Bedeutung
A polite way to indicate that you did not clearly understand what was said.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The concept of 'Enryo' (restraint) means you shouldn't just say 'What?'. Using a longer, more humble phrase shows respect for the speaker's effort. In meetings, if you miss a point, it's better to blame the 'connection' or 'noise' than your own language ability to save face. Students are often shy. Teachers appreciate this phrase because it tells them *why* the student is stuck (auditory vs conceptual). With the rise of VTubers and fast-paced online content, 'Kikitoremasen' is often used in live chats when audio glitches occur.
The 'Sumimasen' Sandwich
Always start with 'Sumimasen' and end with 'Onegaishimasu' for maximum politeness.
Don't just say 'Nani?'
Even if you are frustrated, 'Nani?' sounds like you are picking a fight.
Bedeutung
A polite way to indicate that you did not clearly understand what was said.
The 'Sumimasen' Sandwich
Always start with 'Sumimasen' and end with 'Onegaishimasu' for maximum politeness.
Don't just say 'Nani?'
Even if you are frustrated, 'Nani?' sounds like you are picking a fight.
Blame the Environment
If you are embarrassed, blame the 'noise' or 'connection' even if it's just your Japanese level.
Use with 'Chotto'
Adding 'Chotto' (a little) before 'kikitoremasen' makes it sound even more natural.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the most polite way to tell a stranger you didn't hear them.
すみません、( )。
This is the most polite and specific way to address an auditory miss.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb.
電波が悪くて、よく聞き( )でした。
The potential negative polite form is 'kikitoremasen'.
What would you say in this situation?
Teacher: '...and that's why the Edo period ended.' (Teacher spoke very fast) You: 'すみません、( )。'
This identifies the reason (too fast) and uses the polite phrase.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are on a train and the announcement is muffled.
Muffled announcements are a classic case for 'kikitoru'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Reasons for using this phrase
Environment
- • Noisy cafe
- • Wind
- • Traffic
Technical
- • Bad Wi-Fi
- • Low volume
- • Muffled mic
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgabenすみません、( )。
This is the most polite and specific way to address an auditory miss.
電波が悪くて、よく聞き( )でした。
The potential negative polite form is 'kikitoremasen'.
Teacher: '...and that's why the Edo period ended.' (Teacher spoke very fast) You: 'すみません、( )。'
This identifies the reason (too fast) and uses the polite phrase.
Situation: You are on a train and the announcement is muffled.
Muffled announcements are a classic case for 'kikitoru'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, it is perfectly polite for a business setting.
'Kikoemasen' is for physical sound. 'Kikitoremasen' is for understanding the words.
No, that is too casual. Stick to 'deshita'.
'Deshita' refers to the specific sentence they just finished saying.
Technically yes, but 'Wakarimasen' is more honest if you heard the sound but don't know the word.
In casual speech, 'えっ？' or 'なんて？' are used.
No, even native speakers use this when it's noisy.
Use 'Zenzen kikitoremasen deshita'.
You can say 'Mogomogo shiteite kikitoremasen deshita' (informal) or just use the standard phrase.
No, this is only for auditory catching. For reading, use 'Yomemasen'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
{聞|き}こえませんでした
similarI didn't hear (the sound).
もう{一度|いちど}お{願|ねが}いします
builds onOne more time, please.
{意味|いみ}が{分|わ}かりません
contrastI don't understand the meaning.
{聞|き}き{直|なお}す
specialized formTo listen again.
