Sorry, I didn't catch that
Didn't understand
Littéralement: Apology, I did not capture that information
Use this phrase to politely ask for repetition whenever you miss a word or a sentence.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said.
- Uses a sports metaphor of 'catching' words like a ball.
- Perfect for loud environments or fast talkers.
Signification
This phrase means you didn't hear or understand what someone just said. It is a polite way to ask them to repeat themselves without sounding rude.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Ordering coffee in a loud shop
Sorry, I didn't catch that, did you say the total was five dollars?
I didn't hear you, did you say five dollars?
In a professional business meeting
I'm sorry, I didn't catch that last point about the budget.
I missed the information about the budget.
Texting a friend who sent a confusing voice note
The audio was blurry, sorry I didn't catch that!
I couldn't understand your voice message.
Contexte culturel
This expression reflects the 'politeness strategy' common in English-speaking cultures, where speakers often apologize for minor inconveniences to maintain social harmony. The metaphor of 'catching' language like a physical object has been part of English since the 1800s. It is particularly popular in North America and the UK as a neutral, go-to response for clarity.
The Upward Inflection
Try saying the phrase with a slightly rising tone at the end. This makes it sound like a friendly question rather than a statement of failure.
Don't Over-Apologize
You only need to say it once! If you still don't understand after the second time, try saying 'Could you say that slower?' instead.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said.
- Uses a sports metaphor of 'catching' words like a ball.
- Perfect for loud environments or fast talkers.
What It Means
Sorry, I didn't catch that is a very common way to say you missed a piece of information. Think of words like a ball being thrown at you. If you 'catch' them, you understand. If you 'miss' them, they fly past your head. It is not about your intelligence. It is usually about the volume, speed, or noise around you.
How To Use It
Use this immediately after someone finishes speaking. You can say it with a slight tilt of your head. This shows you are listening but need a replay. It works for a single word or a whole sentence. You do not need to explain why you missed it. Just say the phrase and wait for them to repeat.
When To Use It
Use it when a barista tells you the price in a loud cafe. Use it in a Zoom meeting when the internet lags for a second. It is perfect for when a friend talks too fast about their new crush. It is the 'safety net' of English conversation. It keeps the flow going without making things awkward.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you understood the words but disagree with the idea. That would be confusing! Also, avoid it in very formal written letters. It is a spoken phrase, not a writing style. If you are in a life-or-death situation, just yell What?. This phrase is too polite for emergencies.
Cultural Background
English speakers hate being blunt or rude. Saying What? can sound like you are angry or annoyed. This phrase uses the word sorry to soften the request. It shifts the 'blame' to yourself. Even if the other person is mumbling, you pretend it is your fault for not 'catching' it. It is a classic move in British and American politeness.
Common Variations
I'm sorry, I missed that.(Very similar)Come again?(More informal)Sorry, could you repeat that?(More direct)I didn't quite get that.(Focuses on understanding)Say that one more time?(Friendly and casual)
Notes d'usage
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. It is most effective when spoken with a friendly, helpful tone rather than a frustrated one.
The Upward Inflection
Try saying the phrase with a slightly rising tone at the end. This makes it sound like a friendly question rather than a statement of failure.
Don't Over-Apologize
You only need to say it once! If you still don't understand after the second time, try saying 'Could you say that slower?' instead.
The 'Sorry' Secret
In English, 'Sorry' doesn't always mean you did something wrong. It's often just a 'social lubricant' to make a request feel less demanding.
Exemples
6Sorry, I didn't catch that, did you say the total was five dollars?
I didn't hear you, did you say five dollars?
Used to confirm a specific detail in a noisy place.
I'm sorry, I didn't catch that last point about the budget.
I missed the information about the budget.
Professional way to ensure you have the right data.
The audio was blurry, sorry I didn't catch that!
I couldn't understand your voice message.
Adapting a spoken phrase for digital communication.
Wait, sorry, I didn't catch that—who went into the bar?
I missed the beginning of your joke.
Used to keep the humor alive by getting the setup right.
I'm so sorry, I didn't catch that, honey, could you say it again?
I didn't hear you because you are upset.
Soft and gentle tone for a sensitive moment.
You're breaking up, sorry, I didn't catch that last sentence.
The phone signal is bad so I didn't hear you.
Standard phrase for technical issues.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the polite request for repetition.
Sorry, I didn't ___ that. Could you repeat it?
The idiom uses the verb `catch` to mean hearing or understanding.
Which phrase is most appropriate when a coworker speaks too quietly?
___, I didn't catch that.
Adding `sorry` makes the phrase polite and professional.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of Asking for Repetition
Used with close friends.
What?
Perfect for most situations.
Sorry, I didn't catch that.
Very polite/Professional.
I beg your pardon?
Where to use 'I didn't catch that'
Noisy Restaurant
Talking to a waiter
Video Call
Internet lag
Meeting New People
Learning a name
On the Bus
Asking for directions
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It is actually one of the most polite ways to ask someone to repeat themselves because it takes the blame for the misunderstanding.
It is better for spoken English. In an email, you should use I didn't quite understand your point about... or Could you clarify....
Catch usually refers to the physical act of hearing the words, while understand refers to the meaning. However, people use didn't catch that for both.
Yes, it is perfectly professional. Just add I'm at the start: I'm sorry, I didn't catch that to make it slightly more formal.
Switch to a more specific request like Sorry, I'm having trouble hearing, could you speak a bit louder?.
Yes, that refers to whatever the person just said, whether it was one word or a long explanation.
Yes, it is very common in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. It is a universal English expression.
No, that sounds like you failed to physically grab the person. Always use that or what you said.
Pardon is more formal and shorter. I didn't catch that feels more modern and conversational.
Yes! It is a great way to pause the conversation so you can ask for a definition without feeling embarrassed.
Expressions liées
Come again?
A very informal way to ask someone to repeat themselves.
I beg your pardon?
A very formal, slightly old-fashioned way to ask for repetition.
I didn't quite get that.
Similar to 'catch', used when you heard the words but the meaning wasn't clear.
Could you run that by me again?
A casual/business idiom asking for a re-explanation of an idea.
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