Didn’t Catch That? How to Say “Pardon?” in Korean Politely and Naturally

You’re in Korea, someone speaks to you in fast Korean, and your brain freezes. 😳 Don’t panic — everyone gets lost in conversation at some point, especially when learning a new language. What you need is the right phrase to pause, clarify, and keep the conversation going — politely and naturally.

In this post, we’ll break down how to say “Pardon?” in Korean using expressions that sound respectful, beginner-friendly, and actually used by native speakers. These are not textbook-only phrases — you’ll learn what to say when you miss something, and how to do it without feeling embarrassed or rude.

📣 Why Learning “Pardon?” in Korean Matters

Let’s face it — you’re not going to understand everything in Korean conversations, especially if you’re just getting started. Native speakers can talk quickly, blend sounds together, or use vocabulary and slang you haven’t learned yet. This is completely normal for beginners. That’s exactly why knowing how to say “Pardon?” is not optional — it’s essential.

 

In English, we casually say “Sorry?” or “Could you say that again?” without thinking much about hierarchy. Korean works differently. The language reflects social relationships, age differences, and formality levels. Using the wrong tone can unintentionally sound abrupt or impolite. That’s why repair phrases — expressions used to fix communication — matter so much.

 

Imagine you are at a café in Busan and the staff asks you something about your order. You catch only half of it. Instead of smiling nervously or pretending to understand, you can say “다시 말씀해 주세요” (dasi malsseumhae juseyo). This shows effort and respect at the same time.

 

Now picture a different scenario. You’re in a language exchange meeting, and someone introduces themselves. The name goes by too quickly. In that moment, responding with “뭐라고요?” (mworagoyo?) gives you a second chance to hear clearly. It keeps the conversation alive instead of shutting it down.

 

Many learners hesitate to interrupt because they are afraid of being rude. Ironically, staying silent and pretending to understand often creates more confusion later. Asking for repetition politely is actually seen as responsible and engaged communication in Korean culture.

 

From my own experience studying Korean, I noticed that the moment I became comfortable using clarification phrases, my confidence level changed dramatically. Conversations stopped feeling like tests and started feeling like exchanges. Koreans responded more warmly when they saw that I was sincerely trying.

 

Korean society values harmony and mutual respect. Direct confrontation is often softened through polite structures. Repair expressions are part of that cultural rhythm. They allow you to pause communication without breaking social balance.

 

Even native speakers rely on these phrases daily — during business meetings, phone calls, or family discussions. They are not beginner-only tools. They are everyday communication strategies.

 

So if you ever find yourself confused, overwhelmed, or simply distracted, remember this: asking someone to repeat themselves is a strength, not a weakness. In Korean, doing it the right way shows maturity and awareness.

 

Mastering these small but powerful phrases will help you sound more natural, reduce anxiety, and maintain smoother interactions. Now let’s look at the specific expressions you can use in real conversations.

 

🗣️ Common Korean Expressions for “Pardon?”

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
다시 말씀해 주세요	dasi malsseumhae juseyo	Please say that again
뭐라고요?	mworagoyo?	What did you say?
다시요	dasi-yo	Again, please (short)
죄송하지만 다시 말씀해 주실 수 있나요?	joesonghajiman dasi malsseumhae jusil su innayo?	I’m sorry, but could you repeat that?
잘 못 들었어요	jal mot deureosseoyo	I didn’t hear you well

 

Each of these phrases fits a different situation — from casual to polite. Choose based on your setting, who you're talking to, and your comfort level. Practice saying them aloud to build natural fluency!

 

🙇 Basic Phrases: The Polite Way to Say “Pardon?”

When you’re talking to someone older, a stranger, or anyone in a formal setting, choosing the right level of politeness is key. Korean has different verb endings and vocabulary for showing respect, especially when asking someone to repeat or slow down.

 

Let’s say you’re in a bank, and the clerk explains a process that’s unfamiliar. You catch part of it, but not the whole sentence. Instead of simply saying “What?”, you can politely say “천천히 말씀해 주실 수 있나요?” (cheoncheonhi malsseumhae jusil su innayo?) — which means “Could you speak slowly?”

