Misunderstandings are easier to resolve when you clarify the message without blaming anyone.

The idea

Explain what you meant, identify the topic and ask whether your new wording is clear.

Examples

  • Perdona, creo que me he explicado mal.Sorry, I think I explained myself badly.
  • Quería decir que llegaré después de comer.I meant that I will arrive after lunch.
  • No estaba hablando de tu propuesta.I was not talking about your proposal.
  • Me refería al cambio de horario del viernes.I was referring to Friday’s schedule change.
  • ¿Se entiende mejor si lo digo de otra manera?Is it clearer if I say it another way?
  • Entonces, ¿entendiste que la reunión es mañana?So, did you understand that the meeting is tomorrow?

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Spanish voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not assume that repeating the same sentence will clear up the confusion; rephrase it.

Try it yourself

  1. Clarify what you meant to say. Lo que ___ decir es que podemos esperar. (quería / olvidé)

    Show answer or example answer

    quería

    quería introduces the intended message.

  2. Specify the topic: the delivery date, not the price. Me ___ a la fecha de entrega, no al precio. (refería / dormía)

    Show answer or example answer

    refería

    refería identifies the subject: the delivery date.

  3. Check whether the idea is clear now. ¿Se ___ ahora la idea? (entiende / pierde)

    Show answer or example answer

    entiende

    entiende asks whether the idea is clear now.

Use it today

Describe a mixed-up appointment and check the other person’s understanding.