Translation guide
How to ask for or give clarification in Japanese, from polite requests to casual confirmation.
The speaker wants someone to repeat, explain, or rephrase something they didn't catch or understand.
Polite and standard way to ask someone to say something again. Suitable for most situations.
すみません、もう一度言ってください。
Sorry, could you say that again?
Directly asks 'What does that mean?' Use when you need an explanation, not just repetition.
The speaker wants to make their own statement clearer or rephrase something.
The speaker wants to check if the listener understood, or confirm their own understanding.
Standard way to ask 'Did you understand?' Can sound teacher-like if overused.
ここまでで何か質問はありますか。わかりましたか。
Any questions so far? Did you understand?
The English noun 'clarification' is often translated as 明確化 (meikakuka) or 説明 (setsumei), but in natural conversation, Japanese speakers usually use verb phrases or set expressions to ask for or give clarification. Using the noun directly can sound stiff or unnatural.
もう少し説明してもらえますか。
Could you explain a bit more? (natural)
明確化をお願いします。
Please provide clarification. (unnatural in most contexts)
その言葉、どういう意味ですか。
What does that word mean?
Polite request for a more detailed explanation. Useful in formal or business settings.
その点について、もう少し詳しく説明してもらえますか。
Could you explain that point in a little more detail?
Very casual interjection used when you didn't hear or understand. Only with close friends or family.
え？何て言ったの？
Huh? What did you say?
Means 'in other words' or 'that is to say'. Used to rephrase or summarize what you just said.
明日、つまり金曜日に行きます。
I'll go tomorrow, that is, on Friday.
Means 'to be specific' or 'concretely speaking'. Used when giving a concrete example or detail.
問題があります。具体的に言うと、予算が足りません。
There's a problem. Specifically, we don't have enough budget.
Literally 'if I rephrase it'. Used to offer an alternative wording. Slightly formal.
この計画はリスクが高い。言い換えると、失敗する可能性が大きい。
This plan is high-risk. In other words, there's a high chance of failure.
Formal confirmation phrase used in business to verify a summary or decision. Attach to a noun or clause.
では、会議は来週の月曜日ということでよろしいでしょうか。
So, just to confirm, the meeting is next Monday, correct?
Used to confirm your interpretation: 'So, you mean that...?' Insert the interpreted point before ということですか.
つまり、明日は来られないということですか。
So, you mean you can't come tomorrow?