A1 Expression Neutral 4 min read

Diga novamente, por favor.

Say it again, please.

Literally: Say again, please.

In 15 Seconds

  • Politely ask someone to repeat themselves.
  • Use when you didn't hear or understand.
  • Works in most casual and formal settings.
  • Essential for clear communication.

Meaning

This is your go-to phrase when you didn't quite catch what someone said and need them to repeat it. It's super polite and shows you're engaged, but maybe just a little bit lost in translation for a moment. Think of it as hitting a polite pause button to get the info you missed.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Texting a friend about plans

Não entendi onde vamos nos encontrar. Diga novamente, por favor.

I didn't understand where we're meeting. Say it again, please.

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2

At a busy café counter

Desculpe, o barulho está alto. Diga novamente, por favor, qual o valor do café?

Sorry, it's noisy. Say it again, please, what's the price of the coffee?

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

In a job interview (Zoom)

Perdão, a conexão está um pouco instável. Diga novamente, por favor, a última pergunta.

Pardon me, the connection is a bit unstable. Say it again, please, the last question.

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🌍

Cultural Background

The phrase `Diga novamente, por favor` exists because clear communication is valued everywhere, but especially in cultures that emphasize politeness and respect in social interactions. Its prevalence highlights a desire to avoid misunderstandings and maintain harmonious relationships. It's a linguistic tool that smooths over the inevitable bumps in spoken conversation, ensuring everyone feels heard and respected.

🎯

The 'Please' is Powerful

Always add `por favor`! It transforms a simple request into a polite interaction. Forgetting it can make even `Diga novamente` sound a bit blunt.

💬

Respectful Repetition

In Portuguese-speaking cultures, showing you're listening and value what's being said is important. Asking someone to repeat themselves politely demonstrates this engagement and avoids causing offense.

In 15 Seconds

  • Politely ask someone to repeat themselves.
  • Use when you didn't hear or understand.
  • Works in most casual and formal settings.
  • Essential for clear communication.

What It Means

This phrase is your polite request for a repeat performance. You missed something, and you need the speaker to say it again. It's not an insult; it's a sign you're paying attention. You just need a little audio rewind! It carries a friendly vibe, like asking a friend to repeat a juicy piece of gossip.

How To Use It

Use it immediately after someone speaks. It's perfect for conversations, lectures, or even phone calls. You can use it when you genuinely didn't hear, or maybe when you heard but didn't understand. It's a versatile tool for clear communication. Imagine you're watching a Netflix show and the dialogue is muffled – this is the phrase you'd use if you could talk to the characters!

Formality & Register

This phrase is wonderfully flexible. It works in almost any situation. You can use it with your boss, your best friend, or a stranger on the street. It's polite enough for formal settings but not so stiff that it feels awkward with friends. It’s like a chameleon of politeness, adapting to its surroundings. It’s definitely not slang, but it’s not overly stuffy either.

Real-Life Examples

  • At a busy market: "Desculpe, o senhor pode falar mais alto? Diga novamente, por favor."
  • In a Zoom meeting: "Perdão, a conexão falhou. Diga novamente, por favor."
  • Texting a friend: "O que você disse sobre o filme? Diga novamente, por favor."
  • Ordering coffee: "Me desculpe, não ouvi o preço. Diga novamente, por favor."
  • Listening to a podcast: You might mentally repeat this if a word is unclear. It’s like a mental bookmark for clarification.

When To Use It

  • When you genuinely didn't hear the words due to noise.
  • When the speaker was unclear or mumbled.
  • When you need a specific detail repeated.
  • When you want to confirm you heard correctly.
  • When you need a moment to process complex information.
  • When you're learning Portuguese and need extra practice!

When NOT To Use It

  • Don't use it if you clearly heard and understood. That would be confusing!
  • Avoid using it repeatedly for the same sentence. It can become annoying. Try rephrasing your request instead.
  • Don't use it if the context implies you should already know the information. It might seem like you weren't paying attention.
  • It's generally not used for written communication like emails unless you're quoting someone who said it.
  • Don't use it if the speaker is visibly impatient or in a rush. You might need to find another way.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using a phrase that's too informal or too formal. Or worse, just saying "O quê?" which can sound rude. Another slip-up is forgetting the por favor (please), which removes the politeness. It's like showing up to a party without a gift – it's not a disaster, but it's less thoughtful.

