Spanish · Real conversations
Repairing a conversation: useful Spanish phrases
Check a meaning and leave with something you can use.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- I don't understand
no entiendo
I don't understand
- Can you repeat that, please?
¿Puedes repetir, por favor?
Can you repeat that, please?
- More slowly, please
más despacio, por favor
More slowly, please
- I have a question
tengo una pregunta
I have a question
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Spanish |
|---|---|
| I don't understand | no entiendo I don't understand |
| Can you repeat that, please? | ¿Puedes repetir, por favor? Can you repeat that, please? |
| More slowly, please | más despacio, por favor More slowly, please |
| I have a question | tengo una pregunta I have a question |
| Could you write it down? | ¿Podría escribirlo? Show English translationCould you write it down? |
| Could you give me an example? | ¿Podría darme un ejemplo? Show English translationCould you give me an example? |
| Do you mean ...? | ¿Quiere decir …? Show English translationDo you mean …? |
| Let me check that I understood. | Déjeme ver si entendí bien. Show English translationLet me check that I understood. |
| Is this the right word? | ¿Es la palabra correcta? Show English translationIs this the right word? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
El nombre es un poco difícil de escribir.
The name is a little difficult to spell.
You
¿Podría escribirlo?
Could you write it down?
Partner
Claro. Esta palabra describe una acción habitual.
Of course. This word describes a regular action.
You
¿Podría darme un ejemplo?
Could you give me an example?
Repairing a conversation in other languages
A note on speaking Spanish
These guides use broadly understandable Latin American Spanish. Tú is familiar and usted is respectful or formal, with important regional variation. Me gustaría and ¿podría …? are useful for considerate requests.
Keep accent marks and opening question marks. Some regions choose different everyday words. Follow the complete example rather than substituting English words one by one, especially with pronouns and expressions of preference.
