Italian Phrase
Puoi ripetere, per favore?
Meaning
A courteous way to ask someone to say something again because you didn’t catch it the first time. It combines a modal verb with an infinitive and the set phrase *per favore* to keep the tone polite.
When to use
Use this sentence in any spoken interaction—classroom, restaurant, meeting, or casual chat—when the speaker’s words were too soft, the environment was noisy, or you simply need clarification.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Puoiripetere,perfavore?
Puoi (potere)
Second‑person singular present of the modal verb *potere*, used to ask if someone is able to do something.
Ripetere (infinitive)
The infinitive form of the verb *ripetere* ‘to repeat’; after a modal verb the infinitive is required.
Per favore
A fixed polite expression meaning ‘please’; placed after the request.
🗨In Conversation
Puoi ripetere, per favore?
Can you repeat, please?
Certo, lo dico di nuovo.
Sure, I’ll say it again.
✕Common Mistakes
Può ripetere, per favore?
‘Può’ is third‑person singular; you need the second‑person form *puoi* when speaking directly to someone.
Puoi ripetere, per favor?
The expression is *per favore*; the final ‘e’ is required.
Ripeti, per favore?
Using the imperative *ripeti* sounds too direct; the modal + infinitive (*puoi ripetere*) is more polite.
↔Alternatives
Potresti ripetere, per favore?
Could you repeat, please?
Mi potresti ripetere, per favore?
Could you repeat it for me, please?
Puoi dire di nuovo, per favore?
Can you say it again, please?
Cultural Tip
In Italian conversation, adding *per favore* is essential for politeness, especially when asking for something again. Italians appreciate a friendly tone and eye contact; a smile can soften the request. In more formal settings you might prefer *potrebbe* (third‑person formal) instead of *puoi*.