Translation guide
How to express 'ask again' in Japanese, covering re-asking a question, requesting repetition, and confirming information.
Please say it again.
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.
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.
Formal expression meaning 'to question again'. Used in business or official contexts.
To request that someone say something again because you didn't hear or understand.
Polite and standard way to ask 'Please say it again'.
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.
Very casual interjection meaning 'Huh?' or 'What?'. Only with close friends or family.
Can sound rude if used with superiors or strangers.
Huh? What did you say?
To verify information by asking the same question in a different way or to a different person.
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.
The explanation was difficult, so I asked again.
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.
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.
At the meeting, I asked again about that point.
His voice was so quiet I asked him to repeat.
I'll ask again at other stores to check.