Meaning
Politically asking someone to say something again for better understanding.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, people are very warm but also value 'Zouq' (etiquette). While they might use 'Ammiya' (dialect), using the MSA 'Hal yumkinuka' with a stranger is seen as very respectful. Egyptians often use 'Mumkin' instead of 'Yumkin'. They might also add 'tani' (again) at the end for emphasis. In the Gulf, hospitality and patience are key. If you ask for repetition, the speaker will often say 'Abshir' (Gladly/Consider it done) before repeating. Due to French influence, the structure of asking for things can sometimes mirror French politeness. However, 'الإعادة' remains the standard formal term.
The 'Afwan' Buffer
Always start with 'Afwan' (Excuse me) or 'Udhran' (Sorry). It softens the request and makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Gender Matters
Don't forget to change 'ka' to 'ki' for women. It's a small detail that shows high linguistic awareness.
Meaning
Politically asking someone to say something again for better understanding.
The 'Afwan' Buffer
Always start with 'Afwan' (Excuse me) or 'Udhran' (Sorry). It softens the request and makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Gender Matters
Don't forget to change 'ka' to 'ki' for women. It's a small detail that shows high linguistic awareness.
Don't Be Shy
Arabic speakers generally love it when you ask for repetition. It shows you are taking the conversation seriously.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct suffix for a woman.
هل يمكنـ... الإعادة يا سيدة؟
The suffix 'ki' is used for the feminine singular 'you'.
Which phrase is the most polite for a business meeting?
Asking for repetition in a meeting:
This phrase uses the modal 'yumkin' and the formal Masdar, making it perfect for business.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Teacher: '...والآن سنبدأ الدرس.' Student: 'عفواً، لم أسمع، ________؟'
The student didn't hear, so asking for repetition is the logical response.
Match the phrase to the register.
1. هل يتكرم جنابكم بالإعادة؟ 2. ممكن تعيد؟ 3. هل يمكنك الإعادة؟
The length and complexity of the phrase usually correlate with its formality in Arabic.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesهل يمكنـ... الإعادة يا سيدة؟
The suffix 'ki' is used for the feminine singular 'you'.
Asking for repetition in a meeting:
This phrase uses the modal 'yumkin' and the formal Masdar, making it perfect for business.
Teacher: '...والآن سنبدأ الدرس.' Student: 'عفواً، لم أسمع، ________؟'
The student didn't hear, so asking for repetition is the logical response.
1. هل يتكرم جنابكم بالإعادة؟ 2. ممكن تعيد؟ 3. هل يمكنك الإعادة؟
The length and complexity of the phrase usually correlate with its formality in Arabic.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsSlightly. With close friends, you'd likely say 'Mumkin t'eed?' or just 'Eh?'. But it's never 'wrong' to be polite.
'I'ādah' is the standard word for repetition in this context. 'Takrar' is more like 'frequency' or 'reiteration' in a technical sense.
Yes, but it's more common to write 'Ma'lish, mumkin t'eed?' (Sorry, can you repeat?) in a chat.
Just add 'bi-but' at the end: 'هل يمكنك الإعادة ببطء؟'
Related Phrases
ماذا قلت؟
similarWhat did you say?
أعد من فضلك
synonymRepeat, please.
لم أفهم
builds onI didn't understand.
تكلم ببطء
similarSpeak slowly.
