When you get stuck on homework, it helps to know a few polite Chinese phrases for asking a teacher for help. In this workshop you will practice asking for an explanation, saying which part is confusing, and understanding a short teacher reply. You can play both roles with the audio. There is no automatic scoring, so use the answer keys to check yourself.
Asking for an Explanation
Start with a short, polite question. A simple way to ask is «你能解释一下这道题吗？», which means "Can you explain this problem?" Another useful question is «这道题怎么做？», which means "How do you do this problem?" If you want to say you are stuck, use «我不懂这道题。», which means "I don't understand this problem." These three lines are good openers when you need help. Say them slowly at first, then try to say them without looking. The goal is to make your request clear and polite.
Asking the Teacher Again
Sometimes the first explanation is not enough. You can ask the teacher to repeat by saying «老师，您能再讲一遍吗？», which means "Teacher, can you explain it again?" This is a polite way to ask for another explanation. You can also use «老师，您能解释一下这道题吗？», which means "Teacher, can you explain this problem?" Notice that both lines begin with the word for teacher, which makes the request respectful. Practice saying these lines with a calm, friendly tone.
Understanding the Teacher's Reply
When you ask for help, the teacher may reply with «可以。哪一部分不懂？», which means "Sure. Which part don't you understand?" This is a helpful question because it asks you to be specific. You can answer with «第二步我不明白。为什么要用这个公式？», which means "I don't understand the second step. Why do we use this formula?" The teacher may then explain with «因为题目给了这个条件。你看这里。», which means "Because the problem gives this condition. Look here." These lines show a short, natural exchange between a student and a teacher.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
你能解释一下这道题吗？
Can you explain this problem?
Nǐ néng jiěshì yíxià zhè dào tí ma?
这道题怎么做？
How do you do this problem?
Zhè dào tí zěnme zuò?
我不懂这道题。
I don't understand this problem.
Wǒ bù dǒng zhè dào tí.
老师，您能再讲一遍吗？
Teacher, can you explain it again?
Lǎoshī, nín néng zài jiǎng yí biàn ma?
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
老师，您能解释一下这道题吗？
Teacher, can you explain this problem?可以。哪一部分不懂？
Sure. Which part don't you understand?第二步我不明白。为什么要用这个公式？
I don't understand the second step. Why do we use this formula?因为题目给了这个条件。你看这里。
Because the problem gives this condition. Look here.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Ask and Answer
Imagine you are a student who needs help with a homework problem. Your teacher is ready to help. Use the recordings to guide your speaking.
Your task: First, play the student role. Say «老师，您能解释一下这道题吗？» to ask the teacher for help. Then play the teacher role and say «可以。哪一部分不懂？» to ask which part is confusing. Finally, play the student again and say «第二步我不明白。为什么要用这个公式？» to explain what you do not understand. Repeat the exchange two times.
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Right Response
Imagine the teacher has just said «可以。哪一部分不懂？», which means "Sure. Which part don't you understand?" You need to choose a good reply from the recordings.
Your task: Read the teacher's question again. Then choose the best student reply from these two options: «我不懂这道题。» or «第二步我不明白。为什么要用这个公式？». Say your chosen line out loud. Then say the other line and decide why it does not fit as well.
Recall with Correct Roles
Imagine a short scene between a student and a teacher. The student asks for help, and the teacher explains. You will recall the lines and say them in the correct roles.
Your task: Without looking at the recordings, try to say the student's first request, the teacher's question, the student's specific problem, and the teacher's explanation. Then check your answers using the recordings. Play both roles: first as the student, then as the teacher.
Common questions
Can I use these phrases with any teacher?
These phrases are polite and simple, so they can be used in many learning situations. The recordings show a student asking a teacher for help with a problem. You can practice them in a similar setting. Always speak clearly and politely.
What if I do not understand the teacher's explanation?
You can ask the teacher to explain again by saying «老师，您能再讲一遍吗？», which means "Teacher, can you explain it again?" This is a polite way to ask for another explanation. You can also say which part is still confusing, as in «第二步我不明白。为什么要用这个公式？».
Sources and further reading
- chinese: ask for help with homeworkChecked September 2026
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