  • ✗ "O quê?" → ✓ "Diga novamente, por favor."
  • ✗ "Repete." (too direct/demanding) → ✓ "Pode repetir, por favor?" or "Diga novamente, por favor."
  • ✗ "Fala de novo." (can be informal) → ✓ "Diga novamente, por favor." (safer choice)

Common Variations

  • Pode repetir, por favor? (Can you repeat, please?) - Very similar, slightly more common in some regions.
  • Repete, por favor? (Repeat, please?) - A bit more direct, still polite.
  • Como? (How?/What?) - Very informal, often used among close friends, similar to "Huh?"
  • Fala de novo, por favor. (Speak again, please.) - Common, slightly more casual than diga.
  • Pode dizer de novo? (Can you say it again?) - Also very common and polite.

Real Conversations

Speaker 1: E aí, você viu o jogo ontem?

Speaker 2: Desculpa, não ouvi direito. O que você disse?

Speaker 1: Eu perguntei se você viu o jogo ontem à noite.

Speaker 2: Ah, sim! Diga novamente, por favor. O que aconteceu?

Speaker 1: O time ganhou de virada no último minuto!

Speaker A: O nosso próximo projeto é sobre inteligência artificial.

Speaker B: Perdão, pode repetir o tema do projeto?

Speaker A: Claro. O tema é inteligência artificial.

Speaker B: Entendi. Obrigado!

Quick FAQ

  • Is Diga novamente, por favor polite?

Yes, it's very polite. The por favor makes it respectful.

  • Can I use it with strangers?

Absolutely! It's suitable for any situation.

  • What if I don't understand the *meaning*?

This phrase is for when you didn't *hear* it. For not understanding meaning, you'd use phrases like Não entendi (I didn't understand).

Usage Notes

This is a highly versatile phrase, suitable for almost any situation where you need clarification due to not hearing properly. While generally neutral, always ensure you include 'por favor' to maintain politeness, especially when speaking to strangers or in professional contexts. Avoid using overly informal alternatives like 'Como?' unless you are very comfortable with the speaker.

🎯

The 'Please' is Powerful

Always add `por favor`! It transforms a simple request into a polite interaction. Forgetting it can make even `Diga novamente` sound a bit blunt.

💬

Respectful Repetition

In Portuguese-speaking cultures, showing you're listening and value what's being said is important. Asking someone to repeat themselves politely demonstrates this engagement and avoids causing offense.

⚠️

Avoid the 'O Quê?' Trap!

While 'O quê?' (What?) is common in very casual settings, using it with strangers or in formal situations can sound abrupt or even rude. Stick to `Diga novamente, por favor` for safety!

💡

Combine with Non-Verbal Cues

A slight head tilt, maintaining eye contact (if appropriate), and a friendly facial expression can enhance the politeness of your request, making the speaker more willing to repeat.

Examples

12
#1 Texting a friend about plans
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Não entendi onde vamos nos encontrar. Diga novamente, por favor.

I didn't understand where we're meeting. Say it again, please.

Used here because the listener didn't catch the location details.

#2 At a busy café counter
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Desculpe, o barulho está alto. Diga novamente, por favor, qual o valor do café?

Sorry, it's noisy. Say it again, please, what's the price of the coffee?

Perfect for noisy environments where hearing is difficult.

#3 In a job interview (Zoom)
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Perdão, a conexão está um pouco instável. Diga novamente, por favor, a última pergunta.

Pardon me, the connection is a bit unstable. Say it again, please, the last question.

Maintains professionalism while requesting clarification due to technical issues.

#4 Instagram caption for a travel vlog clip
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

O guia local disse algo incrível aqui, mas não captei tudo! Diga novamente, por favor! 😉 #travelportugal #lisbonvibes

The local guide said something amazing here, but I didn't catch it all! Say it again, please! 😉 #travelportugal #lisbonvibes

Adds a playful, relatable touch to a social media post about missing information.

#5 WhatsApp message to a group chat
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Gente, o que combinamos sobre o presente da Ana? Diga novamente, por favor, minha net caiu.

Guys, what did we decide about Ana's gift? Say it again, please, my internet dropped.

Casual and direct, fitting for a quick group message update.

#6 Listening to a friend share emotional news
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Eu sinto muito, mas eu não ouvi o que você disse sobre o seu pai. Diga novamente, por favor.

I'm so sorry, but I didn't hear what you said about your father. Say it again, please.

Shows empathy and politeness when needing to repeat sensitive information.

