How to Say “Can You Speak Slower” in French

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Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement ?
The English phrase "can you speak slower" is translated into French as Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement ?
This phrase is a polite request used to ask someone to reduce the speed of their speech to make it easier to understand. You might use it to explain that you are currently learning the language, for example: Je suis en train d'apprendre le français, donc pouvez-vous parler plus lentement? In many contexts, French speakers use plus doucement as a synonym for plus lentement when asking someone to slow down.

Which one should you use?

In French, you use plus lentement (more slowly) rather than plus lent (more slow) to modify the verb parler.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

The phrase Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement, s'il vous plaît? is a formal way to ask someone to speak slower. You can also use the conditional form Pourriez-vous parler plus lentement? or Est-ce que vous pourriez parler plus lentement? If you want to be polite without phrasing it as a question, you can use the imperative Parlez plus lentement, s'il vous plaît. For informal situations, such as speaking to friends or peers, you can use Peux-tu parler plus lentement ?, Est-ce que tu peux parler plus lentement, s'il te plaît? or the conditional Est-ce que tu pourrais parler plus lentement?

How does it change in a sentence?

The phrase plus lentement is the comparative form used to mean "more slowly".

Did you know?

  • The verb parler shares an ancient root with the English word 'parable', both tracing back to the Greek word for a comparison or figure of speech.
  • If you use the phrase plus doucement to ask someone to slow down, they might respond by speaking more quietly rather than increasing the interval between their words.
  • When a French speaker responds to this request by slowing down, they often instinctively switch to 'teacher talk' by simplifying their vocabulary and grammar.

Examples in context

  • Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous parler plus lentement, s'il vous plaît? Je suis en train d'apprendre le français.
    Excuse me, can you speak slower, please? I am learning French.
  • Est-ce que tu pourrais parler plus lentement? J'ai du mal à te suivre.
    Could you speak slower? I'm having trouble following you.
  • Je ne comprends pas, pouvez-vous parler plus lentement ?
    I don't understand, can you speak slower?

Example conversation

A student asks her teacher for help in class.

  1. Chloé

    Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous parler plus lentement ?
    Excuse me, can you speak slower?
  2. Hugo

    Bien sûr, Chloé. Je vais ralentir.
    Of course, Chloé. I will slow down.
  3. Chloé

    Merci beaucoup, Monsieur.
    Thank you very much, sir.
  4. Hugo

    De rien, continuez à écouter.
    You're welcome, keep listening.

Sources

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Cameron Daryl
Cameron DarylHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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