 

This phrase is incredibly useful in high-stakes situations like banks, government offices, or doctor’s appointments. It shows not only that you’re trying to understand, but also that you respect the other person’s time and effort.

 

Another great expression to use is “한 번 더 말씀해 주시겠어요?” (han beon deo malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?), which means “Could you say that one more time?” This version is extra polite and works perfectly when talking to service staff, teachers, or even your in-laws.

 

Politeness in Korean is not just about grammar — it’s also about tone and body language. When you ask someone to repeat, make eye contact, give a small smile, and keep your tone soft. These small nonverbal cues go a long way.

 

Here’s another situation: you're at a pharmacy and the pharmacist tells you how to take your medication. If you didn’t hear clearly, saying “천천히 설명해 주세요” (cheoncheonhi seolmyeonghae juseyo) — “Please explain it slowly” — sounds humble and respectful.

 

Many beginners think speaking slowly is the same as speaking loudly — but in Korean culture, slowing down is seen as helping, while raising your voice can come off as rude. That’s why choosing the right phrasing really matters when you’re confused.

 

Also, it’s okay to combine these polite phrases with hand gestures. If you wave your hand gently or lean in slightly, people will understand that you didn’t catch the words. It creates a natural flow in communication.

 

Remember, you don’t need to memorize long complex sentences. Short and clear is best. Phrases like “천천히요” (cheoncheonhiyo) — “Slowly, please” — can also be used in very casual, polite ways when you’re overwhelmed or anxious.

 

The more you use these phrases, the more confident you’ll become in managing real-life conversations. Polite expressions like these make native speakers more willing to slow down and help you understand.

 

🗣️ Polite Korean Phrases for Asking Someone to Repeat or Slow Down

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
천천히 말씀해 주실 수 있나요?	cheoncheonhi malsseumhae jusil su innayo?	Could you speak slowly?
한 번 더 말씀해 주시겠어요?	han beon deo malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?	Could you say that one more time?
천천히 설명해 주세요	cheoncheonhi seolmyeonghae juseyo	Please explain it slowly
천천히요	cheoncheonhiyo	Slowly, please
조금만 천천히 부탁드려요	jogeumman cheoncheonhi butak deuryeoyo	Please speak just a little more slowly

 

All of these expressions can help you stay in the conversation with confidence — especially in formal or important settings like hospitals, offices, or classrooms. Use them with a calm tone and open body language to build smooth, respectful communication.

 

🗯️ More Casual Options for Everyday Use

Formal phrases are great when you’re speaking to strangers or elders, but in daily life, most Korean interactions happen in casual settings — with friends, classmates, coworkers, or even delivery people. Knowing how to ask for repetition casually makes your Korean feel real and lived-in.

 

One of the most natural phrases you’ll hear among younger people or in informal chats is “다시 말해 줄래?” (dasi malhae jullae?), which means “Can you say that again?” It’s friendly, casual, and works well with people you’re comfortable with.

 

Another option is “뭐라 했지?” (mwora haetji?) — “What did you say again?” This is often used when someone said something quickly, or you were momentarily distracted. It’s super common in text messages or group conversations among friends.

 

In café or casual shop settings, if you didn’t catch what the cashier said, a gentle “에?” (eh?) or “응?” (eung?) is fine. While it may seem abrupt, it’s considered okay between people your age or younger — as long as your tone isn’t aggressive.

 

Here’s an example: You’re playing games online with Korean friends on voice chat. One of them says something and everyone laughs, but you didn’t hear it. Instead of being left out, you could say “뭐였어?” (mwoyeosseo?) meaning “What was that?” It keeps the energy going without being too formal.

 

For students, you’ll often hear “다시 말해봐” (dasi malhaebwa) between peers. It literally means “Try saying it again,” and has a slightly commanding but friendly vibe. It’s used among equals — like classmates or siblings — not with elders.

