5 Minute English Vocabulary Show

5 Natural English Phrases to Use When You Don't Understand Someone

Episode Notes

In this episode of 5-Minute Vocabulary, you'll learn 5 natural English expressions to use when you don't understand someone.

Instead of always saying "I don't understand" or "Can you repeat that?", discover how to ask for clarification, request explanations, and confirm information politely and confidently.

These expressions are especially useful in everyday conversations, workplace meetings, classrooms, and social situations.

🎯 5 English Expressions You'll Learn:

1. Sorry, I didn't catch that. – Politely ask someone to repeat something you didn't hear or understand.
2. What do you mean by that? – Ask someone to explain what they're trying to say.
3. Could you go over that again? – Request another explanation or review of information.
4. So, what you're saying is... – Confirm that you've understood someone's message correctly.
5. Could you slow down a little? – Politely ask someone to speak more slowly.

⭐ Important English Sentences to Practice:

• "Sorry, I didn't catch that."
• "Sorry, I didn't catch the last part."
• "I didn't quite catch what you said."
• "What do you mean by flexible working hours?"
• "What exactly do you mean by urgent?"
• "Could you go over the instructions one more time?"
• "Could you go over the last step again?"
• "Could you go over the payment process again?"
• "So, what you're saying is, we need to finish this today."
• "So, what you're saying is, the meeting has been moved to Friday."
• "Could you slow down a little?"
• "Could you speak a little more slowly?"

💡 What You'll Learn:

Discover the difference between not hearing someone clearly and not understanding their meaning.

Learn how to ask questions without sounding rude, confirm important information, and keep conversations moving naturally.

You'll also understand how your tone can make English expressions sound friendlier and more polite.