Oh my God. Can I get an AMEN?

It happened at a fast-paced meeting. Everyone was speaking quickly, ideas flying everywhere like popcorn. And there I was, nodding like one of those little bobblehead dolls in the back of a car. Inside my head? Total silence. Just crickets. Hummmmm.

And that’s when it hit me: understanding everything is not the goal. Communicating is.

Because here’s the truth no one tells you…

Native speakers don’t understand everything either.

Yes. Let that sink in.

They ask questions. They clarify. They say, “Wait, what?” all the time.

So today, let’s talk about exactly what to say when you don’t understand someone in English — politely, naturally, and confidently.

What to Say When You Don’t Understand Someone in English

Not understanding is not failure. It’s part of the process. The real skill is knowing how to respond.

Here are the exact phrases you can use in real conversations.

1. The Most Simple and Polite Phrase

“Sorry, I didn’t understand.”

This is the safest and most natural phrase you can use anywhere.

Examples:

• Sorry, I didn’t understand.
• Sorry, I didn’t understand what you said.
• I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.

This phrase is polite and completely normal. No embarrassment needed.

Native speakers use it every single day.

2. Ask the Person to Repeat

Sometimes the problem is speed, not your English.

Try these phrases:

• Could you repeat that, please?
• Can you say that again?
• Would you mind repeating that?

These phrases are polite and professional. Perfect for work, school, or daily life.

And here’s a secret: people usually don’t mind repeating themselves.

3. Ask Them to Speak More Slowly

Sometimes English feels like a race car. Fast. Loud. Gone.

You can slow it down with these phrases:

• Could you speak more slowly, please?
• Can you slow down a little?
• Sorry, English is not my first language. Could you speak more slowly?

This is powerful. Most people will immediately adjust.

4. Ask for Clarification

This shows confidence and professionalism.

Use these phrases:

• What do you mean?
• Could you explain that?
• Can you clarify that?
• What does that mean?

This is especially helpful in meetings, classes, or professional conversations.

You are not showing weakness. You are showing intelligence.

5. Repeat What You Think You Heard

This is a secret weapon.

Example:

• So you mean the meeting is at 3:00?
• Do you mean I should send the email today?
• Are you saying this is due tomorrow?

This confirms understanding and prevents mistakes.

Professionals use this all the time.

6. The Most Natural Casual Phrase

In casual situations, you can simply say:

• Sorry?
• What was that?
• I didn’t catch that.

Short. Easy. Natural.

You will hear native speakers say this constantly.

The Biggest Mistake ESL Learners Make

They pretend to understand.

I did it. You’ve done it. We’ve all done it.

Smile. Nod. Panic internally.

And then later… confusion. Stress. Mistakes.

Long story short: asking questions saves you time, stress, and embarrassment.

Confidence Changes Everything

Here’s the truth.

People don’t judge you for asking questions.

They respect you.

Because asking for clarification shows you care about understanding and communicating clearly.

That is powerful.

Practice These Today

Next time you don’t understand, try one of these:

• Sorry, I didn’t understand.
• Could you repeat that?
• Could you speak more slowly?
• What do you mean?
• So you mean…?

That’s it.

Simple. Natural. Effective.

No panic. No fear.

Just communication.

And here’s something I want you to remember…

Every fluent English speaker was once confused too.

Every single one.

The difference? They kept asking. They kept trying. They kept going.

And you will too.

Tata for now.