Meaning
Asking someone to repeat what they said.
Cultural Background
In Manila, 'Ano uli?' is often said very quickly, almost sounding like 'An-uli?'. It's part of the fast-paced urban lifestyle. While Tagalog is the national language, Visayans might say 'Unsa gani?' which is the direct equivalent of 'Ano uli?'. Younger Filipinos might use 'Ano kamo?' or even just 'Ha?' more frequently than 'Ano uli?' in very casual settings. In offices, even if the conversation is in English, Filipinos will often slip in 'Ano po uli?' when they miss a detail in a meeting.
The 'Po' Rule
If you're ever in doubt, just use 'Ano po uli?'. It's never wrong to be too polite in the Philippines.
Tone Matters
Avoid a flat tone. A flat 'Ano uli' can sound like you're bored or annoyed.
Meaning
Asking someone to repeat what they said.
The 'Po' Rule
If you're ever in doubt, just use 'Ano po uli?'. It's never wrong to be too polite in the Philippines.
Tone Matters
Avoid a flat tone. A flat 'Ano uli' can sound like you're bored or annoyed.
Smiling
Filipinos often smile when they say 'Ano uli?' to show they aren't being rude about not hearing you.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to make the phrase polite for an elder.
Ano ___ uli?
'Po' is the essential marker of respect in Filipino.
Which of these is the most natural casual way to ask 'What did you say again?'
Choose the best option:
'Ano uli?' is the most common and natural casual form.
Complete the dialogue.
Friend: 'Punta tayo sa sinehan!' Learner: '____? Maingay dito.'
The context of 'Maingay dito' (It's noisy here) requires asking for repetition.
Match the phrase to the person you are talking to.
1. Your best friend, 2. Your grandmother
Friends get the informal version; grandmothers get the 'po' version.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to ask 'What?'
Informal
- • Ano uli?
- • Ano kamo?
- • Ha?
Formal
- • Ano po uli?
- • Pakiulit po?
- • Maaari po bang ulitin?
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAno ___ uli?
'Po' is the essential marker of respect in Filipino.
Choose the best option:
'Ano uli?' is the most common and natural casual form.
Friend: 'Punta tayo sa sinehan!' Learner: '____? Maingay dito.'
The context of 'Maingay dito' (It's noisy here) requires asking for repetition.
1. Your best friend, 2. Your grandmother
Friends get the informal version; grandmothers get the 'po' version.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot among friends! It's very common. Just add 'po' for elders.
Yes, but it's much more blunt. 'Ano uli?' is softer and more natural.
'Muli' is formal/literary. 'Uli' is the everyday spoken version.
Use 'Pakiulit po?' or 'Maaari niyo po bang ulitin?'.
Only if it's a very casual email to a friend. Otherwise, use 'Pakiulit'.
Yes, it can also mean 'to do something again' or 'to return to a state'.
It's just a regional and stylistic variation. Both are correct.
Both are used! 'Ulit' is also very common and means the same thing.
You can say 'Pasensya na, hindi ko talaga naintindihan' (Sorry, I really didn't understand).
Yes! You'll hear 'Ano uli yung term?' or 'Ano uli yung schedule?'.
Related Phrases
Ano kamo?
synonymWhat did you say?
Pakiulit
similarPlease repeat.
Ano po?
specialized formWhat (polite)?
Ha?
informal alternativeHuh?
