. It agrees with the subject ‘tu’.
répéter (infinitive)
Infinitive verb meaning ‘to repeat’. After a modal verb, the infinitive stays unchanged.
Question mark
In spoken French the intonation rises; in writing the question mark follows the whole clause.
🗨In Conversation
Tu peux répéter ?
Can you repeat that?
Bien sûr ! Je disais que le train partira à 18h30.
Sure! I was saying that the train will leave at 6:30 p.m.
✕Common Mistakes
Tu pouvez répéter ?
When speaking to someone you should match the pronoun with the appropriate level of formality; use ‘vous’ if you’re not on familiar terms.
Tu peux répètes ?
Do not conjugate the infinitive after a modal verb; the correct form stays ‘répéter’.
Tu peux repeter ?
Avoid omitting the accent on ‘peux’; it changes the pronunciation and can be confusing.
↔Alternatives
Pouvez‑vous répéter ?
Can you repeat? (formal)
Tu pourrais répéter, s’il te plaît ?
Could you repeat, please?
Excuse‑moi, je n’ai pas bien entendu.
Sorry, I didn’t hear that well.
Cultural Tip
In French the choice between ‘tu’ and ‘vous’ signals the level of familiarity. With strangers, colleagues, or older people, use the formal ‘vous’ version (Pouvez‑vous répéter ?). With peers, friends, or family, the informal ‘tu’ version is natural. Also, adding ‘s’il te plaît’ or ‘s’il vous plaît’ makes the request even more courteous.