#7 Mistake: Sounding demanding

✗ Repete! → ✓ Diga novamente, por favor.

✗ Repeat! → ✓ Say it again, please.

Shows the contrast between a blunt command and a polite request.

#8 Mistake: Using a too-casual phrase in formal context

✗ "Como?" → ✓ "Diga novamente, por favor."

✗ "What?" → ✓ "Say it again, please."

Highlights how 'Como?' can be too informal for professional settings.

#9 Receiving instructions in a workshop
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Com licença, professor. Diga novamente, por favor, qual a página para o exercício?

Excuse me, professor. Say it again, please, what page is it for the exercise?

Appropriate for seeking clarification from an instructor.

#10 Asking for clarification on a recipe app
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

O aplicativo disse 2 colheres de sopa, mas não tenho certeza. Diga novamente, por favor.

The app said 2 tablespoons, but I'm not sure. Say it again, please.

Useful even when interacting with technology if audio is unclear.

#11 In a casual conversation with a friend
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Você disse que ia sair hoje à noite? Diga novamente, por favor, acho que me distrai.

Did you say you were going out tonight? Say it again, please, I think I got distracted.

Acknowledges distraction while politely asking for repetition.

#12 During a phone call with customer service
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Desculpe, a linha está péssima. Diga novamente, por favor, o número do protocolo.

Sorry, the line is terrible. Say it again, please, the protocol number.

Essential for clarifying important details during a call.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank: You need to ask someone to repeat themselves politely.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diga

The verb 'dizer' (to say) fits perfectly here, making it 'Say again, please'.

Find and fix the error: This phrase sounds a bit too demanding.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

'Repete' is the imperative form of 'repetir' (to repeat) and can sound abrupt. 'Diga novamente' is softer and more polite for general use.

Choose the most polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves.

Which sentence correctly asks someone to say something again?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diga novamente, por favor.

While other options might be understood, 'Diga novamente, por favor' is the most universally polite and clear option.

Translate this sentence into Portuguese.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This translation combines politeness ('Com licença', 'por favor') with the core request ('dizer novamente').

Fill in the blank: Use this when the background noise is too loud.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diga

This context clearly requires asking the person to speak again because of noise.

Find and fix the error: This phrase is grammatically correct but slightly less common/natural than the standard.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

While 'Pode dizer de novo?' is perfectly understandable and common, 'Diga novamente, por favor' is often considered the most standard and direct polite form.

Put the words in the correct order to form a polite request.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This order correctly constructs the standard polite phrase for asking someone to repeat themselves.

Choose the best phrase for a formal business meeting.

Which option is most appropriate in a formal business meeting?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diga novamente, por favor.

While 'Poderia repetir, por favor?' is also very formal, 'Diga novamente, por favor' is a direct and universally accepted polite request suitable for business contexts.

Translate this nuanced sentence into Portuguese.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This uses 'Perdi' (I missed) and a slightly more direct 'pode repetir?' which is common but less formal than 'Diga novamente, por favor'.

Fill in the blank: Use this when you need confirmation.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diga

This implies you heard something but want to confirm it by having it said again.

Find and fix the error: This sounds rude and demanding.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

Adding 'por favor' and using 'Diga novamente' transforms a rude command into a polite request.

Match the Portuguese phrase with its English meaning.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

Understanding these common phrases helps you navigate situations where you need clarification.

🎉 Score: /12

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Spectrum for 'Diga novamente, por favor'

Very Informal

Used among very close friends or family, often shortened or replaced by 'Como?'

Como?

Informal

Casual requests, perhaps with close friends or colleagues you know well.

Repete, por favor?

Neutral

The standard, safe choice for most situations, including casual and semi-formal.

Diga novamente, por favor.

Formal

Used in professional settings, with superiors, or strangers where politeness is key.

Poderia repetir, por favor?

When to Use 'Diga novamente, por favor'

Need a Repeat?
🍽️

Noisy Restaurant

Desculpe, o barulho... diga novamente, por favor.

💻

Online Meeting Lag

A conexão falhou, diga novamente, por favor.

🗣️

Unclear Speaker

Não ouvi bem, diga novamente, por favor.

Confirming Details

Você disse às 15h? Diga novamente, por favor.

📚

Learning Portuguese

Não entendi essa palavra, diga novamente, por favor.

💼

Professional Inquiry

Perdão, a última instrução? Diga novamente, por favor.

