Meaning
Asking someone to say something again.
Cultural Background
Italians use hand gestures to accompany this phrase. Often, they will cup their hand behind their ear while saying 'Puoi ripetere?' to visually signal they didn't hear. The distinction between 'Puoi' and 'Può' is a cornerstone of Italian social hierarchy. Using 'Puoi' with an elder in a village might be seen as a lack of 'educazione' (upbringing). In Italian schools, students are encouraged to ask for repetition. It is not seen as 'being slow' but as being 'attento' (attentive).
Add 'per favore'
Always add 'per favore' at the end to sound much more polite, even in informal settings.
The 'Lei' Rule
If you are talking to someone older than you, always use 'Può' instead of 'Puoi'.
Meaning
Asking someone to say something again.
Add 'per favore'
Always add 'per favore' at the end to sound much more polite, even in informal settings.
The 'Lei' Rule
If you are talking to someone older than you, always use 'Può' instead of 'Puoi'.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct informal way to ask a friend to repeat.
Scusa Marco, _______?
'Puoi' is informal for Marco, and 'ripetere' must be in the infinitive.
Complete the formal request to a professor.
Professore, mi scusi, _______ ripetere?
The formal 'Lei' form of potere is 'può'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a loud concert with a friend.
Informal 'tu' is appropriate for a friend.
Fill in the missing word.
A: Il treno parte al binario 4. B: Non ho sentito bene, puoi _______?
The infinitive is required after 'puoi'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Informal (Tu)
- • Friends
- • Family
- • Children
Formal (Lei)
- • Bosses
- • Teachers
- • Strangers
Practice Bank
4 exercisesScusa Marco, _______?
'Puoi' is informal for Marco, and 'ripetere' must be in the infinitive.
Professore, mi scusi, _______ ripetere?
The formal 'Lei' form of potere is 'può'.
You are at a loud concert with a friend.
Informal 'tu' is appropriate for a friend.
A: Il treno parte al binario 4. B: Non ho sentito bene, puoi _______?
The infinitive is required after 'puoi'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, it is perfectly polite among friends. For strangers, use 'Può ripetere'.
No, saying just the infinitive sounds like a command and is quite rude. Always include 'Puoi' or 'Può'.
Related Phrases
Come, scusa?
synonymWhat, sorry?
Puoi parlare più lentamente?
builds onCan you speak more slowly?
Non ho capito
similarI didn't understand
