Asking a coworker to re-explain: Explain in simpler terms

💬 [すみません] is super versatile: “Excuse me,” “Sorry,” or “Thanks (for the trouble).” It’s the safe go-to to get attention politely.

🇯🇵 In Japan, a light [すみません] is commonly used to call staff in shops/restaurants and to soften requests—often more natural than a direct “hey.”

💬 [もう一回] literally “one more time.” Add [お願いします] to be extra polite: [もう一回お願いします] (“one more time, please”).

🇯🇵 Repeating is normal in lessons/meetings—people often ask for repeats rather than pretending they understood.

💬 [いいですか] checks permission (“Is it okay if…?”). For something you’re about to do, it pairs well with a verb: [見てもいいですか] (“May I look?”).

🇯🇵 Japanese often confirms before acting, especially in shared spaces—asking [いいですか] can feel more considerate than just doing it.

💬 [もう一回いいですか] is a polite “Can you do it one more time?” You can also say [もう一度いいですか] (a bit more formal).

🇯🇵 When someone is speaking fast, this is a gentle way to ask without blaming them—very “polite teamwork” vibes.

💬 [説明する] is a “する-verb.” Conjugates like [説明します] (polite) / [説明した] (past).

🇯🇵 In workplaces, you’ll hear [ご説明します] or [ご説明いたします] as extra-polite “We will explain.”

💬 [〜てもらえますか] is “Could you do ~ for me?” Example: [教えてもらえますか] (“Could you teach me?”). Politer: [〜てもらえますでしょうか].

🇯🇵 This phrasing sounds softer because it frames the action as a favor you “receive,” which fits Japan’s indirect politeness style.

💬 [説明して] is a casual request (“Explain it”). For polite situations, use [説明してください].

🇯🇵 Casual imperatives can sound strong to strangers; with friends it’s fine, but with staff/teachers use [ください].

💬 [説明してもらえますか] is a very natural request. Even softer: [説明していただけますか] (business/polite).

🇯🇵 In Japan, “softening” requests matters—this phrase feels collaborative rather than demanding.

💬 [もちろん] is friendly “Of course.” If you want extra polite: [もちろんです].

🇯🇵 Tone matters: [もちろん] can sound warm, but in some contexts “of course” may feel a bit blunt—adding [いいですよ] can soften it.