Italian · Real conversations
Ask someone to repeat naturally in Italian
You can request a repeat, identify the part you missed, or ask for slower delivery. Explain the listening problem rather than implying the speaker's information is wrong.
Three ways to say it
Scusa, potresti ripeterlo?
Sorry, could you say that again?
A polite general repeat request when you missed the whole message.
Non ho capito l'ultima parte.
I didn't catch the last part.
Identify the last part as the part you did not hear clearly.
Potresti dirlo un po' più lentamente?
Could you say it a little more slowly?
Ask for a slower version when hearing the same speed again would not help.
Avoid translating word by word
In English, 'I didn't catch that' means you did not hear or understand it; 'catch' does not refer to grabbing something. The examples use a natural hearing or understanding expression for that situation.
See the difference in context
Hearing the time of a meeting
La riunione comincia alle nove e mezza.
The meeting starts at half past nine.
Scusa, potresti ripeterlo?
Sorry, could you say that again?
Missing the last part of directions
Ci vediamo alla stazione, accanto alla biglietteria.
We meet at the station, beside the ticket office.
Non ho capito l'ultima parte.
I didn't catch the last part.
Your turn
Ask the person to say the message a little more slowly. Make the listening adjustment specific.
Reveal a sample reply
Potresti dirlo un po' più lentamente?
Could you say it a little more slowly?
This speaking goal in other languages
A note on speaking Italian
Use tu with friends and Lei with someone you address formally. A request with vorrei or potrebbe can soften the tone; it still helps to say what you need clearly. The examples label the situation so you can choose the appropriate relationship.
Read doubled consonants distinctly and keep the written accents. The English translation explains the intended message; Italian often chooses a different construction rather than matching each English word.