Comparing Repetition Requests

Standard Polite
Diga novamente, por favor. Say again, please.
Slightly More Formal
Poderia repetir, por favor? Could you repeat, please?
More Direct/Casual
Repete, por favor? Repeat, please?
Very Informal / 'Huh?'
Como? What? / Huh?

When Clarity is Needed

🎧

Auditory Issues

  • Background noise
  • Muffled speech
  • Technical glitches (bad connection)
🧠

Cognitive Issues

  • Distraction
  • Need to process
  • Confirming understanding
🧑‍🏫

Learning Context

  • New vocabulary
  • Grammar clarification
  • Pronunciation check
🤝

Social Etiquette

  • Showing respect
  • Avoiding misunderstanding
  • Maintaining flow

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Fill in the blank: You need to ask someone to repeat themselves politely. Fill Blank beginner

_______ novamente, por favor.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diga

The verb 'dizer' (to say) fits perfectly here, making it 'Say again, please'.

Find and fix the error: This phrase sounds a bit too demanding. Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

Repete, por favor.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diga novamente, por favor.

'Repete' is the imperative form of 'repetir' (to repeat) and can sound abrupt. 'Diga novamente' is softer and more polite for general use.

Choose the most polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves. Choose beginner

Which sentence correctly asks someone to say something again?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diga novamente, por favor.

While other options might be understood, 'Diga novamente, por favor' is the most universally polite and clear option.

Translate this sentence into Portuguese. Translate intermediate

Excuse me, I didn't hear that. Could you say it again, please?

Hints: Use 'Com licença' for 'Excuse me'., 'Não ouvi' means 'I didn't hear'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Com licença, não ouvi isso. Pode dizer novamente, por favor?

This translation combines politeness ('Com licença', 'por favor') with the core request ('dizer novamente').

Fill in the blank: Use this when the background noise is too loud. Fill Blank intermediate

O barulho está muito alto. _______ novamente, por favor.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diga

This context clearly requires asking the person to speak again because of noise.

Find and fix the error: This phrase is grammatically correct but slightly less common/natural than the standard. Error Fix advanced

Find and fix the mistake:

Pode dizer de novo, por favor?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diga novamente, por favor.

While 'Pode dizer de novo?' is perfectly understandable and common, 'Diga novamente, por favor' is often considered the most standard and direct polite form.

Put the words in the correct order to form a polite request. Reorder beginner

Arrange the words in the correct order:

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diga novamente, por favor.

This order correctly constructs the standard polite phrase for asking someone to repeat themselves.

Choose the best phrase for a formal business meeting. Choose intermediate

Which option is most appropriate in a formal business meeting?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diga novamente, por favor.

While 'Poderia repetir, por favor?' is also very formal, 'Diga novamente, por favor' is a direct and universally accepted polite request suitable for business contexts.

Translate this nuanced sentence into Portuguese. Translate advanced

I missed the last part you said, could you repeat it?

Hints: 'Perdi' means 'I missed'., Consider using 'você' or implying it.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Perdi a última parte do que você disse, pode repetir?

This uses 'Perdi' (I missed) and a slightly more direct 'pode repetir?' which is common but less formal than 'Diga novamente, por favor'.

Fill in the blank: Use this when you need confirmation. Fill Blank advanced

Você disse que a reunião é às 10h? _______ novamente, por favor.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diga

This implies you heard something but want to confirm it by having it said again.

Find and fix the error: This sounds rude and demanding. Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

Repita isso agora!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diga novamente, por favor.

Adding 'por favor' and using 'Diga novamente' transforms a rude command into a polite request.

Match the Portuguese phrase with its English meaning. Match beginner

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

Understanding these common phrases helps you navigate situations where you need clarification.

🎉 Score: /12

Frequently Asked Questions

20 questions

It literally translates to 'Say again, please.' The word 'diga' comes from the verb 'dizer' (to say), 'novamente' means 'again', and 'por favor' is 'please'. It's a very direct request for the speaker to repeat their words.

Yes, absolutely! 'Diga novamente, por favor' is a neutral and polite phrase suitable for most situations, including formal ones like business meetings or speaking with elders. Adding 'por favor' is key to its politeness.

Use this phrase when you genuinely didn't hear or process what someone said, and you need them to repeat it. It's versatile and works whether the reason is background noise, the speaker mumbling, or your own distraction.

