Parla lentamente per favore
The English phrase "please speak slowly" is translated into Italian as Parla lentamente per favore.
This phrase is a polite request used when you want someone to reduce the speed of their speech to make it easier for you to understand them.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Parla lentamente per favore uses the informal imperative, which makes it suitable for speaking to friends or people you know well.
Did you know?
- The word piano in the context of speed or volume means 'slowly' or 'softly', which is the same root used for the 'pianoforte'. This instrument was named for its ability to play both 'soft' and 'loud'.
- If you find lentamente too long to say, Italians often use the expression piano piano to describe doing something very slowly or gradually.
- The suffix -mente used in lentamente is the Italian equivalent of the English suffix -ly. It is derived from the Latin word mens, meaning 'mind'.
Examples in context
- Per favore, parli lentamente.Please speak slowly.
- Mi scusi, potrebbe parlare più lentamente?Excuse me, could you speak more slowly?
- Scusa, puoi parlare più lentamente?Sorry, can you speak more slowly?
- Parla lentamente per favore, sono un principiante.Please speak slowly, I am a beginner.
Example conversation
A student is practicing Italian with a local friend in a cafe.
- MatteoMartina, puoi ripetere la frase?Martina, can you repeat the phrase?
- MartinaCerto, ma sto parlando troppo velocemente?Sure, but am I speaking too fast?
- MatteoSì, parla lentamente per favore.Yes, please speak slowly.
- MartinaVa bene, parlerò più piano per te.Alright, I will speak more slowly for you.
