I can't hear you
Audio problem
Use this phrase immediately when audio fails to ensure you don't miss important information.
In 15 Seconds
- Use when sound is missing or too quiet.
- Works for phone calls, video chats, and noisy rooms.
- Add 'sorry' to make it sound more polite.
Meaning
You say this when you cannot hear someone's voice. It is used when the volume is too low or the connection is bad.
Key Examples
3 of 6On a bad cell phone call
I'm sorry, I can't hear you, the signal is terrible.
I'm sorry, I can't hear you, the signal is terrible.
In a loud, crowded bar
I can't hear you! Let's go outside to talk.
I can't hear you! Let's go outside to talk.
During a professional video meeting
I'm afraid I can't hear you; is your microphone on?
I'm afraid I can't hear you; is your microphone on?
Cultural Background
This phrase is the ultimate 'tech-era' staple, especially since the rise of mobile phones and remote work. It is famously linked to the 'Verizon Man' catchphrase from the early 2000s. In some contexts, it's also used by performers to get a crowd to cheer louder.
The 'Ear Tap'
If you are in a loud place, point to your ear while saying the phrase. It helps the other person understand instantly.
The 'Can you hear me now?' Joke
If someone keeps asking this, they might be referencing a famous 2002 Verizon commercial. It's a classic American pop culture trope.
In 15 Seconds
- Use when sound is missing or too quiet.
- Works for phone calls, video chats, and noisy rooms.
- Add 'sorry' to make it sound more polite.
What It Means
I can't hear you is a very simple way to say there is a sound problem. It means the words someone is saying are not reaching your ears. This could be because they are speaking too softly. It could also be because your phone has a bad signal. It is a direct and honest statement. You are asking the other person to help fix the communication gap.
How To Use It
You can say this phrase exactly as it is. It is a complete sentence. If you are on a video call, you might point to your ear while saying it. If you are in a loud room, you might shout it. You can add the word sorry at the beginning to be more polite. For example, Sorry, I can't hear you! This makes it sound like a shared problem rather than their fault.
When To Use It
Use this during phone calls when the line is crackling. Use it at a loud concert or a busy restaurant. It is perfect for Zoom meetings when someone forgets to turn on their microphone. You can also use it if someone is in another room and yelling. It tells them, "Please come closer or speak louder!" It is a very common phrase for daily life.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you understand the words but do not understand the idea. In that case, say I don't understand. Do not use it if you are ignoring someone on purpose. That would be quite rude! Also, avoid using it if the person is clearly muted on a screen. In that situation, it is better to say You are on mute. Using I can't hear you might make them think their speakers are broken.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, we value clear communication. People usually prefer you to speak up immediately if there is a sound issue. Waiting too long to say I can't hear you can feel awkward. There is a famous old commercial for a phone company where the man asks, "Can you hear me now?" This became a huge joke in the US. Now, people often say it playfully when testing a microphone.
Common Variations
You might hear people say You're breaking up. This means the signal is cutting in and out. Another common one is I'm losing you. This is specifically for when a phone call is about to drop. If it is just too quiet, you might say Could you speak up? All of these help keep the conversation moving forward. Don't be afraid to use them!
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, A1-level phrase suitable for all ages. It focuses on the physical perception of sound rather than the comprehension of language.
The 'Ear Tap'
If you are in a loud place, point to your ear while saying the phrase. It helps the other person understand instantly.
The 'Can you hear me now?' Joke
If someone keeps asking this, they might be referencing a famous 2002 Verizon commercial. It's a classic American pop culture trope.
Hear vs. Understand
Don't use this if you hear the voice but don't know the words. Say `I don't understand` instead to avoid confusion.
Examples
6I'm sorry, I can't hear you, the signal is terrible.
I'm sorry, I can't hear you, the signal is terrible.
A standard way to explain a technical issue.
I can't hear you! Let's go outside to talk.
I can't hear you! Let's go outside to talk.
Used when environmental noise is the problem.
I'm afraid I can't hear you; is your microphone on?
I'm afraid I can't hear you; is your microphone on?
A polite, professional way to address a 'mute' issue.
I can't hear you at all, I will call you back later.
I can't hear you at all, I will call you back later.
Explaining why you are hanging up.
I can't hear you, London! Make some noise!
I can't hear you, London! Make some noise!
Used to encourage the audience to scream louder.
Honey, I can't hear you, please speak a little louder.
Honey, I can't hear you, please speak a little louder.
A gentle request for more volume.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the sentence during a noisy party.
It's so loud in here, I ___ hear you!
We use 'can't' (cannot) to show a lack of physical ability to hear the sound.
Make the phrase more polite for a business setting.
___, I can't hear you very well.
Adding 'Sorry' softens the statement and is more professional.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Hearing Issues
Used with friends or family.
What? I can't hear you!
Standard daily usage.
I can't hear you, sorry.
Polite business context.
I'm sorry, I'm having trouble hearing you.
Where to use 'I can't hear you'
Subway Station
The train is too loud!
Online Class
The teacher is muted.
Phone Call
Bad signal in the elevator.
Music Festival
The speakers are booming.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is a neutral statement of fact. To be extra polite, just add Sorry at the beginning.
Yes, it is very common in video calls. You can also say The audio is lagging if there is a delay.
Hear is the physical ability to perceive sound. Listen is the act of paying attention to that sound.
No, that sounds unnatural. Always use I can't hear you for a current problem.
It is better to say You're on mute or Your mic is off. I can't hear you might make them check their volume instead.
You can say I'm sorry, the audio quality is quite poor or I'm having difficulty hearing you.
It means the person's voice is cutting out into small pieces because of a bad connection.
Yes, if you just tried to call someone, you can text I couldn't hear you to explain why you hung up.
Not really, but people might just say What? or Say again? in very casual settings.
Yes, it is the most common phrase to use when music is drowning out a conversation.
Related Phrases
You're breaking up
The phone connection is bad and the voice is intermittent.
Could you speak up?
A request for the person to talk louder.
I didn't catch that
I heard you, but I didn't understand the specific words.
The line is bad
There is static or noise on the phone call.
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