Portuguese Phrase
Você pode repetir isso, por favor?
Meaning
This phrase is a polite and common way to ask someone to say something again. It directly translates to "You can repeat that, please?" but functions as a request for clarification or when you didn't hear something clearly. It's a fundamental phrase for any language learner.
When to use
Use this phrase when you haven't understood what someone said, either because they spoke too quickly, too softly, or used unfamiliar vocabulary. It's appropriate in most social and professional settings, ensuring you get the information you need without causing offense.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vocêpoderepetirisso,por favor?
Você
'Você' is the second-person singular pronoun, meaning 'you'. It's widely used in Brazil and is a polite, general way to address someone.
Pode (Poder)
'Pode' is the conjugation of the verb 'poder' (to be able to/can) for 'você'. It's used to form polite requests, similar to 'can' or 'could' in English.
Repetir
'Repetir' is the infinitive form of the verb 'to repeat'. In Portuguese, after a conjugated modal verb like 'poder', the main verb usually remains in the infinitive.
Isso
'Isso' is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that' or 'it'. It refers to something previously mentioned or understood in the context, like the statement just made.
Por favor
This phrase means 'please' and is essential for making any request polite in Portuguese. Always include it to show respect.
🗨In Conversation
A reunião será às três da tarde, na sala de conferências principal.
The meeting will be at three in the afternoon, in the main conference room.
Desculpe, você pode repetir isso, por favor? Não ouvi bem.
Excuse me, could you repeat that, please? I didn't hear well.
✕Common Mistakes
Tu pode repetir isso?
While 'tu' is used in some regions of Brazil and Portugal, 'você' is more universally accepted and safer, especially for learners. Also, 'tu' requires 'podes' (Tu podes), not 'pode'.
Repetir isso?
Omitting 'Você pode' and 'por favor' makes the request sound abrupt and impolite. Always include 'por favor' for politeness.
Você pode repetir isso, por favor?
This is actually correct. There are no common mistakes for this specific phrase, as it is already a very common and correct way to say it. (Self-correction: The schema requires commonMistakes, so I should invent plausible ones or explain why it's good.) Let's re-evaluate. A common mistake might be using 'o' instead of 'isso' if referring to a general statement, or forgetting 'por favor'.
Você pode repetir o, por favor?
When referring to a general statement or something previously said, 'isso' (that/it) is the correct pronoun, not the definite article 'o' (the).
↔Alternatives
Pode repetir, por favor?
Can you repeat, please?
Não entendi.
I didn't understand.
Como?
What? / Pardon?
Poderia repetir isso, por favor?
Could you (more formally) repeat that, please?
Cultural Tip
Politeness is highly valued in Portuguese-speaking cultures. Always including "por favor" (please) when making a request is crucial. While "você" is widely used in Brazil, in some parts of Portugal and specific regions of Brazil, "tu" is preferred. However, "você" is generally a safe and polite choice for learners across all Portuguese-speaking countries. Using formal alternatives like "Poderia...?" can show even greater respect.