When you want to ask for clarification in Russian, knowing some common phrases is really helpful. These phrases can be used in different situations. Here are some important ones:

Common Phrases for Clarification

1. Что вы имеете в виду?

   • This means, "What do you mean?"
   • Use this when you want someone to explain their thoughts more clearly.

2. Можете объяснить, пожалуйста?

   • This translates to, "Could you explain, please?"
   • It’s a polite way to ask for more details.

3. Как это понять?

   • This means, "How can I understand this?"
   • Use this when something isn't clear to you.

4. Правильно ли я понимаю, что...?

   • This translates to, "Am I correct in understanding that...?"
   • It helps you make sure you understood it right.

5. Вы можете повторить это?

   • This means, "Can you repeat that?"
   • This is useful to confirm you heard correctly.

How to Form Questions

Yes/No Questions

To turn a statement into a yes/no question, just change your tone:

• Вы говорите по-русски. (You speak Russian.)
• Вы говорите по-русски? (Do you speak Russian?)

Open-Ended Questions

You can use question words to ask open-ended questions:

• Что? (What?)
• Почему? (Why?)
• Где? (Where?)

By learning these phrases and how to ask different questions, you’ll get better at talking in Russian and asking for clarification.