फिर से कहिए

Just drop it in when you miss a word. It works as a standalone question. You don't need a long preamble. Just look slightly confused and say Phir se kahiye. The kahiye part is the formal 'please say.' It shows you are being respectful to the speaker.

Use it at a busy spice market. Use it when your boss gives instructions. It is perfect for phone calls with bad reception. If you are at a restaurant and the waiter is fast, use it. It makes you sound like a polished speaker. It is much better than just saying 'What?' or 'Huh?'

Don't use it with your very best friends. It might sound a bit too stiff for them. For siblings, it is way too formal. They might think you are joking or being sarcastic. Avoid it if you are actually angry. In a fight, this polite phrase feels like a cold shield. Use shorter versions for your inner circle.

Indian culture places a huge emphasis on respect for the listener. Using the 'Aap' (formal you) version of verbs is standard. Kahiye comes from this tradition of elevating the other person. It shows you value their words enough to hear them twice. It is the verbal equivalent of a polite nod. Even in modern cities, this politeness remains a social lubricant.

If you are with friends, try Phir se bolo. It is the casual, 'hey, say that again' version. In a very formal setting, you might hear Kshama kijiye, phir se kahiye. That adds a 'forgive me' at the start. If you are texting, people often just write 'Phir se?' which is the short-hand 'Again?'. Each version changes the 'vibe' but keeps the meaning.