Korean for Clarifying: How to Say 'I Didn't Catch That' and 'What Do You Mean?'
Learn essential Korean phrases to ask for repetition and clarification, so you can keep conversations going even when you miss something.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
In any conversation, especially in a new language, you won't always catch every word. Instead of nodding along or giving up, you can use simple Korean phrases to ask the speaker to repeat or explain. This lesson teaches you how to say 'I didn't catch that' and 'What do you mean?' in polite, natural Korean. You'll learn key expressions, when to use them, and how to respond when someone asks you for clarification. By the end, you'll be able to handle misunderstandings smoothly and keep the conversation flowing.
By the end, you can…
- ask someone to repeat what they said in Korean.
- ask for clarification when I don't understand the meaning.
- respond appropriately when someone asks me to repeat or clarify.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
다시 말씀해 주세요.
Please say that again.
dasi malsseumhae juseyo
Polite and formal. Use with strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
다시 말해 주세요.
Please say that again.
dasi malhae juseyo
Polite but less formal than the above. Suitable for most everyday situations.
무슨 뜻이에요?
What does it mean?
museun tteusieyo?
Use when you heard the words but don't understand the meaning.
무슨 말씀이세요?
What do you mean?
museun malsseumiseyo?
Polite and formal. Ask for clarification when you're confused about the intent.
잘 못 들었어요.
I didn't catch that.
jal mot deureosseoyo
Casual polite. Use with friends or people you're close to. Literally: 'I didn't hear well.'
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask someone to repeat, use the adverb 다시 (dasi, 'again') + the verb 말하다 (malhada, 'to speak') + 주세요 (juseyo, 'please'). The polite form is 다시 말씀해 주세요 (dasi malsseumhae juseyo), which uses the honorific verb 말씀하다 (malsseumhada). For a more casual polite form, say 다시 말해 주세요 (dasi malhae juseyo). To ask for meaning, use 무슨 뜻이에요? (museun tteusieyo?) or the more formal 무슨 말씀이세요? (museun malsseumiseyo?). These patterns let you request repetition or explanation without sounding rude.
When to use it
Use 다시 말씀해 주세요 in formal situations, like talking to a teacher, boss, or someone older. Use 다시 말해 주세요 with acquaintances or in casual polite settings. If you didn't hear because of noise, say 잘 못 들었어요 (jal mot deureosseoyo) to explain. When you understand the words but not the meaning, ask 무슨 뜻이에요? If you're confused about the whole point, use 무슨 말씀이세요? These phrases show you're engaged and want to understand, which is always appreciated.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
내일 회의는 세 시에 시작해요.
Tomorrow's meeting starts at three o'clock.naeil hoeuineun se sie sijakaeyo.죄송해요, 잘 못 들었어요. 다시 말씀해 주세요.
Sorry, I didn't catch that. Please say that again.joesonghaeyo, jal mot deureosseoyo. dasi malsseumhae juseyo.네, 내일 회의는 세 시에 시작해요.
Sure, tomorrow's meeting starts at three o'clock.ne, naeil hoeuineun se sie sijakaeyo.아, 세 시요? 무슨 뜻이에요? 오전 세 시예요?
Oh, three o'clock? What do you mean? Is it 3 a.m.?a, se siyo? museun tteusieyo? ojeon se siyeyo?A little context goes a long way
In Korean, using the right level of politeness is crucial. The honorific form 말씀하다 is preferred when speaking to someone of higher status or age. Also, Koreans often avoid direct 'I don't understand' and instead ask for repetition indirectly, like 잘 못 들었어요, to save face. When asking for clarification, a gentle tone and a slight bow of the head can show respect.
One thing to watch for
Using the casual 다시 말해 without 주세요, which can sound rude.
Try this instead: Always add 주세요 for politeness unless you're very close to the person. For example, say 다시 말해 주세요, not 다시 말해.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you politely ask a stranger to repeat what they said?
Show a sample answer
다시 말씀해 주세요.
This is the most polite form, using honorific language. 다시 말해 주세요 is also acceptable but less formal.
2You heard the words but don't understand the meaning. What phrase do you use?
Show a sample answer
무슨 뜻이에요?
This directly asks 'What does it mean?' It's polite and clear. 무슨 말씀이세요? is more formal and asks for overall meaning.
3Your friend says something too quickly. How do you ask them to repeat in a casual polite way?
Show a sample answer
다시 말해 주세요.
This is polite but not overly formal, suitable for friends or acquaintances. 잘 못 들었어요 can also be used to explain you didn't hear.
When you miss something in Korean, don't panic. Use 다시 말씀해 주세요 for polite repetition, 무슨 뜻이에요? for meaning, and 잘 못 들었어요 to explain you didn't hear. These phrases keep conversations going and show you're making an effort.
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