Even people with good English struggle at first. Real speech is fast, words join together, and every region sounds different. This is normal and gets better with time.
Words run together: "Whaddaya want?" (What do you want?), "gonna" (going to), "wanna" (want to), "gotta" (got to), "y'all" (you all, in the South).
Many phrases mean something else: "I'm all set" (I don't need anything), "Hang on" (wait), "I'll pass" (no thank you), "My bad" (my mistake), "No worries" (it's okay).
Accents differ by region and by people's own backgrounds.
What to say when you do not understand
Asking is normal and polite. People would rather repeat than be misunderstood.
"Sorry, could you say that again more slowly?"
"I'm still learning English. Could you say it another way?"
"Just to check, you mean I need to come back on Tuesday?"
"Could you write that down for me?"
"Can you spell that, please?"
Repeating back what you heard (the third phrase) is the best way to avoid mistakes.
At the bank: "I'd like to open a checking account." "What are the monthly fees?" "I don't recognize this charge."
At the doctor: "I've had a fever for two days." "It hurts here." "Is this covered by my insurance?" "I'd like an interpreter, please."
At a store: "Where can I find rice?" "Do you have this in a bigger size?" "Can I return this?"
With the landlord: "The heat isn't working. When can someone come fix it?" "Can you put that in writing?" "When is rent due?"
On the phone: "Hi, I'm calling about my appointment." "Can you send me a text or email with that information?"
In hospitals and many government offices that receive federal money, you have the right to an interpreter for free. Say: "I need an interpreter in Arabic, please." Do not rely on your child to interpret medical or legal matters.
Free ESL classes (English as a second language) at libraries, community colleges and community centers.
Conversation groups and language exchanges at libraries and on Meetup.
Watch TV and YouTube with English subtitles on. Podcasts are good for real speech.
Say yes to small talk with neighbors and cashiers. Every short chat is practice.
Change your phone's language to English.
Saying "yes" when you did not understand. It can lead to wrong appointments or charges.
Being embarrassed about your accent. Millions of Americans have accents.
Avoiding phone calls. Ask for the information by text or email afterwards.