French - Asking for Clarification

Je comprends pas.

I don't understand.

Meaning: I don't understand.

When to use: Say this when you didn't catch or follow what someone said.

Tip: Some learners try to say the full negative every time ('Je ne comprends pas'); the shorter spoken form is fine in conversation.

Tu peux répéter ?

Can you repeat that?

Meaning: Can you repeat that?

When to use: Ask this when you missed part of what someone said.

Tu peux parler plus lentement ?

Can you speak more slowly?

Meaning: Can you speak more slowly?

When to use: Use this when someone speaks too fast and you need a slower pace.

Tip: Beginners sometimes say 'parlez' with 'tu' by mistake; use 'tu peux' for informal speech.

___, ça veut dire quoi ?

What does ___ mean?

Meaning: What does ___ mean?

When to use: Ask this to learn the meaning of a word or phrase someone used.

Comment on dit ___ en anglais ?

How do you say ___ in English?

Meaning: How do you say ___ in English?

When to use: Use this when you want the English word or phrase for something in French.

Tip: Don't confuse word order; the natural phrase is 'Comment on dit ___ en anglais ?' not 'Comment dit-on en anglais ___ ?'

Tu peux l'écrire ?

Can you write it down?

Meaning: Can you write it down?

When to use: Ask this when you need the word or information written on paper or screen.

C'est ___ ou ___ ?

Is it ___ or ___?

Meaning: Is it ___ or ___?

When to use: Use this to check between two possible words or answers.

Tu veux dire ___ ?

Do you mean ___?

Meaning: Do you mean ___?

When to use: Check your understanding when you think you heard a specific word or idea.

Tu peux utiliser des mots simples, s'il te plaît ?

Please use simple words.

Meaning: Please use simple words.

When to use: Ask this when someone uses difficult vocabulary and you need easier language.

Je comprends juste un peu.

I only understand a little.

Meaning: I only understand a little.

When to use: Say this to show you have partial understanding.

Je ne connais pas ce mot.

I don't know that word.

Meaning: I don't know that word.

When to use: Say this when someone uses a word you haven't learned.

Tu peux m'expliquer ___ ?

Can you explain ___?

Meaning: Can you explain ___?

When to use: Ask this when you want a short explanation of a word, phrase, or idea.

Tu peux l'épeler ?

Can you spell that?

Meaning: Can you spell that?

When to use: Use this to ask for the spelling of a word, name, or address.