va plus lentement
To say 'go slower' in French, use va plus lentement.
This phrase is used as a request or a command to reduce the speed of an action or a movement.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase va plus lentement is composed of the imperative form of aller (to go), plus (more) and the adverb lentement (slowly).
Which one should you use?
The phrase va plus vite is the direct antonym, meaning 'go faster'. For a more concise way to express the command 'slow down', you can use the single verb ralentis in the informal singular or ralentissez in the formal or plural forms.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Parisian slang, you might hear the expression Mollo, s'il te plaît to mean 'Easy, please'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a stranger, a superior or a group of people, use allez plus lentement instead of va plus lentement.
Did you know?
- If you use the command va plus lentement while driving a car, a French speaker would likely correct you to use roule plus lentement, as the verb rouler (to roll/drive) is used for vehicles.
- The word lentement comes from the Latin word lentus, which originally described something that was flexible, supple or slow to react.
- The Latin root of va is vādō, a word that could mean not just 'to go', but also 'to vanish' or 'to depart'.
Examples in context
- Va plus lentement, je ne peux pas suivre.Go slower, I cannot keep up.
- Va plus lentement, tu me fais peur !Go slower, you are scaring me!
Example conversation
Nathan is learning to dance with Chloé.
- NathanJe ne comprends pas le pas de danse.I don't understand the dance step.
- ChloéRegarde bien mes pieds, Nathan.Watch my feet closely, Nathan.
- NathanD'accord, mais va plus lentement, s'il te plaît.Okay, but go slower, please.
- ChloéPas de problème, on recommence doucement.No problem, let's start again slowly.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lentement, plus, va, CC BY-SA 4.0.
