Portuguese Phrase
Pode repetir isso?
Meaning
A polite request meaning ‘Can you repeat that?’ It is used when you didn’t catch what someone said and need them to say it again.
When to use
Use it in any spoken situation—classrooms, meetings, cafés, or casual chats—when you need clarification. It works both in Brazil and Portugal, though adding ‘por favor’ makes it extra courteous.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Poderepetirisso?
Poder (Pode)
‘Pode’ is the third‑person singular present of the verb *poder* and is often used as a polite request, equivalent to ‘can you’ in English.
Infinitive verb (repetir)
The verb *repetir* stays in its infinitive form after *pode*; Portuguese does not use a gerund here.
Demonstrative pronoun (isso)
‘Isso’ points to something just mentioned or heard; it translates to ‘that’.
🗨In Conversation
Desculpe, a conexão está ruim. Pode repetir isso?
Sorry, the connection is bad. Can you repeat that?
Claro! Eu disse que a reunião começa às nove horas.
Sure! I said the meeting starts at nine o’clock.
✕Common Mistakes
Podes repetir isso?
‘Podes’ is the second‑person singular form used in Portugal; in Brazil you should use ‘pode’ with ‘você’. Use the form that matches your audience.
Repete isso.
‘Repete’ is the imperative; it sounds like a command rather than a polite request.
Pode repetir isso.
Missing the question mark or intonation can make it sound like a statement, not a request.
↔Alternatives
Você pode repetir, por favor?
Could you repeat, please?
Pode dizer de novo?
Can you say it again?
Repita, por favor.
Repeat, please.
Pode repetir isso, por favor?
Can you repeat that, please?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil it’s very common to add ‘por favor’ after the request, especially with strangers or in formal settings. In Portugal, the bare form ‘Pode repetir isso?’ is already polite, but a friendly tone is essential; a flat or demanding tone can sound rude.