De Novo vs. Mais Uma Vez: Say ‘Again’ in Portuguese
De novo and mais uma vez both mean ‘again’; mais uma vez can emphasize one additional time, while de novo is especially conversational.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
De novo is a common everyday phrase meaning ‘again’ or ‘one more time.’ It works before or after many actions: explica de novo (explain again), comecei de novo (I started over). The verb tells you whether something is repeated or restarted.
Use de novo for a natural, conversational ‘again’
If you did not understand a word, ask someone to say it de novo. Add mais devagar (more slowly) to make the request clear and helpful.
Pode repetir de novo, por favor?
Could you repeat that again, please?
Vamos tentar de novo amanhã.
Let’s try again tomorrow.
Ela começou o exercício de novo.
She started the exercise over.
Use mais uma vez to emphasize an additional repetition
Mais uma vez literally means ‘one more time.’ It can be slightly more deliberate than de novo and fits instructions or moments when you want to emphasize another repetition. Outra vez also means ‘again’ and may sound more formal depending on the sentence.
Avoid stacking both expressions in one request unless you have a reason to emphasize repetition: repetir de novo mais uma vez can sound redundant. Choose one phrase and make the request specific.
Escute mais uma vez e anote a palavra nova.
Listen one more time and write down the new word.
Você pode falar mais uma vez?
Can you say that one more time?
Por favor, leia a última frase outra vez.
Please read the last sentence again.
Put it into practice
De novo is a relaxed, flexible ‘again.’ Mais uma vez emphasizes one additional repetition; outra vez is another useful alternative.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Can you say that one more time”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
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