Japanese - Clarification

別の言い方で言ってもらえますか。

Betsu no iikata de itte moraemasu ka.

Can you say it another way?

Meaning: Can you say it another way?

When to use: Use this to ask someone to rephrase a sentence or explain it differently when you didn't understand the first wording.

Tip: Sometimes learners use もう一度言ってください for rephrasing; that asks only to repeat, not to change wording.

どれですか

Dore desu ka.

Which one?

Meaning: Which one?

When to use: Use when choosing from visible options or things already mentioned — point and ask which item is meant.

こうですか

Kō desu ka.

Like this?

Meaning: Like this?

When to use: Show an action, shape, or example and ask if it matches what the other person wanted or meant.

Tip: Beginners sometimes overuse これですか。 which asks about an object rather than an action or way of doing something.

これで合っていますか。

Kore de atte imasu ka.

Is this correct?

Meaning: Is this correct?

When to use: Use to check an answer, method, or chosen item — when you are showing or referring to a specific thing.

この言葉は何ですか。

Kono kotoba wa nan desu ka.

What is this word?

Meaning: What is this word?

When to use: Point to or show a written word (in a book, app, or sign) when you don’t know its meaning and want to ask someone.

すみません、よく聞こえません。

Sumimasen, yoku kikoemasen.

I can't hear you.

Meaning: I can’t hear you clearly.

When to use: Say this when speech is too quiet or noisy and you need the speaker to repeat or speak louder.

Tip: Don't use もう一度 alone — pair it with a request (e.g., もう一度言ってください) to ask for repetition.

___と言いましたか。

___ to iimashita ka.

You said ___?

Meaning: You said ___?

When to use: Repeat the word or phrase you heard before と and ask whether that was what the speaker said.

これですか

Kore desu ka.

This one?

Meaning: This one?

When to use: Point to a specific item and ask if that is the correct choice or object being discussed.