 

If you’re texting and didn’t understand, you could casually write “다시?” or “모라고??” (morago??). These are texting shortcuts — similar to “huh?” or “wat??” in English — and are totally normal online, especially with emojis like 😅 or 😂.

 

Korean casual speech often drops subjects or shortens grammar, so being able to follow and return those styles will make your speech more native-like. Just remember: casual doesn’t mean careless — your tone and context still matter.

 

With friends or younger people, being too formal can actually create distance. Casual repair phrases keep the vibe relaxed and inclusive. They signal that you're on the same level and build stronger rapport.

 

Also, don't be afraid to add a laugh or smile when asking casually — it softens the delivery. If someone said something funny but you missed it, a playful “다시 ㅋㅋ” can bring the moment back with humor.

 

By practicing these casual expressions, you’ll sound more natural and less like a textbook. They’re short, easy to remember, and totally necessary if you want to hang with native speakers comfortably.

 

🗯️ Casual Korean Expressions for Everyday “Pardon?”

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
다시 말해 줄래?	dasi malhae jullae?	Can you say that again?
뭐라 했지?	mwora haetji?	What did you say again?
뭐였어?	mwoyeosseo?	What was that?
다시 말해봐	dasi malhaebwa	Say it again (friendly tone)
모라고??	morago??	What did you say? (text/chat slang)

 

These casual phrases are great for texting, chatting with friends, or reacting quickly in the moment. Just remember to match your tone with the relationship and situation. 😄

 

⚠️ What to Avoid: Sounding Too Rude or Awkward

Learning how to say “Pardon?” in Korean is important — but equally important is knowing how not to say it. Some phrases that feel normal in English can come across as rude, abrupt, or even confrontational in Korean if translated directly or used with the wrong tone.

 

For example, using “뭐?” (mwo?) on its own — the literal word for “What?” — can sound aggressive, especially if your tone rises at the end. In Korean dramas, you’ll often hear this in arguments. It’s rarely used in polite conversation, even among friends. If you’re a beginner, avoid it unless you’re acting in a soap opera!

 

Another phrase to be cautious with is “응?” (eung?) when used toward elders or strangers. While it may sound like a soft “Huh?”, in formal contexts, it lacks respect. Koreans value honorific language highly, and skipping that can come across as dismissive.

 

Many learners also make the mistake of raising their volume when they don’t understand something. But in Korean culture, volume doesn't equal clarity — it often signals frustration or impatience. Instead, slowing down and using soft tone expressions shows better manners.

 

Here’s a common learner situation: you’re at a shop and didn’t hear the price. Saying “뭐? 얼마라고?” (mwo? eolmarago?) with a confused face might seem fine in English, but in Korean it can sound like you’re challenging the speaker — especially if you emphasize “뭐?”.

 

Instead, try to soften your language. You might say “죄송한데, 다시 말씀해 주실 수 있을까요?” (joesonghande, dasi malsseumhae jusil su isseulkkayo?) — even if it feels long. Length in Korean often signals politeness and respect.

 

Another thing to avoid is joking in the wrong context. Saying something like “귀 막혔나 봐요” (gwi makyeotna bwayo) — “I guess my ears are blocked” — might sound playful among close friends, but it can confuse or offend people in formal settings.

 

Beginners sometimes mix up verb endings too, accidentally using informal endings like -아/어 with strangers. For example, “말해줘” (malhaejwo) means “Tell me,” but it's way too casual for anyone you don’t know well.

 

It’s better to sound too polite than accidentally rude — especially in a culture where formality matters. So when in doubt, default to polite endings like -요 or -세요.

 

Also, avoid using body language that implies annoyance — rolling eyes, sighing, or shrugging can be misinterpreted. Korean body language norms tend to be more restrained, especially in formal or public situations.

 

Finally, never just ignore what someone said if you didn’t understand. In Korean culture, silence or avoidance can seem disrespectful. Politely asking for repetition is always better than pretending to understand.

 

🚫 Phrases That May Sound Rude or Awkward

Korean	Romanization	Meaning / Why to Avoid
뭐?	mwo?	“What?” — Too direct, sounds angry or confrontational
응?	eung?	“Huh?” — Too casual, avoid with strangers or elders
뭐? 얼마라고?	mwo? eolmarago?	“What? How much?” — May sound accusatory if tone is wrong
말해줘	malhaejwo	“Tell me” — Informal, rude to use with strangers or seniors
귀 막혔나 봐요	gwi makyeotna bwayo	“I guess my ears are blocked” — Sarcastic, inappropriate in formal settings

 

These expressions might be okay in dramas or casual jokes among friends, but in everyday conversation, they often send the wrong message. When learning Korean, it’s safer to stick with respectful and clear alternatives. 💡

 

🗣️ How Native Speakers Actually Say It

Textbooks are great for learning structure, but if you want to sound like a real Korean speaker, you need to learn how people actually talk. Native speakers often simplify or shorten phrases, change tone, and rely on context to be understood.

 

One example is the phrase “뭐라고 하셨죠?” (mworago hasyeotjyo?). It literally means “What did you say again?” but with a polite and soft tone. This is common in customer service calls or when someone is being respectful yet conversational.

 

Another expression you’ll hear often is “방금 뭐라고 하셨어요?” (banggeum mworago hasyeosseoyo?) — “What did you just say?” This works well when you missed a sentence by a second and want to catch up naturally.

 

In group settings, native speakers sometimes point to their ear or lean in and just say “죄송해요, 잘 못 들었어요” (joesonghaeyo, jal mot deureosseoyo) — “Sorry, I didn’t hear well.” It’s gentle, takes the blame off the speaker, and keeps the mood light.

 

You’ll also hear fillers like “어?” (eo?) or “네?” (ne?) but these depend on the tone and situation. With the right inflection, even a soft “네?” (ne?) can mean “Excuse me?” or “Come again?” in a polite way. But misuse can sound careless — watch and mimic how natives use it.

 

Here’s a dialogue example:

A: “내일 오후 세 시에 회의 있어요.” (naeil ohu se sie hoeui isseoyo)
→ “There’s a meeting at 3 p.m. tomorrow.”

B: “방금… 뭐라고 하셨어요?” (banggeum… mworago hasyeosseoyo?)
→ “What did you just say?” 

This sounds smooth, natural, and shows you’re paying attention.

 

Native speakers often cushion their repetition requests with apologies or humor. It’s not always what they say, but how they say it — using a light tone, smiling, or giving visual cues like tilting their head.

 

In cafés, clerks often repeat your order back softly. If you didn’t hear it, a native speaker might respond with “아, 뭐였죠?” (a, mwoyeotjyo?) — like saying “Ah, what was it again?” This tone is familiar and warm.

 

One cultural note: silence in Korean conversation is more accepted than in English. So if someone pauses before repeating, don’t rush or push. Letting people respond at their own pace is part of respectful dialogue in Korean.

 

Listening to K-dramas, YouTubers, or podcasts can help you hear these variations in real-time. Practice shadowing the tone and rhythm — not just the words. This builds your fluency beyond memorized phrases.

 

At the end of the day, using natural expressions doesn’t mean being casual — it means adjusting to the vibe, tone, and setting. The more you observe native speakers, the more your instincts will improve.

 

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Natural Korean Phrases Used by Native Speakers

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
뭐라고 하셨죠?	mworago hasyeotjyo?	What did you say again?
방금 뭐라고 하셨어요?	banggeum mworago hasyeosseoyo?	What did you just say?
죄송해요, 잘 못 들었어요	joesonghaeyo, jal mot deureosseoyo	Sorry, I didn’t hear well
아, 뭐였죠?	a, mwoyeotjyo?	Ah, what was it again?
네?	ne?	Excuse me? / Pardon?

 

These are the kinds of expressions you’ll hear in daily Korean conversations — in shops, calls, schools, and with friends. Learning these will help you blend in and sound more native.

 

🎭 Practice Dialogue: Real-Life “Pardon?” Scenarios

Memorizing polite phrases is useful, but using them fluently in real conversations takes practice. Below are everyday dialogues where asking “Pardon?” in Korean comes up naturally — at a café, in a class, and while traveling.

 

📌 Scene 1: At a Coffee Shop

Barista: “이름이 어떻게 되세요?” (ireumi eotteoke doeseyo?)
→ “What’s your name?”

You: “죄송해요, 뭐라고 하셨어요?” (joesonghaeyo, mworago hasyeosseoyo?)
→ “Sorry, what did you say?”

Barista: “성함이요. 예약하셨나요?” (seonghamiyo. yeyakhasyannayo?)
→ “Your name. Did you make a reservation?”

You: “아, 네! 김수진입니다.” (a, ne! Kim Sujin imnida)
→ “Ah, yes! I’m Kim Sujin.”

 

📌 Scene 2: Talking to Your Korean Tutor on Zoom

Tutor: “이 단어를 문장으로 만들어 보세요.” (i daneoreul munjangeuro mandeureo boseyo)
→ “Please make a sentence with this word.”

You: “잠깐만요, 다시 말씀해 주실 수 있나요?” (jamkkanmanyo, dasi malsseumhae jusil su innayo?)
→ “Wait, could you say that again, please?”

Tutor: “네, 이 단어로 문장 만들기예요.” (ne, i daneoro munjang mandeulgi-yeyo)
→ “Yes, it’s making a sentence with this word.”

 

📌 Scene 3: Lost in the Subway

You: “죄송한데, 강남역 가려면 어떻게 가야 해요?” (joesonghande, Gangnam-yeok garyeomyeon eotteoke gaya haeyo?)
→ “Excuse me, how do I get to Gangnam Station?”

Stranger: “삼호선 타고 세 정거장 가세요.” (samho-seon tago se jeonggeojang gaseyo)
→ “Take Line 3 and go three stops.”

You: “죄송해요, 천천히 다시 말씀해 주세요.” (joesonghaeyo, cheoncheonhi dasi malsseumhae juseyo)
→ “Sorry, please say that again slowly.”

Stranger: “삼호선 → 세 정거장 → 하차.” (samho-seon, se jeonggeojang, hacha)
→ “Line 3 → Three stops → Get off.”

 

📌 Scene 4: At a Bookstore

Clerk: “찾으시는 책이 있으세요?” (chajeusineun chaegi isseuseyo?)
→ “Are you looking for a specific book?”

You: “다시 한 번만요. 잘 못 들었어요.” (dasi han beonmanyo. jal mot deureosseoyo)
→ “One more time, please. I didn’t hear you well.”

Clerk: “필요한 책 있으세요?” (piryohan chaek isseuseyo?)
→ “Do you need any particular book?”

 

These scenes help you visualize when and how to use each polite expression. By practicing dialogues like these, you’ll be ready to speak naturally even when you miss something.

 

📚 Useful “Pardon?” Expressions in Real Situations

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
죄송해요, 뭐라고 하셨어요?	joesonghaeyo, mworago hasyeosseoyo?	Sorry, what did you say?
다시 한 번만요	dasi han beonmanyo	One more time, please
천천히 다시 말씀해 주세요	cheoncheonhi dasi malsseumhae juseyo	Please say it again slowly
잘 못 들었어요	jal mot deureosseoyo	I didn’t hear well
다시 말씀해 주실 수 있나요?	dasi malsseumhae jusil su innayo?	Could you say that again?

 

These expressions reflect how to navigate real-life communication hiccups with confidence and politeness. Practicing them with dialogues like the ones above will help you sound more fluent and natural in actual Korean settings.

 

❓ FAQ: 30 Common Questions

Q1. How do you politely ask someone to repeat in Korean?

A1. You can say “다시 말씀해 주세요” (dasi malsseumhae juseyo), which means “Please say that again.”

 

Q2. What’s a softer way to say “What did you say?”

A2. Try “뭐라고 하셨어요?” (mworago hasyeosseoyo) — it sounds more polite and respectful.

 

Q3. Can I just say “네?” if I didn’t hear?

A3. Yes, “네?” (ne?) is commonly used in a polite tone to mean “Excuse me?”

