If your asking someone to explain something what do you ask them?

1) A polite way would be: 'Could you explain that to me, please?' or 'Please could you explain that to me?'

In English, this 'indirect' form is often used. Other ways:

* "I'm sorry. I don't understand. Could you explain that (to me) again?" * "What do you mean?" This is a quick and 'direct' request and can be said if someone, maybe a friend, has just said something you don't inderstand. But in some situations it could be bad manners to speak to someone in such a direct way. 2) If it a new matter that you want to understand, you ccould say: 'Excuse me. Could you explain the (theory of xxx) to me/us please?'