What does it mean word for word?
The phrase もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか literally breaks down to "a little more (mō sukoshi) slowly (yukkuri) speak (hanashite) could I receive the favor of (itadakemasu ka)".
Which one should you use?
The phrase もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか is a formal and humble way to make the request. Other formal variations include もっとゆっくり話していただけますか and ゆっくり話していただけますか. For informal settings, you can use もっとゆっくり話してもらえる？ or ゆっくり話してくれる？
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか is formal and humble. A standard polite request is もう少しゆっくり話してください, while ゆっくり話して is an informal version suitable for friends or family.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the 'te-form' of the verb hanashite combined with the humble auxiliary itadakemasu ka to form a polite request.
How do you pronounce it?
mō sukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka
Did you know?
- When asked to speak slower, a Japanese speaker might respond by using やさしい日本語 (yasashii nihongo) or 'easy Japanese'. This involves not only slowing down but simplifying the grammar and vocabulary to help a non-native speaker.
- The term ゆっくり (yukkuri) is frequently used to encourage someone to relax, such as telling a guest ゆっくりしていってください to 'please take your time and make yourself at home'.
- Even when using the polite phrase もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか, it is common to pair the request with a small bow or a head tilt. This non-verbal cue signals an apology for the inconvenience of the request.
Examples in context
- すみません、もっとゆっくり話していただけますか？Excuse me, could you speak slower?
- もっとゆっくり話してもらえる？Can you speak slower?
- うん、分かった。ゆっくり話すよ。Sure, I'll speak slower.
- 聞き取れなかったので、もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか？kikitorenakatta node, mousukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka?I couldn't catch that, so could you speak a little more slowly?
Example conversation
Misaki is asking Ren to speak slower because he is talking too fast in a cafe.
- 美咲 Misakiすみません、もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか？sumimasen, mousukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka?Excuse me, could you speak a little more slowly?
- 蓮 Renあ、ごめんなさい。もっとゆっくり話しますね。a, gomen nasai. motto yukkuri hanashimasu ne.Oh, I'm sorry. I will speak more slowly.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。助かります。arigatou gozaimasu. tasukarimasu.Thank you. That helps a lot.
- 蓮 Renいいえ、これくらいなら大丈夫ですか？iie, kore kurai nara daijoubu desu ka?No problem, is this speed okay?