Both are polite ways to ask someone to repeat themselves. 'Diga novamente, por favor' is a direct request to 'say it again,' while 'Pode repetir, por favor?' is a question asking 'Can you repeat?' They are largely interchangeable in politeness and meaning.

Yes, 'Repete, por favor?' (Repeat, please?) is also common and polite, especially in slightly more casual contexts or between people who know each other. It's a bit more direct than 'Diga novamente, por favor.'

If you heard the words but didn't grasp the meaning, you should use phrases like 'Não entendi' (I didn't understand) or 'Não compreendi bem' (I didn't quite understand). 'Diga novamente' is primarily for when you didn't *hear* clearly.

The phrase 'Diga novamente, por favor' is understood and used in both Brazil and Portugal. Variations like 'Pode repetir, por favor?' are also very common in both countries. Regional preferences might slightly favor one over the other, but both are safe choices.

For a higher level of formality, you could say 'O senhor/A senhora poderia repetir, por favor?' (Could you [formal you] repeat, please?). This uses the formal 'senhor/senhora' and the conditional 'poderia' for maximum politeness.

A frequent mistake is forgetting 'por favor', which makes the phrase sound demanding. Another is using overly informal alternatives like 'O quê?' in situations that require more politeness, potentially causing offense.

While you can't technically ask subtitles to repeat, you might think 'Diga novamente, por favor' when you miss a line of dialogue. You'd then rewind the video or re-read the subtitle manually. It's more of a mental prompt.

The vibe is helpful and respectful. It signals that you are attentive and value the conversation, but simply need a small clarification. It's cooperative rather than confrontational.

'Fale mais alto, por favor' means 'Speak louder, please.' You use it when someone is speaking too softly to be heard. 'Diga novamente, por favor' is used when you didn't hear or understand what was said, regardless of volume.

You can, but it's much less polite. Saying just 'Diga novamente' can sound like an order. The 'por favor' softens the request and makes it appropriate for most social interactions.

If someone is speaking too fast, you'd use a phrase like 'Pode falar mais devagar, por favor?' (Can you speak more slowly, please?). This addresses the pace of speech, not just whether you heard the words.

Yes, 'Diga novamente, por favor' works perfectly in texts. You might even see it shortened informally, like 'Dnv, pfv?', but the full phrase is always understood and polite.

'Novamente' is an adverb that means 'again' or 'anew'. It's used here to specify that you want the person to repeat what they just said.

Yes! If the audio is unclear on a YouTube video, you might mentally say 'Diga novamente, por favor' and then use the platform's features to rewind or check the transcript if available. It's a useful phrase for active listening.

Using 'Como?' (What?/Huh?) frequently, especially outside of very close friendships, can make you seem inattentive or even slightly dismissive. It lacks the explicit politeness marker ('por favor') and the clear intent of 'Diga novamente'.

'Desculpe' (Sorry) or 'Com licença' (Excuse me) are often used *before* 'Diga novamente, por favor' to preface the request politely. For example, 'Desculpe, não ouvi. Diga novamente, por favor.' They act as polite openers.

While 'novamente' is standard, you might hear 'de novo' used interchangeably in many contexts, especially more casual ones. So, 'Diga de novo, por favor' is also very common and carries a similar meaning and politeness level.

Related Phrases

🔄

Pode repetir, por favor?

synonym

Can you repeat, please?

This is a very close synonym, asking permission ('Can you?') rather than directly requesting ('Say'). Both are polite and common.

😊

Repete, por favor.

informal version

Repeat, please.

This uses the imperative 'Repete' (Repeat) but keeps politeness with 'por favor', making it slightly more direct and casual than 'Diga novamente'.

🔗

Como?

very informal

What? / Huh?

This is a much more informal and abrupt way to ask for repetition, often used only among close friends or when surprised.

🔗

Não entendi.

related topic

I didn't understand.

This phrase addresses a lack of comprehension of meaning, whereas 'Diga novamente' addresses not hearing or processing the words themselves.

🔗

Fale mais devagar, por favor.

related topic

Speak more slowly, please.

This is used when the pace of speech is the issue, not necessarily whether the words were heard clearly.

👔

Poderia repetir, por favor?

formal version

Could you repeat, please?

Using the conditional 'poderia' (could) makes this phrase even more formal and deferential than 'Diga novamente, por favor'.

🌍

Diga de novo, por favor.

regional variant

Say again, please.

This is a very common alternative, especially in Brazil, using 'de novo' instead of 'novamente', carrying the same meaning and politeness.

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