ralentis
To say 'slow down' in French, you use ralentis.
The phrase is an intransitive verb used to describe the action of decelerating.
Meaning: (''intransitive'') to decelerate (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of the verb is ralentir. The form ralentis is the singular imperative used to command one person to slow down. If you are commanding multiple people or addressing one person formally, you use the imperative form ralentissez.
Did you know?
- If you are driving and want to tell a passenger to 'slow down' because you are approaching a hazard, you might say doucement, which literally means 'softly' or 'gently'.
- While ralentis is used for physical speed, if you want to tell someone to 'slow down' their lifestyle or pace of life, you might use the expression lever le pied, which literally means 'to lift one's foot' from the accelerator.
- In a professional or technical context, the word ralentissement can describe not just a decrease in speed, but also an economic slump or a slowdown in growth.
Examples in context
- Il faut que tu ralentisses.You need to slow down.This sentence shows a requirement for someone to slow down using the form ralentis.Tatoeba #11183517 by lbdx, translation #6831357 by CK
- Ralentis! Tu roules trop vite!Slow down! You're driving too fast!This sentence uses the imperative form ralentis to tell someone they are driving too fast.Tatoeba #5116648 by gege_veggie, translation #5116615 by Airvian
- Ralentis. Tu roules trop vite.Slow down. You're driving too fast.Tatoeba #12459613 by lbdx, translation #5116660 by CK
- Ralentissez, s'il vous plaît. Nous avons besoin de comprendre.Slow down, please. We need to understand.
- D'accord, je vais ralentir mon discours. Excusez-moi.Alright, I will slow down my speech. Excuse me.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are walking through a crowded market.
- LéaRalentis un peu, Gabriel.Slow down a little, Gabriel.
- GabrielDésolé, je suis pressé.Sorry, I am in a hurry.
- LéaOn va se perdre si tu vas si vite.We are going to get lost if you go so fast.
- GabrielD'accord, je marche moins vite.Okay, I will walk slower.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
