ve más despacio
/be mas despaθjo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase to say 'go slower' is ve más despacio.
This phrase is used as a request or a command to reduce speed while moving.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of ir (to go), más (more) and despacio (slowly).
Which one should you use?
While ve más despacio is a standard way to request a reduction in speed, ve más lento is a common alternative. However, despacio is often preferred when referring to physical movement speed.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the command polite or formal when addressing someone as usted, use vaya instead of ve. If you are addressing more than one person, use vayan más despacio.
How do you pronounce it?
/be mas despaθjo/
Did you know?
- The word despacio literally means 'from space' or 'off space', coming from the Latin de and spatium. It suggests that moving slowly is like giving the action more room to breathe.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase ve más despacio is used not just for physical speed but also as a way to tell someone to calm down or stop rushing through a conversation.
- While despacio is used for speed, the word lento is often used to describe things that are tedious or boring, such as a 'slow' movie or a 'slow' afternoon.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿podría ir más despacio? Estoy teniendo dificultades para seguir el ritmo.Excuse me, could you go slower? I'm having difficulties keeping up.
- Los estudiantes están teniendo problemas para seguir el ritmo, así que por favor, vaya más lento.The students are having trouble keeping up, so please go slower.
- ¡Oye, vamos a la montaña!, pero ve más despacio, no quiero llegar demasiado rápido.Hey, let's go to the mountain! But go slower, I don't want to arrive too quickly.
- Estás conduciendo demasiado rápido. Ve más lento, por favor.You're driving too fast. Go slower, please.
- ¡Ve más despacio, que no veo nada!Go slower, I can't see anything!
- Ve más despacio, por favor.Go slower, please.
- Si quieres caminar conmigo, ve más despacio.If you want to walk with me, go slower.
- No corras tanto, ve más despacio.Don't run so much, go slower.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are walking through a crowded park.
- Elena¡Daniel, espera!Daniel, wait!
- DanielPerdona, Elena, ¿qué pasa?Sorry, Elena, what's wrong?
- ElenaVe más despacio, me pierdo.Go slower, I'm getting lost.
- DanielEstá bien, caminaré con calma.Okay, I will walk calmly.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries despacio, más, ve, CC BY-SA 4.0.
