What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hable más despacio literally means "speak more slowly". It is composed of the formal imperative hable (speak), the comparative más (more) and the adverb despacio (slowly).
Which one should you use?
The form hable más despacio, por favor is used for formal situations, whereas the informal singular command Habla más despacio, por favor is used when speaking to a friend or someone your age.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The version hable más despacio, por favor is a polite, formal request suitable for use with strangers, elders or in professional settings. For a more indirect and highly formal approach, you can use Podría hablar más despacio, por favor or Le agradecería que hablara más despacio (I would appreciate it if you could speak slower).
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a friend or someone your age, you should use the informal imperative habla instead of the formal hable.
Did you know?
- The word despacio comes from the combination of de and espacio, meaning it literally describes something happening with 'space' between the words or actions.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, asking someone to speak slower may be perceived as a hint that you are not a native speaker, often prompting the speaker to simplify their vocabulary as well.
- While English speakers often use a rising intonation at the end of 'speak slower, please' to sound polite, Spanish speakers may use a more descending or flat tone for formal requests like hable más despacio.
Examples in context
- Hable más despacio, por favor, no le entiendo.Speak slower, please, I don't understand you.
Example conversation
Elena is talking to Javier at a train station.
- ElenaHola, Javier. ¿Dónde está el tren?Hello, Javier. Where is the train?
- JavierEstá en la plataforma cuatro, al final del pasillo.It is on platform four, at the end of the hallway.
- ElenaLo siento, hable más despacio, por favor.I'm sorry, speak slower, please.
- JavierClaro, está en la plataforma cuatro.Of course, it is on platform four.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries despacio, favor, más, por, CC BY-SA 4.0.
