What To Say When You Don't Understand — Without Saying I Don't Understand

You missed something in the conversation. You have two choices. Say "I don't understand" — and feel embarrassed. Or nod — and hope nobody notices. Today we give you the third option. 15 phrases that get you the information you need — without saying "I don't understand" even once. In this episode of Simple English Talks with Emma, Emma and Smith explain exactly what to say when you don't understand — in every situation — at work, on the street, in meetings, in social conversations. And here's the surprise: these phrases don't just solve the problem. They make you sound MORE fluent than saying "I don't understand." Not less. 🗣️ The 4 situations we cover today: 😶 When you missed just one word or part: → "Sorry, did you say...?" → "I didn't quite catch the last part" → "Just to make sure I've got that right..." 🔊 When you need them to slow down or repeat: → "Sorry, it's a bit loud in here — could you say that again?" → "I want to make sure I catch everything — could you go a little slower?" → "One more time — I want to get this right" ❓ When an expression is completely new to you: → "I'm not familiar with that expression — what does it mean?" → "That's a new one for me" → "Just to check — do you mean...?" ⏳ When you need a moment to process: → "Let me just make sure I've got that" → "Could you walk me through that again?" → "Give me a moment to make sure I have this right" 🏙️ Real conversation example: A London office meeting — fast speech, British slang, complex information — handled entirely with today's phrases. Zero "I don't understand." ✅ Perfect for: → Anyone who freezes when they miss something in English → Professionals working with British or American colleagues → People who nod along hoping nobody notices they're lost → Anyone travelling to or living in an English-speaking country ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 — Why "I don't understand" is the wrong phrase 4:00 — When you miss one word or part 8:00 — When you need someone to slow down 12:00 — When an expression is completely new 16:00 — When you need processing time 19:30 — Real London office conversation example 22:00 — Your challenge this week 💬 What do YOU say right now when you don't understand something in English? Write it in the comments — we read every one! 🔔 Subscribe to Simple English Talks with Emma — new episodes every week 👍 Like if you have ever nodded along with absolutely no idea what was happening 📤 Share with someone who always nods and hopes for the best SimpleEnglishTalks #EnglishWithEmma #realenglish