Is it rude to say “What?” when you didn’t hear someone?

Question

Hi everyone,

When I don’t hear someone clearly, I sometimes just say “What?”.
But someone told me it might sound rude. Is that true? What do native speakers usually say instead?

Sarah_L · Accepted Answer

Honestly, I say “What?” all the time with my friends 😄 But if I'm talking to someone I don't know well, I usually say “Sorry, what was that?” or “Could you repeat that?”

Tiffany Malcolm · Accepted Answer

People do say “What?” in everyday conversation, especially with friends or family. But in more polite situations (like talking to a teacher, coworker, or stranger), “Sorry?” or “Pardon?” sounds better.

DanielK · Accepted Answer

I think it depends a lot on your tone. If you just say “What?” loudly, it can sound a bit rude. Usually I say “Sorry?” or “Could you say that again?”. Those sound more polite.

Is it rude to say “What?” when you didn’t hear someone?

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