Meaning
A polite request to hear something again.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'usted' is used less frequently than in Latin America, but still appropriate for strangers. Politeness is highly emphasized; '¿Puede repetir?' is standard in all formal interactions. The 'voseo' (vos) is common, but 'puede' remains the standard for formal 'usted'.
Add 'por favor'
Adding 'por favor' makes you sound much more polite.
Avoid '¿Qué?'
Never use '¿Qué?' with superiors; it sounds rude.
Meaning
A polite request to hear something again.
Add 'por favor'
Adding 'por favor' makes you sound much more polite.
Avoid '¿Qué?'
Never use '¿Qué?' with superiors; it sounds rude.
Use 'Podría'
Use '¿Podría repetir?' for maximum politeness.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Disculpe, ¿______ repetir?
Use 'puede' for the formal 'usted'.
Which is more formal?
Choose the most formal option.
'Puede' is the formal conjugation.
Match the register.
Match formal/informal.
Correct mapping of register.
Complete the dialogue.
A: [Inaudible]. B: Disculpe, ¿puede ______?
Use the infinitive after 'puede'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDisculpe, ¿______ repetir?
Use 'puede' for the formal 'usted'.
Choose the most formal option.
'Puede' is the formal conjugation.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Correct mapping of register.
A: [Inaudible]. B: Disculpe, ¿puede ______?
Use the infinitive after 'puede'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, it is polite if done correctly.
It is better to use '¿Puedes repetir?'.
'Puede' is formal, 'puedes' is informal.
It sounds like a command.
No, '¿Cómo?' is less formal.
Yes, it is always recommended.
Related Phrases
¿Cómo?
similarWhat?
¿Perdón?
similarExcuse me?
¿Podría repetir?
builds onCould you repeat?
