Ask for Clarification in Portuguese: Repeat, Slow Down, or Explain
A few repair phrases help you stay in Portuguese when you do not catch a word, a name, or an entire sentence.
Real Life Portuguese · 7 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
If you missed a sentence, say Pode repetir, por favor? (Could you repeat that, please?). For a quick informal exchange, Como? or Pode falar de novo? can work, depending on tone and relationship. A polite request keeps the conversation moving without pretending you understood.
Ask someone to repeat the sentence
Name the part you missed when you can: não entendi o último endereço (I didn’t understand the last address). This helps the other person repeat only what you need instead of starting the whole explanation again.
Desculpa, pode repetir o nome da rua?
Sorry, could you repeat the street name?
Não entendi a última parte. Você pode falar de novo?
I didn’t understand the last part. Could you say it again?
Como? Não ouvi o horário.
Sorry? I didn’t hear the time.
Ask the speaker to slow down a little
Use Pode falar mais devagar, por favor? to ask someone to speak more slowly. You can explain that you are learning Portuguese, but you do not have to apologize for needing a pace that helps you understand.
A precise request often works better than asking someone to speak extremely slowly. Try um pouco mais devagar (a little more slowly), then ask for repetition only if a phrase is still unclear.
Estou aprendendo português. Pode falar um pouco mais devagar?
I’m learning Portuguese. Could you speak a little more slowly?
Desculpe, você pode repetir mais devagar?
Sorry, could you repeat that more slowly?
Assim está ótimo, obrigado.
That pace is great, thank you. (speaker: man)
Ask what a word means or confirm what you heard
For one unknown word, ask O que significa…? (What does … mean?) or Como se diz…? (How do you say…?). If you think you heard a word correctly, repeat it with a rising tone: Você disse terça-feira? (Did you say Tuesday?).
Checking one detail is especially helpful for dates, names, numbers, directions, and orders. It gives the speaker a chance to correct a misunderstanding before it affects the plan.
O que significa essa expressão?
What does this expression mean?
Você disse quinze ou cinquenta?
Did you say fifteen or fifty?
Como se diz ‘appointment’ em português?
How do you say ‘appointment’ in Portuguese?
Show what you understood and invite a correction
After asking for clarification, summarize the detail you caught: então, a consulta é às três? (so, the appointment is at three?). The other person can confirm or correct one part. This is an active listening strategy, not a test of your fluency.
For more listening support, read the Real Life Portuguese three-pass listening routine and guide to hearing everyday speech. I Speak Portuguese teachers can practice these phrases with natural-speed audio and patient repetition. Use clarification as a bridge back into the conversation.
Então, a gente se encontra na entrada principal?
So, we’re meeting at the main entrance?
Entendi que preciso trazer o documento. Está certo?
I understood that I need to bring the document. Is that right?
Agora entendi. Muito obrigado pela explicação.
Now I understand. Thank you very much for the explanation. (speaker: man)
Put it into practice
Ask for repetition, a slower pace, or the meaning of one word. Then repeat the key detail you understood so the speaker can confirm or correct it.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I understood that I need to bring the document. Is that right”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.