Asking Someone to Repeat

In a conversation, you may not be able to get everything the other person has said.  It may be because the person speaks too softly, or too fast, or may be there are words or expressions you don't know.  In these cases, it is perfectly OK to let the other person know that you have trouble hearing him/her.  You can use some of the phrases below.

When You Want Someone to Repeat What S/he Just Said

 

I beg your pardon?

Pardon me?

Excuse me?

What did you say?

What was that?

I'm sorry. I missed that.

I didn't quite get that.  (Meaning: I didn't quite hear or understand that.)

Could you repeat that?

Say that again?  (Informal)

Come again?  (Informal)

 

When Someone Speaks Too Fast

 

Could you speak more slowly?

Slow down!  I can't follow you!  (Informal)

 

When Someone Speaks Too Softly

 

Could you speak louder?

Speak up.  I can't hear you.  (Informal)

 

Example: 
 

Dialog:  (between a customer and a computer salesperson)

Salesperson:  If you buy this computer today, you'll get a 30% discount, which means you only have to pay $1598.98.

Customer:      I'm sorry.  Say that again?

Salesperson:  If you buy this computer today, you only have to pay $1598.98 - a 30% discount!