Avoid Saying "Répétez s'il vous plaît"

24 Feb 2010
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Avoid Saying "Répétez s'il vous plaît"

If you don’t understand something, don’t say “répétez s’il vous plaît”, because the person will repeat exactly what he/she just said. And, if you didn’t get it the first time, it’s unlikely you will the second. We use this only when we didn’t hear well the first time.

So what should you say?

If you just say "Je ne comprends pas" (I don’t understand), the person will think you didn't get anything, and is very likely to just switch into English, or give up on you.

So, instead, say, "Je ne comprends pas bien" (I don’t understand everything), causing your interlocutor to reformulate his sentence, using other words. And do not hesitate to say, "S’il vous plaît, parlez plus lentement et plus fort" (Please, speak slower and louder). Speed and bad hearing are often a big part of not understanding.

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Camille Chevalier-Karfis

Born and raised in Paris, I have been teaching today's French to adults for 19 years in the US, France, and to people around the world over the phone and by Skype . My method is proven and unique, and, based on my students' goals and needs, I've developed  high quality audiobooks and audio lessons for all levels.
Good luck with your studies and remember, repetition is the key!

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