French · conversation recovery
How to ask for clarification in French
Ask a precise question instead of saying only that you do not understand. It gives the other person a clear next move.
Clarify, confirm, request an example
Si j'ai bien compris, vous proposez de…Formal
If I understood correctly, you are proposing to…
Est-ce que vous pourriez me donner un exemple ?
Could you give me an example?
Qu'est-ce que vous entendez par « urgent » ?
What do you mean by “urgent”?
Your clarification island
Practise the sequence: identify the unclear word → ask for meaning → paraphrase → confirm. Swap in a term you hear at work or at home.