How to Say ‘I didn't catch what you just said.’ in Simplified Chinese
我刚才都没听清你说什么。
wǒ gāng cái dōu méi tīng qīng nǐ shuō shén me
[wo gahng-tseye dōu may tīngqīng nee shwaw shénme]
💬 Usage Tip: Here 都 doesn't mean "all". It adds emphasis, roughly "I couldn't even hear you."
Phrase Breakdown
我刚才都没听清
wǒ gāng cái dōu méi tīng qīng
I didn't catch it clearly just now
刚才 means 'just now'. 没听清 means 'didn't hear clearly'. Pronounced wǒ gāngcái dōu méi tīngqīng.
我没听清。
I didn't hear clearly.
Words in this phrase
我
wǒ
[wo]
I
The speaker referring to themselves.
我明天有空。
I am free tomorrow.
刚才
gāng cái
[gahng-tseye]
just now; a moment ago
Refers to something that happened very recently.
你刚才真贴心。
You were really thoughtful just now.
都
dōu
[dōu]
even; at all
Used for emphasis, like 'even' or 'at all' before a negative.
他都没看我。
He didn't even look at me.
没
méi
[may]
not; no
Negation word used to say something did not happen or does not exist.
今天没下雨。
It didn't rain today.
听清
tīng qīng
[tīngqīng]
to hear clearly
Verb plus result complement: to hear something clearly.
太吵了，我听不清。
It's too noisy, I can't hear clearly.
你说什么。
nǐ shuō shén me
what you said
Here it is the object of 听清, meaning 'what you said'. Pronounced nǐ shuō shénme.
我知道你说什么。
I know what you're saying.
Words in this phrase
你
nǐ
[nee]
you
The informal or neutral word for “you,” suitable for peers or casual conversation.
如果对方和你年纪差不多，可以说“认识你”。
If the other person is about your age, you can say “nice to meet you” with 你.
说
shuō
[shwaw]
to speak; to say
A common verb for speaking or saying something.
请你说中文。
Please speak Chinese.
什么
shén me
[shénme]
what
An interrogative pronoun used to ask about something.
这件衣服是什么材质的？
What material is this piece of clothing made of?
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Shanghai business dinners require real Mandarin skills. This app’s situation-based approach meant I could keep up with clients after just a month of practice.”
Ryan M., 36, Consultant
“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”
Alex M., 42, Software Engineer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager