When learning English as a Spanish speaker, one of the most common phrases you might want to translate is ¿Cómo dices? This simple question is useful in daily conversations, classrooms, or while traveling, especially when you didn’t quite hear or understand what someone just said. Translating ¿Cómo dices? into English requires not only a literal translation but also an understanding of the context in which it is used. English offers several ways to express this phrase depending on the tone, formality, and situation.
Literal Translation of ¿Cómo Dices?
The phrase ¿Cómo dices? literally translates to How do you say? in English. However, this literal translation is not always the most accurate or natural way to express the intended meaning. In Spanish, ¿Cómo dices? is often used to say What did you say? or Can you repeat that? depending on the tone of voice and the setting. Understanding the real intention behind the phrase helps in selecting the best English equivalent.
Common English Translations
- What did you say?– Used when you want the person to repeat themselves.
- Sorry?– A polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said.
- Come again?– Informal, often used when you didn’t catch what someone said.
- Pardon?– Polite and formal; commonly used in professional or unfamiliar settings.
- Excuse me?– Can be used both to ask someone to repeat and to show surprise or doubt.
Different Contexts and Usage
In English, the exact phrase you choose to translate ¿Cómo dices? depends heavily on context. Let’s look at different examples and the best translation in each case.
1. You Didn’t Hear What Someone Said
If someone says something and you didn’t hear or understand it, you can respond with:
- Sorry?
- What did you say?
- Pardon me?
Example:
Speaker A: The meeting is at 3.
Speaker B: Sorry, what did you say?
2. You Want to Know How to Say Something in English
In this case, you are asking how to translate a word or expression:
- How do you say libro’ in English?
- What’s the English word for coche’?
Here, the literal translation How do you say…? actually works perfectly.
3. Expressing Disbelief or Asking for Clarification
If someone says something surprising or confusing, you might respond with:
- Excuse me?
- Come again?
- What did you just say?
Example:
Speaker A: I’m quitting my job.
Speaker B: Come again?
Formal vs. Informal Situations
Just like in Spanish, English uses different levels of formality based on who you’re speaking to. Here’s how to choose the best translation of ¿Cómo dices? depending on the setting:
Formal Situations (e.g., workplace, interviews, strangers)
- Pardon me?
- I’m sorry, could you repeat that?
- Excuse me, what did you say?
Informal Situations (e.g., friends, family)
- Sorry?
- What?
- Come again?
In casual conversations, people often say just What? but this can sound rude if not used with the right tone.
Other Related Questions in English
Here are a few similar questions and how to use them properly in English:
How do you pronounce ?
Use this when you want to know how a word is spoken.
Example: How do you pronounce entrepreneur’?
What does it mean?
Use this when you don’t understand the meaning of a word or phrase.
Example: What does breathtaking’ mean?
Can you say that again?
Another polite and neutral way to ask someone to repeat what they said.
Tips for Non-Native Speakers
If you’re still learning English, don’t worry if you need to ask someone to repeat themselves. Here are a few tips:
- Use polite phrases like Sorry? or Could you repeat that, please?
- Speak slowly and clearly if you’re unsure of your pronunciation.
- Listen carefully to how native speakers use different phrases in different settings.
Also, pay attention to tone. The way you say What? or Sorry? can change the entire meaning. A kind tone invites communication, while a harsh one can seem confrontational.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few errors learners often make when trying to say ¿Cómo dices? in English:
- Saying How you say? – Missing the auxiliary do makes this grammatically incorrect.
- Using What do you say? – This sounds like you’re asking for an opinion, not repetition.
- Saying Can repeat? – It’s more natural to say, Can you repeat that?
The phrase ¿Cómo dices? is commonly used in Spanish to request clarification or repetition. In English, there are several ways to express this idea depending on the tone, formality, and situation. Phrases like What did you say?, Sorry?, and How do you say ? are all useful tools for English learners. By understanding context and practicing regularly, you can respond naturally and confidently in conversations. Whether you’re asking for translation, pronunciation, or simply didn’t hear someone, mastering these English equivalents of ¿Cómo dices? will make your communication much smoother.