Ask an Interviewer to Repeat or Rephrase in Portuguese
A brief clarification request gives you time to understand the question and answer it accurately in a Brazilian Portuguese interview.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Pode repetir a pergunta, por favor? is a clear, polite request to repeat the question. If the interviewer spoke quickly, you can say um pouco mais devagar (a little more slowly). These requests are normal communication tools, not admissions that you cannot do the job.
Ask for repetition when you missed the words
Listen for the main noun or verb in the repeated question. You do not need to catch every small word to understand what the interviewer is asking.
Pode repetir a última parte, por favor?
Could you repeat the last part, please?
Você poderia falar um pouco mais devagar?
Could you speak a little more slowly?
Ask for a simpler rephrasing
When you heard the words but not the meaning, ask Poderia reformular a pergunta? (Could you rephrase the question?). You can also check one term: Quando você diz prioridade, está falando do prazo ou do impacto? (When you say priority, do you mean the deadline or the impact?).
Repeating your understanding lets the interviewer confirm or correct it before you answer.
Poderia reformular a pergunta com outras palavras?
Could you rephrase the question in other words?
Só para confirmar: você quer saber como eu organizo prazos?
Just to confirm: you want to know how I organize deadlines?
Take a moment before answering
After you understand, say Entendi. Vou pensar por um instante (I understand. I'll think for a moment). A short pause helps you choose an example rather than starting before you know what you want to say.
If only one part is unclear, clarify that part and then answer the question directly. This keeps the conversation moving.
Entendi. Vou organizar a resposta e já explico.
I understand. I'll organize my answer and explain in a moment.
Você gostaria de um exemplo de um projeto recente?
Would you like an example from a recent project?
Put it into practice
Use repeat for missed words, rephrase for unclear meaning, and confirm your understanding before answering.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Could you repeat the last part, please”?
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.