[Confusing Words] I don't understand?

Must common mistakes made by students when they do not understand the teacher or people they are talking to:

When asking about what the "word" or "phrase" means:

(X) Their means? => Chinese English (O) What does it mean? / What does "priority" mean?

When asking about what the "word" or "phrase" means:

(X) What is your means? => Chinese English (O) Do you mean that... / Do you mean that wax apple tastes sweet?

(X) I don't know. => Explain what you do no know. (O) I don't understand what you mean.

When saying / clarifying what you mean: (X) I means... / I means wax apples are sweeter than apples.

(O) What I mean is... / What I mean is that wax apples are sweeter than apples.

Here's a list of other ways you can ask questions when you don't understand what the other person is saying:

More examples of how to ask for clarification:

• Could you say that again, please?

• Sorry?

• Pardon? / I beg your pardon?

• Come again?

• I don't understand what you mean.

• Excuse me, what did you say?

• Can you repeat that, please?

• Please say that again.

• Could you repeat that more slowly, please?

• Could you speak more slowly, please?

Ask for clarification at work (formal way):

Formal way of asking people to repeat the sentence (at work):

• Sorry, I didn't hear what you said.

• Sorry, I didn't catch that.

• Could you please repeat that? / Could you repeat that please? (Use "could" instead of "can")

Formal way of saying you understand now:

• Now, I see. Thank you

Formal way of asking for clarification/explain more on the topic:

• Sorry, what did you mean by that?

• Could you be more specific?

• Can you explain a little more on what you mean?

Formal way of explaining your idea to others:

• Let me explain...

• What I mean is... What I'm trying to say is...

Your turn! Try these questions!

1. Presenter: This graph shows the percentage of people who spend money on entertainment, food, and necessities. // You: __________________ (ask about what the presenter means by "necessities").

2. Colleague: I don't understand what you mean. // You: ______________ (explaining your thoughts/ideas more clearly).

3. Teacher: The wax apple is very crisp and crunchy. // You: _____________ (ask about what crisp and crunchy means).

↘ Do you know the answers? Comment below!↙