 

Q4. What should I avoid saying if I didn’t understand?

A4. Avoid saying “뭐?” (mwo?) alone — it can sound rude or aggressive.

 

Q5. How do I ask someone to speak slowly in Korean?

A5. Use “천천히 말씀해 주세요” (cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo).

 

Q6. What’s a casual way to ask someone to repeat?

A6. Among friends, you can say “다시 말해 줄래?” (dasi malhae jullae?).

 

Q7. How do Koreans ask for clarification in real life?

A7. They often say “방금 뭐라고 하셨어요?” (banggeum mworago hasyeosseoyo?) or “잘 못 들었어요” (jal mot deureosseoyo).

 

Q8. Can I just use gestures if I don’t understand?

A8. Yes, gestures help, but combining with a polite phrase like “죄송해요” (joesonghaeyo) is better.

 

Q9. Is “다시요” okay to say alone?

A9. Yes, “다시요” (dasi-yo) is a quick, polite way to say “Again, please.”

 

Q10. What’s the most respectful way to say “I didn’t hear you”?

A10. Use “죄송해요, 잘 못 들었어요” (joesonghaeyo, jal mot deureosseoyo).

 

Q11. Can I use “응?” with older people?

A11. No, “응?” (eung?) is too casual — avoid it with elders or strangers.

 

Q12. What should I say if I miss a name?

A12. You can ask “성함이 어떻게 되세요?” (seonghami eotteoke doeseyo?) again politely.

 

Q13. Is it rude to ask someone to slow down?

A13. Not if you ask politely with “천천히 말씀해 주세요” (cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo).

 

Q14. Can I just say “모라고??” in text messages?

A14. Yes, “모라고??” (morago??) is a playful way to say “What?” via chat.

 

Q15. What’s the short version of “Could you say that again?”

A15. “다시요” (dasi-yo) is the shortest polite version.

 

Q16. How do native speakers sound more casual?

A16. They use soft tones with phrases like “아, 뭐였죠?” (a, mwoyeotjyo?).

 

Q17. Can I use body language when I don’t understand?

A17. Yes, but pair it with polite phrases to avoid confusion.

 

Q18. What’s the difference between “뭐?” and “뭐라고요?”

A18. “뭐?” (mwo?) is blunt; “뭐라고요?” (mworagoyo?) is polite and better for conversation.

 

Q19. What does “말해봐” mean?

A19. “말해봐” (malhaebwa) means “Try saying it” — casual, not for formal use.

 

Q20. Is “네?” a safe phrase for beginners?

A20. Yes, “네?” (ne?) is polite and safe when spoken softly.

 

Q21. What should I say on the phone if I miss something?

A21. Say “죄송하지만 다시 말씀해 주시겠어요?” (joesonghajiman dasi malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?).

 

Q22. Do Koreans use repetition in daily speech?

A22. Yes, it’s very common and not considered rude if done politely.

 

Q23. Can I just nod and not ask again?

A23. It’s better to ask again — pretending to understand can create confusion.

 

Q24. What’s a respectful way to say “Again, please”?

A24. “한 번 더 부탁드려요” (han beon deo butak deuryeoyo) is soft and formal.

 

Q25. What if I forgot what they just said?

A25. You can say “방금 뭐였죠?” (banggeum mwoyeotjyo?).

 

Q26. Is “다시 말해줘” okay to use?

A26. Only with close friends — it’s informal and not polite.

 

Q27. What do I say if someone mumbles?

A27. Say “죄송한데, 조금 더 크게 말씀해 주세요” (joesonghande, jogeum deo keuge malsseumhae juseyo) — “Sorry, could you speak a bit louder?”

 

Q28. Is it okay to say “에?” when surprised?

A28. Yes, “에?” (eh?) is fine for mild surprise, but don’t overuse it in formal settings.

 

Q29. Should I memorize full sentences or just key phrases?

A29. Start with key polite phrases — full sentences come with time and practice.

 

Q30. How can I practice these phrases naturally?

A30. Use role-plays, repeat lines from K-dramas, and speak aloud during language exchanges.