Signification
Used when you didn't hear or understand something.
Contexte culturel
Using 'Ji?' (Yes?) with a rising intonation is a very common and polite way to say 'Pardon?' before following up with 'Dubara kahein?'. In these regions, 'Mukarrar' is used specifically for art and poetry. If you say 'Dubara kahein' to a poet, it's polite; if you say 'Mukarrar!', it's a standing ovation. In offices, it's common to use English 'Sorry?' or 'Pardon?' mixed with Urdu. However, 'Dubara kahein' remains the gold standard for formal Urdu communication. When listening to a 'Qawwali' or a sermon, listeners often ask for repetition of a particularly moving line by gesturing or saying 'SubhanAllah, dubara!'.
The 'Ji' Trick
Start with 'Ji?' (rising tone) to instantly sound more like a native speaker before asking 'Dubara kahein?'.
Avoid 'Kya?'
To English ears, 'What?' is okay. To Urdu ears, 'Kya?' can sound like you're starting a fight. Stick to 'Dubara kahein'.
Signification
Used when you didn't hear or understand something.
The 'Ji' Trick
Start with 'Ji?' (rising tone) to instantly sound more like a native speaker before asking 'Dubara kahein?'.
Avoid 'Kya?'
To English ears, 'What?' is okay. To Urdu ears, 'Kya?' can sound like you're starting a fight. Stick to 'Dubara kahein'.
Hand Gestures
A slight tilt of the head and cupping your ear while saying this makes the meaning clear even if your pronunciation is off.
Mushaira Etiquette
If you ever go to an Urdu poetry reading, don't say 'Dubara kahein'. Shout 'Wah wah! Mukarrar!' to show you're an expert.
Teste-toi
Complete the polite request for repetition.
معاف کیجیے گا، _____ کہیں؟
'Dubara' means 'again', which is needed to ask someone to repeat themselves.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask an elder to repeat something?
Choose the best option:
The '-ein' ending in 'kahein' is the formal/polite form required for elders.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are on a noisy bus and didn't hear the conductor.
You need the conductor to repeat the information.
Fill in the missing line.
A: میرا فون نمبر 1234 ہے۔ B: _________؟ A: 1234۔
Speaker B needs the number repeated.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formality Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesمعاف کیجیے گا، _____ کہیں؟
'Dubara' means 'again', which is needed to ask someone to repeat themselves.
Choose the best option:
The '-ein' ending in 'kahein' is the formal/polite form required for elders.
Situation: You are on a noisy bus and didn't hear the conductor.
You need the conductor to repeat the information.
A: میرا فون نمبر 1234 ہے۔ B: _________؟ A: 1234۔
Speaker B needs the number repeated.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt's never 'too' formal, but with very close friends, you can use 'Dubara kaho' or 'Phir سے بولنا'.
'Dubara' specifically means 'a second time', while 'Phir' is a general 'again'. They are 99% interchangeable here.
In big cities like Karachi or Islamabad, yes. But 'Dubara kahein' will get you much more respect and better service.
Say 'Aahista kahein' (آہستہ کہیں).
Not if you use 'Maaf kijiye' (Sorry) and explain 'Meri Urdu kamzor hai' (My Urdu is weak).
It is the plural/polite marker. It shows you are treating the speaker with respect.
Yes, but usually people just type 'Ji?' or 'Kya kaha?' in casual texts.
Yes, it is exactly the same in spoken Hindi.
Say 'Baraye meherbani, likh dein' (Please write it down).
Yes, 'kahin' (کہیں) means 'somewhere', but the context of 'Dubara' makes it clear you mean the verb 'to say'.
Just 'Dubara?' with a questioning tone works in very casual settings.
Sawal dubara kahein? (سوال دوبارہ کہیں؟)
Expressions liées
پھر سے کہیں
synonymSay it again
معاف کیجیے گا
similarExcuse me / I'm sorry
سمجھ نہیں آیا
builds onI didn't understand
ایک بار اور
similarOne more time
آہستہ بولیں
similarSpeak slowly
کیا کہا؟
informalWhat did you say?
