Exam survival phrases
The examiner reads the subject once, with no prep time. If you miss it, don't panic — memorize these to ask, in French, for a repeat or a slower pace, to confirm meaning, or to earn a few seconds to think.
Go through them one by one: listen → shadow → next. Turn on auto-play for hands-free sequential playback.
① Didn't catch it · ask to repeat
The examiner reads the subject once, with no prep time. Use these to ask for a repeat or a slower pace.
- Pourriez-vous répéter la question, s'il vous plaît ?
Could you repeat the question, please?
- Je n'ai pas bien saisi, pourriez-vous répéter ?
I didn't quite catch that — could you repeat?
- Pourriez-vous parler un peu plus lentement, s'il vous plaît ?
Could you speak a little more slowly, please?
② Check understanding
When you're unsure what's being asked, use these to confirm or ask for a rephrasing.
- Que voulez-vous dire par là, exactement ?
What exactly do you mean by that?
- Si j'ai bien compris, vous me demandez… ?
If I understood correctly, you're asking me…?
③ Buy a little time
Opening fillers that avoid dead air and earn you a few seconds to think.
- C'est une question intéressante, laissez-moi réfléchir un instant.
That's an interesting question — let me think for a moment.
- Eh bien, c'est-à-dire que…
Well, that is to say…