Could you repeat that?

Meaning: This is a polite request asking someone to say something again.

Choice of Words: Could is a modal verb used to express possibility or ability. You is the second-person pronoun used to address the person being spoken to. Repeat means to say or do something again. That refers to something specific, but not named.

Alternative Expressions

Can you say that again?

Meaning: This means the same as "Could you repeat that?" but it is less polite.

Choice of Words: The word "Can" is also used to ask someone to do something, but it is less polite than "Could." "Say" means to speak or utter words. "That" refers to something that has already been said or done.

I didn't hear you. Can you say that again?

Meaning: This means the same as "Could you repeat that?" but it also explains why you are asking.

Choice of Words: The phrase "I didn't hear you" explains why you are asking the person to repeat what they said. "Can" is used to ask someone to do something, but it is less polite than "Could." "Say" means to speak or utter words. "That" refers to something that has already been said or done.

Related Expressions