هل يمكنك الإعادة مرة أخرى؟
hal yumkinuka al-i'ada marra ukhra?
Can you repeat again?
Literally: Possible you repeat again?
In 15 Seconds
- The universal 'undo' button for missed or fast Arabic sentences.
- Polite, clear, and works in almost any social or professional setting.
- Combines 'possible' with 'repeat' and 'again' for a simple request.
Meaning
This is your go-to phrase for when you didn't catch something. It literally asks someone if they can say what they just said one more time.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a busy restaurant
ممكن تعيد تاني؟ مش سامع كويس.
Can you repeat again? I can't hear well.
In a business meeting
ممكن تعيد تاني من فضلك؟
Can you repeat again, please?
Texting a friend about plans
ممكن تعيد تاني؟ العنوان فين؟
Can you repeat again? Where is the address?
Cultural Background
Patience is a virtue in conversation. If you ask for repetition multiple times, most Arabs will be happy to comply, often slowing down and using simpler words to help you. In Egypt, people often use 'Ya basha' (Pasha) or 'Ya fandem' (Sir) to add extra politeness when asking for a repetition in formal settings. In Lebanon or Syria, you might hear 'Walaw!' (Of course!) after you ask for a repetition, signaling that it's no trouble at all for the speaker. Hospitality extends to speech. If you don't understand, a host might repeat themselves and then offer you more tea or coffee to make you feel comfortable.
Use your hands
A small cupping gesture behind your ear while saying this phrase helps the speaker realize they need to speak louder or clearer.
Don't just say 'Repeat!'
Using the word 'A'id' (Repeat) alone is an imperative and can sound like you are giving orders to a servant. Always use 'Hal yumkinuka'.
In 15 Seconds
- The universal 'undo' button for missed or fast Arabic sentences.
- Polite, clear, and works in almost any social or professional setting.
- Combines 'possible' with 'repeat' and 'again' for a simple request.
What It Means
This phrase is your ultimate safety net. It is the polite way to ask for a replay. Think of it as the 'back' button on your remote. You are asking for clarity without making it awkward. It is simple, clear, and very common.
How To Use It
You start with mumkin. This means 'possible' or 'can'. Then you add ta’eed. This is the verb for 'repeat'. Finally, tani means 'again'. It flows together like a single request. You can say it with a rising intonation. This makes it a clear question. It works for spoken words or written instructions.
When To Use It
Use it when the waiter speaks too fast. Use it when a friend tells a joke you missed. It is perfect for noisy cafes or busy streets. In a meeting, it shows you are paying attention. If you are texting, it helps clarify a confusing plan. It is a very versatile tool for any beginner.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you want to sound very aggressive. It is too polite for a heated argument. Avoid using it ten times in a row. That might make the other person feel frustrated. If you truly don't understand the language, use a different phrase. This one implies you just missed the sound or speed.
Cultural Background
Arabic culture values clear communication and hospitality. People are usually very happy to repeat themselves for you. They appreciate that you are trying to understand. It is seen as a sign of respect to listen closely. In many Arab countries, speaking fast is quite common. This phrase is a natural part of daily life for everyone.
Common Variations
You can say mumkin marra tanya?. This means 'possible one more time?'. In some regions, they might say a’id instead of ta’eed. If you are talking to a woman, say ta’eedi. For a group, you would say ta’eedu. Adding min fadlak (please) at the end makes it even better. It adds a touch of class to your request.
Usage Notes
This phrase is perfectly safe for A1 learners. It sits right in the middle of the formality scale, making it useful for both friends and strangers.
Use your hands
A small cupping gesture behind your ear while saying this phrase helps the speaker realize they need to speak louder or clearer.
Don't just say 'Repeat!'
Using the word 'A'id' (Repeat) alone is an imperative and can sound like you are giving orders to a servant. Always use 'Hal yumkinuka'.
Smile
In Arab culture, a friendly face makes a request for repetition feel like a shared learning moment rather than an annoyance.
Examples
6ممكن تعيد تاني؟ مش سامع كويس.
Can you repeat again? I can't hear well.
Great for noisy environments where sound is the issue.
ممكن تعيد تاني من فضلك؟
Can you repeat again, please?
Adding 'min fadlak' makes it professional and respectful.
ممكن تعيد تاني؟ العنوان فين؟
Can you repeat again? Where is the address?
Used to clarify specific details in a chat.
ممكن تعيد تاني؟ عايز أضحك معاكم!
Can you repeat again? I want to laugh with you!
Shows you want to be part of the group fun.
ممكن تعيد تاني؟ كلامك جميل.
Can you repeat again? Your words are beautiful.
Used to savor a moment or a compliment.
ممكن تعيد تاني؟ يمين ولا شمال؟
Can you repeat again? Right or left?
Essential for getting directions right the first time.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the polite request.
هل يمكنك _______ مرة أخرى؟
'Al-i'adah' means 'repetition', which fits the context of asking someone to say something again.
Which phrase is the most polite way to ask a teacher to repeat a sentence?
Choose the best option:
This option includes the polite modal 'Hal yumkinuka' and the polite addition 'min fadlak'.
Match the Arabic word to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the core building blocks of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
Person A: اسمي هو عبد الرحمن بن خالد. Person B: عفواً، اسمك طويل جداً. ________؟
Since the name is long and difficult, Person B needs it to be repeated.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesهل يمكنك _______ مرة أخرى؟
'Al-i'adah' means 'repetition', which fits the context of asking someone to say something again.
Choose the best option:
This option includes the polite modal 'Hal yumkinuka' and the polite addition 'min fadlak'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core building blocks of the phrase.
Person A: اسمي هو عبد الرحمن بن خالد. Person B: عفواً، اسمك طويل جداً. ________؟
Since the name is long and difficult, Person B needs it to be repeated.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, as it is Modern Standard Arabic, it is understood from Morocco to Iraq, though local dialects have their own versions.
You can, but it might sound a bit formal. With friends, 'Momken tani?' is more common.
You can say 'Hal yumkinuka al-i'adah bibit' (Can you repeat slowly?) or 'Hal yumkinuka al-sharh?' (Can you explain?).
In formal Arabic, using a verbal noun (masdar) after 'yumkinu' is a very common and elegant way to form requests.
Change 'yumkinuka' to 'yumkinukum' (plural).
No, you can just say 'Hal yumkinuka al-i'adah?', but 'marratan ukhra' makes it sound more complete and natural.
'I'adah' is 'returning' to the speech, while 'takrar' is the general concept of 'repetition'. 'I'adah' is the standard for requests.
Yes, if you are asking someone to repeat a point they made in a previous message or recording.
It sounds like a polite learner. Even advanced speakers use it when the audio is bad or the speaker is too fast.
Yes, 'A'id min fadlak' (Repeat please) is shorter but slightly more direct.
Related Phrases
أعد من فضلك
synonymRepeat, please.
ماذا قلت؟
similarWhat did you say?
لم أفهم
builds onI didn't understand.
تكلم ببطء
specialized formSpeak slowly.
