Signification
A polite request for someone to say something again.
Contexte culturel
Slovenians value formal address (vikanje) highly. Using 'Lahko ponovite?' with anyone older than you or in a professional role is essential for being seen as a polite person. Because there are so many dialects, even native speakers use this phrase when traveling to different parts of the country, like from the coast to the mountains. In Slovenian business meetings, clarity is preferred over pretending to understand. Asking for repetition is seen as a sign of diligence. Younger Slovenians are moving toward 'tikanje' (informal) faster than older generations, but 'Lahko ponovite?' remains the safe default for any first meeting.
Add 'Prosim'
Always add 'prosim' (please) at the end to sound extra polite to Slovenians.
Watch the Ending
Make sure you say '-ite' and not '-iš' when talking to someone you don't know.
Signification
A polite request for someone to say something again.
Add 'Prosim'
Always add 'prosim' (please) at the end to sound extra polite to Slovenians.
Watch the Ending
Make sure you say '-ite' and not '-iš' when talking to someone you don't know.
Use with 'Oprostite'
Starting with 'Oprostite' (Excuse me) softens the request perfectly.
Don't be shy!
Slovenians are used to dialects and often ask each other to repeat things. They won't judge you.
Teste-toi
You are talking to your teacher. Which phrase is correct?
Gospod profesor, ________?
With a teacher, you must use the formal 'vikanje' form ending in -ite.
Complete the polite request.
Oprostite, lahko ________, prosim?
The verb 'ponovite' completes the phrase 'Can you repeat'.
Match the phrase to the person you are speaking to.
1. Best Friend, 2. Police Officer, 3. Two Siblings
Friends use 'ti' (ponoviš), officials use 'Vi' (ponovite), and two people use the dual (ponovita).
Fill in the missing line in this dialogue at the post office.
Uradnik: 'Vaša številka je 543.' Vi: '________?' Uradnik: '543.'
The clerk repeats the number, so you must have asked them to repeat it.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Ponovite' vs 'Ponoviš'
Ponovite (Formal)
- • Strangers
- • Teachers
- • Bosses
- • Elderly
Ponoviš (Informal)
- • Friends
- • Family
- • Children
- • Pets
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGospod profesor, ________?
With a teacher, you must use the formal 'vikanje' form ending in -ite.
Oprostite, lahko ________, prosim?
The verb 'ponovite' completes the phrase 'Can you repeat'.
1. Best Friend, 2. Police Officer, 3. Two Siblings
Friends use 'ti' (ponoviš), officials use 'Vi' (ponovite), and two people use the dual (ponovita).
Uradnik: 'Vaša številka je 543.' Vi: '________?' Uradnik: '543.'
The clerk repeats the number, so you must have asked them to repeat it.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, it is perfect for a cafe. It shows respect to the staff.
Use 'Lahko ponoviš?' instead.
Yes, but it's more like saying 'One more time'—it's better to add 'prosim'.
Say 'Lahko ponovite počasi, prosim?'.
No, 'Ali lahko ponovite?' is correct but 'Lahko ponovite?' is more common in speech.
It is the formal/plural form of the verb 'to repeat'.
It's better to say 'Ali lahko, prosim, ponovno pošljete...' (Can you please resend...).
'Prosim?' with a rising tone is a very common short way to say 'Pardon?'.
No, it's an adverb that functions like 'can' in English.
Use the dual form: 'Lahko ponovita?'.
Not if you are polite and use 'Oprostite'.
No, the present tense '-ite' ending is the same for all genders.
'Bi lahko, prosim, ponovili?' is the most formal and polite.
Better to use 'Lahko ponoviš?', as children are usually addressed with 'ti'.
Expressions liées
Še enkrat, prosim
similarOne more time, please
Kaj ste rekli?
similarWhat did you say?
Ne razumem
builds onI don't understand
Lahko ponoviš?
specialized formCan you repeat? (informal)
Prosim?
synonymPlease? / Pardon?
