Japanese - Classroom Requests

すみません、もう一度言ってください。

Sumimasen, mō ichido itte kudasai.

Can you repeat that, please?

Meaning: Can you repeat that, please?

When to use: Use this when you missed what the teacher said or didn't understand and need repetition.

すみません、もう少しゆっくり言ってください。

Sumimasen, mō sukoshi yukkuri itte kudasai.

Can you say that more slowly, please?

Meaning: Can you say that more slowly, please?

When to use: Ask this when the teacher is speaking too fast for you to follow.

___はどう発音しますか？

___ wa dō hatsuon shimasu ka?

How do you pronounce ___?

Meaning: How do you pronounce ___?

When to use: Use this to ask the teacher how to pronounce a word or name; put the word before は.

Tip: Don't use を or other particles before the topic; use は for the item you want pronounced.

質問してもいいですか？

Shitsumon shite mo ii desu ka?

Can I ask a question?

Meaning: Can I ask a question?

When to use: Say this before you ask something in class to get permission politely.

___を忘れました。

___ o wasuremashita.

I forgot my ___.

Meaning: I forgot my ___.

When to use: Tell the teacher you forgot an item (put the item before を).

Tip: Beginner students sometimes forget を after the item, e.g. say 'ノート忘れました' — remember 'ノートを忘れました。'

宿題はありますか？

Shukudai wa arimasu ka?

Do we have homework?

Meaning: Do we have homework?

When to use: Ask this to confirm whether there is assigned work after class.

いつまでですか？

Itsu made desu ka?

When is it due?

Meaning: When is it due?

When to use: Ask this to clarify the deadline for an assignment mentioned in class.

トイレに行ってもいいですか。

Toire ni itte mo ii desu ka.

Can I go to the bathroom?

Meaning: Can I go to the bathroom?

When to use: Use this in class to politely ask permission to leave for the restroom.

どの問題をすればいいですか。

Dono mondai o sureba ii desu ka.

Which exercise should we do?

Meaning: Which exercise should we do?

When to use: Ask this when you want to know which problem or exercise to complete in class.

一人でやりますか、それともペアでやりますか。

Hitori de yarimasu ka, soretomo pea de yarimasu ka.

Should we work alone or in pairs?

Meaning: Should we work alone or in pairs?

When to use: Use this to clarify whether the activity is individual or collaborative.

私の答えを見てもらえますか。

Watashi no kotae o mite moraemasu ka.

Can you check my answer?

Meaning: Can you check my answer?

When to use: Ask this when you want the teacher to look over or confirm your answer.

ここを説明してもらえますか。

Koko o setsumei shite moraemasu ka.

Can you explain this part?

Meaning: Can you explain this part?

When to use: Use this to ask the teacher to explain a specific line, paragraph, or question.

終わりました

Owarimashita.

I'm finished.

Meaning: I'm finished.

When to use: Say this when you have completed the task or test.