Scenario 1: “我不确定我理解的对不对”
Casual
- “I’m not sure if I understood correctly.” ✅
- “Did I get that right?” ✅
- “Am I understanding this correctly?” ✅
Formal
- “I want to make sure I understood correctly.” ✅
- “Just to confirm my understanding…” ✅
- “Let me see if I understood correctly…” ✅
Active Listening
- “So, if I understand correctly, [rephrase]…” ✅
- “What you’re saying is [rephrase], right?” ✅
Scenario 2: “你能明白我的意思吗？”
Casual (Most Common)
- “Does that make sense?” ✅ (Use this frequently!)
- “Do you know what I mean?” ✅
- “You know what I’m saying?” ✅
Standard
- “Does that make sense to you?” ✅
- “Do you understand what I mean?” ✅
- “Are you with me?” ✅
Formal
- “Is that clear?” ✅
- “Am I making myself clear?” ✅
- “Do you follow?” ✅
Scenario 3: “我不确定我有没有表达清楚”
Casual
- “I’m not sure if I explained that clearly.” ✅
- “I don’t know if I made myself clear.” ✅
- “Did that make sense?” ✅
Standard
- “I’m not sure if I expressed myself clearly.” ✅
- “I’m not sure if I explained it well.” ✅
- “I hope that was clear.” ✅
Formal
- “Please let me know if I need to clarify.” ✅
- “I hope I’ve made myself understood.” ✅
- “Let me know if anything is unclear.” ✅
Quick Reference
| Chinese | Casual | Formal |
|---|---|---|
| 我理解对吗？ | “Did I get that right?” | “I want to make sure I understood correctly.” |
| 你明白吗？ | “Does that make sense?” | “Is that clear?” |
| 我讲清楚了吗？ | “Did that make sense?” | “Please let me know if I need to clarify.” |
Pro Tips
Most Useful Phrase
“Does that make sense?”
This is the #1 phrase native speakers use to check understanding! Use it frequently.
When Confirming Your Understanding
“So, if I understand correctly, [rephrase what they said]…”
This shows active listening and gives them a chance to correct you.
Common Mistakes
| ❌ Avoid | ✅ Use Instead |
|---|---|
| “Can you understand me?” | “Does that make sense?” |
| “Do you know my meaning?” | “Do you know what I mean?” |
| “Am I speaking clearly?” | “Did I explain that clearly?” |
Scenario Examples
In a Meeting
- “So, if I understand correctly, you want us to focus on the API first?”
- “Does that make sense?”
- “Please let me know if I need to clarify anything.”
With a Customer
- “I want to make sure I understood your requirements correctly.”
- “Let me see if I’ve got this right…”
- “Is that clear, or should I explain it differently?”
Casual Conversation
- “Did I get that right?”
- “You know what I mean?”
- “I’m not sure if I explained that well.”
Practice
Match the Chinese to the English:
- 我理解对吗？ a. “Does that make sense?”
- 你明白吗？ b. “I’m not sure if I explained that clearly.”
- 我讲清楚了吗？ c. “Did I get that right?”
Answers: 1-c, 2-a, 3-b