Translation guide
How to express 'ask again' in Japanese, covering re-asking a question, requesting repetition, and confirming information.
もう一度言ってください。
Please say it again.
もう一度聞きます。
I'll ask again.
To pose the same question once more, often because the first answer was unclear or unsatisfactory.
Literally 'ask once more'. A natural, neutral way to say you will ask again.
わからなかったので、もう一度聞いてみます。
I didn't understand, so I'll try asking again.
A single verb meaning 'to ask again' or 'to re-ask'. Slightly more formal or written.
答えがあいまいだったので、聞き直した。
The answer was vague, so I asked again.
Formal expression meaning 'to question again'. Used in business or official contexts.
会議で、その点について再度質問しました。
At the meeting, I asked again about that point.
To request that someone say something again because you didn't hear or understand.
Polite and standard way to ask 'Please say it again'.
すみません、もう一度言ってください。
Sorry, could you say that again?
Verb meaning 'to ask back' or 'to ask someone to repeat'. Often used when you didn't catch what was said.
声が小さくて聞き返した。
His voice was so quiet I asked him to repeat.
Very casual interjection meaning 'Huh?' or 'What?'. Only with close friends or family.
Can sound rude if used with superiors or strangers.
え？何て言ったの？
Huh? What did you say?
To verify information by asking the same question in a different way or to a different person.
Means 'to confirm'. Often used when you want to make sure of something by asking again.
念のため、もう一度確認してもいいですか？
Just to be sure, may I ask again to confirm?
To inquire again, often from a different source or to cross-check.
他の店にも聞き合わせてみます。
I'll ask again at other stores to check.
聞き直す (kikinaosu) means to ask the same question again, often because the answer was insufficient. 聞き返す (kikikaesu) means to ask someone to repeat what they just said, usually because you didn't hear or understand.
説明が難しくて聞き直した。
The explanation was difficult, so I asked again.
雑音で聞こえなくて聞き返した。
I couldn't hear because of the noise, so I asked him to repeat.
The English phrase 'ask again' can be translated directly as 再び尋ねる (futatabi tazuneru), but this sounds stiff and unnatural in most daily conversations. Use the options above for natural Japanese.