Signification
Asking for repetition.
Contexte culturel
Greeks often use hand gestures when they don't hear something. A slight tilt of the head with a hand behind the ear often accompanies this phrase. In Cyprus, you might hear 'Πέτε το ξανά' (Say it again) which is also polite and uses the plural form. In places like Astoria (NY) or Melbourne, English-Greek speakers might mix the two: 'Can you repeat, παρακαλώ?' In a Greek office, asking for repetition is seen as a sign of diligence, not a lack of language skill.
The 'Sorry' Sandwich
Always start with 'Συγγνώμη' (Sorry) before asking for repetition. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't just say 'Ti?'
Saying 'Τι;' (What?) can sound very aggressive or rude in Greek if not said with the right tone. Stick to 'Επαναλάβετε' or 'Ορίστε'.
Signification
Asking for repetition.
The 'Sorry' Sandwich
Always start with 'Συγγνώμη' (Sorry) before asking for repetition. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't just say 'Ti?'
Saying 'Τι;' (What?) can sound very aggressive or rude in Greek if not said with the right tone. Stick to 'Επαναλάβετε' or 'Ορίστε'.
Eye Contact
Maintain polite eye contact when asking for repetition. It shows you are genuinely trying to learn and engage.
Slow it down
If they repeat it and you still don't get it, add 'Πιο αργά' (More slowly).
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to make the phrase polite.
Συγγνώμη, ____________, παρακαλώ.
We use the plural 'Επαναλάβετε' to be polite to a stranger.
Match the phrase to the correct person.
To whom would you say 'Επαναλάβετε, παρακαλώ'?
This phrase is for formal situations or people you don't know well.
Which of these means 'Can you say it again?' in a natural way?
Choose the best option:
This is a very common and natural way to ask for repetition.
Complete the dialogue.
Υπάλληλος: Το εισιτήριο κοστίζει είκοσι πέντε ευρώ. Εσείς: ___________, παρακαλώ. Δεν άκουσα.
You need the person to repeat the price because you didn't hear it.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use which 'Repeat'?
Formal (Strangers/Boss)
- • Επαναλάβετε, παρακαλώ
- • Πώς είπατε;
- • Μπορείτε να το ξαναπείτε;
Informal (Friends/Family)
- • Πες το πάλι
- • Τι είπες;
- • Ορίστε;
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΣυγγνώμη, ____________, παρακαλώ.
We use the plural 'Επαναλάβετε' to be polite to a stranger.
To whom would you say 'Επαναλάβετε, παρακαλώ'?
This phrase is for formal situations or people you don't know well.
Choose the best option:
This is a very common and natural way to ask for repetition.
Υπάλληλος: Το εισιτήριο κοστίζει είκοσι πέντε ευρώ. Εσείς: ___________, παρακαλώ. Δεν άκουσα.
You need the person to repeat the price because you didn't hear it.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is perfect. It shows you are a polite customer and respect the staff.
You can, but it might sound a bit like you are their teacher! Use 'Πες το πάλι' instead.
Say 'Συγγνώμη, μπορείτε να το γράψετε;' (Sorry, can you write it down?).
In Greek, when we add syllables to the end of a verb in the imperative, the stress often jumps back to stay near the end.
'Ορίστε' is like 'Excuse me?' or 'Pardon?'. It is shorter but 'Επαναλάβετε' is more specific.
Say 'Επαναλάβετε άλλη μία φορά, παρακαλώ'.
It is 'Επαναλάβετε' (with an 'ε'). 'Επαναλάβατε' is the past tense (You repeated).
Yes, that works as a very short way to ask 'Please (repeat)?', but it's less clear than the full phrase.
The singular is 'Επανέλαβε', used for children or close friends.
Usually, yes, but 'Παρακαλώ, επαναλάβετε' is also correct and slightly more pleading.
Expressions liées
Μπορείτε να το ξαναπείτε;
synonymCan you say it again?
Πώς είπατε;
similarHow did you say?
Ορίστε;
similarExcuse me? / Yes?
Δεν κατάλαβα
builds onI didn't understand
Πιο αργά, παρακαλώ
builds onSlower, please
