What To Say When You Don't Understand — English Conversation Practice (Beginner-Intermediate)

What to say when you don't understand someone in English: 5 polite phrases to ask for a repeat, clarify a word, or slow down. Practice real English conversation and English speaking practice with Priya and Daniel. This episode includes English captions for shadowing and listening practice, so you can pause, replay, and repeat out loud. Ever nod and say "yes, yes" when you didn't catch a word? You're not alone. Priya and Daniel share two embarrassing real-life stories (a confusing work meeting and 20 minutes lost in the rain) and give you 5 simple tips to ask for help in English without feeling embarrassed. ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome and small talk: the "yes, yes" problem 00:39 Why we're afraid to say "I don't understand" 01:55 The bridge metaphor: why asking is okay 02:44 Two embarrassing real-life stories 04:48 Tip 1: Use a simple, polite phrase 05:58 Tip 2: Ask about the specific word 07:12 Tip 3: Ask them to slow down, not stop 08:24 Tip 4: Repeat back what you understood 09:29 Tip 5: Don't wait until the end 10:29 Practice: coffee shop and street directions 11:55 Vocabulary review (8 words) 13:26 5 steps to practice this week 14:02 Recap and your turn 💬 PHRASES YOU'LL LEARN "Sorry, could you say that again?" "Sorry, I didn't catch that." "What does 'deadline' mean?" "Could you speak a little slower, please?" "So, you mean the meeting is on Friday, not Thursday?" "Sorry, quick question." 📚 VOCABULARY: embarrassed, confidence, polite, specific, repeat, slow down, accent, urgent 🎧 HOW TO PRACTICE WITH THIS VIDEO 1. Watch once with captions on. 2. Replay the phrases in the chapters and say them out loud (shadowing). 3. Use one phrase in your next real English conversation. 👇 YOUR TURN: What's one word or phrase that always confuses you in English? Write it in the comments. Your answer might help another learner too. New English conversation practice episodes every week. Subscribe so you don't miss the next one. English Unscripted: Real conversations. Real English. Priya and Daniel are original illustrated characters with AI-generated voices. #EnglishConversationPractice #LearnEnglish #EnglishSpeakingPractice