没听清，再说一遍。
Mei ting qing, zai shuo yi bian.
Say it again.
Literalmente: Not hear clearly, again speak one time.
En 15 segundos
- Use when background noise makes hearing difficult.
- Combines an explanation with a polite request.
- Perfect for daily life, shops, and phone calls.
Significado
This is your go-to phrase when you missed what someone said. It politely explains that you didn't catch the sound clearly and asks them to repeat it.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Ordering food in a loud mall
不好意思，没听清，再说一遍。
Sorry, I didn't hear clearly, say it again.
Talking to a teacher in class
老师，我没听清，请再说一遍。
Teacher, I didn't hear clearly, please say it again.
Texting a friend about a voice message
刚才没听清，再说一遍吧。
I didn't hear clearly just now, say it again.
Contexto cultural
In Chinese social dynamics, admitting you didn't hear someone is better than nodding blindly. This phrase uses 'clear' (清) to focus on the physical sound, which is a polite way to ask for repetition without implying the speaker is incoherent. It is a staple of 'survival Chinese' for anyone living in noisy urban environments like Shanghai or Beijing.
The 'Face' Saver
Always blame the 'noise' or the 'signal' rather than your own ears. It keeps the vibe positive!
Tone Matters
If you say this too fast or loudly, it can sound like a command. Keep your pitch slightly rising at the end to sound like a question.
En 15 segundos
- Use when background noise makes hearing difficult.
- Combines an explanation with a polite request.
- Perfect for daily life, shops, and phone calls.
What It Means
This phrase is a lifesaver for any conversation. 没听清 (méi tīng qīng) means you didn't hear clearly. It's not that you don't understand the language. It's just that the audio was fuzzy or too quiet. 再说一遍 (zài shuō yí biàn) is the request to repeat. Together, they form a logical sequence. You explain the problem, then offer the solution. It sounds much better than just saying "What?"
How To Use It
Use it whenever there is background noise. It works perfectly if someone is wearing a mask. You can also use it during bad phone connections. Just say the whole phrase at a normal speed. If you want to be extra polite, add 不好意思 (bù hǎo yì si) at the start. This adds a nice "sorry" cushion to the request. It shows you are trying your best to listen.
When To Use It
You can use this at a noisy bubble tea shop. Use it when your friend mumbles while eating. It is great for voice calls with bad signal. In a classroom, it tells the teacher you need a repeat. It is a very functional, everyday tool. You will probably use this five times a day. It keeps the conversation moving without awkward silences.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you actually don't understand the grammar. If the words are too hard, use 我不明白 (wǒ bù míng bái). Don't use it with a very high-ranking boss without a "please." In a super formal speech, it might sound too blunt. Also, don't scream it if you're angry. That makes it sound like a command rather than a request. Keep your tone soft and curious.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture values clear communication but also politeness. Using 没听清 saves "face" for both people. It implies the fault is with the environment or the sound. It doesn't blame the speaker for being confusing. It also doesn't admit you are bad at Chinese. It is a very neutral and safe way to bridge gaps. It shows you are actively engaged in the talk.
Common Variations
You can shorten it to just 再说一遍. If you are with close friends, just say 什么? (shén me). For a more formal vibe, try 请再说一次 (qǐng zài shuō yí cì). If you want to sound very local, add a 哈 (hā) at the end. This makes you sound friendly and relaxed. It turns a request into a gentle suggestion.
Notas de uso
This is a neutral-to-informal phrase. It is perfectly acceptable in 90% of daily interactions. For very formal settings, always prefix with 'qǐng' (please).
The 'Face' Saver
Always blame the 'noise' or the 'signal' rather than your own ears. It keeps the vibe positive!
Tone Matters
If you say this too fast or loudly, it can sound like a command. Keep your pitch slightly rising at the end to sound like a question.
The 'Ba' Factor
Adding 'ba' (吧) at the end makes it a suggestion. '再说一遍吧' sounds much softer to Chinese ears.
Ejemplos
6不好意思，没听清，再说一遍。
Sorry, I didn't hear clearly, say it again.
Adding 'sorry' makes it very polite for service staff.
老师，我没听清，请再说一遍。
Teacher, I didn't hear clearly, please say it again.
Adding 'Teacher' and 'Please' makes it respectful.
刚才没听清，再说一遍吧。
I didn't hear clearly just now, say it again.
The 'ba' at the end makes it casual for friends.
信号不好，没听清，再说一遍？
Signal is bad, didn't hear clearly, say it again?
Blaming the signal is a classic face-saving move.
你太小声了，没听清，再说一遍！
You're too quiet, didn't hear, say it again!
Playful and direct between close friends.
对不起，我没听清，能请您再说一遍吗？
Sorry, I didn't hear clearly, could I ask you to say it again?
Uses 'you' (honorific) for high formality.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence to ask someone to repeat themselves politely.
不好意思，我___，请再说一遍。
`没听清` specifically means you didn't hear the sound clearly.
Choose the correct character to complete 'say it again'.
没听清，再___一遍。
`说` (shuō) means to speak or say.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality Range of 'Say it again'
Just the core phrase with friends
再说一遍
The standard full phrase
没听清，再说一遍
Adding polite markers
请您再说一遍
Where to use this phrase
Noisy Restaurant
Ordering over the din
Phone Call
Bad reception
Language Class
Missing a new word
Street Directions
Traffic noise
Banco de ejercicios
2 ejercicios不好意思，我___，请再说一遍。
`没听清` specifically means you didn't hear the sound clearly.
没听清，再___一遍。
`说` (shuō) means to speak or say.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntas没听清 means you didn't hear the sound clearly (audio issue). 没听懂 means you heard the words but don't understand the meaning (brain issue).
It's okay, but it's better to add 请 (qǐng) or 您 (nín). Try saying 请您再说一遍 to be safe.
Yes, but 什么 is very informal, like saying 'What?' in English. Use it only with close friends.
一遍 (yí biàn) emphasizes the whole process from start to finish. 一次 (yí cì) is just 'one time'. Both are used, but 一遍 is very common for speech.
In Chinese, 没 (méi) already indicates the past or a negative state, so 没听清 covers 'didn't hear'.
It's better to say 请说慢一点 (qǐng shuō màn yì diǎn), which means 'Please speak a bit slower'.
Grammatically yes, but in context it's a request. Adding a soft tone or a particle like 吧 makes it less bossy.
You can say 不好意思，还是没听清 which means 'Sorry, I still didn't hear clearly'.
Yes, this is standard Mandarin used everywhere from Beijing to Singapore.
清 (qīng) means clear or distinct. It's the same character used for 'clear water'.
Frases relacionadas
请再说一次
Please say it one more time (slightly more formal).
你说什么？
What did you say? (casual)
请说慢一点
Please speak a bit slower.
我不明白
I don't understand.
